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.

Tita Helen and Tito Romy

The first and third readings in the Mass last Sunday spoke about hospitality. In the former, we read how Abraham welcomed the Lord, in the three men standing near him "during the hottest part of the day" (Genesis 19:1-10a). In the latter, we come across Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus in their home (Luke 10:38-42).

For the Jews, it is a sacred duty to welcome guests or strangers into their homes. This trait is similar to how we Filipinos treat people coming into our homes. Hospitality is borne out of love and concern for the person/s we encounter.

Many summers ago, during our heydays in Anluwage, we would often been welcomed to homes of our members. Meeting members' families gives us an opportunity to touch base with their parents, siblings, and other relatives. 

One family that we have touched base with are the Bautista Family whose house was located near Benita Street on the northern part of Gagalangin. We frequented their home and were treated well by Tito Romy and Tita Helen, Owen Bautista-Alcaraz's parents. Owen was Editor-in-Chief of Anluwage, Gagalangin Parish's newsletter during those times. She also performed as the Virgin Mary in the group's Pitong Hapis, Pitong Tuwa.

Tito Romy and Tita Helen were wonderful hosts who prepared food and engaged well with their guests. They would ask us how we were doing, what our interests were, etc. We had happy memories in their home. 

A week ago, Tita Helen passed away after being hospitalised. In a matter of days, Tito Romy followed his wife in the after-life.

I was telling Owen that this is the mystery of life, love, and marriage. In marriage, Tita Helen and Tito Romy (as well as all couples) pledged to be with each other "in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death to us part." Perhaps, their mission of watching over their children and grandchildren, as well as others who look up to them, has not ended, but has gone to a higher level - united with the Guest who was welcomed by Abraham, Martha, and Mary.

Tita Helen and Tito Romy, many thanks for the happy times we have spent in your home. Thank you for warmly welcoming us whenever we visit you, sometimes at last minute's notice. May Jesus, the Divine Guest, welcome you in the Father's house where there are many rooms (John 14:2).

Owen and family, our hearts go out to you at these difficult times. Stay strong and faithful. Sending you all out tight and warm hugs.

Chairman

Twenty-four years ago, in a meeting of officers and members of both Tanghalang Anluwage and Ang Pahayagang Anluwage, a proposal was made to create a board which will oversee the operations of both groups. The board will be composed of leaders and senior members from both groups. The proposal was easily approved, however when it was the election of Board Chairman that things became pear shaped. No white smoke emanated from the window of the Catechists' Room where we were meeting due to the impasse. Until one member said "Ako na lang ang chairman!" (I'll be the chairman!).  

Without any opposition, Anabelle "Aye" Payod (now Balla) became the board's first (and only) Chairman.  "Chairman" (as a few of us would call her, although not in front of her), presided over board meetings and gave direction to the two groups which, as a result of the board's creation, has been officially known as Anluwage. She was upbeat and full of ideas. She was also challenging. One time, she confronted my being sulky. "Kahapon ka pa ganyan!" (You have been sulky since yesterday!). Coming to my senses, I apologized for my bad attitude.

Aye was an active member of the Catholic Youth Movement before becoming an Anluwage. She was one of the actresses in Tanghalang Anluwage's maiden presentation in 1991 and was also a writer in Pahayagan. A Psychology student in her final year in PLM during that time, she showed how it is to strike a balance between studies and community service. 

The first few years of her stint as Chairman saw Anluwage sailing smoothly. Until the relationship between the parish priest at that time and the group turned sour. I guess my colleagues in the group would agree with me that Aye's shining moment was when a number of us paid this priest a visit (without any appointment!) to air our side. Sat next to or near her, I have seen a different Aye. Someone who will fight for you through it all. And although the meeting didn't resolve anything, it showed how the group made an effort to reach out to the other party. 

Though nawala sa sirkulasyon  (lied low) for a few years, most of the group's members kept on meeting each other. By this time, Aye and her family have already moved to Cavite, but she continued to be in touch, encouraging members. When the group went online, Aye was one of the first senior members who gave support to it. Initially, she wrote reflections in God-speak, but later the editorship of the web's Faith section was entrusted to her.

Aye hasn't changed a bit as continues to be upbeat (I could sense that especially when I say the Anluwage Prayer or read the Anluwage song), full of ideas, challenging, and supportive. But what has touched me most is her humility. In spite of her many achievements, she remains down to earth.I am sure that when she volunteered to be our Chairman, it was not because she was better than others. It was, I think, because she was (and is) a team player who believes in our capabilities and in the beauty of working together.

Happy birthday, Aye (a.k.a. Chairman)!  Thanks a lot for all your support. Keep up the good work. God bless you always.

The Real Power Wielders

I dropped by a friend's house one evening and I saw them watching TFC. The show at that time was a news item on the forthcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Noynoy Aquino. Or should I say the imminent fashion show during the SONA, thanks to some of its attendees. Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz aired his dismay at the insensitivity of these people who would flaunt in their costly attires and jewelry amidst the poverty in the country.

Appeals such as those of Msgr. Cruz's should be commended.  However, such appeals would fall on deaf ears for as long as people celebrate such inappropriate behavior of our government officials and their families.

Take for example ABS-CBN News' SONA 2014 Fashion People's Choice wherein people are invited to vote for who is the best dressed during the occasion (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152268795930168.1073741988.27254475167&type=1).  As confirmed in the news item I saw on TV, there will be a 2015 edition of this.  Such activities just feed in to the politicians' proclivity to show off.  If people boycott such a page and the like, the less approval the politicians would get.

Why do some slimy, rubbish, rejected politicians experience a redux? It's because people continue to idolize them. They are invited to public gatherings, act as hermano/a mayor in town fiestas, featured in TV shows or magazines, etc. 

Why do some good, sensible leaders have little or no success in their platform of action? It's because there are people who obstruct them. It's because there are people who (mis)influence them. When Fr Nestor Gungon became Parish Priest of Gagalangin in 2002, we at Tanghalang Anluwage Inc had high hopes on him. Unfortunately, he has been won over by the (power-hungry) officers of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). This triggered us to pull out of the parish - both Tanghalan and Pahayagan. Now, he's gone and replaced by a new pastor.  I just hope and pray that Gagalangin's new pastor would be able to whip the parish into shape.  If I were an officer of the PPC, I would offer my courtesy resignation to give the cura a freehand in effecting change.

I have come to realize, whether it be in politics or religion, that those who wield power are not the politicians, bishops, or parish priests.  It's the people! And by people I just don't mean the common tao, but more so the underlings, the minions, the taga-loob.  Unless people are properly educated, unless there is a change of heart, any sound reforms introduced by our leaders would be useless.

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!

Jon

"Dapat ginaya ko si Cory (Aquino) noong nagspeech ako!," he quipped as we huddled almost 29 years ago in the Principal's Office during Boys' Day in Letran (Elementary Department). We all laughed.  "OK pala itong si De la Llana!", I told myself.  For a few months back, he came across as a fierce student leader quelling the commotion in our classroom and showing  zero tolerance to one student who was pasaway.

It took another year for us get to know more of each other though.  During break times, he would frequent our classroom to see his friends such as Jose Mari Balugay, Pedro Diaz, and Lamberto “Gary” Ramos. Unknown to me then, Jonathan (a.k.a. Jon or Tobi) also lives in Gagalangin.  In our conversations, I discovered that he was religious and was attending liturgical services in the parish.  About that time, I was already introduced into the Apostleship of Prayer (AP).  Also, a new (and younger) parish priest was assigned in Gagalangin. When asked if he would be interested to join this group, he gave me the affirmative.  Hence, on June 9, 1988 we were both invested with the AP scapular. The following months saw us immersed in the life of the parish through the choir (5:30am Friday, 6:30pm first Friday, and 7:30am Sunday  Masses), Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, collections during the 4pm Sunday Mass, AP meetings in the parish and elsewhere, etc. (not to mention our evening strolls along the quiet streets and alleys near Hermosa Street). Jon later recruited me in the Samahang Birhen ng Medalla Milagrosa and the Cofradia de San Jose. I just realized now that our devotion can be summed up as follows: Jesus, Maria y Josep.

Getting to know the other young members of the AP, we started to congregate at their house along Benita Street. That small band became the core group of the AP-Youth.  By January 1989, in a snap election called for by the AP Elders, AP-Youth had its set of officers: I was elected President; Jon, Vice President. Jon utilised and developed his skills and talents for the good of the group.  At the APY, he also served as PRO, Education Chairman, and President. For years, he designed the altar during APY’s annual pabasa, as well as the altar and carroza decorations for the feasts of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, and St Joseph. He was also a founding member of the Tanghalang Anluwage serving as its first Artistic Director.

All along, our friendship grew. Apart from being almost every day in church (A teacher once chided “Tulog pa ang Diyos nasa simbahan na kayo!”.), we belong to the same section in second year high school. Jon came across as a humble, generous, broad-minded, thoughtful, and considerate person. One Christmas, someone in the parish gave him 2 leather wallets as gifts for him and I. He waited to see me to ask which color I prefer – one was black and the other, brown. When I chose black, he took the remaining wallet.  Whenever he had plans for the APY, he would make it a point to consult me.  He was the first classmate, friend, and colleague who called me Manong. That went viral – almost all members in the APY and then later in Anluwage have (fondly) called me Manong.

Of course, like any friendship we were not spared from those galit-bati moments typical of any teenager.  What strikes me is how Jon would often make the first step to say sorry. There was one occasion when he and another colleague went to our house. I was then cleaning the living room when he saw me (through the screen door) and said in a rather jolly tune: “Hello. We have come in peace!”. Now, whose heart won’t melt at that gesture? 

Jon was the life of the party.  On my 18^th birthday, I fell ill. Jon, along with Art Reyes, Sis. Mely Co and her daughter Rushelle paid me a visit and had dinner with us.  Amidst lighted candles around the house – blackouts were frequent that year – we had a great time. I felt uplifted!  A few weeks later, APY celebrated its anniversary. There was no planned program, just a simple salu-salo. But here comes Jon dancing and singing while Arnold Vidar played his guitar to the enjoyment of everyone!

Even when we parted ways in college, we still kept in touch. I’m happy to be able to get in touch with him through Friendster and then later in Facebook. He used to write “Stopovers”, an opinion column in the web, and contributed too in “The Nine Gifts” and “The Seven Last Words” projects. Last New Year's Day, when I sent him a message on the web’s 10^th anniversary, he expressed willingness to help. “Just keep me posted”, he told me. 

In his last article in “Stopovers”, Jon wrote “Has it ever occurred in your life that you had an encounter with another person totally not known to you yet has been significant?”.  Looking back, I could unequivocally say yes. Yes I have encountered someone who has been significant, someone who may have walked along the path of life once, but has touched me and others with his warmth, openness, passion, and faith.

Jon, you are that person.  I thank the Lord for that gift of encounter. Thank you for your friendship and love.  It’s hard for me to accept that you are no longer with us.  I felt there’s still more to learn from and work with you. As you have encountered us and treated us as siblings or friends, as someone significant in your life, enjoy now the much sought for encounter with the Lord.  Vaya con Dios, bro!

Sister Act

Last New Year, the movie featured on TV was "Sister Act 1".  Most would remember it as the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer in Nevada, who was hidden in a monastery as Sister Mary Clarence after witnessing a crime committed by her mobster boyfriend Vince LaRocca.While in the monastery, she 'woke up' the sisters to their calling by her involvement in the choir.  When this movie was shown in 1992, I wasn't able to watch it for some reason. I only had a glimpse of it when some friends from the Legion of Mary performed it during the farewell party to Fr. Mario Enriquez who was then parish priest of Gagalangin. Never thought how some of the performers such as Jeanette Guevarra, Margie Quinio, and Nana Tayang Bernardo could belt out the songs, and dance with gusto.Their performance was a hit! 

I only saw this movie years later over 2 pitchers of Red Horse Beer (never thought it was Red Horse until we finished drinking!) with a friend in Bulacan. The songs were great such as these 2.

Friends, here's "My God"!

"More, sisters!", you said? Right, here comes "I will follow Him"!

This year has been designated by Pope Francis as the Year of Consecrated Life.  We oftentimes wonder how religious priests, nuns, and brothers could live up to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  For the world, it seems that their lives in the convent is boring and meaningless.  I came across an article about a lady who works for a magazine staying for a few days in a monastery.  To her amazement, she found the nuns to be happy and content with their decision to leave the world for Christ and their role in the Church and the world: 

http://www.poorclaresarundel.org/Content/Stylist_Life_in_a_convent.pdf

Another interesting article I read was from a Filipino Dominican priest who was all praises to the cooperator-brothers in his order: http://opphil.org/ph/the-glory-of-cooperator-brotherhood/

I must say that I am touched by the Poor Clare nuns in our parish for their simplicity, kindness, generosity, and cheerfulness.  Christmases won't be complete without a gift from them, be it a rosary or a doll for Chiara, a cake they baked, a bottle of jam they made, or a Mass offered for our intentions.

The nuns (and their fellow religious across the globe) have something - no, someone -  deep in their heart: Jesus to whom  "There isn't an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep, keep me away, away from His love".

Each of us has been touched by the unique charism of these religious. We have been molded in the schools they run, we may have fostered a devotion or two which they promoted (e.g. Rosary by the Dominicans, Stations of the Cross by the Franciscans, Brown Scapular by the Carmelites, Sacred Heart of Jesus by the Jesuits, Perpetual Help Novena by the Redemptorists, etc.), or we may have sang songs they have composed.  Let's support them in our prayers and other good works so their lives would be a continuous chorus waking up the world.

***

Pope Francis has done it again!  A year ago, when he announced the names of the new cardinals, people - including those whom he appointed -  were surprised.  This year, he surprised us again with his selection of prelates who will be receiving the red hat during the Consistory on Valentine's Day. Gone are the days when prelates from 'cardinalatial' sees would automatically be chosen as a 'prince of the Church'. It already happened in the Philippines last year when the Holy Father selected the ordinary in Cotabato instead of his counterpart in Cebu.  (My hunch is, if this will go on, time will come that archdioceses like Manila or New York or Westminster might not be led by a Cardinal.) Pope Francis is indeed showing us the right way of looking at these positions not as career, but service.  (Prior to his first consistory, he already mandated that only priests aged 65 and up can be named 'Monsignor'.) I hope and pray that our pope would live longer to continue his reform of the Church and that his selection of cardinals, bishops, and other servants of God's people would continue his legacy. I hope and pray too that everyone would support him. Finally, let's ask God to guide and protect him in his pastoral visit to the Philippines this month.

***

May the good Lord have mercy on the souls of Josephine Darang, Ricardo Leyson, and Estelle Carson.  These three have passed away towards the end of last year. Ms. Darang was a columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer known for her fervor in spreading various devotions to our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and the saints. One time, she wrote an article in our annual "The Seven Last Words" online devotion. She also helped us publicize this and other projects.  Mr. Leyson was the father of Richard Leyson, former President of Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc. Ms. Carson was an elderly fellow parishioner here in Bulwell whose gentleness and smiling face have often touched me. May they rest in peace! My sincerest condolences to the bereaved families.

A Decade of Sharing the Good News

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones had a great celebration of the Lord's Birth and welcoming 2015.

2015 is a special year for all of us in anluwage.com for it marks our 10th anniversary. It seems it was just yesterday when Art Reyes and Mike Flores created the web as an online ministry of Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc. Among its first items were "Before Sundays", the forerunner of what is now "God-speak", a regular feature of the web containing  reflections on the Sunday Mass readings are shared. 

There were also "The Nine Gifts" and "The Seven Last Words" special online devotions for Advent and Holy Week respectively. There were also columns such "Bits and Bobs" and "Tanggero".

Since then, more people and more items were added into the web. The vision and mission statements were drawn up. An editorial board was organized.  We also created a group page in Facebook to reach out for more people.

It is through your generous support that we have achieved such blessings. I could not thank you enough for all the help that you have given the web. 

Our 10th anniversary coincides with 2 important events: the Year of Consecrated Life in the Universal and the Year of the Poor in the Philippine Church. I hope our web would be able to contribute in promoting and supporting religious life and also in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to the poor.  Sharing in Facebook of articles featured in the web would be a simple way of proclaiming that Good News to others. Another suggestion is to get to know more about our very own Fr. Shay Cullen who apart from being a religious, is also involved in reaching out to the poor via the PREDA Foundation. Finally, we would welcome more writers and other supporters to help us keep the fire of the Spirit burning.  

May Jesus, the Word-made-Flesh, continue to be THE source of inspiration in our ministry. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and ours, and St. Joseph, our patron, intercede for us for a fruitful 2015.

God bless us all! God bless anluwage.com!

Ate Liza

Today, July 19, marks the 55th anniversary when the present church of St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish was blessed and inaugurated.  The four corners of this church as well as its neighbouring edifices (parish hall and formation center) were filled with the song and laughter of a beloved friend who passed away 2 days ago, Mrs Eliza "Ate Liza" Manzano-O'Leary.

I first met Ate Liza twenty years ago when all youth and Marian organizations were busy preparing for the birthday celebration of Our Lady.  I learned that she was a nurse from PGH, has a daughter named Pam, and was a member of the Catholic Youth Movement (CYM).  CYM leads in the singing in church every Sunday at 6pm.

I think Ate Liza got a break when she sang solo Fruto Ramirez's Ave Maria during the Harana kay Maria, a night of serenade for Mary during her birthday celebration in 1997. The late Tita Baby Buenaventura was the pianist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dowqLnTdVOI

Another shining moment for her was when she acted in a play staged by the group in late 1998.

There was one incident that almost snatched Ate Liza from us all.  She was sat in one of the pews midway of the church, watching us as we were rehearsing for a Christmas concert.  Workers where then moving a scaffolding in the aisle when they unintentionally hit one of the chandeliers.  The chandelier instantly fell to the ground just a few inches from where Ate Liza was.  She stood unscathed. 

Apart from being friendly and cool, our group saw a female version of Big Brother in her.  Although she wasn't the type who will be on our case if we become mischievous.  WYSIWYG. That's Ate Liza. It's funny that she calls me 'Manong', but I am not bothered as I maintain that that word of endearment is not as hierarchical as 'Kuya' or 'Diko', etc.

When Anluwage was disbanded in the mid 90s, she became involved in the Singles for Christ, a renewal group under the umbrella of the great Couples for Christ Ministries.  When Nidz and I decided to join Singles, Ate Liza was Nidz's facilitator and later household leader.  She was very supportive of us.

During Anluwage's revival in 1996, she was named Executive Secretary, the lone woman in a pack of barakos in the Board of Directors.

Ate Liza migrated to Ireland about the same time when we moved to the UK.  I'm glad that we continued to get in touch. It was heart-warming when we contacted her on Skype and showed Chiara (when she was still a baby) to her.

We visited her in Ireland early this year and she didn't change a bit! In spite being afflicted with cancer, she showed courage, patience, and grace.  Before leaving, I told her to stay strong, ending with the words "Samaniego ka 'ata!" (I discovered early on that her mom's middle name was Samaniego. Although my maternal grandfather and his brood were from Cavite, they once told us that we are related to those in Bulacan having the same family name).

It is truly sad to know that she is gone now, but felt consoled that she left us all happy - happy to be reunited with Pam (who also graduated from college this year), happy to be wed to Paul who loved her unconditionally, happy to have served the Lord through the sick and through the church choir.

It wasn't only the church or any other building for that matter that was filled with her life. More importantly, it was God's People, the Church!

Thank you, Ate Liza for the love and concern you showered us.  Rest now where there is no more pain, only consolation; where there is no more sorrow, only happiness; where there is no more worry, only peace; where there is no more sunset nor sunshine, only perpetual light shining on you! We love you!

A Journey of Faith

If there is anything that can unite us all it is prayer, especially at this time of Lent when we are called to repentance and reconciliation. Lent, that 40-day preparation for Easter, has one timeless devotion: The Way of the Cross.

At almost all chapels and churches you could see 14 images (or stations) of the Lord’s way to His death and resurrection. Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, in fact, has several spots along its thorough fares where the stations are permanently placed.

My first experience of this devotion was at St Rita Hospital Chapel. During Lent, right after the Mass, my grandmother would lead the prayers. Since the chapel wasn’t that big, she was the only one that moves from one station to the other while the rest just stays put and reflect at that particular station. I was thinking, “Why do my elders keep on genuflecting on those tiny pictures? What are those pictures by the way?”

It was only when I went to the church in Kawit, Cavite that I realized what those pictures were. Thanks too go for that little prayer book I got during my 1st Holy Communion showing and explaining what those stations were.

The Way of the Cross has been a companion for my journey in life. It has been an inspiration of my pilgrimage from the confines of the home to the realm of community life.

My first job was faculty member/religious affairs co-ordinator at St Rita Hospital. Apart from teaching high school and college students, I was also tasked to organise worthwhile spiritual activities. During Holy Week (Holy Tuesday or Holy Wednesday) officers, employees, students, and guests gather at the college grounds to pray the Way of the Cross. We all conclude the activity by venerating the crucifix.

In 1993, the Stations of the Cross, which were annually held in assigned streets in the parish, were to be dramatized. Tanghalang Anluwage (TA), in association with the Silent Arms of St Joseph (SASJ), took charge of this task. I was part of TA’s support staff. Under the scorching heat of the sun, we moved from as far as Clemente Street in the north to Laguna Street in the south, assisting the cast of characters and reflecting too on what Jesus did for our sake.

The following year, SASJ gave TA full control of the devotion. From an ordinary support staff like Simon of Cyrene, I was appointed to design the procession’s route and the stations’ location. So one hot Sunday noon, after my service as commentator, Marvin Martinez and I rode on a side-car loaded with 14 pictures of the Way of the Cross and, without a really clear route, roamed along various streets, stopping at times to knock at several homes to ask if they could let their place serve as one of the stations. Most of these people were unknown to us. Luckily, they accepted our invitation. And so, that Good Friday, we managed to hold the devotion with quite a number of participants – some even volunteered to carry the image of the Nazareno. Aye Payod-Balla led in singing “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”, Marvin handled the sound system, to name a few. As we return to church, the number of people kept on coming.
Yet the most challenging task came when I was elected as Kagawad in 1997. After the October devotion’s successful inception in 1997, I proposed the Way of the Cross in the Barangay Council in 1998. After getting my colleagues’ nod, I started purchasing a complete set of the Way of the Cross (New Edition) plus prayer booklets. Like my previous experience in TA, I began to make a route (this time it was much clearer) and prospect residents (most of which I have already known). Once again people welcomed the event that was to be held every Friday of Lent at eight in the evening. In the next years that ensued, the devotion was held on Sundays to allow more residents to participate.

It was no joke to have organized such a popular devotion. You have to be in touch with people – fellow organizers, prospect homes, etc. You know how to trouble shoot situations like there’s no one to lead, the microphone went off, someone stepped on broken glass (or dog’s foul). Above all, you must stay in love with the devotion and look for ways how the devotion will remain relevant to people. During my term, we were able to lead a relief programme in cooperation with the Sisters of Charity. Families too were encouraged to share the task of being a ‘station home’ with neighbours. Some who did so were asked to remind us lest we go to the wrong house.

If you can, why don’t you join the Way of the Cross in Barangay 170, Sundays (there’s 3 more Sundays left!), 8:00pm? (Phone up Tita Luz Lina at 253-6540 for more details.) Don’t forget to include us in your prayers.

The Way of the Cross has been a journey of faith for me. I hope it has the same effect with you.

Together let us say, “We adore you, O Christ and we praise you because by your cross you have redeemed the world”.