Intertwined Lives

We were about to say the Rosary one weekend, when Chiara asked her Mom if she could use the Rosary beads. Nidz obliged and gave her the beads - the same ones which were given her by a Poor Clare nun years ago.  As I gaze at how Nidz taught Chiara how to use the beads, I suddenly recalled my own experience of saying this beautiful prayer with my own mother.

The earliest I could remember was when I was in my second grade. She would ask me to recite with her the Rosary in front of a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the living room of our house. If I'm not mistaken it was October.  I would begrudgingly kneel next to her and recite the prayers like a robot or worse, like a broken record.  Getting bored , I would mischievously move away from her until I could make my way to the staircase nearby. Almost. Until I got caught by her slipper flying in my direction!

I think I didn't try to escape the next time around.  

Mama has always been a devotee of the Rosary. During our student days, as we kids start to wake up and proceed to our morning rituals, the radio is already tuned in to the Rosary recitation.  In the mid-90s, out of the blue, Mama was tapped by a former neighbor to succeed her in looking after the Block Rosary Group in our barangay.  Little did we know that this would open for both of us an opportunity to serve the community through the Rosary.  In October 1997, just a few months since being elected a barangay councilor, I led our barangay in reciting the Rosary in selected homes every evening. I coordinated this annual event for a few years. Up to this day, this devotion is still being observed.

Looking back, I realize that the last years I spent at home before migrating to the UK were devoted to the Rosary. Mama was there all along to support me. There were no flying slippers during those times, I promise you, but there were moments when she would gently call my attention to the mistakes I have done and encouraged me to correct these straightaway. Apart from that, I have often sought her counsel.

Thank you, Mama for sharing with me the Rosary.  Our lives have been intertwined by this beautiful devotion.  A devotion that has seen us through the many joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious chapters in our family. Indeed, through the Rosary we are always looked after by the Virgin Mary. There is no escape from her maternal gaze and protection.

As you celebrate your special day, may you be continuously blessed by our good Lord with long life, good health, and sound wisdom. Keep up this good devotion, entrusting yourself to the Blessed Mother's reliable care and constant intercession. 

Happy 60th birthday, 'ma!  Hope you have a wonderful time. We love you!

Pareng Meng

I have known Remigio "Meng" Sulit eleven years ago. Our first meeting was one summer afternoon when Nidz bumped into him in a neighborhood shop. I learned that his wife Susan is also a nurse. From then on, we would see each other at our home (or theirs), in church, or in some Pinoy gatherings such as birthday parties. It's through these gatherings that I slowly begun to forge a friendship with him and other expatriates.  

When their daughter Nadine was baptized, they asked me to be one of her godfathers. I was happy to accept it. Nadine became my first god daughter in the UK!

Pareng Meng comes across as a friendly and jolly person; a loving husband and a doting father.  His family is one of the founding members of the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North (FRC). Incidentally, FRC shares the same birthday as Pareng Meng.

Known for his common expression "Walang problema", he is one friend you can truly rely on. I cannot forget the many moments he came to our aid, be it helping repair our old car, driving us to and fro the airport, bringing Chiara (his god daughter) to and fro school, or looking after her when Nidz and I have to go to work during weekdays.

Happy 50th birthday, Pareng Meng! Your friendship is a blessing I will keep on counting. Your welcoming attitude is a source of strength especially when the going gets tough.  Hope you have a wonderful day! Thank you. God bless you!

'Tis the Season to be Thankful!

As I write this piece, family and friends across the pond are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, an annual national holiday to give thanks for the harvest and for the preceding year.  The Albanos in Staten Island, New York have been holding a football game during this celebration since 2007. 

Apart from the harvest and the blessings of the previous year, the gifts of life and love are to be remembered, celebrated, and be grateful for.  Just a day after this year's Thanksgiving, 2 members of our clan are celebrating their birthday.

First on the list is my uncle and godfather, Dr Paulino "Sonny" V Albano Jr.  Ninong Sonny (picture here on the left with his youngest son Manong Paul and grandson Christopher Paul) is the eldest in his brood.  A successful cardiologist in New York, there is no dull moment with him.  I remember the happy times we've spent during our vacations in Ilocos Norte.  Christmas 1998 was really memorable.  After having breakfast, we were supposed to go straight to Bacarra where then Mayor Pacing Velasco was expecting us. He suddenly decided to change the itinerary as he wanted to see relative who was not in speaking terms with our family.  I felt rather nervous at the prospect of going to their place, but was surprised that we were graciously welcomed for lunch.  After exchanging some pleasantries, Ninong Sonny (who was sat between me and this relative) went straight to the point: he wanted to mend the fence.  I felt relieved - not because of the food (Yes, there were lots of them!), but because of the peace that came forth from that event.

With Lolo Paul and Lola Piling now gone, Ninong Sonny has assumed the patriarchate of the clan.  As he once told me, he is the takbuhan (center) of his siblings as well as his nephews and nieces. Personally, there have been instances in the past when he became our kasangga (protector), standing up for our defence.  

It was nice to see him again during my visit to the States last year.  He expressed satisfaction with how Nidz and I are doing.  Before we bid adieu, he told me how the clan has kept itself together, the way his parents have wanted it.

Many happy returns on your 74th birthday, Ninong Sonny!  Thank you for all your kindness.  Keep up the good work of nurturing our clan.  May the good Lord bless you!  We love you!

Next on the list is my cousin, Alexis Albano (pictured here on the left with her sisters Pinky and Ate  Ritzie and cousins Ate Dia and Ate Mia). Ate Leli, as I would call her, is the second daughter of Tito Alex and Tita Peachie Albano.  When we were kids way back in the early 80s, they were our next door neighbors.  We often played and sometimes fight (Kids that we were then!).  Later they moved back to the States, however we kept in touch with them every now and then. I heard that she studied at the West Point in the mid 90s.  Knowing how prestigious this institution is, I felt proud of my cousin!  The last time I saw her was in 1999. It's a shame that we didn't see each other last year.  

Ate Leli got married this 24th (same day as her Dad's birthday).  I'm sure this event gives more reason for celebration on her natal day.

Wishing you all the best on your birthday, Ate Leli!  Congratulations to you and Jessica as you begin a new life together.  God bless you both! See you soon! 

***

Kudos to Representative Manny Pacquiao for winning the match against Brandon Rios!  There have been many moments when the Philippines is at its low and then you'll hear news of a Pinoy boxer winning!  What a saving moment indeed for Pinoys! This is something to be thankful for!

But what if you hear things such as those politicizing the relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda victims?  Remember those bags with the seal of the Vice President of the Philippines on it?  The VP's excuse: it was his friends' doing. Tell it to the Marines!

Or how about the allegation that the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) has left relief goods to rot?

Or how about these men, disguised as airport staff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), who would help tourists and balikbayans move their baggage only to extort money on their hapless victims? I heard that they are protected by airport police.

To these and other people of the same ilk, you deserve our kutos (a knuckle blow on the head)!

***

The Virgin Mary, under the title of Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the Philippines. In preparation for her feast day on Monday December 9 (the actual feast is December 8, but because it fell on a Sunday, it's moved on the following day), I would like to invite all Catholic Pinoys to recite at least a decade of the Rosary from Saturday November 30 up to Sunday December 8.  Let's ask her help that our country would rise again from the many challenges it has faced or is currently facing this year.

Tita Laling

When we moved back from Cavite to Tondo in 1986, it didn't take us that long to settle in our new environment. We knew quite a few people in the neighbourhood since we have often been in that place previously. Besides, our grandparents lived in that same village, Barangay 170. One of the people who made us feel welcome are the Esquillo Family, particularly the clan's matriarch, Pilar Estavillo-Esquillo.

Tita Laling, as we fondly call her, is a niece of Lolo Paul.  She, her husband Tito Ponso, and their four children live just a callejon (alley) away from our home.  She used to be a pharmacist at St Rita Hospital while Tito Ponso was the School Dentist. Both have been active parishioners of Gagalangin - Tita Laling was Regent of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and President of the Catholic Women's League while Tito Ponso is a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Special Minister of Holy Communion.  They were also affiliated with the Lions Clubs International.

Tita Laling and her family lived a simple life.  I must say that she didn't have any airs whatsoever.  Like my mom, she was another teacher in Humility 101.  Every time we pray the Rosary, I would notice her bowing when the 'Glory to the Father...' is said.  Her gesture struck me, making me realize that if we want to praise and honour God we have to humble ourselves. If we want God to be at the centre of our lives we need to be humble.  I have copied my aunt's example.

She once related to us a story when she participated in a group sharing (in church) and, filled with the Spirit, she said something like "Kapag ibinabababa ako ng ibang tao, itinataas ako ng Diyos." (Whenever people humiliate me, I am being exalted by God).  True, Tita Laling wasn't spared from such situations and yet she never complained.  She sought prayer; she served the community.

Apart from humility, Tita Laling is also known for her generosity.   One time, she saw Mama and told her that she had some rice (a sack perhaps).  "Hati tayo! (Let's share!), she told my mother.   We have always been welcome to their house and vice-versa.  It was fun to be in their house especially when their grandchildren started to increase.  Sometimes, we would offer to look after some of her apos.

During the Barangay election in 1997, she was a proud wife and aunt because both Tito Ponso and I won in the elections as Barangay Kagawad.  In the elections five years later, she was my first phone caller consoling me in my lost.  At first, I didn't show much appreciation for her gesture.  My pride was hurt.  And yet, she repeatedly spoke "Anak (Son), let God's will be done". It took a while before I got in touch with her again. 

When I was about to leave for the UK ten years ago, I phoned her up to say farewell.  I thought she would hang up on me, but no, she was the same loving aunt that I knew of.  So happy was she for me that she went along with Mama, my brother Gio, and my 2 nephews Guian and Luigi to accompany me to the airport.  

Every time I went home, I make it a point to visit her. The last time I did, in 2010, she was ill.  As I approached her bed, she recognised me! I am keen to see her in my next visit soon.

Looking at her life, I could see how God's enduring love guided her through the many ups and downs she has to face.  Indeed, "You cannot put a good (wo)man down"!  

Maligayang happy birthday, Tita Laling!  I'm very grateful for the love, care, and good example you showed us.  You are a source of inspiration for me to remain humble in spite of the many achievements in life; to be generous without counting the cost; to nurture one another since we are one family.  May the good Lord whom you have faithfully served bless you. May Mary, Our Lady of the Pillar, whose feast is celebrated on your natal day, intercede for you. Thank you. We love you!

Mama's Best Lesson

During our Rosary devotion a few nights ago, the topic for our sharing was on the best lesson in life taught to us by our mothers.  This topic was inspired by the role that Mary played as Mother of Jesus, who became Man to be our Saviour.

For me, the best lesson I learned from my mother is to practice humility.  As a kid, she would always remind me to refrain from being mapagmalaki  (haughty).  As concrete examples of humility, she exhorted me to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to those who have helped me, to treat others, regardless of their shortcomings, with diplomasya (respect), to be open to correction (and other lessons imparted by experience and people), and to be thankful for whatever God has given me.

There were instances that I took humility to the extreme (i.e. self-pity) and she cautioned me not to go that way otherwise it would be impossible for me to overcome any trials that is thrown my way.

This Year of Faith, we are called to revisit and rekindle on what we believe in.  It is good to take that moment to have another look at the tenets of our faith.  Why do we believe in one God? Is Jesus really present in the form of bread and wine at the words of Consecration?  How come Mary was immaculately conceived in her mother's womb? Why confess your sins to a priest who is also human like us? Is there life after death? These and many questions on our faith abound.  And yet, we have faith.  I'm sure that faith is sustained by humility.  For how can we adhere to these truths if we are full of ourselves, if we are not open, if we are proud? Indeed, as St Augustine once said "Humility must accompany all our actions, must be with us everywhere; for as soon as we glory in our good works they are of no further value to our advancement in virtue". 

Ma, thank you for teaching me the virtue of humility.  I must admit that there are still moments when it's much easier for me to be proud than to be humble. And yet, I've seen the sad and bad consequences of my mistakes as well as the good fruits of being down to earth.  I will keep on doing as you have taught me so that I would be worthy of God's favour. 

Happy Birthday, 'ma! May Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart, grant you a long, healthy, and holy life. May Mama Mary continue to watch over you so you may reflect her motherly love to us, your children and grandchildren. 

Love, kisses, and prayers from your first baby :)

Ninong Eddie

A cheerful man. That’s my first impression of my uncle and godfather, Edgardo “Ninong Eddie” Samaniego. Since a child, I have seen him crack jokes during family reunions to the enjoyment of everyone. There was no dull moment with him!

He also ‘created’ words that would surely confound anyone hearing it the first time. Hence, “tuwalya” (towel) becomes “dwalakaluk”, “tanim” (plant) changes to “nemtes”, “pera” (money) transforms to “raspis”, “katulong” (housemaid) turns into “longkatus”, and “kainan” (eating) converts to “eskus”. Incidentally, he calls his wife “durleng” (darling)!

This jolliness isn’t superficial though. It is not confined only in jokes and coined words. This happiness goes deeper into Ninong Eddie’s persona. His “pagkamagarbo” (lavishness) and compassion to others would attest to this. My siblings and I are indebted to him and Ninang Aida (his beloved wife) for becoming our surrogate father and mother when our parents went abroad. Apart from that, their tandem has always made any family reunion held in their house (when they were still in Kawit, Cavite) a success. For indeed, how can one be really generous and compassionate if one isn’t happy at all?

I am deeply touched by the stories related to me as to how he helped his parents earn a living. Times have been tough then, yet these didn’t deter him from pursuing his dreams. By being industrious and focused, he managed to face challenges head-on. I would like to think that the inner happiness he has in his heart inspired him to surmount what may seem insurmountable. For how can someone have the passion to pursue dreams if he isn’t happy to do so?

Ninong Eddie can be strict at times. When he wants you to stop being silly, he won’t utter a word. Just a look from him should be enough to warn you. He can also be impulsive like what happened many years ago when Philip (his youngest) and I lost the money change when we bought some hot bowling (that’s the shape of the bread hence the name) in a nearby bakery. When he learned about this, he was cursing which brought many tears to me and Philip. Yet before the night ended, he humbly approached us to apologise. He even hugged us (which drew more tears from our eyes; Ninong Eddie’s included). That made me respect him more. Which made me think: A happy man is a humble man! Eventually, as a Dominican priest once said in his homily, a happy man is a holy man!

Heartfelt greetings on your 80th birthday today, Ninong Eddie! Thank you for being such a loving uncle to us, for providing that father-image when we needed it, for being such a cheerful person whose happiness has surely been passed on to the many lives you have touched! Stay happy!

May God bless you always!

For Chiara

(It was my daughter's 1st birthday last Sunday. I thought of sharing with you this letter in celebration of her special day.)

Dearest Chiara,

Time has gone by quickly that I can't believe you're now 1 year old. I remember the time when your Mom and I were very eager for your arrival. At 2.24 am of the 13th day of September 2008, I saw you being delivered by the doctor. You were crying so loudly yet it brought me great happiness to hear those cries. A few minutes later the midwife gave you to me. It was one of the first moments when I carried and stared at you. You stared back, probably wondering who this guy was.

Twelve months have gone after that blessed morning. During those months we have seen how you have grown to be a beautiful and healthy baby. Your cheerfulness and smiling face have always taken away the anxieties and stress we adults face in life. Your complete trust in us have boosted our morale to keep focused, doing our best and leaving the rest to God. Your energy throughout most of the day indeed has kept us on our toes, yet it has encouraged us to give you that quality time and space you deserve.

Thank you, little princess, for always inspiring and motivating us. Thank you for giving us that sparkle in our eyes, that smile on our face, that happiness in our hearts.

Thank you for you have been that constant reminder of the love your Mom and I have for each other.

May you grow happy and kind, strong and healthy, sensible and wise, loving and holy. Remember that we'll always be here to support and guide you.

Happy 1st birthday, Chiara! God bless you!

Love,

Daddy and Mommy