A Model Parishioner

If I remember it correctly, it was March 12, 1996 when Barangay 170, our barangay, welcomed La Muerte de San Jose (The Death of St Joseph) statue. During those times, the statue would stay overnight in the barangay before it is brought back to church and then moved to another barangay. This was part of the parish's 9-day preparation to celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph on March 19.  The statue stayed in the porch of the Barangay Chairman's house facing Rotonda (roundabout). 

That evening, I joined my mother and other residents in saying prayers before the revered statue. I wasn't able to stay overnight because I have my thesis oral defense the following day.

The next day, as I was waiting for a jeepney in Rotonda, I walked past where the statue was located. No one was keeping vigil before the statue, except Tita Laling. She was dozing off. I approached and asked for her blessing. She told me that she was looking after the statue. I felt bad leaving her alone, but I explained to her my defense that afternoon and she understood. Days later, she was a proud aunt singing my praises for successfully completing my defense.

This was not the only instance that I saw Tita Laling's dedication to the Church. In my early teens, I would join her in attending Mass during first Saturdays. Together with her confreres in the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI), she would serve as one of the collectors during Mass. She was also active in the Catholic Women's League (CWL). There were no airs and graces in Tita Laling. She used to tell me that all she wants was to serve. 

She would greet parishioners regardless if they were clergy or laity, presidents of parish organizations or ordinary members. I think, her humility and benevolence has made her earn the respect of her peers. I was happy when she became Regent of DMI (1986-87) and President of CWL (early 2000s). She wasn't bothered with the role she has to perform in church. For me, she was a model parishioner. 

A few days ago, the parish lost one of its humble members. It happened at a time when churches have suspended public celebration of the Mass and closed its doors due to the Coronavirus. Indeed, it is a challenging time for all of us who look forward to receive the Eucharist at least every weekend. It is a time of tribulation for those of us who see the parish as "home next to home". It's tempting to lose faith, isn't it? When these things come to mind, I think of Tita Laling alone in the presence of La Muerte de San Jose. Amidst the hustle and bustle in Rotonda 24 years ago, there was my aunt, at peace in the presence of the statue of the dying St Joseph being consoled by Jesus and Mary. 

Tita Laling, thank you for being such a loving aunt to me and my siblings. You have been such a strong pillar for the Christian community of Gagalangin. Pray that we will remain steadfast in faith. Rest now in God's healing presence, united with Mary Immaculate and St Joseph! We love you.

To my cousins, nephews, nieces, and their families, my heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow.

Called to be Faithful

One late afternoon, God was walking in the garden of Eden. "Adam! Eve! Where are you?", cried God. "We're here...hiding", Adam whispered. "Why are you hiding?", God asked. "Because we are naked", Adam replied. Sensing that something went wrong, God asked "Did you eat of the forbidden fruit?" "Eve told me to eat it", Adam said. When God confronted Eve, she said "The snake told me to eat it." 

Fast forward, an angel of the Lord appeared to a young lady called Mary to tell her that she would become God's Mother. Mary's response was "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word." In contrast to our first parents who did not take responsibility for their failure, Mary accepted the role God entrusted to her. If Adam and Eve said "No" to God, Mary said "Yes".

Day in and day out, perhaps without us noticing it, we have said "Yes" to God. We have said "Yes" to Him in fulfilling our roles as spouses, parents, professionals, volunteers, students, workers, etc. There are moments when are in a roll in doing any of these roles, but there are also instances when we struggle, when we start to think "Does God really want me for this role?" I am sure that Mary did not fully understand the whole scope of becoming God's Mother. Ditto St Joseph who was tasked to be the protector of Mary and Jesus. The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) gives us an idea of how Mary and Joseph did not understand the young Jesus' behaviour. In spite of their struggles, Mary and Joseph continued to say "Yes" to God. They remained faithful.

“God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.”, St Teresa of Calcutta once said. In a results-driven society, we are often pushed towards getting results. In the parish for example, we may be tempted to focus on how many attended the Mass or other religious activities, how many volunteered for this or that ministry, how much  money was collected for the fundraising project, and so on and so forth. All these are good in their own right, but what matters most is how faithful the community is. It is easy to give up when Mass attendance is dwindling, the collection is not enough, and the volunteers are few. Yet this is where God would see who would stay. Are we one of those?

Let us ask the Virgin Mary's help to always say "Yes" to God. He might be calling us to a particular role, but we do have a clear picture of what it may entail. For all you know you would have already been doing that role. Just the same, let's remain faithful. Think of the farmers who till our land. They do not know how the plants would grow and yet they look after it and later on harvest its produce. Being faithful shows dependence more on God's grace than our own efforts. Being faithful requires total surrender to God's will.

***

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Fidel Ty, my godfather when I was confirmed. A man of few words, he was kind and supportive. He was, as his name suggests, a faithful husband and father. One unforgettable incident was Christmas 1987. Fr Regino Cortez, OP said Mass at St Rita Hospital that evening. After the Mass, we waited for a taxi to pass by, to no avail. Ninong Fidel was with his friends across the road and offered to give the priest a lift. While on our way to Letran, both found out that they belong to the same province! Now, they are reunited in the Father's presence!

May God bless your kind soul, Ninong Fidel. Thank you.

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!

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.

In Simplicity and Humility

There was already a long queue of guests when we - Nidz, Chiara, our friend Jackie Rapada, her daughter Julia, and I - arrived at the Piazza San Pietro that 22nd of February.  As it turned out, we didn't manage to get inside the basilica where the Ordinary Public Consistory would be held. Having said that, we didn't seem to have lost the opportunity to witness the ceremony where the newly designated cardinals would be formally inducted into the College of Cardinals.  Wide screens and loud speakers were installed at the piazza, not to mention seats.  

While waiting for the ceremony to commence,  some Pinoys approached us to ask if the seats next to us were taken.  We told them that these were available.  We had a small chat with them.  They told us that, after hearing that a fellow countryman has been named a cardinal, they decided to go to St Peter's even if they would be outside the basilica.  We learned that they have been living in Rome for quite some time now.  From our conversation, I also heard how the 'Francis effect' has made its way in Catholic schools.  After Pope Francis' election, these schools which used to be exclusive for Catholics have begun to open its doors to people from other faiths.

During this chat, an announcement was made - first in Italian, then in Spanish, followed by French, and finally in English.  It reminded the people to keep the celebration as solemn as possible and to refrain from applauding while the Holy Father makes his way to the sanctuary. A few minutes later, the consistory began.  From the screen, I could see my uncle Larry gazing at the aisle where the Pope is about to pass. I also saw Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sat at the front row with other cardinals. He would later remove his skull cap in reverence to his successor who approached and greeted him before going up to the altar.

I felt a bit nervous as I saw black clouds hiding the sun.  I was hoping it won't rain, but it did. Everyone stood and ran to the nearest available shelter - the colonnades.  There we saw a little boy dressed as a pope with his mother.  Everyone who took notice of this child smiled.  Later, we saw another kababayan - Francis Gatdula. I mistook him as a priest because he wore a black shirt with a Roman collar typical of priests. He told me that he hails from Cebu and is a seminarian in Rome. We shared with him our involvement in the parish as well as in the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North.  A new friendship took shape.  Learning that Bro Francis is preparing for his diaconal and sacerdotal ordinations next year, we assured him of our prayers.  God willing, we may be able to visit Rome the third time. 

The rain stopped just in time for us to see from the big screen the cardinals receiving the biretta, the ring, and the assignation of the title or deaconry from the Pope.  We gave an applause when Tito Orly received his from the Holy Father. Some people looked at us, perhaps wondering.

At the end of the ceremony, the Salve Regina was sung. Bro Francis and I joined in the singing.  After bidding our newly found friend goodbye, we approached the basilica to meet members of our family who may be on their way out.  As I saw most of them, it was an unending hugs, kisses, kumustahan, introductions, and picture takings.

A few of us - Nidz, Chiara, Jackie, Julia, Papa, Tito Larry and Tita Tessa-  joined the rest of Tito Orly's guests for the lunch at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, the "Home in Rome" of Filipino secular priests sent by their bishops to pursue further studies at the Eternal City.  A short program preceded the lunch. Speeches were made by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Chito Tagle and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.  There was also a song number ("Climb Every Mountain") by Frs. Tom and Jerry from Ilocos. Finally, it was the man of hour's turn to speak. 

Tito Orly told us that although he didn't cry like Cardinal Tagle when he received the biretta from the Pope, he and his fellow prelate cried before leaving the Collegio for the Consistory.  He added how Cardinal Tagle intimated to him that being a cardinal is not about honor, but service.  (Indeed, when Cardinal Chito made his speech he mentioned his appointment as the cardinal-in-charge of the Collegio. This was met by a huge round of applause to which he cautioned us.)  Tito Orly repeatedly asked people for prayers. Towards the end of his speech, he mentioned that before he returned to his seat after being conferred by Pope Francis, he promised the Supreme Pontiff that he will discharge his responsibilities in simplicity and humility.  

Simplicity and humility.  I guess I have witnessed these throughout that blessed day in February. In Tito Orly's openness and approachability (I was touched when Chiara gave her a hug which he reciprocated. Apart from this, I also saw how he engaged himself with the many people who were there at the lunch as well as the reception at the Paul VI Hall.), Chiara and Julia's innocence, the many Pinoys' fervor, the little boy dressed as a pope, Bro Francis' friendliness, Benedict XVI's presence in the Consistory, and Pope Francis' choice of new cardinals and his call for the cardinals' cooperation and communion with him and among themselves.

Simplicity and humility. Virtues we all need to serve God and one another sans the publicity and media hype (Incidentally, media presence was barely felt during the lunch and reception. This could be in keeping with the new cardinal's virtues).  Virtues we need to practice if we are to show Jesus' compassion to all.  Virtues we must constantly put on to "be peacemakers, building peace by our words, our hopes and our prayers" (Pope Francis' Homily during the Consistory).

Happy 75th birthday, Tito Orly, this coming 11th of March! May you continue to be that simple and humble servant that you have always been, ever ready to listen to the Shepherd's voice.  May God, who has constantly called you to serve His people through various ministries in the Church, bless you a hundredfold. Ad multos annos!

***

Tomorrow, 8th of March is Lola Piling's 99th birth anniversary.  Tito Orly once wrote how Lola was supportive to seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He was one of those who received such a support from Lola. I guess she is smiling from above knowing that Tito Orly is now a cardinal!

Happy birthday, Lola Piling! May we continue your legacy of supporting the Church, its shepherds, and would-be shepherds! We love you.

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 :)