Ninang Menchu

"Actually, I am your Class Adviser.", Mrs Carmen Morales told our class after being introduced as our General Chemistry Laboratory Teacher. To which we responded with a round of applause. Ma'am Menchu or Mamu, as she was fondly called, was a tutor who would put any student at ease. When she saw how badly our class did in our titration experiment, she devoted some time to understand where we were at and gave us a chance to improve our work. Indeed, we did it well the second time!

Regarded by our class as a mother, we surprised her by giving her a cake on her birthday. She was quite absorbed then on her desk in the lab when Bubong Antonio (one of my classmates) approached her, saying "Ma'am, happy birthday!" and handed her the cake. She screamed when she saw the cake! She didn't keep the cake for herself; she shared it with us.

Although she only taught us in first year, I would greet her every time I meet her in the corridor. During my graduation, she was one of the teachers who congratulated me.

In November 1997, a year and a semester after graduating, we met again as colleagues. On my first day, I bumped into her while on my way to the faculty room. She was going to a lesson with Mr Ramil Layco (RIP), another former teacher. She asked Mr Layco to go ahead so she could speak to me. Looking at her eyes, I saw how happy she was to see me. We co-taught Biochemistry Lab that semester.  Like when I started as a student, she put me at ease once more as I started to teach in the University. She shared me her notes in General, Organic, Bio-Organic, and Biochemistry. When I started my graduate studies in Chemistry Education, I wanted her to be my thesis adviser since that was her specialization. However, this did not materialize.

She was fun to be with. During my first Christmas Party in the faculty, we both sang Bituing Marikit, however we were not able to finish the song because of the laughter and giggle from the audience and from both of us. During one of the Faculty Club's get-together, we were dance partners in Todo Todo Cha-cha. We finished the dance this time!

Apart from social events at work, we also served together in some of the Masses in the UST Chapel - as part of the choir or as lectors/commentators.

Because of my high regard for and closeness with her, Nidz and I asked Ma'am Menchu to be one of the principal sponsors in our wedding. She graciously accepted it. Even when I migrated to the UK, I kept in touch with Ninang Menchu. "Don't despair", were her words of encouragement when I told her the difficulties I encountered during my first months abroad looking for a job. I took that to heart and persevered. If I am not mistaken, she was one of the first people I informed when I finally got a job. In our conversations via Messenger, I would tell her my experiences in teaching in the UK and how I admire her time management skills during experiments. She expressed satisfaction that I am still teaching. 

Despite her illness, she told me that she has "put everything in God's hands". 

Our last conversation was on December 23, when she thanked me for the e-card I sent her and wished me a Merry Christmas. I was shocked to learn that she has passed away so suddenly on January 7.

Two of the lessons in life that she taught me on separate occasions are: (1) At the end of our lives, we will make an accounting before God; and, bearing this in mind, we should  (2) Aspire for the reward that only God could give.

Ninang Menchu, thank you for being a loving godmother, friend, colleague, and teacher. Your maternal care, warmth, laughter, generosity, wisdom, and zest for life will be deeply missed. You entrusted everything to God. May you now enjoy the reward of eternal happiness, healing, and peace which only He could give. We love you!

Looking Forward to the Light

The Gospel reading on 29th December 2021 was Jesus' Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-35). There is an interesting character in that narrative, Simeon, who "would not see death until he has set eyes on the Christ of the Lord." Moved by the Spirit, he came to the Temple where he met the Christ Child and his parents. Luke tells us that Simeon took the Child Jesus and blessed God: "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace...because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see..."

The last months of 2021 were moments of coming together, reconnecting, caring for each other, and prayer for my big family. Ninong Eddie, the Samaniego Clan's pater familias, was ill. I have written about my beloved uncle and godfather in the past and those memories kept coming back as I think of him during those times...and now that he has passed away.

I never thought that the Gospel reading I mentioned above would coincide with Ninong Eddie's demise. And yet, I could see Simeon in him. Last December, my mother made a video call with me while she was with Ninong Eddie in Virginia. For me, he was the vintage Ninong Eddie - full of life, happiness, and faith. When I told him how I was doing, he was generous in his affirmations, like a father to a son. My last words to him were, "We love you." His last words to me were, "I love you too!" 

Like the Simeon of old who kept on looking forward to the coming of God's only Son, Ninong Eddie kept on looking forward to the Light. Towards the end of December, he got weak and declined to undergo further treatment. His last moments were spent with Ninang Aida, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Perhaps, after gazing on them and being assured that everything will be OK, he could have uttered, "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace..." A father whose presence was always there for his loved ones, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.  

Ninong Eddie, thank you for being you. Your life was a total dedication to what matters most in life: family, faith, love. May Christ whose Birth, Death, and Resurrection you bore witness to in this world welcome you into His glory where there is no more sadness, sickness, or pain. May you now enjoy light, happiness, and peace. We love you!

To Ninang Aida, Manang Nanette, Manong Edgar, Philip, and family, thank you for sharing Ninong Eddie with us. I hold you all close to my heart especially at this time of sorrow. We are family!

Tita Paulyn

When I was still living at my Tita Lilia's house in Poblacion, Kawit, Cavite, we would often attend the 9am Sunday Mass at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church. We would bump into the Castro Family who were regular attendees of the same Mass. During those times, there were no Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration yet so after the Mass, my cousins and I would come closer to the Blessed Sacrament altar to spend some moments with the Lord. As the tabernacle is in the middle of the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, we would take the chance to venerate these images. As we leave the church, I would often spot Tita Paulyn Castro (she was still single during that time) kneeling alone in prayer. I would smile at her and she would smile back at me.

Like her Mom, Lola Urs (RIP), and sisters Tita Enjing (RIP) and Tita Tel, she was an active member of the Apostleship of Prayer and Confraternity of Lourdes. During the feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1985, as a traditional celebration in preparation for Maytinis, a grand procession in honour of Our Lady was held. A few months back, the parish organised block rosary groups to promote the Rosary in every Catholic household in a block. In Poblacion, Tita Tel looked after the block along Calle Real, Lola Nenang Santos (RIP) was in-charge of Gitnang Kalye, and Tita Lita Magadia (RIP) was coordinator for Third Avenue. (That's how the people during that time called those areas.) Our home belonged to that last group. As the block Rosary was on full swing, all groups were invited to the procession, bringing along the statue of Our Lady that we use in our devotion. Our group brought the statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal while the Castros brought the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. I was asked to carry the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and was walking close to Tita Enjing and Tita Paulyn. During the procession, Tita Paulyn asked me if I need help to carry the statue. I said to her that I was alright. 

Like most families, we would reunite on various occasions. We were together in saying the Rosary at Tita Floy Ybadlit's house when she became Ina in 1994. It felt like a mini family reunion because Tita Lilia, my cousins Erwin and Eldin, Tito Roland, Lolo Tony, Tita Enjing, and Tita Tel were in attendance.

I realized that she was an alumna of UST College of Science and was a former classmate of Mrs Mary Martin, my Analytic Geometry teacher in the same university and college. 

Tita Paulyn comes across as a quiet and caring person. She was also religious. I remember my mom remarked how Tita Paulyn, despite being heavily pregnant during that time, stayed in church to attend the three consecutive Masses on All Souls' Day. 

In 2006, Manong Alvin Reyes showed me and Nidz the property he bought in Barangay Tabon. While looking at the place, a car stopped near us. It was Tita Paulyn!  I was pleased to know that she lives across Manong Alvin's would-be house. The next time we visited and stayed at my cousin's home, I met Tita Paulyn and family. It was after the Maytinis 2010. They also came from church where one of her daughters sang in the Belen as an angel.

I kept in touch with Tita Paulyn through social media and would exchange messages every now and then. One of the messages I shared with her was a picture of a bouquet of flowers to celebrate Mother's Day. She appreciated it. I asked her how she and the family are doing and she told me that they were staying indoors due to the high rate of infection due to Covid-19. That was the last conversation we had. 

Months later, I was told that she was ill and needed prayers. On 22nd August, the Queenship of Mary, she passed away. I note Ate Judith's story of how the family gathered in prayer during her last moments. It was a touching send-off for her. An active parishioner, Tita Paulyn lived a life dedicated to her family.

To my fellow Thomasian and Scientist, but my aunt first and foremost, may God bless your kind soul, Tita Paulyn.

Tito Alex

It has been 40 days since the untimely demise of my uncle Dr Alejandro "Alex" V Albano. I remember how my dad called me twice that 4th of April, Saturday afternoon to inform me about the sad news.

When he returned to Manila in the late 1970s, with Tita Peachie and cousins Ate Ritzie and Ate Leli, they were our next-door neighbour. Tito Alex was a silent type of guy, something that sets him apart from the other noisy members of the clan (no pun intended!).

Many years after they went back to the States, I got a surprise phone call from him updating me about Lola Piling (who was hospitalised at that time). He then asked how I was doing and advised me: "Mag-aral kang mabuti kasi 'yan ang magtataguyod sa iyo" (Study hard because that will help you forward). He then asked me if I was communicating with my dad. At that time, my relationship with father was anything but pleasant. So I told my uncle, "Ayoko po" (I don't want to). He replied "Tatay mo pa rin 'yun" (He is still your father).

I would not forget that night way back in 1994 when Tito Alex called and his words of wisdom. I never had any similar conversation with him later on. I have the impression that the words he told me came from the depths of his heart. And the only way one could truly discern what's in one's heart is to be silent. 

We all need silence. And this comes to the fore, especially during this lockdown. Silence to reflect on what life has to offer, silence to "listen with the ears of the heart" (St Benedict of Nursia), silence to think, silence to make decisions, silence to acknowledge who you are in the sight of God, silence to be grateful, silence to enjoy one's blessings.

My Lolo Paul once wrote: "Growth is silent". Reflecting on the life of Tito Alex, I think he took to heart Lolo's words. In Tito Alex's silence, he faithfully and lovingly cared for Tita Peachie and his family, he diligently looked after his patients, he humbly did the will of God. Tito Alex grew to be an exemplary person.

May his silence challenge us to become more humble, compassionate, and considerate to those entrusted to our care.

Thank you, Tito Alex, for being such a wonderful uncle. May God, who speaks and is heard of in silence, welcome you into His healing presence.

My love to Tita Peachie and family in this time of sorrow and grief.

Three Mantras

The alarm clock went off, signalling the start of a brand new day. Waking up these past few months - from late spring onto summer - is bliss. The sun, for most of the time, is already up. The birds are chirping in praise of the Creator. Sometimes, I could hear the little toddler across the street babbling happily. Rising from bed, I thank the good Lord for a new beginning and a renewed mission, and utter Keep me faithful, just for today.

Downstairs, as I open the blinds in the kitchen and the drapes in the living room, I sing in my head a la Easter Vigil rites Lumen Christi. Deo gratias. (Light of Christ. Thanks be to God). 

And as I open the windows, I tell myself what the Risen Lord breathed into His disciples that first Easter Sunday: Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).

As I get on through the day, be it at home, work, or community, I keep on saying these three mantras. They serve as my compass. They keep me calm and positive. When I face some challenges, feel drained or stressed out, or clueless, I think of these three. Otherwise, if I have no faith then I would have just given up at the sight of what seems to be a mountain of trials when it's just a heap of tests. If I have not walked in the light of Christ, then I would lose focus and stumble. When I am not open to the Holy Spirit nor listening to His promptings, I would fall trap to other voices pretending to be His. 

Faith, light of Christ, Holy Spirit. Three important mantras to start the day, to keep you going throughout the day, to see you through and put you to a good night's sleep at the end of the day.

Have a blessed day!

Respect (or the Lack of It)

Saying yes to God is not only an act of faith. It is also an act of respect to Him. You see, our God is such an awesome God because He willed to be with us in the person of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Being one like us, except sin, proves that God is not "watching us, from a distance", as a 90s song goes, but someone who is up, close, and personal. Being personal means being in a relationship with Him.

One of the important ingredients that keeps a relationship healthy is respect. Imagine parents not respecting each other, would their family thrive? Imagine community members not respecting each other, wouldn't that spell its demise? Imagine the government not respecting the rule of law and the rights of citizens, wouldn't that breed social unrest? Imagine the Church, especially those in the hierarchy, not respecting dignity of the poor and abused, wouldn't that cause scandal? Imagine if we don't respect God, wouldn't our souls be in peril? 

Why do we respect God and men? Isn't it because they are important in our lives? And because they are important, we make it a point not to offend them, yes? Sadly, since the time of Adam and Eve, our sins reveal how insignificant God and others are in our lives. If we respect God, we would make it a point, for example, to attend Sunday Mass. Devoting an hour in a week for the Lord is all He's asking! If we respect others, we would, for example, refrain from backstabbing them, attacking them in social media, or slandering them.

While on earth, Jesus was the perfect Son because He respected and fulfilled His Father's will. He was also the perfect gentleman because He respected people regardless if they were rich or poor, saint or sinner, Jew or Gentile.

Let's think of the relationship we have with God and those around us. How we value it determines how respectful we are.

***

President Duterte appoints Associate Justice Teresita De Castro as Chief Justice. While I respect the President's prerogative, I am disappointed with his lack of respect to people's plight in the hands of corruption and injustice (which he has been so vocal of) by appointing someone whose integrity is questionable (not to mention that she will only be in the position until her retirement in October - a windfall for her at the expense of the public).  Apart from deciding in favor of controversial cases such as allowing Marcos' remains to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, this Ampalaya Queen has not only complained, but also testified, and voted for the unconstitutional ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.  De Castro's ambition is diabolical! Yes, change has come, for the worse!

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.

Away Day

Being employed allows you to use your skills and talents as appropriate. It could also stretch and challenge you, making you rethink on how you operate. And once you have been stretched and challenged, that enriches your experience which you can then add in your CV and 'sell' during your interview.

As we spend our energy and creative juices in whatever field we are in, there is a need for us to slow down. Otherwise, the once enjoyable work can become an agony. 

A few weeks ago, our team had an away day. An away day is organised for us to reflect and plan for the future; in our case, we plan for the next academic year. We gathered in a function area in different campus (not our usual workplace) where our superiors made a brief report on what we have achieved and what are being planned. Later, we were grouped to solve a mystery crime which involved a lot of walking around the city centre. 

It was a sunny, warm day. Wearing summer clothes, including my shades, I walked with my group mates for some sort of a treasure hunt. We went to Nottingham Castle where a statue of Robin Hood is located (https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/)

Further up, we went to the hill where King Charles I raised his standard to signal the start of the First Civil War (1642-46). Too bad, the war he launched did not succeed; he was tried and executed in 1649 (http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/gill1904/charlesi.htm)

Feeling a bit exhausted, we decided to have our lunch outside the Nottingham Playhouse, a theatre established in 1948. The current building opened in 1963 (https://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/). 

We walked past Albert Hall Conference Centre which is just next to the Nottingham Playhouse. Built in the 1870s, it was the largest concert hall in Nottingham (http://www.alberthallnottingham.co.uk/). 

Across Albert Hall is St Barnabas Cathedral. Inaugurated in 1844, this beautiful church is the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham  (http://www.stbarnabascathedral.org.uk/00_site/Home.html).

Descending from the hilly side of town, we made our way to the Old Market Square, said to be the largest surviving square in the UK,  which is decorated every season. This summer, it's like a beach there which I find to be cool especially with this heat wave going on. Further down is the Council House, where local politicians conduct business (https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/about-the-council/the-council-house/intro-to-the-council-house/). Almost 11 years ago, I took my oath as a British citizen in that building. 

As we kept ticking the list in our mystery crime game, we saw more and more places in town - some we easily recalled, some we struggled to find out. One time, an old lady approached us to ask if we were lost. She mistook us as tourists! 

Our feet led us later to St Mary the Virgin Church, the oldest religious foundation in Nottingham. This Anglican church was the birthplace of Nottingham Bluecoat School, the oldest school in Nottingham. It is also where the remains of George Africanus, a former slave who became a successful entrepreneur in Nottingham, are laid to rest. (https://www.stmarysnottingham.org/)

As we left St Mary, we made our way to Piano and Pitcher Nottingham (http://www.pitcherandpiano.com/home) where we saw quite a number of our colleagues having a drink outside. This used to be a Unitarian church, but was converted into a restaurant. As I made my way inside to buy a drink, my eyes caught the attention of a huge glass stained  window with different characters symbolising a host of virtues such as mercy and justice as well as endeavours such as education, science, and labour. At the middle of the second row of characters, one can find Jesus carrying a little child.

The away day has given us a chance to get to know more about the town and the many places which we may be familiar with, may not have known at all, or may not have taken notice. Preoccupied with work, we may have just walked past these spots without really appreciating what they are and what their significance is. We may have solved the mystery crime in the end, but I think the process that goes with it  - going from one place to another, communicating with group mates, having fun, etc - matter most. The away day recharged us!

Excited State

I tidied up all the Christmas decor at home yesterday while Nidz and Chiara were busy cooking ginataang bilo-bilo (glutinous rice balls cooked with coconut milk). For some reason, the song "A Holly, Jolly Christmas" kept playing in my mind. 

It was just a month ago when we put up the Nativity scene, Christmas tree, etc. Back then, there was a feeling of hopeful expectation for the Lord's Birth. An excitement for the holidays. A time with the people dear to you.

I note how a friend spoke about our circle of friends when we were at their place on New Year's Eve. Way back before the holidays, friends were quite busy and didn't have much time to communicate with each other. In our group conversation in Messenger, the usual response then would be just a thumbs up or a hand wave. But when Christmas and New Year came, friends became more engaged. 

In quantum mechanics, an atom, molecule, or nucleus experiences a higher energy level. It gets excited. Once it goes back to its ground state, it emits light.  I'd like to think of ourselves experiencing a similar condition. Christmas has brought about a degree of excitement in us, that good and outgoing feeling. The season has woken us up from our ground state, our comfort zone, to something higher. It could be reaching out to family, friends, and even strangers. It could be spending more time in the community. It could be taking a harder look at ourselves and resolving issues we have taken for granted for so long. I am sure that, one way or another, the Christ Child has touched us this blessed season.

As we return to our ground state, as we head back to the ordinariness of our lives, I hope that like that excited atom or molecule or nucleus, we'll all emit the Light of Jesus to all.

Here's to a Christ-filled New Year!

Tito Ponso

He was a respected resident in the neighborhood, no wonder he was elected for a number of years as a barangay councilor. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Special Minister of Holy Communion. He was our family dentist. he was my uncle, the late Dr Alfonso "Tito Ponso" Esquillo Sr.

I enjoyed the conversations I had with Tito Ponso, be it the parish, politics, or the nitty-gritty of serving in the barangay. When I was elected Barangay Kagawad in 1997, I learned a lot from such seasoned kagawad. Listening to his explanation of legislation in simple terms, I thought to myself "Dapat nag-abogado si Tito Ponso!" (Tito Ponso should have been a lawyer!). Unfortunately, some of his sensible proposals for the barangay fell on ears that have become deaf due to partisan politics.

He was also a man of prayer. When all barangay officials of Manila gathered in Baguio City for a training seminar, we councilors from Barangay 170 stayed in 1 room. In the morning, while other roommates were busy fixing themselves or watching the television, Tito Ponso was sat in one corner reading his prayer book. On the lighter side, when our seminar was over and we had plenty of time before boarding for Manila, he persuaded us to go visit places in the Pine City such as Mines View Park, Burnham Park, etc.

A silent type of person, he was a great family man. Together with his wife Tita Laling, they looked after their children and grandchildren. At home, I would see him either cooking or bringing/fetching a grandchild to/from school. I would bump into him in the bakery across the road on a few early mornings to buy hot pan de sal. I have also felt a fatherly concern from him when he personally corrected me about a misdemeanor. 

What touched me most about Tito Ponso was how he cared for Tita Laling, especially in her old age. In my latest visit to them, she was already bedridden. And Tito Ponso was there by her side, tending to her. In spite of his own illness, he was her strength. The words of the marriage vows - "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health..." - ring a bell. 

His passing away last Tuesday came as a shock. He will be sorely missed. His life and lessons always to be cherished.  Salamat po, Tito Ponso. May God bless your kind soul.

My heart goes out to Tita Laling, cousins, nephews and nieces in this time of bereavement.

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!

My Diversified Roles

By Pietro Albano

Work in college has gone full-swing for almost a month now. Last Friday saw the end of Teaching Week 2. I guess all my colleagues would agree that we made it and are ready (are we?) for the third week. I have met almost all students in the groups I am teaching this year; some are familiar faces because I have taught them last year or have bumped into them in the corridor. Most are new faces; some fresh from secondary school, others returning to education after a number of years.

Last week was special because it was the beginning of my own studies for the Diploma in Education and Training, an important qualification for those teaching in Further Education. Thus, I am a teacher and a student "from 2pm to 6pm (every Tuesday)", as Ann Ord (my course tutor) would put it.

There were eight of us in the class that Tuesday afternoon, all coming from various campuses and disciplines of the College. One is in Travel and Tourism, two are from TV and Film production, one is from Welding, another is doing her job placement in College, another is involved in supporting students with learning difficulties, etc. Amazingly, we glued together in a flash!

There was one group activity that made me think of my role as a teacher. Ann showed us various roles of a teacher: lion-tamer, gardener, expert, choreographer, and gasoline pump staff. She distributed photos of these around the room and asked us to choose the role which we think best describes us. I chose gardener because I saw myself as someone who sows the seeds of knowledge, cultivates, and nurtures the minds and hearts of students. Then Ann gave us a scenario and asked us if we would stay in our chosen role. She suggested the start of the academic year. I thought of induction and so I made my way to the expert role because, at that stage students would need to see you as someone who could provide direction in the course. The group activity showed us that the teacher's role changes throughout the academic year. 

Indeed, in the first few weeks, they would see me as an expert, as someone who knows the unit or subject inside out. But that would alter when it's already summer. I am about to give some groups their first assignment soon and I would expect them to look up to me for guidance. At times, they may stay behind in the classroom or look for me in the staff room asking me for clarification on what they need to do. As they get the hang of being students and how they are assessed, they will gain more confidence. At that stage, I will ease off the pedal and assume the role of a gardener who will facilitate their learning.

Teachers often face various challenges in the classroom which require adaptability. I could be a lion-tamer one day should the class be rowdy. I could be choreographer to them in another lesson such as when there's an experiment. It's not one-size-fits-all. Regardless, I have to remain open, humble, and passionate. I have to keep on learning. Here goes to my Diploma course!

An Unforgettable Encounter

After our day tour in Barcelona, on the fifth of August (which was also the first Saturday of that month) we saw it fitting to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Montserrat, 50 km away from Barcelona. Travelling again by train from Costa Brava, we stopped at Barcelona - Sants station. The sun was in its full glory when we arrived. From there we walked for about 10 minutes towards Plaça Espanya where we have to catch another train to reach our destination. While in Barcelona, we met a few Pinays to ask for some directions (and share a laugh too!). While waiting for the train, we came across some more Pinays who were also making a pilgrimage to Our Lady. It is heartwarming to meet and greet kababayans!

The travel was about an hour. Unlike our trip along the coast, our view this time were a mix of fields, houses, and mountains. There was an air of excitement as we approached Montserrat. The word Montserrat in Catalan means "saw mountain" because, as you look from afar, the protruding rocks look like the teeth of a saw. There are two options to travel further up - by cable car or train. We chose the first one!

The Aeri Montserrat, which provides the aerial cable car, has been in operation since 1930. For a while, it stopped its operation  due to the damage it sustained during the Spanish Civil War. While waiting for a few minutes before the cable car arrived, we had some photos taken. The travel was breath-taking as you could behold the beautiful scenery from up and below. We weren't that many in the cable we rode going up. I think it was only the three of us, the three Pinays, and the operator.  Reaching the top, we saw moving past us a train. There are trains and cable cars available for those who would like to travel further up.  After still some more picture taking, we made our way to the basilica. 

On top of the steps towards the basilica, we saw a vast patio. To the right of the basilica are the Benedictine Monastery and, I guess, accommodation for travellers. To the left of the basilica are statues of some saints. A wedding has just concluded when we entered the church. As we entered, we noticed some saints from the Catalan region such as St Ignatius of Loyola and St Anthony Mary Claret. The basilica itself is actually enclosed in the building that we just entered in. On the facade, one could see Jesus at the middle flanked by the Twelve Apostles. Inside the basilica, I noticed the statue of Our Lady above the altar and people venerating it. I told Nidz and Chiara that we need to go out and look for the queue leading to the statue. The queue wasn't too difficult to locate and wasn't that long. Above the door where the queue is heading is a bas relief of Our Lady of Montserrat and below it was an inscription commemorating the 100th anniversary when she was named Patroness of Catalan. 

Entering the door, we saw several statues and paintings. First was a replica of the statue of St Peter sat on a papal throne. Next was a painting of St Ignatius of Loyola surrendering his armour (he used to be a soldier) to Our Lady. Then there was a painting of St Benedict (if I am not mistaken!). We climbed through the stairs. On both sides, one could see paintings of various saints. I recognised St Clare of Assisi and pointed it to Chiara! On the door leading to Mary's statue, are the engraved statues of St Joseph and St Gabriel.

Our Lady's wooden statue (a.k.a. La Moreneta, The Dark Little One) is said to have been in existence since 718 and is protected by a glass container. The only piece of the statue that pilgrims could touch is Our Lady's hand holding the orb. While waiting for my turn, I knelt down and said some prayers. I later touched and kissed the statue's hand.  Walking away from the statue, we gathered at the chapel at the back where the statue is located, to offer some prayers. Going down, we lit a candle and placed it in one of the grottoes where lots of votive candles have been left by devotees. There was also water flowing from the spring. I helped myself as it was really a hot day. We proceeded to the shop to buy some souvenirs. Along the way, we met a few more kababayans, fellow devotees of Mama Mary!

The Spaniards have a soft spot in their hearts for Our Lady of Montserrat. Story has it that when Saracen infidels attacked Barcelona in the seventh century, they hid Our Lady's statue to a secret place in Montserrat. In the height of their battle, people have almost forgotten the statue's whereabouts. But not the Virgin itself. After almost 200 years, the statue was discovered. Soon, the devotion grew along with the establishment of a church and monastery. However, there were tribulations such as the Napoleonic invasion, Civil War, and revolutions which damaged the monastery. Still, the holy site has re-emerged. Indeed, as one historian would put it "In all ages the sinful, the suffering, the sorrowful, have laid their woes at the feet of Our Lady of Montserrat, and none have ever gone away unheard or unaided." Isn't this story similar to its Pinoy counterparts? Think of the stories of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval (Manila) and of Our Lady of Penafrancia (Bicol) among others. 

We headed back to Barcelona-Sants station where we rode a train going to Figueres (the same destination we headed for after our travel to Barcelona the day before). In our rush, we thought that the train would pass through Sta Susanna (where we rode the train going to Barcelona). Seeing no signs of the beach, but fields we became suspicious. Nidz asked a man for help. We found out that yes, we're heading to Figueres, but going through a different route! He told us that we might have to go back to Barcelona upon reaching Figueres! Noticing that we were heading towards Girona (in whose airport we landed a few days back), we went down at that station and asked where we could catch the right train. Luckily, there was one on its way in an hour. When the train arrived, we made ourselves comfortable - there were not many passengers at that time. Still, we were anxious as we might get lost. We felt relieved when we saw the coast! Later, we were on our way to the hotel (Just on time for dinner!).

We're grateful to have visited Montserrat. Mountains, in a number of Biblical stories, are considered to be places where one encounters God (and His angels and saints). Like St Peter, we could say "Lord, it is good for us to be here." (Mt 17:4). Going down, our mission to share that encounter begins. 

Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us!

One With Barcelona

We spent our summer holiday in Costa Brava, a coastal region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain two weeks ago. We had a great time enjoying the sunshine (It was very hot with temperatures ranging from 30 to 34 degrees!), walking along and swimming in the beach, tasting the food, taking a stroll along the busy streets, and meeting lots and lots of people. We had a great time as a family!

During our trip, we took the opportunity to visit Barcelona - not once, but twice.  It took us an hour and twenty minutes to travel by train from Costa Brava to Barcelona. Boring journey? Not at all. The train travels along the Mediterranean Sea where one could enjoy viewing not only the sea, but people having a good time there. While on the train we were entertained by two men singing what I would imagine to be popular Spanish (or Catalan?) songs, only to be asked for a few coins afterwards.

Emerging from the underground Plaça Catalunya station, we saw the City of Barcelona teeming with life: the roads were busy, tourists and locals abound, and it was hot!  Riding on a tourist bus, we wandered through the city and saw great works of art such as Casa Batllo, Casa Mila (aka La Pedrera), and Sagrada Familia. All these were designed by the renowned Antoni Gaudi. We also saw the  Columbus Monument, the 1992 Summer Olympics stadium, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Beach Barceloneta, and Plaça Espanya.  Nidz noted how the city's buildings and surroundings are well-looked after. It was, according to her, much better than the city we visited the previous summer. I agree.

One of the last spots we saw before leaving the city was Las Ramblas, a 1.2 km walkway through the heart of the city centre. One could see here all sorts of stalls, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It stretches from the Columbus monument in the south to the Plaça Catalunya in the north.

It pains us to hear that last Thursday afternoon, at a rush hour, Barcelona was attacked by terrorists. A white Fiat van veered off the road and into a crowd. The reckless driver continued, according to the Guardian (www.theguardian.com), "...down the pedestrian boulevard of Las Ramblas, a popular tourist destination, for more than 500 metres before stopping and fleeing on foot". As of this writing, 13 were killed and more than 130 were injured. The following morning, another attack happened in Cambrils, a neighbouring coastal town, where a woman was killed and six civilians and a police officer were injured. ISIS claims responsibility for the attacks, but this is still being verified. I note a similar incident which occurred in London Bridge last June.

Why an increase in terrorist attacks? Ben Wallace, UK security minister, has this to say: “I think the threat is still increasing, partly driven by the fact Isis is collapsing in Syria and people are either unable to get out there to fight for Isis and so look to do something at home – or because people have come back and tried to inspire people with their stories and tales of the caliphate. I think those two things mean that the threat is to some extent increasing.” This calls for vigilance and tighter security.

My heart goes out to the innocent victims of the Barcelona attack, among them was an Italian father who died saving the lives of his young son and baby daughter. May their souls be in God's peace. May God wipe away the tears from the people they left behind. May He also comfort those who are injured. May Jesus' words console them:  "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." (Luke 18:7-8).

I know Barcelona will rise up again from this tragedy. Indeed, Las Ramblas has re-emerged "as a centre of life, reflection, and defiance". Keep it up, Barcelona. I join the crowds in shouting: No tinc por (I am not afraid).