You know how when you're in a certain place, you feel you have to be eating something specific, or you associate it with a particular food?
Since my childhood, our family has observed traditions in terms of food, such as the old The Swan bakeshop near Lourdes Church (where Skin Zen is located now) after Sunday mass, or whenever we passed by the old Coney Island store at Welcome Rotonda (where Jollibee is located now) I always ordered pistachio ice cream (of course it was just the one scoop cup and very seldom because that brand was very expensive then).
Now, I've developed my own traditions. Everytime we eat at Jollibee (the favorite Pinoy fastfood of all time!!), I most of the time order N3 meal (you addicts like me definitely know what the meal consists of! hehe), and if I feel like upgrading, I add regular fries with lots of ketchup and a sundae. When I'm at Randy's in UP, he always makes it a point to buy me lumpiang togue at his neighbor's tindahan (and lately he has added kwek-kwek, siomai, and RC Cola to the list). Before the fishball stands sprouted all around Metro Manila, it used to be only in UP where fishballs etc. were the safest to eat.
When I sleep over at my sister's house in Tandang Sora, I always request for ginisang kalabasa for ulam the following day. It has become a habit for me to bring donuts for pasalubong to my nephew and niece (when Ria was younger, she would say, "ONAT!!!")...I usually buy this at Mister Donut at the North Ave. MRT station. Sometimes I get them the repacked choco mallows or choco chip cookies. At Kanlaon, Sunday morning has become sweet corn-and-kakanin time for me and my parents...I always buy this after my 6-7am service, and we would talk about updates for the week while eating.
I'm sure you have your own food traditions to share. I can't wait to develop my own with my own family in the future.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
close brush
It has been raining the past few days, so everyone should be careful on the road. Even Rands' kuya figured in an accident this week. I had my own experience too.
About two weeks ago, on my way home, I headed to the usual terminal in Alabang. There were already people waiting in line for the next bus, because the present bus was almost full ("Dalawa nalang!"), and they did not want to sit at the back. I thought, what the heck, I don't mind, so I got in. When I reached the back, there was a fellow employee from our school! It was sort of a pleasant surprise.
So the bus went on its way... The conductor started giving out tickets from the front, a lady stood at the middle for a "pangangaral", and a baby was crying softly... that was the last I heard before... you know, I fell asleep (as always!). I half-awoke when the bus ascended the skyway ramp and the conductor was two rows away from us ... then a few moments later, we heard something burst at the rear part of the bus. I felt the bus swerve abruptly to the left, and the women screamed... Suddenly, we were at a complete stop. The rear tire of the bus had burst.
I was jolted fully awake by this time, and my fellow employee looked a little shocked. "Buti nalang dala ko 'tong bigay ni Ms. Balgos," and he showed me a rosary dangling from his pocket. I also heard someone say, "Buti nalang may nangangaral dyan, abutan nyo kahit barya." Then we all got off the bus. When I reached the door, it was then that the situation hit me ... we were right at the edge of the skyway!
This part of the skyway had a "sidewalk-type" of structure, about one-foot wide, before the edge of the railing. According to some of the passengers, if we had been on the rightmost lane when the tire burst, there would be no other way for us but through the railings and down into the highway below, a good 30-40 feet!
I must admit my knees were shaking a bit while we were waiting for another bus to pick us up, but my fellow employee was a little more shocked than I was (because I was actually asleep when it happened), because he got off with me at Magallanes so he can take the MRT instead, "Parang na-trauma ata ako, pag nagbbrake, kinakabahan ako."
Divine intervention ... there is no other explanation for what happened. We were not even going fast enough for a big accident. A lady preaching the word, a baby that people in general consider as an angel, many passengers who are believers and some may actually be praying during that time... all of these saved us. I am quite lucky, there is no other explanation for it ... we were saved.
About two weeks ago, on my way home, I headed to the usual terminal in Alabang. There were already people waiting in line for the next bus, because the present bus was almost full ("Dalawa nalang!"), and they did not want to sit at the back. I thought, what the heck, I don't mind, so I got in. When I reached the back, there was a fellow employee from our school! It was sort of a pleasant surprise.
So the bus went on its way... The conductor started giving out tickets from the front, a lady stood at the middle for a "pangangaral", and a baby was crying softly... that was the last I heard before... you know, I fell asleep (as always!). I half-awoke when the bus ascended the skyway ramp and the conductor was two rows away from us ... then a few moments later, we heard something burst at the rear part of the bus. I felt the bus swerve abruptly to the left, and the women screamed... Suddenly, we were at a complete stop. The rear tire of the bus had burst.
I was jolted fully awake by this time, and my fellow employee looked a little shocked. "Buti nalang dala ko 'tong bigay ni Ms. Balgos," and he showed me a rosary dangling from his pocket. I also heard someone say, "Buti nalang may nangangaral dyan, abutan nyo kahit barya." Then we all got off the bus. When I reached the door, it was then that the situation hit me ... we were right at the edge of the skyway!
This part of the skyway had a "sidewalk-type" of structure, about one-foot wide, before the edge of the railing. According to some of the passengers, if we had been on the rightmost lane when the tire burst, there would be no other way for us but through the railings and down into the highway below, a good 30-40 feet!I must admit my knees were shaking a bit while we were waiting for another bus to pick us up, but my fellow employee was a little more shocked than I was (because I was actually asleep when it happened), because he got off with me at Magallanes so he can take the MRT instead, "Parang na-trauma ata ako, pag nagbbrake, kinakabahan ako."
Divine intervention ... there is no other explanation for what happened. We were not even going fast enough for a big accident. A lady preaching the word, a baby that people in general consider as an angel, many passengers who are believers and some may actually be praying during that time... all of these saved us. I am quite lucky, there is no other explanation for it ... we were saved.
Monday, October 08, 2007
anecdotes
last saturday, my ex-officemate carlos' baby gabby celebrated her 3rd birthday at mcdo in front of sta. lucia. the party was 9-11am!! i had consultation for my practicum class; i came at 830am hoping to finish at 9, but our prof was late! we ended up arriving at the party at 1030am! i forced my nephews to join the games even before they can sit down to eat! randy and i called it "the 30-minute party" hehe. we had to leave at a little past 11am because there was another gown-clad little girl waiting for her princess party to start. it was short but sweet; sheila and i got to meet old friends again.
(in the picture, gabby is holding our gift right there! cutie girl!)--- * ---
when we went to mass in up chapel yesterday, i was so touched by how the resident lector read the second reading (she was much better than how i read it during my service at lourdes that morning! hehe, feeling ba?), that i told randy that i want to approach her to compliment her. when the mass ended, she was still in the sacristy, but when we went to shopping center, she was there! so i mustered courage then i approached her.
nades: hello po.
resident lector: hi! (very pleasantly)
nades: ang galing nyo po magbasa.
resident lector: salamat. (then she advances to me seemingly for a hug, and I actually make her 'beso'!, innocently thinking that she is just really ma-chika)
resident lector: hanggang kelan ka dito?
nades: (omg, shucks! she mistook me for somebody, dyahe!) ay nagsimba lang po ako jan, sorry po. (ang dilim kasi sa may shopping eh!)
resident lector: ah. ok salamat. *walks away*
my good intention turned embarrasing experience...
---*---
last night, i watched return of the king on ch7 up to 1am, when i've seen it when it was shown at the cinemas! i chanced upon it last sunday when i came home late, and when they didn't finish it (there was a part2!), i had to see it. nakakaadik! *does anyone know why frodo had to leave the shire? hehe*
---*---
this morning, i got to experience one of my most eeeww moments! i was seated in a bus, between two males. this guy at the window seat spits out the window, and then i felt something... (you wouldn't want me to continue... i still shudder at the feeling. napamura talaga ako, then he goes "ay sorry", and takes out his towel, but i wouldn't dare let him wipe me with that!) this should teach everybody a lesson, to always bring wet wipes or tissue when traveling.
Monday, September 17, 2007
'official statement'
Hi. I’m sure you’ve heard of the news by now… I’m so sorry if it came as a surprise to you. I’m sorry also if I was unable to inform you about it. But we all know how hard last year was for me in terms of coordinating the training activities. But I wouldn’t have survived it without the help of very dedicated and concerned people, who have the same compassion for the ministry as I have. Thank you very much ____ for your support. Too bad not everybody appreciated the effort I exerted, and all they saw were the loopholes. I really had no intention to continue the position, and thankfully at the same time, I had a valid (and convenient, hehe) excuse that I was moving, which would make it more difficult for me to do coordinating work. What I did not intend though, was to disrupt the election process, because in the first place, I was not expecting to get into the top 8 after all the criticisms I have received. Again, please accept my humble appreciation for your guidance for the past year. I look up to the training team in terms of expertise, and I will also cherish the friendship you’ve shared with me..you accepted me for who I am, shortcomings and all. I am somehow relieved that I will leave the committee to the able leadership of ____ (although as of this writing, they have yet to meet as a group to decide on the positions). I hope that the politics that manifested during the elections will not linger in the group for the next year onwards. Good luck to everybody. I will still be an active member until I still can. Please extend the same support to the next training head as you did to me. Please don’t be mad at me. I hope we still continue to keep in touch, and remain friends.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
be green for life!
Imagine this: Saving our forests from total denudation for just digging a few inches of soil? Or this: Preventing flashfloods and further global warming for just a short trek that can provide a thorough exercise? Or this: Preserving terrestrial ecosystems for just having fun with friends doing a worthwhile activity?
Seems impossible? Not really! A huge task like saving the environment really can be this easy and fun! Volunteers from different La Salle schools have proven this through the “Green for Life: Plant a Million Trees” Project. Launched in September 2006, the project aims to (1) provide a venue for more proactive responses to environmental issues via tree planting activities and reforestation programs that promotes the propagation and caring for indigenous species; (2) draw out mechanisms that will systematically involve the Lasallian Family in sustainable reforestation and greening efforts in close partnership and coordination with local communities; and (3) conscienticize the Lasallian Family and people belonging to the various partner communities on the importance of natural ecosystems such as forests through tree-planting and reforestation activities that promote a more practical “learning-by-doing” approach in environmental education. For five Saturdays, volunteers will target to plant 5,500 seedlings of endemic species before the end of 2007 in the 280-hectare restoration area in Mt. Palay Palay National Park in Maragondon, Cavite.
As if on cue, my professor cancelled classes on August 25, the schedule when DLSZ will be lead school for the treeplanting. Mymy and Arcy, officemates from IPA, were among the volunteers composed of day school and night school students, administrators, teachers, and other employees. I saw Wowee again, an old friend from Tugon Eco Camp in 2003. During the orientation, the volunteers were reminded to always proceed in pairs, do not leave trash in the mountain, sip water to avoid dehydration, among others. The trek was slightly slippery, but we were well equipped with rubber-soled shoes and even walking sticks from dried branches. At the site, holes in the soil have been dug already, we simply had to remove the seedlings from the plastic, put it in the hole and cover it with soil, detach the tag from the seedling, and tie the string to the bamboo pole beside it. (And throw the plastic in the trash bag!)
I started to work on a seedling, digging the hole deeper, and really taking my time, uttering a mantra to my tree so that it will grow well. When I finished though, the other volunteers have covered the area until the side of the slope in a matter of minutes! I still carefully went down the steep slope, just so I can check whether the other trees were planted properly by the students. After all the seedlings have been planted, and after posing for a few posterity shots, the group trekked back down the mountain, just in time for lunch beside the clear-water stream.
My legs hurt all over the morning after, but I was fulfilled, knowing that I did my share for the environment. There are other ways; find one that will suit you best!
Seems impossible? Not really! A huge task like saving the environment really can be this easy and fun! Volunteers from different La Salle schools have proven this through the “Green for Life: Plant a Million Trees” Project. Launched in September 2006, the project aims to (1) provide a venue for more proactive responses to environmental issues via tree planting activities and reforestation programs that promotes the propagation and caring for indigenous species; (2) draw out mechanisms that will systematically involve the Lasallian Family in sustainable reforestation and greening efforts in close partnership and coordination with local communities; and (3) conscienticize the Lasallian Family and people belonging to the various partner communities on the importance of natural ecosystems such as forests through tree-planting and reforestation activities that promote a more practical “learning-by-doing” approach in environmental education. For five Saturdays, volunteers will target to plant 5,500 seedlings of endemic species before the end of 2007 in the 280-hectare restoration area in Mt. Palay Palay National Park in Maragondon, Cavite.
As if on cue, my professor cancelled classes on August 25, the schedule when DLSZ will be lead school for the treeplanting. Mymy and Arcy, officemates from IPA, were among the volunteers composed of day school and night school students, administrators, teachers, and other employees. I saw Wowee again, an old friend from Tugon Eco Camp in 2003. During the orientation, the volunteers were reminded to always proceed in pairs, do not leave trash in the mountain, sip water to avoid dehydration, among others. The trek was slightly slippery, but we were well equipped with rubber-soled shoes and even walking sticks from dried branches. At the site, holes in the soil have been dug already, we simply had to remove the seedlings from the plastic, put it in the hole and cover it with soil, detach the tag from the seedling, and tie the string to the bamboo pole beside it. (And throw the plastic in the trash bag!)
I started to work on a seedling, digging the hole deeper, and really taking my time, uttering a mantra to my tree so that it will grow well. When I finished though, the other volunteers have covered the area until the side of the slope in a matter of minutes! I still carefully went down the steep slope, just so I can check whether the other trees were planted properly by the students. After all the seedlings have been planted, and after posing for a few posterity shots, the group trekked back down the mountain, just in time for lunch beside the clear-water stream.
My legs hurt all over the morning after, but I was fulfilled, knowing that I did my share for the environment. There are other ways; find one that will suit you best!
Monday, August 06, 2007
doppelganger?
In literature, a doppelganger (“double walker”) is the ghostly double of a living person, a sinister form of bilocation. I haven’t personally encountered anything like this, or even heard the word before in my life, until it actually happened to me! Eerie!
It was in November 2004 when I was still a classroom teacher. I filed for a whole day leave from work because I had to enroll in UP for my graduate classes for the second sem (Anyone who has ever studied in UP knows that enrollment takes one whole day, even more! Even with CRS and all!) I was already in the Benitez theater at around 4pm, waiting for my assessment, when a fellow teacher texted me something like “Nades, andito ka ba daw sa school ngayon?” To which I replied something like “No, why?” Then she said something that sent me shivers… at least three of my fellow teachers claimed to have seen me in school that day! I asked her to quit kidding, but she said she was also just as surprised.
The following day, when I reported back to work, my fellow teachers hugged me, and told me all about their experiences. The first one “allegedly” saw me at around 7:30 am (the time I usually come in) sitting on my desk looking at my reminders tacked to my divider. The second “sighting" was at past 12 noon, when almost all the teachers had gone down to the auditorium for a seminar. This teacher claimed that I walked past him and even “said” something like “Lika na, baba na tayo,” but cannot be sure what happened next because he said he merely replied “ok” without even looking up from what he was doing. The third one claimed she saw me in the seminar.
While I was listening to them, it sounded too fantastic, but they could almost swear that it really was me. Nothing bad actually happened, unlike in the literature that states that doppelgangers are premonitions of death or harbingers of bad luck. But what other explanation can there be? One teacher said that it was probably because I was so used to my routine for the past five months that when I took just one day off, my “spirit” did not “realize” that my body was not there but continued to linger in my regular work area! It seemed logical, but nevertheless eerie. They even kidded me to submit my experience to Nginiiig Files, and get paid for the story.
After that experience, I have made it a habit to inform all my officemates if ever I am taking a leave for a particular day. This may be a useful tip for everybody too, so that nobody will “think they saw you that day.” Awoooo!!
It was in November 2004 when I was still a classroom teacher. I filed for a whole day leave from work because I had to enroll in UP for my graduate classes for the second sem (Anyone who has ever studied in UP knows that enrollment takes one whole day, even more! Even with CRS and all!) I was already in the Benitez theater at around 4pm, waiting for my assessment, when a fellow teacher texted me something like “Nades, andito ka ba daw sa school ngayon?” To which I replied something like “No, why?” Then she said something that sent me shivers… at least three of my fellow teachers claimed to have seen me in school that day! I asked her to quit kidding, but she said she was also just as surprised.
The following day, when I reported back to work, my fellow teachers hugged me, and told me all about their experiences. The first one “allegedly” saw me at around 7:30 am (the time I usually come in) sitting on my desk looking at my reminders tacked to my divider. The second “sighting" was at past 12 noon, when almost all the teachers had gone down to the auditorium for a seminar. This teacher claimed that I walked past him and even “said” something like “Lika na, baba na tayo,” but cannot be sure what happened next because he said he merely replied “ok” without even looking up from what he was doing. The third one claimed she saw me in the seminar.
While I was listening to them, it sounded too fantastic, but they could almost swear that it really was me. Nothing bad actually happened, unlike in the literature that states that doppelgangers are premonitions of death or harbingers of bad luck. But what other explanation can there be? One teacher said that it was probably because I was so used to my routine for the past five months that when I took just one day off, my “spirit” did not “realize” that my body was not there but continued to linger in my regular work area! It seemed logical, but nevertheless eerie. They even kidded me to submit my experience to Nginiiig Files, and get paid for the story.
After that experience, I have made it a habit to inform all my officemates if ever I am taking a leave for a particular day. This may be a useful tip for everybody too, so that nobody will “think they saw you that day.” Awoooo!!
Friday, July 06, 2007
volunteers take a break
Remember in my previous post how I mentioned something about having been a PPCRV volunteer for the May 14 elections? All the hard work paid off after all! Our parish priest treated the volunteers from the parish to an outing to Subic last June 9! Woohoo!!
Sen suggested that I tag Rands along. She brought her baby Andrew too. Our first stop… Extreme Adventure! We were so excited to try the Slide for Life, but we had to wait for our turn because the harnesses and helmets were good for 20 people at a time only. I’m not really afraid of heights, so I didn’t feel dizzy or anything. The first slide was ok, the second was like my insides flipped!, and the third was the longest! It was fun! The trek back up was hot though.
With our shirts and hair drenched in sweat (eewww!), we got back in the bus to go to our next destination --- All Hands Beach! We had a greeeeeeat lunch (courtesy of Tess), and of course we had to take pictures of the view before getting ourselves wet. At around 3pm, merienda was again available…it was the life! Rands and I were together while the sun was setting, talking about future stuff. (mushy ba? hehe)
Rands made this amazing sand sculpture of a pawikan; Andrew and me
Shot before sunset; Nightshot of me
We left the beach at past 7pm and reached home 12 midnight. It was nice getting together with fellow volunteers from the parish, but what I enjoyed more was the company and concern of people who really mean a lot to me and whom I care for. Thanks Father Mon, for a wonderful (all expenses paid) time! (I was assigned the 6am mass the following day, Sunday, and he was also the priest presider!)
Sen suggested that I tag Rands along. She brought her baby Andrew too. Our first stop… Extreme Adventure! We were so excited to try the Slide for Life, but we had to wait for our turn because the harnesses and helmets were good for 20 people at a time only. I’m not really afraid of heights, so I didn’t feel dizzy or anything. The first slide was ok, the second was like my insides flipped!, and the third was the longest! It was fun! The trek back up was hot though.
With our shirts and hair drenched in sweat (eewww!), we got back in the bus to go to our next destination --- All Hands Beach! We had a greeeeeeat lunch (courtesy of Tess), and of course we had to take pictures of the view before getting ourselves wet. At around 3pm, merienda was again available…it was the life! Rands and I were together while the sun was setting, talking about future stuff. (mushy ba? hehe)
Rands made this amazing sand sculpture of a pawikan; Andrew and me
Shot before sunset; Nightshot of me
We left the beach at past 7pm and reached home 12 midnight. It was nice getting together with fellow volunteers from the parish, but what I enjoyed more was the company and concern of people who really mean a lot to me and whom I care for. Thanks Father Mon, for a wonderful (all expenses paid) time! (I was assigned the 6am mass the following day, Sunday, and he was also the priest presider!)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
my summer 2007
Unlike last year, my summer this year was not as ‘grandiose’ so to speak, although of course it was made special by little trips with family and friends to different places.
april 29 (teambuilding with nsoll core team)
Derrick, Sen, Reg, Tess, Edna, Yen and I stayed overnight at this cozy house for our teambuilding. We barely had time to tour Tagaytay for our leisure, and the time for the program itself was not enough. But the following day, before going home, we had lunch at the Greek Tavern (oh dear, I hope I didn't mix it up with another resto!), where the owner (whose name skips me right now..) was very down-to-earth to the point of valet-parking your car for you (because, as he said, "I know my parking more.")
may 4-5 (ipa outing)
This year, we invited some friends from other offices to join us, and it was a better decision because we had more fun! Besides, it was a birthday celebration for five of them! We rented a private cottage at La Vista Pansol with its own small pool at the back. We had night swimming in the "Bukal," and the following day, we toured the resort's other facilities, which include a mini-zoo and native gazebos.
may 14 (ppcrv volunteer)
I was convinced by a friend to volunteer as ppcrv watcher in the elections. In our voting area, my precinct was the last as in literally the last one to finish in canvassing! I went home past 12 midnight, but I take my hats off to the young volunteers from the parish who stayed until the COCs were taken to the city hall. I sure hope many of the voting population exercised their right. It proved to be an election that was a far cry from the traditional politics the country has been experiencing in the past.
may 24 (family summer outing)
Since my dad had an operation, and my nephews were circumcised (haha :), we decided not to go very far for our summer outing. La Mesa ecopark was near and cheap and a nice alternative, with special rates for Quezon City residents and students. It is absolutely lovely, truly a refreshing break. Of course Randy joined us again as he does every summer outing that we have. There was swimming, fishing, biking, sightseeing of flower terraces, orchidarium, and the glorious La Mesa dam itself. One whole day was not enough, but we had to leave because the park closes at 5pm, and the rain started pouring at 4pm. We went straight to Trinoma, where we had dinner.
Maybe this summer really taught me that I need not go far to enjoy the company of family and friends. We can make the most out of every minute we spend with one another. (Besides, we can save a lot on transportation and travel time!) :) I hope your summer was fun. too!
april 29 (teambuilding with nsoll core team)
Derrick, Sen, Reg, Tess, Edna, Yen and I stayed overnight at this cozy house for our teambuilding. We barely had time to tour Tagaytay for our leisure, and the time for the program itself was not enough. But the following day, before going home, we had lunch at the Greek Tavern (oh dear, I hope I didn't mix it up with another resto!), where the owner (whose name skips me right now..) was very down-to-earth to the point of valet-parking your car for you (because, as he said, "I know my parking more.")
may 4-5 (ipa outing)
This year, we invited some friends from other offices to join us, and it was a better decision because we had more fun! Besides, it was a birthday celebration for five of them! We rented a private cottage at La Vista Pansol with its own small pool at the back. We had night swimming in the "Bukal," and the following day, we toured the resort's other facilities, which include a mini-zoo and native gazebos.
may 14 (ppcrv volunteer)
I was convinced by a friend to volunteer as ppcrv watcher in the elections. In our voting area, my precinct was the last as in literally the last one to finish in canvassing! I went home past 12 midnight, but I take my hats off to the young volunteers from the parish who stayed until the COCs were taken to the city hall. I sure hope many of the voting population exercised their right. It proved to be an election that was a far cry from the traditional politics the country has been experiencing in the past.
may 24 (family summer outing)
Since my dad had an operation, and my nephews were circumcised (haha :), we decided not to go very far for our summer outing. La Mesa ecopark was near and cheap and a nice alternative, with special rates for Quezon City residents and students. It is absolutely lovely, truly a refreshing break. Of course Randy joined us again as he does every summer outing that we have. There was swimming, fishing, biking, sightseeing of flower terraces, orchidarium, and the glorious La Mesa dam itself. One whole day was not enough, but we had to leave because the park closes at 5pm, and the rain started pouring at 4pm. We went straight to Trinoma, where we had dinner.
Maybe this summer really taught me that I need not go far to enjoy the company of family and friends. We can make the most out of every minute we spend with one another. (Besides, we can save a lot on transportation and travel time!) :) I hope your summer was fun. too!
Friday, May 04, 2007
renzo in antipolo
For the past few years, it has become my mom’s devotion to attend mass at the Antipolo Shrine every May 1 as part of the Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Part of the sacrifice was the travel by public transpo, the ultra heat, and sometimes standing amidst other devotees throughout the entire mass. I remember one year when Randy and I went with her, and last year when Ate Ricci and the two boys went with us. This year, it was the turn of Renzo and Ate Gigi.
We took a different route from the previous years (jeep from Cubao) because we had to meet them in Tandang Sora, so we got to walk inside UP campus, and to try taking the FX at Katipunan. Luckily we made the 11am mass, so we were able to get seats! We were all so hungry already because we skipped breakfast, but just the same, right after the mass we queued for going up to the image of the Lady at the top of the altar to touch her mantle. Had cameras been allowed, I would have taken a shot of Renzo’s little pudgy hand laying on top of the mantle! ;) Instead I took shots of him outside the church.
It was also a tradition for us to buy pasalubong at the covered court beside the church, and eat at a fastfood in the area. This year, we decided that we cannot possibly eat immediately and properly given that ALL the fastfood places were teeming with people, as in! So while Renzo joined lola in buying pasalubong, my sister and I headed to 7-11 to buy LARGE Slurpee (yummmm!) and sandwiches, just to last us until we reach Cubao in another hour or so. So we had our decent lunch-merienda at Pancake House at Gateway, and after a few hours of strolling, we headed home.
We took a different route from the previous years (jeep from Cubao) because we had to meet them in Tandang Sora, so we got to walk inside UP campus, and to try taking the FX at Katipunan. Luckily we made the 11am mass, so we were able to get seats! We were all so hungry already because we skipped breakfast, but just the same, right after the mass we queued for going up to the image of the Lady at the top of the altar to touch her mantle. Had cameras been allowed, I would have taken a shot of Renzo’s little pudgy hand laying on top of the mantle! ;) Instead I took shots of him outside the church.
It was also a tradition for us to buy pasalubong at the covered court beside the church, and eat at a fastfood in the area. This year, we decided that we cannot possibly eat immediately and properly given that ALL the fastfood places were teeming with people, as in! So while Renzo joined lola in buying pasalubong, my sister and I headed to 7-11 to buy LARGE Slurpee (yummmm!) and sandwiches, just to last us until we reach Cubao in another hour or so. So we had our decent lunch-merienda at Pancake House at Gateway, and after a few hours of strolling, we headed home.
Monday, April 23, 2007
flashback: april 3, 1994
Part of my time is now devoted to church service. Not just the regular mass service as lector or commentator, but as coordinator of the recruitment and training committee of the ministry. A lot has happened since I became member of the committee last year, until now that the training for the second batch is ongoing. I cannot believe how much time and effort I actually spend in the ministry and for the committee. In spite of this, I am not complaining. I look around and I see more people who are more committed than I am. Committed in the sense that they prefer to be behind the scenes than in the limelight. For me that is what real service is about.
How did I become a lector and commentator at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the first place? Not many people know the real story, so I thought I’d post it here. By the way, I had to dig into my boxes for my 1994 diary for the precise events that led to my joining the ministry (quoted verbatim, parenthetical italics were added for better understanding of the contexts of events 12 years ago):
3 Apr 1994
I had a very weird Sunday today. My gosh, I guess it had started even yesterday during the Lenten program ‘Paglalakbay sa Buhay Makulay’ (if I could just get a copy of the map to the Buhay Makulay!) It starred Duncan Ramos, Ray-An, Martin etc. It was about a boy who traveled through the colorful world (each color in the map meant something), but first had his sins cleansed, then brought his friend to the same experience. It all hit me, like if a kid like him could be convinced like that, I wasn’t far from being so! It brought me a lot closer to God. That was last night yet. This morning, we went to mass at 11AM. For the 1st time ever in my life, I wore slacks. Paired with sis’ purple rosed blouse. It was cool!
We arrived exactly 11 to find out that the 10AM has not even ended! But we (Dits, ma) made siksik to get seats for our mass which began at 11:20 already. Well, Peace part and I felt the air change. Our Father part and I felt dizzy. Nahihilong nasusuka at nae-LBM. My knees were really wobbling. I waited for the song to end. “May tao na ba sa bahay?” I looked at my mom and sister. I was about to fall, I swear. I held on to the pew. “Nahihilo ka? Wala pang tao dahil na kay Ate mo yung susi.” “Upo ka muna dyan.” Great! I needed to do something. Please! I immediately sat. Mommy dragged me out to fresh air. Dits stayed. I sat where paupers usually did just outside the church side door. While were walking out, my knees really collapsed; good thing I was holding on to mommy. But I didn’t black out. She wanted to bring me farther to a bench, but my knees couldn’t take me there anymore. I begged to stay. Mom allowed me to puke at the shrubs, I thought it was OK too because it was an emergency anyway. I was bowed down to force my puke, I was really worn out, my mom said I was ghastly pale, I was sweating all over, and my mom felt I was cold. I felt really weak, I swear.
I already felt people were looking at me, until this woman who sold sweepstakes handed mom Sanitary Balm. “Ipahid mo ito sa kanya.” She accepted. I wasn’t able to stare at her features; all I saw were her tickets and the ointment. She gave mom instructions on how to do it, but she thought mom didn’t do it quite right, so she did it on me. They had a little chat, but I don’t remember any of it now, if I ever heard any. Something about luck according to my mole, “naamuyan ito,” being inside the church. Her hands were light but they made precise movements. She massaged my nape and the area near my mole. Dits said she made circles with her fingers around my mole. I didn’t even feel it. I wiped my trickling sweat (down the side of my face) then my pukeing sensation was gone. I was still a little dizzy when she stopped. She asked me and I answered truthfully. “Mamaya mawawala na yan.” I was still not aware of my surroundings, so I did not see her after the PT (physical therapy). I heard my Dits though, “Ma bumili ka ng ticket in return.” “Oo sige.”
We did not finish the mass. We proceeded to the benches. I tried to look for the woman, and when I failed, it occurred to me that she might be some kind of ghostly reminder. But quickly dismissed the idea and instead thought I might find her later and buy a ticket as a sign of thanks. The mass was over and we waited, (some parts deleted) Mommy had to go somewhere, but we three looked for her first. Although we didn’t really look thoroughly, she was nowhere in sight. She should’ve been in sight where there were people because she was supposed to be ‘making a living ‘ selling tickets. But we didn’t find her. I wasn’t supposed to give up, but I wanted to go home and my head was still swirling. Walking home, my sister insisted that she was Jesus trying to tell me something, and she said only I knew what it was. On my part, I pitied the woman because she was just a mere vendor and my Dits put all sorts of silly representations into it. It’s not that I’m doubting, but what if it’s not? I haven’t proven it anyway. I wouldn’t believe until I thoroughly search the area and never find her at all. Maybe I’ll do that sometime. I’ll even do interviews about her, and if nobody else has seen her ever, she’s no ordinary vendor, just as Dits had concluded.
We went to Fuentebella (street in Timog area, house of my dad’s tito and tita) at 5PM to pay a visit. They were happy, we ate, then Lola Etta (she passed away a few years ago) told us many stories. She sat with us long enough to tell us her family’s history. (some parts deleted) I learned so much from her. She specified on values formation. And faith. Oh yes, I became emotional about the faith part. “Nilalang ako ng Diyos, kaya hindi Nya ako papabayaan.” “Magpasalamat tayo sa lahat ng bagay, lahat ay bigay Nya.” “Kumapit ka lang sa Kanya.” The couple has strong faith. They made mine stronger. (some parts deleted) On our Mayon (street/jeep terminal to our house) ride, 3 girls were talking about Bible verses. They were about my age, but they memorize a few Bible verses. I dunno their business, but I was touched that teenagers my age actually have time for the Bible! What is this, another point to persuade me? Three experiences in a day! Too amazing to be true! (the rest of the journal entry no longer relevant to topic..)
So forward to the present day… that was, I think, the turning point of my ‘faith’ life. That summer, I had just graduated from high school and was looking for a summer job, just as I had been doing for the past two summers. But that same year, almost two months after that decisive day, there was an announcement during Sunday mass that they needed lectors and commentators for our parish. I thought that this was another calling to me. So I applied. The rest, as they say… you know what they say..
How did I become a lector and commentator at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the first place? Not many people know the real story, so I thought I’d post it here. By the way, I had to dig into my boxes for my 1994 diary for the precise events that led to my joining the ministry (quoted verbatim, parenthetical italics were added for better understanding of the contexts of events 12 years ago):
3 Apr 1994
I had a very weird Sunday today. My gosh, I guess it had started even yesterday during the Lenten program ‘Paglalakbay sa Buhay Makulay’ (if I could just get a copy of the map to the Buhay Makulay!) It starred Duncan Ramos, Ray-An, Martin etc. It was about a boy who traveled through the colorful world (each color in the map meant something), but first had his sins cleansed, then brought his friend to the same experience. It all hit me, like if a kid like him could be convinced like that, I wasn’t far from being so! It brought me a lot closer to God. That was last night yet. This morning, we went to mass at 11AM. For the 1st time ever in my life, I wore slacks. Paired with sis’ purple rosed blouse. It was cool!
We arrived exactly 11 to find out that the 10AM has not even ended! But we (Dits, ma) made siksik to get seats for our mass which began at 11:20 already. Well, Peace part and I felt the air change. Our Father part and I felt dizzy. Nahihilong nasusuka at nae-LBM. My knees were really wobbling. I waited for the song to end. “May tao na ba sa bahay?” I looked at my mom and sister. I was about to fall, I swear. I held on to the pew. “Nahihilo ka? Wala pang tao dahil na kay Ate mo yung susi.” “Upo ka muna dyan.” Great! I needed to do something. Please! I immediately sat. Mommy dragged me out to fresh air. Dits stayed. I sat where paupers usually did just outside the church side door. While were walking out, my knees really collapsed; good thing I was holding on to mommy. But I didn’t black out. She wanted to bring me farther to a bench, but my knees couldn’t take me there anymore. I begged to stay. Mom allowed me to puke at the shrubs, I thought it was OK too because it was an emergency anyway. I was bowed down to force my puke, I was really worn out, my mom said I was ghastly pale, I was sweating all over, and my mom felt I was cold. I felt really weak, I swear.
I already felt people were looking at me, until this woman who sold sweepstakes handed mom Sanitary Balm. “Ipahid mo ito sa kanya.” She accepted. I wasn’t able to stare at her features; all I saw were her tickets and the ointment. She gave mom instructions on how to do it, but she thought mom didn’t do it quite right, so she did it on me. They had a little chat, but I don’t remember any of it now, if I ever heard any. Something about luck according to my mole, “naamuyan ito,” being inside the church. Her hands were light but they made precise movements. She massaged my nape and the area near my mole. Dits said she made circles with her fingers around my mole. I didn’t even feel it. I wiped my trickling sweat (down the side of my face) then my pukeing sensation was gone. I was still a little dizzy when she stopped. She asked me and I answered truthfully. “Mamaya mawawala na yan.” I was still not aware of my surroundings, so I did not see her after the PT (physical therapy). I heard my Dits though, “Ma bumili ka ng ticket in return.” “Oo sige.”
We did not finish the mass. We proceeded to the benches. I tried to look for the woman, and when I failed, it occurred to me that she might be some kind of ghostly reminder. But quickly dismissed the idea and instead thought I might find her later and buy a ticket as a sign of thanks. The mass was over and we waited, (some parts deleted) Mommy had to go somewhere, but we three looked for her first. Although we didn’t really look thoroughly, she was nowhere in sight. She should’ve been in sight where there were people because she was supposed to be ‘making a living ‘ selling tickets. But we didn’t find her. I wasn’t supposed to give up, but I wanted to go home and my head was still swirling. Walking home, my sister insisted that she was Jesus trying to tell me something, and she said only I knew what it was. On my part, I pitied the woman because she was just a mere vendor and my Dits put all sorts of silly representations into it. It’s not that I’m doubting, but what if it’s not? I haven’t proven it anyway. I wouldn’t believe until I thoroughly search the area and never find her at all. Maybe I’ll do that sometime. I’ll even do interviews about her, and if nobody else has seen her ever, she’s no ordinary vendor, just as Dits had concluded.
We went to Fuentebella (street in Timog area, house of my dad’s tito and tita) at 5PM to pay a visit. They were happy, we ate, then Lola Etta (she passed away a few years ago) told us many stories. She sat with us long enough to tell us her family’s history. (some parts deleted) I learned so much from her. She specified on values formation. And faith. Oh yes, I became emotional about the faith part. “Nilalang ako ng Diyos, kaya hindi Nya ako papabayaan.” “Magpasalamat tayo sa lahat ng bagay, lahat ay bigay Nya.” “Kumapit ka lang sa Kanya.” The couple has strong faith. They made mine stronger. (some parts deleted) On our Mayon (street/jeep terminal to our house) ride, 3 girls were talking about Bible verses. They were about my age, but they memorize a few Bible verses. I dunno their business, but I was touched that teenagers my age actually have time for the Bible! What is this, another point to persuade me? Three experiences in a day! Too amazing to be true! (the rest of the journal entry no longer relevant to topic..)
So forward to the present day… that was, I think, the turning point of my ‘faith’ life. That summer, I had just graduated from high school and was looking for a summer job, just as I had been doing for the past two summers. But that same year, almost two months after that decisive day, there was an announcement during Sunday mass that they needed lectors and commentators for our parish. I thought that this was another calling to me. So I applied. The rest, as they say… you know what they say..
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
resurrection, ala easter
I must apologize for not having posted for the past --- 4 months (has it really been???). Part of it was my thinking that nobody reads my site anyway! Haha. But really, it was mainly because I was SO BUSY. So busy is an understatement actually. I have never been so busy my entire life. Office work. School. Church duties. Personal stuff. Really.
However, the writer in me has been craving again… anything, just anything to write about. Anything to post. Anything. A few weeks after the end of the school year, yes, this is the perfect free time. By "free," I mean not too much work. By "not too much," I mean we can still eat lunch at 12:00 to 1:00, and leave at 5:00 pm.
Anyway, here I am again. Not to go back 4 months in time, but just to start over. After all, since it’s already summer, I expect to have more of this “free time.” I have to make the most of this… until June comes again, that is.
However, the writer in me has been craving again… anything, just anything to write about. Anything to post. Anything. A few weeks after the end of the school year, yes, this is the perfect free time. By "free," I mean not too much work. By "not too much," I mean we can still eat lunch at 12:00 to 1:00, and leave at 5:00 pm.
Anyway, here I am again. Not to go back 4 months in time, but just to start over. After all, since it’s already summer, I expect to have more of this “free time.” I have to make the most of this… until June comes again, that is.
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