The trip began with a hope of enjoying some rest to be able to get a glimpse of God's face. I would say that I have achieved this goal. I was able to rest from the daily grind of routine in Victoria. It has given me a fresh perspective of what matters, more accurately - who matters. Jesus is all that matters and nothing else.
Everything falls into place once one seeks Jesus. Only he can give his peace. Only he can give his life. Only he can give his rest. And this is all I want and all I can ever need.
I have seen God's face in the flood. I have seen how Filipinos remained resilient in the face of disaster. I have seen how important it is to keep a sense of humor in the midst of pain because all these will end. There is always hope in the midst of suffering. I have seen how ordinary people became heroes because they did what they had to do.
This despite the fact that some of the political leaders are bad examples. You see some of them promoting only themselves at the expense of others. But I believe this is what makes the Filipino who he is. He works and does good despite the bad example of his leaders. Through adversity, the Filipino is able to work on his own and use whatever is available and turn them into good. Despite flood and bad leadership, I saw a country that is on its way to prosperity because it remains focused on Jesus.
There are some politicians with evil intentions. They push for an anti-life campaign. They may have succeeded in one stage, but I hope and pray that the Lord will intervene and frustrate their evil plans. I have seen how some people can call themselves 'Catholics' and still pick and choose what they want to believe. This is a sad reality, not only in the Philippines but anywhere else. I pray the Lord will enlighten them. But unless there is true repentance and humility to accept the teaching (note the singular) of Christ as revealed to his Church, there will never be a change in their hearts.
I have seen God's face in the beauty of the land. Palawan is a glimpse of God's paradise on earth. Its beauty and its people show how much God has given us for our enjoyment and it is our responsibility to take care of God's gift so those who come after us can enjoy them too. God is seen in nature.
God is seen in people whom I know. Who had been generous with their time, money and themselves. Bless the Lord for them. Who took the time, spent their money and opened up their homes and hearts to entertain us. God bless them for their generosity and multiply a hundredfold whatever they had given.
I have seen God in how the nation cleaved to him in the midst of uncertainty and disaster. When Sec. Robredo's plane crashed, almost the entire nation prayed for his safety. When his body was found, the nation mourned the loss of a great man. One of the treasure of the Filipino people is his faith in God. They know who to turn to for help. I pray they do not lose it.
The response to his death and the response to other politicians prove the Filipino knows and can identify a great man from a bad one. What sickens me are politicians who use this tragedy to further their political life. I just hope they are not elected or reelected again - ever! The Filipinos deserve better leaders than these.
The visionary Emma de Guzman spoke about the Philippines being chosen by God to be the light in the darkness. And I believe that based on what I have experienced. I am in no way saying I believe everything she said or does because whatever she says is still subject to scrutiny within the Catholic Church. But I believe in her call to repentance and her call to turn back to Jesus.
The country is experiencing an economic growth and confidence that I have never seen since immediately after EDSA 1986. I pray that the president will be able to remain focused on the righteous way and remain focused on promoting a culture of life. This is the only way to true and full life for the country.
Yes, I have seen a glimpse of God's face - although imperfectly. This is a continuing journey and I hope and pray that I may live a life in his will - so that I can eventually see him face to face.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Flight Home
We checked in at around 3:30 pm and the airport was very hot. It seemed that the air condition system was not working. It was hot when we checked in. It was still hot when we were in the boarding area.
Except for that, the flight was excellent! It was not delayed in leaving and it arrived on time. The landing as can be expected from PAL pilots was very smooth. The plane was the new 777 which had individual monitors in front of the seat. I was able to sleep about 4 hours or maybe more through the 12 hour flight.
We arrived in Vancouver and went through customs and immigration without problem. Our plan was to take the PCL bus from the airport to the ferry to downtown Victoria. It turns out that PCL has stopped their hourly service and instead runs every other hour.
We took a taxi van to the Tsawassen terminal and when it reached the Swartz Bay terminal, we again took a taxi van home.
All in all, a hectic trip. But thank God, we're back home safe and sound. And our house is also safe.
Except for that, the flight was excellent! It was not delayed in leaving and it arrived on time. The landing as can be expected from PAL pilots was very smooth. The plane was the new 777 which had individual monitors in front of the seat. I was able to sleep about 4 hours or maybe more through the 12 hour flight.
We arrived in Vancouver and went through customs and immigration without problem. Our plan was to take the PCL bus from the airport to the ferry to downtown Victoria. It turns out that PCL has stopped their hourly service and instead runs every other hour.
We took a taxi van to the Tsawassen terminal and when it reached the Swartz Bay terminal, we again took a taxi van home.
All in all, a hectic trip. But thank God, we're back home safe and sound. And our house is also safe.
Flight Day
I had breakfast with my brother. It was great to at least have my last day with him. I hope and pray that the Lord will bless him and his family. Bless the people who entertained us.
It was a restful trip. I began seeking the Lord's face and in my rest and I believe I have achieved that goal.
We are now here at the airport. We have checked in and are already at the boarding area. What disappointed me is that the airconditioner of the airport is not working. It is REALLY VERY HOT!!!
I hope they fix it soon. It is embarrassing that the premier airport is not working as it should.
There is no news about delays so hopefully, we will arrive on schedule. Looking forward to a safe and restful trip.
It was a restful trip. I began seeking the Lord's face and in my rest and I believe I have achieved that goal.
We are now here at the airport. We have checked in and are already at the boarding area. What disappointed me is that the airconditioner of the airport is not working. It is REALLY VERY HOT!!!
I hope they fix it soon. It is embarrassing that the premier airport is not working as it should.
There is no news about delays so hopefully, we will arrive on schedule. Looking forward to a safe and restful trip.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Day 27: Last Day before Flight
Being a Sunday, we went to mass. The gospel was the conclusion of the teaching of Jesus on the Bread of Life. Many left him because they could not understand and accept what he said. Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "What about you? Are you also going to leave?" Peter said, "Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life."
This in essence caps up my trip. To whom should I go? Jesus has the words of eternal life. It is not the place that matters. It is the person that matters. It does not matter if I understand or not what is happening. What matters is Jesus. It does not matter where I am going. As long as I know who I am following. In the end, all that matters is Jesus himself.
We went to Trinoma for some final shopping and back for lunch. I went to visit my mother and brother before I leave the next day.
I took the LRT to R. Papa and then took the tricycle at the Cemetery to the gate. It turns out that the gate was closed so the tricycle had to pass through another gate and drop me off at my brother's place.
I had some discussion with my nephew and niece about the faith. It was like a crash course on Catholicism in 2 hours. Good thing they were not argumentative :)
After that, I went home and walked to C3 to take the tricycle to Rizal Ave., I found out that there is no teller at the LRT station to sell tickets so I had to take the jeepney to Monumento. When I came back, they were preparing dinner - our final dinner before we leave. This was all that was left of what was prepared - it was like the flood washed it away.
This in essence caps up my trip. To whom should I go? Jesus has the words of eternal life. It is not the place that matters. It is the person that matters. It does not matter if I understand or not what is happening. What matters is Jesus. It does not matter where I am going. As long as I know who I am following. In the end, all that matters is Jesus himself.
We went to Trinoma for some final shopping and back for lunch. I went to visit my mother and brother before I leave the next day.I took the LRT to R. Papa and then took the tricycle at the Cemetery to the gate. It turns out that the gate was closed so the tricycle had to pass through another gate and drop me off at my brother's place.
I had some discussion with my nephew and niece about the faith. It was like a crash course on Catholicism in 2 hours. Good thing they were not argumentative :)
After that, I went home and walked to C3 to take the tricycle to Rizal Ave., I found out that there is no teller at the LRT station to sell tickets so I had to take the jeepney to Monumento. When I came back, they were preparing dinner - our final dinner before we leave. This was all that was left of what was prepared - it was like the flood washed it away.Day 26: Last Minute Shopping and Healing Mass
The day started pretty slow and picked up in the afternoon. We went to Trinoma to buy an appreciation gift to our host and went home. On the way, the taxi we took conked out right in the middle of EDSA! We got off the taxi and he even asked me to push the car aside. God bless the driver of that taxi.
Since we were in the middle of EDSA, we did not know how to cross. An MMDA approached us and stopped the traffic so we could cross to the sidewalk. One plus point to that MMDA! May the Lord bless that MMDA who helped us.
We got home without any problems and had dinner.
There was a healing mass scheduled that night. There was a visionary and mystic who would be praying over people for healing. I attended the mass because I wanted to be healed and stayed to see if she can pray over me. The church was very crowded. The parish priest gave an excellent homily. He basically said God wants to heal us and he has a plan for us.
After the mass, Emma de Guzman spoke for a few minutes. She spoke of her call and her vision. From what she said, I found nothing theologically wrong with what she said. It was very basic that God has a plan for us. He wants us to be with him in heaven.
She also said that God has chosen the Philippines to be a light in the darkness. The Filipinos working abroad always have a smile on their faces. This in itself is testimony of God's love. I believe this is true. My experience with many Filipino workers in Victoria can attest to this fact.
Many of them work as nannies and God uses them to preach the good news to their wards.
She also spoke of three holy mountains in the country, one in each of the major island groups of the country (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). Since I consider this as a private revelation, I will take this carefully until I get to know the purpose of these mountains.
There was a constant call to repentance and conversion to Jesus. She spoke of going to confession and receiving the Eucharist frequently. Also, she is conscious of what transpires when she goes into a trance. I hesitate to say I believe or not but based on what I heard, I would say that I believe in her calls to repentance but will be very careful in interpreting her visions. I stayed until 9:30 pm and went home without being prayed over. I found out that the session lasted until 1:00 am.
The healing session started and I noticed that Filipinos really need discipline. The people were told four times to stay seated until their turn. Man - how simple can that instruction be?
Anyway, I pray for healing for those who attended. I pray that if the Lord has chosen the Philippines, that he will bless it and make it really a light in the darkness.
We leave for Victoria tomorrow. May God bless our trip and make it safe.
Since we were in the middle of EDSA, we did not know how to cross. An MMDA approached us and stopped the traffic so we could cross to the sidewalk. One plus point to that MMDA! May the Lord bless that MMDA who helped us.
We got home without any problems and had dinner.
There was a healing mass scheduled that night. There was a visionary and mystic who would be praying over people for healing. I attended the mass because I wanted to be healed and stayed to see if she can pray over me. The church was very crowded. The parish priest gave an excellent homily. He basically said God wants to heal us and he has a plan for us.
After the mass, Emma de Guzman spoke for a few minutes. She spoke of her call and her vision. From what she said, I found nothing theologically wrong with what she said. It was very basic that God has a plan for us. He wants us to be with him in heaven.
She also said that God has chosen the Philippines to be a light in the darkness. The Filipinos working abroad always have a smile on their faces. This in itself is testimony of God's love. I believe this is true. My experience with many Filipino workers in Victoria can attest to this fact.
Many of them work as nannies and God uses them to preach the good news to their wards.
She also spoke of three holy mountains in the country, one in each of the major island groups of the country (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). Since I consider this as a private revelation, I will take this carefully until I get to know the purpose of these mountains.
There was a constant call to repentance and conversion to Jesus. She spoke of going to confession and receiving the Eucharist frequently. Also, she is conscious of what transpires when she goes into a trance. I hesitate to say I believe or not but based on what I heard, I would say that I believe in her calls to repentance but will be very careful in interpreting her visions. I stayed until 9:30 pm and went home without being prayed over. I found out that the session lasted until 1:00 am.
The healing session started and I noticed that Filipinos really need discipline. The people were told four times to stay seated until their turn. Man - how simple can that instruction be?
Anyway, I pray for healing for those who attended. I pray that if the Lord has chosen the Philippines, that he will bless it and make it really a light in the darkness.
We leave for Victoria tomorrow. May God bless our trip and make it safe.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Days 24-25: The Good Man against the Epal Politicians
The past two days were mainly focused on the death of Sec Robredo. I do not know him personally, but his actions in the department he headed speak for themselves. Likewise, the grief and sense of loss from the people show how great he could be.
While he laid in state in his hometown in Naga, people just went to have a glimpse of the man who transformed their city from a third class city to a multi-awarded city. I see a man who lived a simple life and who gave his life for his God and for his people. Prayers were offered for him by almost all sectors of society. The politicians who did bad things to him are now scrambling to save face. This pathetic response is also shown in some scrupulous politicians who use this death to further their ambitions - using his name and picture to offer condolences. You can see lots of pictures in the anti-epal page on Facebook.
The sad thing is Sec Robredo abhorred these and in fact issued a directive that these rotten politicians ignore and dishonor. What pathetic idiots!!! One can just pray that they lose in the coming elections.
Speaking of anti-epal, the Anti-Epal page on Facebook show it all. Politicians who unashamedly promote their faces like dictators insecure of their legacies. In total contrast, people despise them. The mayor in Kalookan is worse. He engraves his smiley face - that by the way looks like a crook - in every sidewalk. The skin of his face is probably as thick as the cement the smiley face is on. And paints the representation of his face on every city property, including police cars.
Some politicians have their pictures at the front of garbage trucks - well, how fitting. I think they would prove of more use if they tie themselves in front of the trucks.
As Sec Robredo showed, these things do not matter. Filipinos are intelligent enough to know who are thick faced and who are great men. For these politicians, there was nary a tear shed when they left office. For some, people were really glad to see them go.
I compare the people's reaction to Sec Robredo and Gloria Arroyo. For Sec Robredo, there was grief and sadness and a sense of loss. I pity Gloria Arroyo now because despite her sickness, people still despise her. Even when her doctor said she needed surgery abroad, nobody even believed him and in fact, he was charged as being unethical.
And Gloria's face was on every single billboard and TV commercial and government documents and still people despise her. Proof that one cannot buy people's hearts just by showing their faces.
This reminds me of the story of the first Chinese emperor who ordered that many men be killed at his death so that there will be weeping when he died. These politicians are no better.
It is really more fun in the Philippines - because there are more clowns and idiots who cling to fame and yet will lose them when they are removed from office.
I hope these epals will not be elected. I hope the president will appoint someone who will continue Sec Robredo's legacy, God bless the Philippines.
While he laid in state in his hometown in Naga, people just went to have a glimpse of the man who transformed their city from a third class city to a multi-awarded city. I see a man who lived a simple life and who gave his life for his God and for his people. Prayers were offered for him by almost all sectors of society. The politicians who did bad things to him are now scrambling to save face. This pathetic response is also shown in some scrupulous politicians who use this death to further their ambitions - using his name and picture to offer condolences. You can see lots of pictures in the anti-epal page on Facebook.
The sad thing is Sec Robredo abhorred these and in fact issued a directive that these rotten politicians ignore and dishonor. What pathetic idiots!!! One can just pray that they lose in the coming elections.
Speaking of anti-epal, the Anti-Epal page on Facebook show it all. Politicians who unashamedly promote their faces like dictators insecure of their legacies. In total contrast, people despise them. The mayor in Kalookan is worse. He engraves his smiley face - that by the way looks like a crook - in every sidewalk. The skin of his face is probably as thick as the cement the smiley face is on. And paints the representation of his face on every city property, including police cars.
Some politicians have their pictures at the front of garbage trucks - well, how fitting. I think they would prove of more use if they tie themselves in front of the trucks.
As Sec Robredo showed, these things do not matter. Filipinos are intelligent enough to know who are thick faced and who are great men. For these politicians, there was nary a tear shed when they left office. For some, people were really glad to see them go.
I compare the people's reaction to Sec Robredo and Gloria Arroyo. For Sec Robredo, there was grief and sadness and a sense of loss. I pity Gloria Arroyo now because despite her sickness, people still despise her. Even when her doctor said she needed surgery abroad, nobody even believed him and in fact, he was charged as being unethical.
And Gloria's face was on every single billboard and TV commercial and government documents and still people despise her. Proof that one cannot buy people's hearts just by showing their faces.
This reminds me of the story of the first Chinese emperor who ordered that many men be killed at his death so that there will be weeping when he died. These politicians are no better.
It is really more fun in the Philippines - because there are more clowns and idiots who cling to fame and yet will lose them when they are removed from office.
I hope these epals will not be elected. I hope the president will appoint someone who will continue Sec Robredo's legacy, God bless the Philippines.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Day 23: Mary the Queen and My Daughter's Birthday
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| Birthday Girl |
Today's memorial speaks of the culmination of a life in the Lord - it is a life of obedience. One of the news is that the Ateneo president has issued a statement supporting the stand of the Catholic Church against the RH bill. This will definitely get a lot of flak from the intelligent Catholics. This bill has undoubtedly caused a heated debate to the country, but then, conflicts are bound to happen specially if we are talking about life.
A lot of my friends support the RH Bill. I do not support the RH bill. The politicians assure the people that this will not lead to abortion. Yeah right - politicians do not lie - just as I am from Mars. I am fed up with teachers in Catholic schools who push their own agenda and go against the teaching of the Church. First off, the schools are Catholic schools. Their mission is not only to encourage discussion. The purpose of Catholic education is to proclaim Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments." How can one claim to love Jesus if one does not obey his commands? I support the bishops' call to investigate the teachers who publicly support the RH bill. I would go further and even suggest that they withhold communion from politicians who support it.
The memorial today reinforces the importance of obedience to Jesus. Mary became Queen of Heaven because she was obedient to Jesus. Many claim they are Catholics because: they pray the rosary everyday; they go to mass every Sunday; they contribute to the Church; they give to the poor; etc. BUT I suggest they read Matthew 7:21-23. Jesus disowned those who prophesied in his name, drove out demons in his name and performed miracles in his name. And none of these were evil. Why?Because they did not do the will of the Father. Christianity goes more than praying the rosary everyday. It goes more than going to mass on Sundays. It goes more than doing social justice work, doing good for the poor, etc, etc. It is knowing the person of Jesus Christ. And if one teaches in a Catholic school and still does not get this, then one should ask why one is still teaching at a Catholic school.
Anyway, back to nicer things. The day began with mass with my daughter. I thanked the Lord for giving her to me. We had breakfast at Jollibee and then went home. My brother and his son and daughter treated us at Tasty restaurant. The food was good. As an added note, I drove to the restaurant through the crazy streets of Monumento, EDSA and Bonifacio Ave.
We came home and another celebration for dinner - no wonder I am gaining weight. Not looking forward to going back to the gym.
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