Moment 59 - Healing Mass

Last week, I attended a healing mass. The mass celebrant was father Joey Faller, a healing priest from Lucban, Quezon and has been officiating this kind of mass for 14 years now. Bad for me, I was not able to bring my camera for the reason that I was not in the mood for taking pictures and much to my regret, I was not able to have a picture of him. But since he is a famous priest, one can simply google search for his name.

I had my encounter with healing masses before but it never occurred to me that I'll be participating in one of these healing sessions. I guess, I was not yet ready that time.  I can still remember when we had a trip last year to Batangas where I was practically busy taking pictures of the ongoing healing mass, the participants literally fall to the floor after the anointing of the priest. One good friend, Leo, asked me to participate and for me to experience what it's gonna like falling to the floor and if it is really true. But I beg off since this kind of ceremony is not a laughing matter, not an experiment, nor to test the power of the Holy One.

As father Joey Faller carried the holy sacrament around the venue and repeatedly reciting illnesses that need to be healed, we were asked to kneel and raise our hands toward the holy sacrament. In the midst of silence (except of course for the voice of father Joey Faller) and offering myself to the Lord, I knelt on the floor and I raised my hands as high as I could reach just like the rest of the attendees that fruitful afternoon. It was an occasion where you can simply let go all those resentments, hatreds, and anxieties in your heart and you may cry as you wish where nobody dare not look at you nor question you. And with the current struggles I am facing right now, yes, I let go all those burdens and offer them to the Lord. I was not ashamed to let my tears roll down in my cheeks. I repeatedly asked the Lord to take control of my life, and I asked for enough strength to sustain my day to day existence. It was a liberating experience to think that I have been struggling for nine months now and I know that I cannot simply make it this far without His ever constant care and love.

When people started to line up and father Joey Faller touched them to be healed, I participated likewise. As I fall in line, my knees where trembling and my heart was beating fast because it will be just me and my Maker in a while. There were so many things that entered in my mind and as I came closer to be blessed and healed, I slowly emptied my mind. As father Joey touched the people, I watched them fall, one after the other There was even one that screamed uncontrollably. I could not help myself to ask about my predicament when my turn comes. We had been oriented to simply let go and never fight nor resist the force because some will feel differently like passing out, a sudden chill, crying, or just like the one before me, screaming like you're the only person around.  And when I fall in line, I have to admit that I was still nervous but I kept on reciting that I am offering myself to the Lord. My hands were open and a bit extended from my chest with the sides touching each other, I closed my eyes and repeatedly saying "Lord, I offer myself to You." But I have to admit that at the back of my mind, some reservations do still exist.

In this particular moment, when you are placed in a situation that looks like it is just you and the Lord, the hardest thing to do is to make excuses. I felt like my whole existence was playing before my consciousness and I share them with the Lord. And all I have to do was to wait for Him to say something. It was like a dry run before my meeting with the Lord and to be honest, it was one exciting moment yet dreadful. I don't know if my sinful existence could land me a place in heaven and perhaps with this experience, I will be much more particular with my salvation rather than with my temporary existence in this world.

When I finally heard the voice of father Joey approaching, I let out a long breath and offered  myself to the Lord. And when father Joey finally touched my hand, I was waiting to fall with my strength leaving me. But there was only a tingling jolt and I just made a single step backwards and it was over. I was still on my feet and when I faced the crowd, I was no longer ashamed and frightened. There was a sense of fulfillment and a renewed faith that my heart embraced and I hope that in the coming days, I will be able to sustain this experience.

As I reflect with my encounters that day, maybe, when I fall in line and waited to be healed, my heart was already free from hatred and resentments. Maybe, when I poured earlier all my sufferings and asked for forgiveness and salvation, I don't have to experience to fall and weakened nor scream with so much remorse. Maybe, when I offered myself to the Lord together with all the troubles that I have been carrying all along, I was already healed. And when father Joey touched me, it was just a confirmation that the Lord is still looking after me. Amen.

Quote 117 - Creation

Random Thought 59 - Last Goodbye

When you say goodbye, do you mean it as take care or see you around? Will your goodbye be different if it will be the last one?

Digging into my consciousness, my goodbyes are simply some forms of acknowledgement to someone who is about to leave but I know I'll be seeing him/her soon. Actually, it does not mean a thing at all. I guess it would be more proper to say "take care" rather than "goodbye."

But it would be entirely different when you will be saying your last goodbye. And perhaps, you may ask, where's the good in saying goodbye if it will be your last?

It is always a hurting experience seeing those people whom you've loved and treasured for several years and eventually leaving them. But when the situation calls for it, you know when you are suppose to bid your goodbye.

Goodbye guys and thank you for the fond memories. Thank you for the opportunity of knowing you and letting me into your lives. We know that some good things never last and there is always that particular time when we have to part ways. It is alright to cry but let's cherish in our hearts all those wonderful moments we've shared together. And since my time is up, your love and prayers would be more than enough as a parting gift.

And to some very special people whom I've owed a lot, rest assured guys that you will never be forgotten. A part of me will always be dedicated for you and if opportunity warrants, just let me know and I'll find time to be there for you. Thank you for your selfless acts and for being my angels especially during those trying and struggling times. See you around.

Food Trip 58 - Minatamis na Saging

Minatamis na saging is one dessert that anyone can practically prepare without much effort. You simply allow the water to boil, add a certain amount of sugar, and add the sliced ripe banana (saba). You may add a vanilla flavor to enhance its aroma and after some minutes, you can already eat your heart out.

I prefer to prepare this stuff if muscovado is available. Aside from being unadulterated, the syrup of muscovado is far better than any known commercial sugar. Its rich syrup brings a certain form of texture to the taste which is lacking in processed sugar. But others don't appreciate muscovado because of its strong sweet taste.

Minatamis na saging is a common ingredient in halo-halo and mais con hielo but it can be enjoyed as it is. Hmmm. I feel like I wanted a serving of this.

Exploring Philippines 58 - Pandan, Antique (Post 1 - Bugang River)

I came to know about Bugang River when I watched a local environment tv special featuring the prized pristine places in the Philippines, how they affect the lives of the people, the measures to preserve and prosper them, and the issues they face about climate change and the growing demand of the local populace. It was on this show when I learned about the Bugang River which has been regarded and declared as the cleanest river in the Philippines. And one time, when I had this chance, I really spent a day to explore this place.

Bugang River is located in Pandan, Antique. From the town proper of Pandan, we went to the public market where tricycles for hire are parked and asked around for the trip going to barangay Zaldivar. We told the tricycle driver that our drop off point would be at the Bugang river. When we were at Bugang, we asked around for the Bugang river and we were directed towards a community where the Bugang river can be found. As we followed the road, we were actually going towards the end part of Bugang river where the river meets the sea. When we asked around about the source of Bugang river, we were told that it is two kilometers away from our current location. And so we hired a tricycle for 100 pesos in going there because of the scarcity of the public utility vehicles in the area. Visitors of the place oftentimes have their own vehicles because it is quite far from the main road.



To cut the story short, we reached the Malumpati resort. The Malumpati resort is a favorite picnic place where the water of its pool comes directly from the Bugang river. The water of the resort is a flowing one, just like a regular river and it was restructured in order to hold as much water as possible where it is several meters deep. And since its water comes directly from the river, the first time of feeling it is just like touching a water that comes out from a refrigerator.


When we got there, we hired a local tour guide to bring us to the very source of the river. The tour guide charged us 100 pesos and he simply said to us to follow him. I was anticipating that our tour guide had some stories to tell about the place as we follow him but it seemed that his role was just to lead the way. Not much for a tour guide, I must say.

Poem 58 - Kursunada

Binati kita
Ng minsang makita ka
Abot tenga ang mga ngiti
Dahil nakita kang muli.

Nag-uumapaw ang tuwa
Abot hanggang kaluluwa
Ang sarap ng pakiramdam
Sana ito'y iyong alam.

Kumakabog ang puso ko
Parang tambol ng musikero
Itong pagkikita natin
Ang saya'y di kayang supilin.

Pero nakalimutan ko pala
Na hindi mo ako kilala
Bigla kang napalingon
At baka may ibang tumugon.

Sumulyap ka lang sandali
At agad mo ring binawi
Tapos diretso na ang lakad mo
Ako'y nakatingin pa rin sa 'yo.

Natawa ako bigla
Bumawi sa aking pagkatulala
Hindi ko sukat akalain
Na ako'y nagpapalipad hangin.

At habang papalayo ka
Pinagmamasdan pa rin kita
Nagkakamot ulo na nakangiti
Damdamin ko'y di naikubli.

Sana'y bukas o sa makalawa
Tayo'y magkakilala na
Para di ako magmukhang tanga
Tuwing binabati kita.

Quote 116 - Dreams

Moment 58 - Mia

Mia is the daughter of my colleague and friend Rochelle. This picture was taken at Caleruega when we went there for a retreat.

In one of our free time, I had this opportunity to direct her for a photo shoot. I was captivated by her genuine smile and I tried to win her attention. And I was thankful that even for the shortest time, she gave me a couple of wonderful poses.

Working with kids is fun but you've got to be quick because their attention quickly changes. I guess winning their trust and being a friend to them helps a lot in delivering one great picture. And I was thankful for Mia for giving me that rare chance.

Quote 115 - Life

Random Thought 58 - Cast Your Stone

I know that I am a sinner but don't judge me as if you are a saint and a pure one. Cast your stone as if you have not sinned.

Some people tend to be judgmental toward others and when they concluded that a sin or a mistake had been committed, they behave like savages of the old world and wanted to have a piece of the person in question. These so-called sinless beings, boastful and pretentious, are the very first ones who would cast their stones and proclaim their joys and victories on the matter.

Cast your stone as if you're a godly being, ever pure and untarnished. But even if you have all the compelling reasons to do so, by any means, you don't have any right whatsoever. Why? Because a good christian and a God fearing person will not resort to such barbaric actions. The temptation of glorifying oneself to be just and right over others do not warrant any freedom nor superiority. As such, casting a stone unto others is an act that fits only for people with evil intent.

Cast your stone and wash your hands with the blood coming from the person that you stoned. Maybe in doing so, you'll be relieved with all the hatred in your heart. Cast your stone to the person that you hate the most. Maybe, you will proclaim your victory with the suffering of that person. Cast your stone to the person that you try to condemn. Maybe, you'll find your peace afterwards.

The adrenalin rush in casting your stone towards others could be a glorifying act, a relieving one. But, by having the blood in your hands makes you a better person? Or is it worth it?

Food Trip 57 - Tapang Kalabaw

I never thought of the day that I'll have the chance to taste tapang kalabaw. Even if I grew up in the province, carabao meat is not a common thing in our locality. But in some rural areas, carabao meat is being sold every market day.

There was a time in our province when selling carabao meat was prohibited. If my memory serves me right, it was agreed (or a resolution by authorities had been passed) to ban carabao meat because the carabao is being used in plowing the fields and selling their meat would mean cutting down their numbers.

Anyways, the first time I tasted tapang kalabaw from a known restaurant was not good. Perhaps, I must say that I did not appreciate its flavor. But recently, when I had the chance to taste it again during a family gathering, boy, it was good. If I had not known that it was tapang kalabaw, I could had mistaken it as tapang baka.

Exploring Philippines 57 - Busuanga, Palawan (Post 13 - Busuanga Airport)

The time came when we had to leave Coron. After a couple of days of stay, it felt like there's more to do and there could be more fun on this island. But our time was up.

After coming down from Mt. Tapyas and eating our breakfast, by 8 in the morning we were already set to leave towards the Busuanga Airport. We were scheduled to ride the plane before 12 noon and it took us almost an hour from the town of Coron to the Busuanga airport.

Since we arrived early, he had ample time for some photo taking activities and as we patiently wait for our ride, we were told that our plane will be late for some time. The reason behind the delayed arrival of our place was the visit of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Coron.

At first, we were a bit puzzled because there was a sudden influx of military men securing the landing area of the Busuanga airport. We don't have any idea about the arrival of pGMA and only when she stepped out of the plane turned the earlier rumors to be true. It was my first time seeing her, as to most of the rest of the passengers inside the terminal that day. As she made her way towards another waiting smaller plane that will bring her to a destination in a beach resort in Coron, she looked short especially when she passed under the wing of the plane. I really can't imagine that she was really that small in person.

Anyway, as other passengers tried to catch a glimpse of her, she waved to the eager crowd the moment she stepped down from the plane. And as she made her way towards another smaller plane, some people took noticed that she was already wearing her beach suit and was all set to enjoy the waters of Coron. 

After pGMA left, the scenario at the airport went back to normal but we had another celebrity stepping out of the plane. It was no less than senator Loren Legarda. She took a ride at a commercial plane and as she passed by the waiting area to where we were seated, I just can't help admiring her because she's still gorgeous despite her age.

Well, so much for the dignitaries that day. Some minutes after 11 in the morning, we were already instructed to queue and we followed a line towards the waiting plane.

Inside the plane, we were greeted by beautiful stewardess. Jas was more friendly and all smiles in entertaining the passengers while Eunice was a bit shy and reserved. I remembered that each time I attempted to take a picture of Eunice, she would hide from my camera while Jas was more than eager and always ready to flash her smile. 

The moment we reached Manila, eventually, Eunice agreed for a souvenir shot with me. Hehe.

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Poem 57 - Yakapin Mo Ako

Yakapin mo ako
Kahit isang saglit
Sapat na ito
At ang balisa'y maiwaglit.

Yakapin mo ako
Ng aking madama
Na ako'y may karamay
At di nag-iisa.

Marahil hindi mo alam
Ang yakap mo'y makapangyarihan
Hatid nito'y kakaibang ginhawa
Sa tulad kong pinanghihinaan.

Isang yakap mo lang
Mapapawi anumang ligalig
Dala nito'y bagong pag-asa
Sa nauupos kong pananalig.

Yakapin mo ako
Upang ang lungkot ay maibsan
Tanging ang yakap mo
Hatid ay kagalakan.

Yakapin mo ako
At dinggin ang pananaghoy
Para ang tumigil na buhay
Ay patuloy na dadaloy.

Hindi kayang itatwa ang saya
Kapag ang yakap mo'y madama
Tulad ito ng isang alapaap
Kakaibang galak at halina.

At tanging ang yakap mo
Ang magbibigay saysay sa buhay ko
Dahil ikaw at tanging ikaw lang
Ang ninanais nitong puso ko.

Yakapin mo ako
Para dugtungan ang buhay ko
Dahil sa isang kisap-mata
Pwedeng magwakas ito.

Quote 114 - Sway

Moment 57 - Birthday

Today is my birthday and there are two wishes in my mind - that everything will turn out right the soonest possible time and that my family and friends will be forever blessed.

All throughout this time, I must say that it is already a miracle and a blessing that I am able to make this far. Despite of the trials and the struggles that shadow my everyday existence, I am very much thankful that I am still alive and never giving up. Of course, I am in deep gratitude and forever indebted to my angels who are there for me and giving me their unconditional love and support.

This day, I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to make some room even for just a modest celebration. But I guess I would like to spend my special day with those people that stick by my side especially when I was totally down. I am simply thankful that I have plenty of them and I would like them to know that my love and care for them will be until my last breath.

I know that things happen for some reasons. And perhaps, the best reason of them all is knowing these people who are sharing a part of them with no expectations of any favor afterwards. I am thankful and truly blessed that even in my darkest moments, my good and true friends cast their light on me so that I'll find my way and for me to continue living this precious life with a better and brighter disposition.

Again, with all humility, thank you my friends. The good heaven send you to me not during those happy times but during the darkest moments in my life. With your help and support together with the blessings of the good Lord, I still have the chance to experience and celebrate this special day. Though struggling, I consider this one as my most memorable birthday ever for the reason that I happen to know you.

Quote 113 - Love

Random Thought 57 - Sacrificial Lamb

When people in an organization would like to "protect" its image against any negative or unfavorable circumstances, they may choose to make certain sacrifices rather than endure the bad image afterwards.

A sacrificial lamb can be offered in order to appease and please the blood-thirsty hands of people clamoring to be upright and ever truthful. A sacrificial lamb can be the only way in order not to make an offering to the right and just Master of all but to the fellow "sinners" who are driven by rage and with unforgiving hearts.

When a sacrificial lamb is offered, they will rejoice like victorious barbarians even if they proclaim themselves as god-fearing people. A sacrificial lamb means nothing to them because these self-serving people only care about themselves. And they can and they are willing to sacrifice someone in order to protect and value their own interests.

These kind of people are the very people that we regard to be just and morally upright. But the truth of the matter is, they will be the very first one to stone you and disavow you when their own interests and existence are put to tests. And when they see and feel that you're a worthy sacrifice, they will fabricate and justify all the reasons just to get rid of you.

Shame on you and your kind. You may rejoice all you want and feel glorified about what you have sacrificed. Your glory days are only of this world and will soon be over. And one day, you will answer about your cowardly act - not to the sacrificial lamb but to the One who has the power over everything. So be it.

Food Trip 56 - Karekare

Karekare is my all time favorite dish.

During my birthday, my good and trusted friend Liezel personally prepares for me this dish because she knows by heart that I always yearn for this one. Even during ordinary days, whenever she had enough time, she'll manage to prepare one for me. 

Whenever she'll prepare a beef karekare, she knows that I'll droll over the gel part of the beef and she would include plenty of them. She's the one person that really captured by longing for a beef karekare.

Now that I'll be celebrating my birthday in the next couple of days, how I wish my good friend is still available to prepare one for me. Since she left the office and find another job, we only manage to talk over the phone. Geez, I really miss her karekare.

Thank you friend for the great food. And thank you also for being kind and true friend all these years.

Exploring Philippines 56 - Coron, Palawan (Post 12 - Mt. Tapyas)

This was our last day at Coron. It was five in the morning when Danny and I woke up and made our way towards the top of Mt. Tapyas.

When we stepped out of the lodge, it was still dark. Somehow, the lights coming from the lampposts guide our way as we head towards the foot of Mt. Tapyas. And in a place like Coron where the crime rate is low, visitors like us need not worry walking around this time in the morning.

The climb covers 70+ steps(?) and again, I asked for several stops. With the cold early morning breeze, I thought that it will be easy hurdling those steps going to the top of the mountain. But since I am not fond of exercising, my cardio issues can only go on a limited stretch. It was good that the sun was not yet up because its heat can even add to my difficulties in climbing up.

As we made our way to the top of the mountain, there were several locals who make it their daily routine to climb this mountain. Since they were doing this one on a daily basis, it looked as if they were just walking in the park. I guess it is just getting used to this activity and everything becomes easy.

Anyway, after 30 minutes of climb, we reached the top of the mountain and it was still dark. The giant cross which can be seen within the vicinity of the town remained lighted until the first sign of light from the sky. For me, this was one of those rare moments when I spend the passing minutes early in the morning and waiting for the sun to come up. And here at the top of Mt. Tapyas, the beauty of the sleeping town was slowly unraveled when the morning light started to drive the darkness away.

With a full 360 view of the town, the scenery of the place became more magical as its colors shifted from one tone to another. And with the rural folks doing their morning rituals, I was a witness to this sleepy town that comes to life again.

With what I experienced here, the struggles in climbing this mountain was more than worth it. I was blessed with the experience about how great that particular morning was. I was humbled with the gift of sight that I can witness a beautiful morning like that one. I remembered a blind person when asked what he'd like to do when he'll be given an opportunity to see the world for a couple of days. He replied that he'll look forward to seeing the sunrise each morning because no two sunrise are the same.

After more than an hour of stay at Mt. Tapyas, we made our way back to the lodge. We had to prepare early because we will be going back to Manila after having our breakfast.

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