The First Six Months

The first six month period of regency year has given a more perspective to what is life is all about. I had a taste of regency before for five years before I come back to the seminary, but this year's regency is something to reflect about. Something that I myself would delve into the reality what makes my journey so valuable. This is something that I would like to share...

There are lots to thank to the Lord...the job that I have right now has given me maturity and wise decision-making which continuously challenges me to become a better person for myself and for others as well. The friendship I have with others which given me an area for growth and development and which helped me to open up an opportunity to explore my potentials and uncovered my inner wants. I gradually and slowly facing my fear inside and putting up a positive outlook in life and commencing it with prayer to help me sustain my faith and moving on to a greater heights of believing one's self. The family I have is my greatest support system all throughout this journey, they are the reason why I am still pursuing this dream. I pray that I would never fail them and that God may give them strength to be with me in this journey.

The next six months will be totally unpredictable, the road may seemed uncertain but I trust in God's divine providence. I know that He has plans for me and all I can do is trust Him. I am preparing and yes, I am ready to face certain fears...Pray for me!

When God Calls (An Encounter with Young Altar Servers of Sto. Nino de Taguig Parish)

How do we become a servant of servants? The question is already a cliche when we talk about vocation. Last Saturday, I had a chance to give a pre-recollection talk to young altar servers of Sto. Nino de Taguig Parish in Signal Village, Taguig City. I am somewhat not so prepared when I delivered the talk although I have managed to prepare some outlines for it, the topic was about Vocation, Discernment, Response and Commitment. I told the person-in-charge of the pre-recollection that it was too broad but nevertheless I was able to synthesize each subject according to what I have learned from my subjects in Theology. The outline was prepared and done and all I have to do is to give the talk but when I am already talking about the topic...it seemed that I have not following my prepared outline. I have been talking to them spontaneously but not out of the topic. The Holy Spirit might be working at that time. The response of my audience was positive and I do hope that they have picked up something from my talk (hopefully...).

The response that I received from them were truly inspiring and my prayers for them is that God may guide their hearts in continuous discernment. I pray that the recollection that they will undergo next weekend will be fruitful and the simple promise that they have wrote during the pre-recollection may serve as constant reminder to them about this special call from God.

To get to the essentials of my topic, God calls us in a way what he desires for us, in His ways and in His time. What could be the motivating factor for us to response to the call is our willingness to serve. God do not force us to choose but He gives us options to where we can serve Him and others. The decision is truly ours based on our discernment. The young altar servers whom I encountered last Saturday were no exception to the call of God, they are being called in a way that each of them respond and how they are able to receive the invitation. They are still young but God will nourish their youthful hearts to cultivate the seed of vocation planted in them.

Thoughts About Life

Life is short. The moment we are conceived in our mother's womb, life has just started, our journey has just begun. The very moment we breathe is the beginning of our quest to life and the odyssey that will bring forth to our destiny. Time and days pass us by as if endless but little did we know that these are just temporary. Impatient are we to wait another day and for time to quickly move by, but are we enjoying each moment we are into? Are we relishing the experience of making each day special? Do we just pass by each day without savoring the moment of loving and being loved?

Life is precious. We have one solitary life, we don't gamble for nothing but we gamble for the very meaning of life itself. We continue to search for life's meaning; creating, discovering, inventing better ways of making life easier but do we really make life as easy as that? We don't want our life more complicated such as these innovations, we are just simply facing a simple question without experimentation...are you happy with your life?

Life is beautiful. Each day gives us an opportunity to wake up with optimism, a day that awaits us to live and be happy. God wants us to be happy. We just need to think that every step of the way is an opportunity for us to make our lives better and to attain happiness is simply seek God's wonderful plan for you and that you live your life to the fullest and love to your heart's content!

Silent Prayer

For the past 3 months since I started this regency period, I have not kept silent. I really miss being silent and spend some time in a most serene place. Silence becomes an opportunity for me to unwind, relax, reflect and pray but as soon as I started my work everything becomes loud. I have to rush up to meet the deadline, take every day transportation going to my work, update and work on pendings, hear computers click and office doors swoosh....all these things are noises of an external self. The busy bodies of the world create a sound which succumb to materialization and progress of changing lifestyle.

I have to find time to be silent...even in the midst of busy world, I have to struggle to be silent for awhile. Letting my mind to be free and escape from the urban jungle created by the noises I hear from outside. At last, I finally stop... hearing only my heartbeat pulsating like beads and these beads turned into prayers and these prayers allow me to be still for awhile and find moment to be with my Lord, only to find myself that silence dwells God whom I missed for the past 3 months.

Please don't ever let me go...I pray...I am clinging unto you O Lord...I utter...I need you O Lord...I beg...Thank you so much my Lord...my heart's thanksgiving.

Occupation: I Work For Change!

The recent inauguration of President Benigno Aquino III has given much anticipation to the change that this country hoped for. June 30, 2010 marked a significant date on this brand new administration, the whole country is in euphoria and celebration of victory cheerfully gleed on this eventful day. Since it's holiday, I had a chance to get glued on TV and watch the coverage of several networks. Impressive coverage of giant networks. Yellow became the favorite motiff for the day and the victorious 'Laban' sign became strongly visible as the event went by. Political figures, honorary guests and celebrities dressed their best and performances were entertaining with the sense of nationalism. The president-elect and the outgoing president came 11 minutes in advance to the proper schedule and a brief salute from their brave men was given to them. The last march of madame commander-in-chief was done with dignity bidding her men a last look with gratitude for the past 9 years of her governance.

The colors and images of the presidential inauguration reminds us of transition, transition of administration and capping off the previous one. Transition that despite the ugly politics here in our country there's still anticipation of something new awaits for us. During his campaign trail, then Senator Aquino, in his campaign ad, would echo from time to time his invitation 'samahan ninyo ako sa daang matuwid'...perhaps an invitation to traverse the road of righteousness and what we can do is to make that choice! This was done by many of us last May 10, 2010.

I honestly did not vote for Noynoy Aquino and was able to vote another presidentiable whom I think has a clear platform and who has intellect and ability. I think I did not waste my vote because all I knew, I voted according to my conscience and that what matters. I am not a staunch supporter of President Noynoy Aquino but I am for change and for change I will participate and will become a staunch supporter of this great revolution of our times. It is not about PNoy or any political figures we admire but it is about us whom we can tap to make this change happen. Sounds a cliche already but no matter how we stated that we are change...this cannot be done without me, you and us. I agree with PNoy to choose the road to righteousness and we must help him. We have now our new job...our occupation: I Work for Change!

Inauguration is over, it's time now to work!

The Trees at San Jose Seminary

The month of June is something to look forward when going back to San Jose Seminary, aside from the building and the famous San Jose statue, the acacia trees are another landmark. I happened to visit again my home-seminary last May of this year, just five days before I start my regency year proper, I must say that I did feel at home again to the place where my vocation flourished and where I knew myself even better. I was about to transfer all my things from the other building to the main building stock room when I noticed the acacia trees fronting the seminary driveway.

During this time of the year, the flowers of the acacia trees bloom and what a wonderful sight to see again those flowers bloom! It seems that another school year will unfold and there's always something to look forward when coming home to San Jose Seminary! Just like the trees at San Jose Seminary, we are being welcomed again to continue our journey and to feel again the warm embrace of our beloved alma mater that truly this is our home. The acacia trees welcome the Sons of San Jose from far or near, from old to young ones, ordained or lay, friends and benefactors...Everyone is welcome!

Isang Panalangin...Butihing Diyos

One of my favorite hymns from the album Tinig San Jose 2 is "Butihing Diyos" composed by Fr. Steven Zabala and as arranged by Marius Villaroman, both of them were San Jose Seminary alumnus. Because of its haunting hymn, I decided to make a video out of the song which expresses my gratitude and prayer for my seminary-home, San Jose Seminary. I hope that this song would remind us our constant longing for God's love and to follow his ways on the path where His presence is felt...

I dedicated this video to all Josefinos both lay and ordained, to the Jesuit formators of Josefinos from past to present and to our friends and benefactors, may these images present in this video reminisced beautiful memories of their alma mater...

I'm happy to post here...The Blogger.com premiere of "Isang Panalangin...Butihing Diyos"

When I wasn't there, Prayer works!

The news shocked me when my eldest sister in a hoarse voice told me that our grandfather passed away due to the complications in the respiratory system resulting to emphysema. I was really in a state of shock that suddenly tears began to rolling to my cheeks. I was speechless then as if my throat was dried instantly. I found myself alone in the bedroom while my siblings are preparing themselves to go to the hospital. Questions began to fill my mind not knowing why did it happen to my grandfather? He was very kind and understanding grandfather to me. Why he has to die so unexpectedly when things that I promised for him began to shape up? Why him? Why now?

Another thing that bothers me when we confined him in the hospital for almost two weeks, I seldom visited him and sometimes, too lazy to do so. My alibi? There are lots of things to do in school, so many projects to be done, etc. But as much as possible, I really do pray for him a lot while he is still in the hospital. And when he died, my conscience bothers. Did I really forsake my grandfather in the moment of his agony? I then keep on blaming myself for not being with my grandfather during his last agony but soon I prayed to the Lord, and he made me reflect that I didn't really abandoned my grandfather at all. Physically I wasn't there when he gave up his last breath but spiritually I am with him through my prayers.

Since he was diagnosed with emphysema six months before he died, I asked the Lord not to take my grandfather so soon. A person with emphysema usually lives only for two to three months. The Lord may have been listening at that time that He allowed my grandfather to live for seven more months prior to the doctor's diagnosis. He may already be gone but the works of prayer granted during those times and still kept believing me that is it is truly powerful and an effective armor when things go uncertain. Until now, I still pray for my grandfather's soul. I really miss him very much...

At the Middle of the Sea

It was my first time to be in cruising ship bound to Cagayan de Oro City for a youth conference. There at the ship deck, I had the chance for sight seeing. Enjoying seeing those islands we passed by, some aquamarine life floating on water and some species of fish swimming in the deep blue sea. It was unforgettable experience but the most memorable one when darkness covered the sea with its sands of stars shining brightly over us but no moon was sighted. We are at the middle of the sea with no ships passing by. The wind blows gently in its coldness. Beyond the horizon were lighthouses with their flickering lights from the distance serving as night compass to those navigating on the sea.

Though at first I was scared to get aboard in a ship for the possibility that it will sink but fear faded suddenly when all the magnificent scene that evening shown before my very eyes. It was truly a majestic show that God for us that night. That was God's sign for me to assure that there's nothing to fear or worry about because He is with us in the midst of navigation. It's a splendid evening indeed!

The First Seminary

I was very eagered to enter the seminary when I was young but when I graduated from high school I was able to enter. Living in the seminary may be difficult and struggling but once you've been from the first seminary, everything will be alright. What's the first seminary I'm referring to?

Though some of us (like myself) who is eager to live in the seminary, you're already are in it! Our home is the first seminary where we first learn to pray with our parents who serve as our first rector, prefects and our teachers. It is from our home where we first learn how to work in a meaningful way, the first seminary where we develop our personality and the first seminary we realize our vocation that God called us to. We owe our home this unique formation, for what we are and what we'll become.

Paghahandog Ng Sarili (A Reflection)

One of the best-loved religious song that’s very memorable to me is the song composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ and Jandi Arboleda, putting a haunting hymn to the immortal prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s “Take and Receive” (from the Spiritual Exercises). Aside from the fact that this song was the first piece I played on the piano, the song inspired my journey to where I am now. Yes, to become a priest of His service to His flock.

The song’s melody puts oneself into deep and revered prayer of thanks and consolation that God lovingly bestowed upon. The lyrics (which translated to Filipino by Fr. Timoteo Ofrasio, SJ) puts meaning to selfless sacrfice to forego whatever riches, power or selfish ambition we have.

“Paghahandog Ng Sarili” is not also a simple Offertory song we sing in masses. It is a prayer. A prayer of self-surrending everything that flaggelates our inner being. The difficulty of letting go is the most challenging part of foregoing for the sake of vocation. The song reminds me that there’s nothing in this world that could be most valuable than the unconditional love of God that touched my heart. Riches and power may offer securities but the love of God sustains life and gives happiness that outpours!

“Paghahandog Ng Sarili” invites everyone to be like Christ, which he himself puts the best example of giving selflessly of one’sself to God. It’s an invitation. Jesus had done this to his cross, why should we not also do this to our own crosses? Oftentimes we put complains about the weight of our crosses when it is actually a moment where we should give ourselves according to one’s capacity of loving as equal to the weight our crosses we bear.

Whenever you sing “Paghahandog Ng Sarili”, let us be reminded what things should we let go for the sake of attaining God’s love. As for myself, I am continuously reflecting on things that I should let go. Letting go is not a one-time process, it is continuous process of learning to accept with humility that we as human beings, tainted with sins, but coping to be as creature loved unconditonally by God.

The Big Stone and the Villagers

There was a road that leads to a village where nobody seems to care. This is the only road that is accessible for the people. One day, a big stone from nowhere blocked the road. The villagers begun to murmur of who amongst them will remove the stone but nobody seems to care. A merchant was passing by and saw the stone. He climbed over it and goes on his way to the village. A soldier was also passing by and saw the same stone, but instead of climbing, he went the other way by going around the stone and away he proceeds to the village. Then a farmer from a nearby village was about to pass by, he used his rope and tie around the stone and pulls it with the help of his cart and carabao from the center. The villagers saw what the farmer is doing. They felt ashamed of themselves. Suddenly, the villagers are now helping the farmer to pull the stone and they succeed! Yes the stone has been removed from the road because they were united. From that day on, everybody starts to care.

The Hardest Thing

All of us may agree that the hardest thing you'll ever do is bidding farewell to a friend, a place and even to your family. I don't recount anymore how many times I did that, so far in this life: bidding farewell to my family when I first entered the seminary, my exodus from three seminaries I have been with, etc. I hate saying goodbye but the reality is, it is part of life's continuing journey and also part of God's divine plan.

To say 'goodbye' may be the literal word for 'parting is such a sweet sorrow' by William Shakespeare but the sweetness of memories we experienced will forever be sketch in our hearts and mind. To say 'goodbye' may close a door of fond memory but will become the key to unlock a brand new experience that life will bring. To say 'goodbye' is a challenge for us to be strong and firm. It is important that while we still alive and breathing, we must love the persons around us as much as possible and enjoy and cherish every moment that God gives us.

The Acacia Tree in Our Parish

Our acacia tree in our nearby parish is the only surviving tree around the premise that became the living witness of our town;s history. It is one of our treasured heritage in our place because it exists for more than centuries! It surely has gone a long way of our history. Unfortunately, it could not speak nor recount to us what really happened during those chaotic times in the pages of our history. People in our town tend to repeat again the error of our forefathers did in the past.

If only the acacia tree would be able to speak, it would remind us all over again the mistakes that our forefathers have done that we today have really never learned about. During our town's fiesta, our city government gave recognition to that acacia tree hailing as a living mute witness to our history. Today, that tree still stands in its glorious splendor. It serves us a living reminder to all the people who pass by in our church that we should never forget our past, present and even our future.

The Old Church of Sta.Ana in Taguig...photo taken in 18th century, the young acacia tree

stands in front of the church

Our church today and the acacia tree which is more than 400 years of existence

Vocation Journey Series: A Chance to Serve (A Reflection from my Installation)

In a typical lunch in the seminary when our rector announced and reminded us First and Second Year Theologians to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Installation to the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte on August. Our rector’s announcement was also the start of writing our petition letters to our respective bishops and reading again the guidelines ‘Motu Propio’ of Pope Paul VI. A scheduled seminar on the lectorate and acolytate will be conducted again either by Fr. Tim Ofrasio, SJ or Fr. Gene Diwa. Preparations such as purchasing albs for our class, making invitations and liturgy practices for the Installation are one of those busy days which we can write in journal of our seminary life.

But more to the preparations (materially if you may want to call it), what we are preparing is not simply an installation rite but rather a more meaningful and different level of service most especially the ministry that we are receiving: the Ministry of Acolyte. Why is this meaningful?

Before the installation day, I had a Spiritual direction with my Spiritual Director, (a fitting way to prepare for an installation!). He asked me that question and I answered, ‘because I waited for a year to finally receive the ministry’. The answer that I have given may not sound too convincing but we went in-depth. Perhaps, synonymous to the question of ‘Why is this meaningful?’ is the question ’How special is this ministry that I am going to receive?’. Amidst of excitement that I felt before the installation day, mixed emotions were felt; joy, fear, unworthiness…

It was then through spiritual direction that I came up with a realization that it was God’s grace that makes it so special…the grace of sharing the Body of Christ to the people. I also become the minister who assists in giving communion and the privileged to give the body of Christ to the people is a special gift that the ministry of acolyte can impart. A special gift that can truly be treasured. This is another chance for me to serve him in a manner more profound and honored. But there’s a feeling of unworthiness…unworthy in the sense that I am not the person qualified for that job but still I am called to serve. Despite my weakenesses, He has called me to this level of service…that’s another grace from God!

And it was during our Installation to the Ministry of Acolyte that I really felt something extraordinary and understood so much the meaning and joy of being called to this service despite unworthiness.

The hope that I prayed when I received the chalice and paten from the installing prelate…

Lord here I am, ready to serve and love you, give me the grace to love you even more despite my frailties and grant me the strength to fervently serve you with my entire life!

Vocation Journey Series: Typical Day in the Seminary

In case you’re wondering how’s my day goes in the seminary, well, here’s a little crash course on a day-to-day life in the seminary. Our day starts around 5:30am or earlier to prepare ourselves for the community, BEC or personal morning prayer or the Holy Mass which usually starts at 6:00am then followed by breakfast at 7am. After breakfast, we prepare ourselves for academic activities by going to our theological school, which is Loyola School of Theology. A 5-minute walk from San Jose Seminary which is both located inside the campus of Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

Our studies run from 2 to 3 hours which has 15-minute break interval. Depending on our class schedule, there were days that we have free time in the morning or afternoon which does not mean to say that you are free from obligation to study, well…it’s really a self-discipline habit to develop: either you study or get flank. The choice is really ours. After class hours, we go back to our seminary for lunch at 12nn and before taking lunch, we have to say our Angelus.

There are schedules in the afternoon for studies, or siesta or personal activities, again, it depends upon the schedule of the seminary. Sometimes, we have community sports in the afternoon, either you play basketball or volleyball or badminton. We have a huge covered court which homed these sports. If we do have free time in the afternoon, we could go out from the seminary and run some errands for our needs, or visiting a benefactor or emergency appointment which needs to attend.

At 5pm, quiet begins then silence and preparation for Community Mass begins. The Community Mass gathers the theology and philosophy department as well as our formators. Then at 7pm, we eat our dinner together, afterwards, we do some recreation at 7:20pm and by 8pm, if there are meetings and conferences we proceed to our multi-purpose hall underneath the St. Ignatius Building. At 9pm, we do our studies and 10pm…if we want, lights off follows.

On weekends, we have apostolate of each BECs to our respective apostolate areas. Our BEC apostolate area is in Libis, Quezon City. We sleep there on Saturday night and return to the seminary the following day, Sunday.

That’s how our day-to-day life in the seminary works.

Vocation Journey Series: That Feeling in the Seminary

Why Am I Here in the Seminary?

This question oftentimes I asked myself whenever I wake up in the morning and retiring to bed in the evening. I have told you about my decision to go back in the seminary despite of good and modest position I had in my previous company. Yes, for some it is dismaying to know that I exchanged my work just to be back in the seminary. I don’t blame their sentiments, for they are just expressing their views. On the other hand, some were happy for what I have decided because I have found already what my heart desires throughout the years that I spent outside the seminary.

Whenever I wake up in the morning, I still can’t believe that I am back in the seminary and that, I am following again certain schedule for a day. It’s a good feeling though because I have missed this kind of life five years ago. When I came here last May 9, 2008, there were mixed emotions I have felt; excited, fear, nervous, happy, etc. I can’t believe I am in the seminary again. Later that day, we had our first mass together as a batch of new seminarians in San Jose, I felt an unexplainable feeling that time! It seems that both of my feet were cold, my heartbeat is fast pulsating, my muscles pounding. I have never imagine to feel again the same feeling that I have felt when I first entered the seminary. Bumabalik na nga ang dati kong buhay na nakagawian ko…
Even until today, the feeling is still there. How I wish I could describe more vividly to you this kind of feeling that I am now experiencing. This perhaps, a way of God’s love is being channeled through me and I want this to share it to others.
A friend have asked me this question, ‘Do you have any regrets of going back to the seminary?’ , I just simply told my friend, ‘No regrets. I am happy to where I am now.’

Vocation Journey Series: From PSMBFI to San Jose Seminary

After a year na hindi ako nakapagsulat dito sa blog ko, at last, nagkaroon na rin ako ng time to update my blog. Anyway, marami na rin ang nangyari since the last blog na sinulat ko dito. To keep you updated, I resigned from my work as a Marketing and Leasing Clerk from my former company in PSMBFI somewhere in Crame. Most of my co-workers were sad because I am resigning soon especially that I am already a probationary employee, less than 2 months I will become a regular employee in the company. I have decided to re-enter again the seminary and this time at San Jose seminary inside Ateneo de Manila University. Some of my friends were quite shock about my decision but others, they are expecting it already because I have confided them my on-going reflections that time. Even my parents didn’t expect my sudden turn-about decision to re-enter the seminary again.

What happened is that, they were expecting some sort of explanations from me but I told them an honest decision to be back in the seminary which, in the first place, my first love. I have been in the outside world for 5 years (since I went out from the seminary in 2002) and I think, those 5 meaningful years were enough to say that I have been through a lot of challenges and it’s time for me to come back. I am so grateful for five years living in the world where reality of life is being experienced. I had 4 different jobs that I have been with 4 different companies. I experienced how to toil hard and sweat my eyebrows for the sake of earning a living. I do not say this because I had enough of work for five years, I am still continue learning the facts of life and its lessons and even up to this day. Although I am now in San Jose Seminary, the securities are back and harder studies has just begun, I am praying that I may endure these challenges which once again test my perseverance of my vocation and the faith that I am holding on to God. I would like you to join with me in this conquest…

Unlocking the Mystery of Life: An Introduction to my Blog

I am finally here at Blogger.com and I am so happy to share with you some of my articles, reflections and other write-ups that I wrote. Writing is one of my hobby and I am enjoying it because it gives me a place to channel my thoughts and ideas on a certain and relevant topic. I have started blogging in Friendster, where most of my articles here were posted...

I hope you enjoy reading my articles and hoping too to journey with me as we continue to unlock the mystery of life as Robert Langdon did from his adventure of solving and deciphering codes that waiting to unravel...