Oblectamentum

Jeepney Ride and a case of temporary insanity

2009-09-16T06:44:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I blogged. �Ito na nga lang ang exercise ko sa training ko sa creative writing napapabayaan ko pa. �Oh well. �I am definitely dropping one of my four jobs soon.

I boarded a jeep to Trinoma while talking over the mobile with the earphone buds inside my ear and the mic near my mouth. �I noticed this Architecture student sitting in front of me smiling. �I was trying to find out why he was smiling and laughing, he wasn't talking with anyone or seeing anyone from outside the jeep who's laughing with him. I found him weird. �He kept smiling and laughing quietly.

One part of me was finding it weird, the other was being conscious about it.

After my conversation with two people, I listened to the radio through my phone. �I noticed that his lips were moving as if talking. �It was then that I decided to remove my earphones.

And then I realized why he was smiling, laughing and talking quietly. �It was the music. �

The music inside the jeep was of OPM classics from Rey Valera, Asin, Renz Verano - the type Love Radio and Energy FM would play. �But the catch is this - they were all remixed with a beatbox, a futile attempt to make these songs sound danceable or resemble hip hop music.

All these songs are very familiar. �By this time, he has noticed that I was staring and finding him weird. �But also, I can't help but smile and laugh quietly that these were the songs. Songs that I too am familiar. �By the time Rey Valera's Tayong Dalawa and Lolita Carbon's Himig ng Pag-ibig were playing, both of us have found each other weird.

When he descended from the jeep at Paramount, the Renz Verano classic Remember Me was playing. �He did not finish listening to it. �After that, it was Claire dela Fuente's hit, Sayang. �With beatbox.

(Tapos, next year, student ko na ito. �hahahaha)

No leads on indie film buffs’ killings - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-09-04T09:11:00.000+08:00

Link

What's the point of having police clearances?!? This woman had one with a fictitious address. �Tsk.

Misconceptions

2009-08-17T12:28:00.000+08:00

I am really annoyed at people who base opinion on misconceptions. �And I find that the Church is the favorite target. �Last Sunday, one of my coworkers in the parish had a visitor whom she refered to as her business partner. �She mentions that he is not Catholic. �I never really judge people according to their religion. �I subscribe to ecumenism (e-communism) and inter-religious dialogue. �But when someone questions my religion, I will stand up and beat the crap out of them. �Joke lang. �I will only blab at them mercilessly.

This guy, who was only visiting his friend in the church, and was welcomed into the rectory while his friend was working on her ministry, had the guts to make hirit - "We also respect Mary but we don't worship her. �There is a difference because in Exodus there's the first commandment, You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your..."

Hey, buddy, I've got news for you. �The Catholic Church does NOT worship Mary. �Worship mo mukha mo. �Second, the first commandment goes "I am the Lord your God, your shall not have any other gods besides me." �What you were quoting is from Deuteronomy. �That is part of the Shema Israel.

I am annoyed at people especially those who left the Catholic Church for these newer Christian whatevers and poise their arrows at the Church they left. �I am annoyed that a lot of them left because of misconceptions - misconceptions that were fed to them and that they believed and now they are spreading themselves. �In the first place, they wouldn't have these misconceptions if they took time to deepen their knowledge of the faith and their Church. �Second, you cannot attack any idea or any person with a wrong assumption. �Sure, some Catholics seem like they are worshipping Mary, but is that the position of the institution of the Church? �No. �Find any official document that makes Mary a deity and you will only tire and bore yourself. �There is none. �For the Catholic Church, she is mother of God, a disciple of the Lord and a participant and beneficiary of the work of salvation. �

I saw a comment of someone from the chat box of Cory's funeral about the prayer of the seminarians. �The seminarians were praying the rosary, which consisted of Hail Mary's. �He goes "Pray to God not to Mary," completely ignorant that it was the rosary and had Hail Mary's in it. �What does the prayer say? �The prayer says nothing more than what the Angel Gabriel (Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you) and Elizabeth (Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb) said in the Gospel of Luke and the petition does not even imply that Mary will cause something, it just asks her to pray for us. �Is that worship or you just don't understand English?

Maybe it would be unfair to retaliate by saying that the Catholic Church, along with the most ancient of Churches such as the Eastern Orthodox Church based in Constantinople (Istanbul), the Coptic Church (Alexandria, Egypt), the Church of Antioch, the Russian Orthodox Church and by extension, the Anglican Church, enjoy the fact that they can trace their institution to the Lord through his apostles and their successors. �They did not just pop up from the small town in Barrio Cupang or wherever from the head of some guy turned pastor who eventually had to justify their existence usually by putting down the mainstream Churches with, guess what, misconceptions. �No, it's unfair.

Hmm. �Come to think of it, the more ancient Churches do have a deep reverence for the person of Mary. �But of course, it is only logical that the more ancient Churches understand these things. �They came from Christ who gave his mother to his followers as their mother.

I am Catholic - you quarrel with my Faith, I will bite you.

Information on Parts of the Church and their Use

2009-08-07T10:10:00.000+08:00

The main worship space is what we know as a church. The primitive Church or Christian communities did not have churches. They met in houses big enough to accommodate everyone. Eventually, the rich Christians started giving or buying houses for the sole purpose of worship. These were called domus ecclesiae or house of the church. Constantine gave the Church basilicas and built up huge structures that replaced or at least overshadowed the domus ecclesiae. Eventually, these structures took on the name of the people that use them – church (with a small c to differentiate with Church as in the Christian community).

Old churches are either just in the form of a rectangle or in the form of a cross. Anything goes for modern churches.

Churches may have have these parts. Those marked with * are required by Church laws on worship and current praxis.

1. * The facade and the church doors. The area of the church actually encompasses the whole complex and this would include the patio in front of it and the facade of the church. These have liturgical use. The patio is used for the blessing of the easter bonfire on Holy Saturday night, and there are celebrations that begin “in faciem ecclesiam” or “in the front of the church like the dedication of the church, the welcoming of those who will be baptised, married and buried.

The church doors symbolize Jesus the sheepgate, the narrow gate and the Way to salvation. The main doors of the church are usually elaborately decorated because these have ceremonial functions, for example, a bishop will knock on the door with the bottom end of his staff at the beginning of the dedication rite. The side doors of the church are only for practical purposes (entrance and exit).

2. The narthex or vestibule. Upon entering the church, the area that welcomes us is the vestibule or narthex. It is the ante room of the church where the priest at the beginning and end of the service interacts with the people. It is also where the holy water spouts are. It is usually also the place where they put announcements for weddings, and other posters and print ads.

3. * The sacristy and vestry. The sacristy is the room where the supplies, the equipment and the materials used for the services of the church are kept. It is managed by the sacristan. Sacristies are usually located near the sanctuary. Some churches have a separate vestry where the vestments used by the clergy are kept. Most vestries however are part of the sacristy. Some churches would have vestries near the doors of the church.

4. * The baptistry and the baptismal font. Churches should have a place for baptism and a baptismal font. The baptismal font is called the womb of the Church because that is where new Christians are born. Depending on the church, this could be near the narthex, in a side chapel or near the sanctuary or in a separate building. Outside the season of Easter, the Easter Candle is near the baptismal font.

5. The nave (sometimes with side chapels). The nave is the area for the faithful who gather to participate in the service. In the area of the nave are chairs called pews. Interestingly, the big churches of Rome have no pews. Strangely enough, the word 'nave', which dates back to the 12th Century AD, comes from the Latin navis, meaning 'ship', as the vaulted ceilings of this part of the church often reminded people of the timbers used to build the hull of a ship.

In older churches there would be side altars or side chapels in the nave area. These were built during the time when Masses are done simultaneously without the need for people to attend. These are multiple masses with different intentions, private masses that a priest does. There were altarists or priests ordained for the celebration of Mass. The practice came to the point of abuse with priests accepting a number of mass offerings for stipends that they wouldn’t be able to finish even at the point of death.

6. The transept. In cruciform churches, the transept would be the arms of the church. In older churches there would be altars set up here complete with retablo with the images of the more important saints (but of lesser importance than to those in the main retablo). Usually there would be doors at the transept. In oriented churches (Churches with the altar facing the east), there would a north and south transept.

7. The apse. The apse is a semi-circular recess built sometimes at the east end of a church in place of a chancel or at the eastern end of the chancel. Originally it was the place of the seat of the presider or celebrant until the altar became attached to the decorated wall that evolved into the retablo. The reform of the second Vatican Council should have restored the use of the chair and its place in the apse.

8. The rood screen/communion rail. In the Tridentine Rite (the old Latin Mass), the people may not enter the presbytery. Women were absolutely not allowed to go up. The rood screen or the communion rail separated the priest from the people. The communion rail was where communicants would kneel down to receive the host from the priest.

9. * The presbytery or sanctuary or chancel. The chancel is the most holy part of the church, and this is why it is often separated from the nave by a screen which can be made of wood or stone, or occasionally iron.

Inside the chancel are the benches where the choir sit. These are called choir stalls. They are on both sides. The two sides of the choir sit facing one another. The choir members who sit on the left (north side) are called “cantoris” (the side where the “cantor” sits) and those on the right (south side) are called “decani” (the side where the deacon sits). In some large churches or cathedrals the seats for the priests tip up. The top of these seats, when they are tipped up, are called misericordia (from the Latin word for “mercy”). This is because the priests or monks were able to lean against them when they got tired if they had to stand up for a long time (it comes from the Latin word for "mercy"). It is rare to find these choir stalls in the sanctuaries of churches at present. I think only the Abbey Church of our Lady of Montserrat (San Beda Mendiola) has these. San Agustin’s choir benches are in the choir loft.

The sanctuary would have the following elements.

a. * Altar. The altar is the table of the eucharist. It is where the Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated. It reminds us of the table at the Lord’s Supper where Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples and gave it new meaning. It is also a symbol of the cross, on which the actual body of Christ was offered and his blood shed. Which is why a cross is always placed near the altar – it is to remind us that what happens on the cross is the same thing that happens on the altar. The altar is the center of the thanksgiving that the eucharist accomplishes. Because of its function, the altar is seen also as a preeminent symbol of Christ. The altar is Christ.

There is a practice of putting relics of saints in altar. Relics are pieces of the body of the saints that are put inside the altar itself so that the altar may give them honor. They do not add honor to the altar but the altar gives honor to their tomb. It would be good if we could check if there are relics of saints in the altars.

b. * Ambo. Post-Vatican II reform restored the use of the Ambo. The ambo is the table of the Word. It is where Scriptural readings are proclaimed, where the homily is preached and where the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful are announced. It should have the same design as the altar. Both are symbols of Christ.

c. Pulpit. The pulpit is the preaching platform. This is usually reached by a small flight of steps and is, effectively, an ornamental, lidless, box. It is usually at the front of the nave, just to the right or left of the steps leading to the chancel. Before the second Vatican council, the priest does not give homilies but sermons and these are separated from the Mass. The Masses happen simultaneously sometimes while a priest is preaching at the pulpit.

d. * Presider’s Chair. The chair of the presider or priest-celebrant should stand out uniquely. It is where he presides over the celebration of the liturgy and symbolizes the presidency of Christ over the Church. A cathedral would have a special chair for the bishop called the cathedra (which is why the cathedral is named as such) where the bishop sits to preside over his diocese.

e. Retablo. In older churches and in some new churches, the backdrop or wall behind the altar is elaborately decorated. Formerly, the altar was attached to this and so these would be decorations of the altar and the tabernacle (which was on the altar) but most of the time obscured the table of the altar itself. The retablos would usually have a central image, either the patron of the church or the cross. In some places the central image is the tabernacle. There would also be niches with images (either relieves like in the sala recibidor of San Agustin or statues of saints who are important to the community or the religious congregation that built/runs the church.

f. Tabernacle. The box where the eucharistic species are contained for the purpose of communion for the sick and dying. They are sometimes used like a refrigerator of hosts by unscrupulous priests, sacristans and extraordinary ministers of holy communion. In the Tridentine rite, it used to be that priests would give as communion to the people hosts from the tabernacle (parang bahaw na nasa ref).

10. The adoration chapel. This is a chapel where people can visit the Blessed Sacrament and have adoration or private prayers. It may be placed in a side chapel or in a separate building.

11. The crypt. The crypt is the cemetery within the church. There are some churches that have it under the nave. Common practice is that it is separated from the main building of the church like what San Agustin Church did to theirs.

There are different kinds of churches.

1. Parish Churches are a sacred building designated for divine worship to which the faithful have the right of entry for the exercise, especially the public exercise, of divine worship. A parish is a certain community of the Christian faithful stably constituted in a particular church, whose pastoral care is entrusted to a pastor (parochus) as its proper pastor (pastor) under the authority of the diocesan bishop. Sometimes a parish church can also be a church connected to a house of a religious congregation like the parish church of Santo Rosario in UST (which is also a seminary church), San Sebastian, and Santo Domingo.

2. There are also churches that are not connected to any parish. These are under the care of a rector. Usually, these churches are connected to a house of a religious congregation. This is the case of San Agustin Church, the Abbey Church of Our Lady of Monserrat in San Beda and the Church of Gesu in Ateneo.

3. By the term shrine is understood a church or other sacred place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety, with the approval of the local ordinary. For a shrine to be called a national shrine, the conference of bishops must give its approval; for it to be called an international shrine, the approval of the Holy See is required. The local ordinary is competent to approve the statutes of a diocesan shrine; the conference of bishops for the statutes of a national shrine; the Holy See alone for the statutes of an international shrine.
Examples of Diocesan shrines are the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph in Quezon City, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, theWay, the Truth and the Life near MOA. Examples of National Shrines are the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Sto Domingo) in Quezon City, National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati, National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage of Antipolo, National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela, National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, National Shrine of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Sucat.

4. The Latin word basilica (derived from Greek, Basiliké Stoà, Royal Stoa), was originally used to describe a Roman public building (as in Greece, mainly a tribunal), usually located in the forum of a Roman town. In Hellenistic cities, public basilicas appeared in the 2nd century BC. After the Roman Empire became officially Christian, the term came by extension to specifically refer to a large and important church that has been given special ceremonial rites by the Pope. Basilicas are divided into classes, the major ("greater"), and the minor basilicas, i.e., three other patriarchal and several pontifical minor basilicas in Italy, and over 1,400 lesser basilicas on all continents. There are 12 in the Philippines. The privileges attached to the status of basilica, which is conferred by papal brief, include a certain precedence before other churches, the right of the conopaeum (a baldachin resembling an umbrella; also called umbraculum, ombrellino, papilio, sinicchio, etc.) and the bell (tintinnabulum), which are carried side by side in procession at the head of the clergy on state occasions, and the cappa magna which is worn by the canons or secular members of the collegiate chapter when assisting at the Divine Office. Churches designated as patriarchal basilicas, in particular, possess a papal throne and a papal high altar from which no one may celebrate Mass without the pope's permission. The minor basilicas form the vast majority, including some cathedrals, many technically parish churches, some shrines, some abbatial or conventual churches.

5. A cathedral (French cathédrale from Lat. cathedra, "seat") is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop. It is the mother church of the Diocese and its spiritual and administrative center. It is the most important church in the Diocese, outranking even Basilicas. Cathedrals can be shrines, basilicas and parish churches at the same time. An example would be the Antipolo Church.

Some terms.

1. Old churches are often built with the main altar facing the east, in such a way that when the priest celebrates the mass facing the altar, he and the people will all be facing the east. The east was associated with Christ’s resurrection (using the symbol of the rising sun) and the west was associated with the devil. Churches with this structure are called oriented churches, orient meaning east.

2. Gospel Side and Epistle Side. The Gospel Side was the side where the priest or deacon stood to read the Gospel while the Epistle (first reading) was read on the Epistle Side. These terms are from the Tridentine Rite when there was no ambo to read on. It was either the priest read the book on the altar or someone was reading it while another opens it for them.

3. If there are aisles along the side of the nave there will be pillars which hold up the roof. In large churches or cathedrals there may be a row of little arches along the top of these pillars. This is called the triforium. Over the triforium is the clerestory which is a row of small windows high up in the church wall.

Usually church have, aside from the main worship space, other rooms or structures that are needed in its activities i.e. the sacristy, the rectory (residence of the ordained) or attached cloister/monastery, the patio, the office and in some cases, a school.

Cory for Sainthood

2009-08-02T19:09:00.000+08:00

I think she is. �I think we should acclaim her as a saint. �I think we should ask the Pope to canonize her. �She is after all a Catholic who did good in government. �Being untainted by corruption in government is heroic enough naman siguro. �She did what lay people should do - live out the Gospel in whatever situation in life we are in. �She was a faithful wife. �She was a good citizen. �She is constantly in prayer.

Whatchuthink?

Cause we are so young now...

2009-07-29T06:57:00.000+08:00

Since there is a number of these narratives now, I have decided to put them in one post. �For some reason, people�think that I look younger than I am supposed to. �It's probably the height and the build, and the mutation of my face�because of this added weight and my Korean barbers who love putting bangs on me.

Episode 1. �At the Philippine Conventions and Visitors Corporation, meeting with Ms. Rosevi Gaetos, PCVC Boss.

RoseVi: MG1 is Yael. �Where's Yael?

(Yael raises her hand. �RoseVi scribbles something on her paper.)

RoseVi: MG2 is Sandra. �Where's Sandra?

(Sandra raises her hand. �RoseVi scribbles something on her paper.)

RoseVi: MG3 is Dustin. �Where's Dustin?

(Dustin raises his hand. �RoseVi scribbles something on her paper.)

RoseVi: MG4 is Jeff. �Where's Jeff?

(Jeff raises his hand).

(RoseVi looks for Jeff at the far end of the table.)

(Susan points to Jeff who is seated beside Mel who was at RoseVi's right.)

(RoseVi looks at Jeff. �She still hasn't written down anything.)

RoseVi: You are Jeff.

(Pause.)

RoseVi: �Are you old enough to work?

Episode 2. �UST Guards.

Scenario A. �The ID and the Uniform. �I swipe my ID at the machine and it makes the sound of validity. �But the guard stops me and says: "Bakit di ka nakauniform?"

I go "Wala naman uniform ang mga prof e."

Scenario B. �The Regform. �The day I brought IT/IE delegates to the airport, I was wearing my Tesoro barong. �I went to UST immediately to hold class. �The guard asks me: "Nasan ang regform?"

I hold up the ID and say "Faculty."

Scenario C. �Apprehension. �Bea wants to sit in my Eng class. �I told her to go in with me so I can easily say she's sitting in my class. �One of the guards follow us to the stairs and apprehends us. �Bea and I thought he was going to ask why Bea was going into the Eng building. �And I was telling him that she's sitting in my class.

Apparently he was apprehending me. �Saan daw ako pupunta? �Magtuturo. Bea grabbed my ID (still tied to my lanyard) and showed it to the guard. �Kuya, faculty o!

Episode 3. �Commerce Elevator Lady. �During the first week of classes in Commerce, when students had no uniforms yet, I went into the elevator and Ate Imelda goes, "Ay, sorry, kailangan mo ng elevator pass."

"Pag faculty?"

Episode 4. �UST Students

Scenario A. �Andyan na ba ang Prof? �

During the first week of classes, I did a prank on my students. �I opened the door and asked the students near the door: "Andyan na ang prof?" And they shrugged their shoulders, looking at me. �I went in, put down my things on the desk and said, "Nandito na ang prof."

Scenario B. �Si Sir pala yun. �Standard reaction na siguro. �:))

Naglalakad sa carpark, nakasalubong sa mall, nasa corridor, nasa loob na ng classroom. �Tititigan muna akong mabuti tapos hihirit ng "Sir!" o kaya "Si sir pala yun."

Episode 5. �UST Colleagues

Scenario A. �Pagpasok ko sa faculty room, sabi ng isang prof, hindi puwede student dito. �Sabi nung isa, dun yun AB building.

Siyempre joke lang.�

Scenario B. �Sorry Hijo. �

May coteacher ako na medyo ka-edad na nakabangga sa corridor dahil di niya yata ako napansin. �Sabi, ay sorry hijo. �

Episode 6. �Jeep. �Nagbayad ako ng 7 pesos. �Wala akong sinabing estudyante (o senior citizen) at tatlo lang kaming sakay - ako lang ang nasa likod ng driver. �May bumalik sa aking piso.

Episode 7. �Toby is tutored by Grade 7 boy. �

Dahil sa init, nagtanggal ako ng polo habang tintuturuan si Toby. �Nakita ni Toby na nakawhite shirt ako at black pants. �Sabi niya "You are only Grade 7! �You're a grade 7 boy in WorkEd!"

Episode 8. �IT/IE delegate and child labor.

Nakasabay ko sa elevator ang isang delegate ng I Travel/I Explore ng PCVC. �She was making small talk. �"So you are allowed to work here even if you are under 20?"

Episode 9. �The tour group who thought I was just 18.

My first tour was with Bahrainis. �We were having dinner and they were asking me about my guiding gig and the conversation went to what other things I do. �They asked me if I was studying and Ms. Ine answered that I am a theology professor.

"So wait, don't you need like a lot of time before you can teach in the University?"

"Yes. �I am finishing my master's degree already."

"Wait, how old are you?"

"I am already 25."

"Really?! �We thought you were 18 or something."

I am afraid that this is becoming a curious case like that of Benjamin Button and I might end up like him - at the end of his life, he became a zygote and then an embryo, and then the sperm and the egg separated.

Excerpt from Obama's NAACP speech. Maganda

2009-07-17T21:12:00.000+08:00

But all these innovative programs and expanded opportunities will not, in and of themselves, make a difference if each of us, as parents and as community leaders, fail to do our part by encouraging excellence in our children. Government programs alone won't get our children to the Promised Land. We need a new mindset, a new set of attitudes - because one of the most durable and destructive legacies of discrimination is the way that we have internalized a sense of limitation; how so many in our community have come to expect so little of ourselves.

We have to say to our children, Yes, if you're African American, the odds of growing up amid crime and gangs are higher. Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood, you will face challenges that someone in a wealthy suburb does not. But that's not a reason to get bad grades, that's not a reason to cut class, that's not a reason to give up on your education and drop out of school. No one has written your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands - and don't you forget that.

To parents, we can't tell our kids to do well in school and fail to support them when they get home. For our kids to excel, we must accept our own responsibilities. That means putting away the Xbox and putting our kids to bed at a reasonable hour. It means attending those parent-teacher conferences, reading to our kids, and helping them with their homework.

And it means we need to be there for our neighbor's son or daughter, and return to the day when we parents let each other know if we saw a child acting up. That's the meaning of community. That's how we can reclaim the strength, the determination, the hopefulness that helped us come as far as we already have.

It also means pushing our kids to set their sights higher. They might think they've got a pretty good jump shot or a pretty good flow, but our kids can't all aspire to be the next LeBron or Lil Wayne. I want them aspiring to be scientists and engineers, doctors and teachers, not just ballers and rappers. I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court Justice. I want them aspiring to be President of the United States.

So, yes, government must be a force for opportunity. Yes, government must be a force for equality. But ultimately, if we are to be true to our past, then we also have to seize our own destiny, each and every day.

Update sa buhay ko ulit

2009-03-31T10:03:00.000+08:00

May badge na ako ng Mabuhay Guides.

At sa NOVALICHES na ako nakatira.

Dalawin niyo ako.

Sa mga naghahanap ng update sa buhay ko

2009-03-25T08:08:00.000+08:00

(Kung hindi ka naghahanap, wag mo nang basahin ito - sungit)

Tapos na ang training ko sa Mabuhay Guides. Isa na akong Mabuhay Guide (malamang), tour guide na internationally accredited. Haha. As if. Susan Calo-Medina told us that we will be deployed starting Easter Week, and we will be sent to be guides to DOT guests who are considered VIPs. And since they are VIPs, we will be sent to the best destinations in the country on what can be considered as paid vacations. We have yet to talk about terms of compensation and benefits.

I just remembered that when I was in high school, I saw Travel Time and I mentioned to Ronald that I want Susan's job. It turns out Susan is giving me precisely that. Haha.

I will be returning to UST next semester. I have already prepared the letter.

Χριστος ανεστη! Αληθος ανεστη!

I would like to express my intent to teach in this prestigious university for the first semester of academic year 2009-2010. I have taught Thy 1, Phl 5 and Scl 9 during the first semester of academic year 2008-2009 as a substitute instructor and I am hoping that in the future, I would become one of the distinguished members of the faculty of the Institute of Religion.

I am finishing my Master of Arts degree in Liturgy at San Beda College Graduate School of Liturgy, writing my thesis, <> under the direction of the very Rev. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, the former rector of San Beda and the Pontificio Istituto Liturgico and presently the director of Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. I am involved in the Diocesan Ministry for Liturgical Affairs of the Diocese of Cubao, the National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy-CBCP and the Department of Tourism of the Republic of the Philippines.

I am hoping for an affirmative response. Thank you.

May isa pang raket. Pero saka na yun. Hahaha.

Naeexcite na akong magHoly Week at magboracay after Holy Week. (After Holy Week para wala na kayong lahat dun)

Binubuo ko pa rin ang contacts list ko na kasama ng cellphone kong kinuha ng holdaper. Kaya utang na loob kung di nyo pa ginagawa, itext niyo ako ng pangalan niyo para masave ko number niyo.

Yes, Father, I am working on it.

2009-03-08T16:41:00.000+08:00

from Anscar Chupungco

to jeff velasco

date Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 3:53 PM

subject Re: Thank you Jeff.

mailed-by gmail.com

hide details 3:53 PM (4 hours ago)

Wow, that's an interesting job. I hope though that you'll have time to finish your thesis. I should like to think that you're a liturgist over and above being a tourist guide. Let's move. I know you can make it. See you next Liturgy Conference.

Mabuhay! I Had Been Mugged

2009-03-07T05:16:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was mugged along P. Burgos Drive on the connecting road on top of the Lagusnilad underpass just as the jeep was approaching the Manila City Hall. The jeep was not moving because of the red light when a man who is around my age just popped out of nowhere by the window and threatened me with a folding knife and another man who looked older boarded the jeep to get my phone. We just finished training at DOT and I was on my way home to begin working on Sunday's liturgy. I was already tired. I did not give a fight. They took my phone. I saw them walking slowly and they were joined by a woman who I saw was hitting the older man with her hand as if reprimanding him.

I quickly reported the incident to the police inside the City Hall. I had to walk around the City Hall to find the entrance to the building. The police at the desk looked disinterested, probably from having heard the same story for eternity. They showed me some pictures but honestly, I couldn't identify the two anymore. I was tired. I did not catch their face. All I know is that they have the thin gaunt dark-skinned look. They probably haunt that part of the city and hopefully, the police would be able to get hold of them. I had asked the mobile company to disconnect the sim card for the meantime. I will report the lost phone to NTC.

It was until I got home that I realized that my phone is not important. But the thing hanging from it was. It's the key to my hard drive. And now I cannot open my hard drive anymore, everything in it is sealed until I get support from the manufacturer. I hope I can still retrieve my files from the drive. But this remains unclear. There are too many things in the drive and it would be hard for me to get going again - my thesis, Fr. Nelson's book, my teaching materials, my artworks, my pictures, my writings.

And now I am beyond depressed. But I am coping.

Pabasa Schedule

2009-03-03T17:04:00.000+08:00

Holy Monday (6 April 2009)

Basketball Court

Oras Zone Ministry Organization

12 mn – 2 am 10 Greeters and Collectors

2 am – 4 am 1 CFC

4 am – 6 am 3 SSDM Livelihood ME

6 am – 8 am 8 MBG, Lectors

8 am – 10 am 2 Catechists, Altar Servers CWL

10 am – 12 n 4 and 7 Visual Aid DMI/KofC/AP/Familia

12 n – 2 pm 6 and 10 SSDM Health, EMHC

2 pm – 4 pm 9 SSDM Tulay Buhay Confraternity

4 pm – 6 pm 5 PYM Legion of Mary / Holy Face

OLPH Proj 8 - Lent 2009

2009-03-03T16:59:00.000+08:00

LENT

1. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS

Layunin: Ihanda ang mga nais maging kaanib ng Simbahang Katoliko na ipagdiwang at tanggapin ang mga sakramento ng pag-anib sa Sambayanang Kristiyano

Description: Binubuo ang prosesong ito ng mga ritual ng pag-anib, katekesis at paghuhubog ng diwa na naghahanda sa mga katekumeno na tanggapin ang mga sakramento ng binyag, kumpil at eukaristiya.

Kalahok: Catechetical Ministry at Worship Coordinator

Mga gagamitin: Catechetical modules at Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum

Araw at Oras: Mula Enero hanggang Abril (on-going)

2. AREA MASSES AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Layunin: 1. Misa - Ihanda ang nasa bawat area para sa pagdiriwang ng Triduo ng Paskuwa

2. Daan ng Krus – Pagkakataon para sa higit na pananalangin at sa pagbuo ng pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagdarasal at pakikiisa sa paglalakbay ni Hesus sa kalbaryo

Description: Misa sa Area at Daan ng Krus sa mga kalyeng sakop sa nasabing area

Kalahok: Servers, Lectors, EMHCs, Greeters, Music Kalahok must schedule ministers for each Mass

Servers carrying the cross and 2 torches

BEC zone coordinators must assign houses

Zone residents lead the prayers

Mga gagamitin: Mass Kit, Via Crucis Prayer Guides, Cross and Torches

Araw at Oras: Scheduled by Zone Coordinators (refer to schedule)

3. STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH

Layunin: Para ang mga nagsimba sa simbahan ay magkaroon din ng pagkakataong makapag-Daan ng Krus

Description: Daan ng Krus sa loob ng Simbahan

Kalahok: Servers

Lectors or Volunteers to lead the praying of the Stations

Mga gagamitin: Via Crucis Prayer Guides

Araw at Oras: Every Friday (after the Mass)

4. PENITENTIAL SERVICES (KUMPISALANG BAYAN)

Layunin: Pagkakataon upang magkaroon ng mas makahulugang pagdiriwang ng pakikipagkasundo

Description: Pagdiriwang ng Salita ng Diyos na may pagninilay at pagsusuri ng budhi

Mga gagamitin: Rite

a. PENITENTIAL SERVICE FOR CHILDREN

Kalahok: Servers

Catechists

Confessor

Araw at Oras: March 31 | 3 pm

Lugar: Formation Room

b. PENITENTIAL SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Kalahok: Volunteers from UST

PYM

Confessor

Araw at Oras: March 14 | 7:30 pm

Lugar: Formation Room

c. PARISHIONERS

Kalahok: Confessors

Lectors (2)

Worship Coordinator

Araw at Oras: March 28 | 5 pm

Lugar: Simbahan

d. PARISHIONERS

Kalahok: Confessors

Lectors (2)

Worship Coordinator

Araw at Oras: April 8 | 7:00 pm

Lugar: Simbahan

5. FORMATION ON HOLY WEEK AND THE EASTER TRIDUUM

Layunin: Ihanda ang mga lingkod (Kalahok) at mga parokyano para sa pagdiriwang ng Mahal na Araw at Triduo ng Paskuwa sa pamamagitan sa pamamagitan ng paghuhubog upang higit na maintindihan ng mga tao ang mga pagdiriwang

Description: Isang talk ukol sa Holy Week at Easter Triduum

Kalahok: Worship Ministries, Parishioners

Mga gagamitin: Laptop, LCD Projector

Araw at Oras: March 28 | 7:30 pm

HOLY WEEK

6. HOLY WEEK AND TRIDUUM PRACTICES

Description: Pagsasanay sa mga gagawin at magaganap para sa Huwebes Santo hanggang Sabado de Gloria

Kalahok: Lahat ng Worship Ministries, Ministers assigned

Mga gagamitin: Lahat ng gagamitin para sa mga pagdiriwang

Araw at Oras: Huwebes Santo | 11 am

Biyernes Santo | 10 am

Sabado de Gloria | 3 pm

7. PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Description: Paggunita at pagdiriwang ng pagpapakasakit at kamatayan ng Panginoon pati ang kanyang maringal na pagpasok sa Jerusalem

Kalahok: Lahat ng Worship Ministries

Mga gagamitin: Palaspas at lahat ng kailangan sa Misa

Araw at Oras: April 5 | Sunday Schedule

* Principal Mass: 8 am (Solemn Procession)

8:30 am (Mass)

Kalahok: Mga batang aawit ng Hosanna

Mga maghahanda ng 3 kubol

Mga apostoles

Lahat ng Worship Ministries

8. PABASA

Description: Pagdarasal ng Pasyon

Kalahok: Zones, Ministries, CBO, Lahat ng Parokyano - may schedule

Mga gagamitin: Kopya ng Pasyon, Lugar ng Pagbasa, Pakain

Araw at Oras: Lunes Santo

Lugar: Basketball court

9. CHRISM MASS

Description: Pagdiriwang ng Misa kung saan gagawing banal ang mga langis na ginagamit sa mga sakramento, at kung saan nagsasariwa ng mga pangako ng ordinasyon ang kaparian ng Diosesis

Kalahok: Diocese of Cubao

Araw at Oras: Huwebes Santo | 7 am

EASTER TRIDUUM

Ang Easter Triduum ang pinakamahalaga at pinaka-solemn na pagdiriwang sa buong liturgical year. Pinagdiriwang dito ang misteryo ng ating kaligtasan – ang Paschal Mystery (Passion, Death and Resurrection). Dapat makibahagi ang lahat sa lahat ng gagawin sa mga araw na ito dahil dito nagaganap ang kaligtasan.

10.  EVENING MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Description: Pagsisimula ng Triduo; pagdiriwang na kung saan ginugunita ang pagtatatag ng Eukaristiya at Banal na Orden, at ang pagbibigay ng dakilang utos ng pag-ibig; dito nagaganap ang ritwal na paghuhugas ng paa; susundan ito ng Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Kalahok: Lahat

Note: Pakikinabangan ang Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo

Araw at Oras: Huwebes Santo | 6 pm (hindi 5pm para madilim na kasi nga hapunan)

Lugar: Basketball Court

11. VIGIL BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Description: Pagdarasal sa harap ng Banal na Sakramento hanggang 12 mn

Kalahok: Mga grupong i-aassign o mag-vo-volunteer (sumangguni sa schedule)

Mga gagamitin: Prayer Guides

Araw at Oras: Huwebes Santo 8 pm – 12 mn

Lugar: Simbahan

12. SUPPER

Description: Kakain ang mga pari at mga apostoles ng simpleng hapunan

Kalahok: Mga Pari, mga apostoles at mga naglingkod sa Misa

Mga gagamitin: Pahapunan c/o Fr. Nelson (hehe)

Araw at Oras: Huwebes Santo | 8 pm

13. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING PRAYER

Description: Panalangin ng Kristiyano sa Umaga (Liturgy of the Hours – Lauds)

Kalahok: Lahat

Paring Tagapamuno

Servers para sa Solemn Celebration

Mga gagamitin: Prayer Guides

Araw at Oras: Biyernes Santo | 7 am

Lugar: General Hospital

14. WAY OF THE CROSS

Kalahok: Lahat; Servers na mamumuno sa prusisyon; mga apostoles na mamumuno sa pagdarasal ng Daan ng Krus; mga mamumuno ng pag-awit sa daan; mga maghahanda ng mga estasyon; mga magbubuhay ng krus

Mga gagamitin: Mga estasyon, mga gabay, krus na malaki na papasanin ng mga tao

Araw at Oras: Bieyrnes Santo (pagkatapos ng Panalangin sa Umaga)

a. Route: chapel papuntang simbahan;

mas malalayo dapat ang estasyon

mula sa isa’t isa at hindi dapat

paikot-ikot sa isang lugar; dapat tumagal ang Daan ng Krus ng 1½ oras

b. Drama: c/o Youth

c. Prayer: c/o Apostoles at resident

15. SEVEN LAST WORDS

Description: Pagninilay sa mga huling salita ng Panginoon bago siya matepok

Kalahok: Mga magvovolunteer o mapakikiusapang magbigay ng pagninilay

pagpili c/o Fr. Nelson

Mga gagamitin: Sound system

Araw at Oras: Good Friday | 12 n

Lugar: Simbahan

16.  CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Description: Pagdiriwang ng Pagpapakasakit at Kamatayan ni Kristo, paggunita sa paghihirap at pag-aalay ni Hesus ng buhay; babasahin ang Passion Narrative na parang drama; Panalanging Pangkalahatan; Pagpaparangal sa Krus na Banal; Pakikinabang; hindi Misa PERO kadugtong ng Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper kaya dapat umattend ang mga tao; ang karugtong nito ay ang Easter Vigil

Kalahok: Worship Ministries (may schedule)

Apostoles na magpapahalik sa krus

Mga gagamitin: May listahan, dun na lang i-check

Araw at Oras: Biyernes Santo | 3 pm

Lugar: Basketball Court

17. BURIAL PROCESSION

Description: Prusisyon ng bangkay ni Hesus

Kalahok: Lahat ng Tao

Mga gagamitin: Imahe ng Santo Entierro at ng Mater Dolorosa na nakasakay sa carosa

mga Kandila

Araw at Oras: Biyernes Santo | pagkatapos ng Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Route: Mula basketball court, iikot sa teritoryo ng parokya; dapat 1 oras hanggang 1 ½ oras lang ang prusisyon

18. VIGIL BEFORE THE IMAGE OF CHRIST’S CORPSE

Description: Lamay

Kalahok: Lahat

Mga nakatokang mamuno sa panalangin sa bawat oras

Mga gagamitin: Lahat ng gagamitin para sa mga pagdiriwang

Araw at Oras: Biyernes Santo | pagkatapos ng prusisyon

Lugar: Simbahan

19. TENEBRAE

Description: Lumang kaugalian na pagdiriwang ng Panalangin ng Kristiyano sa gabi

Kalahok: Nakatoka sa oras na ito at Worship Coordinator

Mga gagamitin: 9 kandila, Prayer Guide

Araw at Oras: Biyernes Santo | 9 pm

Lugar: Simbahan

20. HOLY SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER

Description: Panalangin ng Kristiyano sa Umaga (Liturgy of the Hours – Lauds)

Kalahok: Lahat

Paring Tagapamuno

Servers para sa Solemn Celebration

Mga gagamitin: Prayer Guides

Araw at Oras: Sabado de Gloria | 8 am

Lugar: Sitio Militar Chapel/Santo Cristo Chapel

21. RCIA FINAL PREPARATIONS

Description: Paghahanda sa mga bibinyagan

Kalahok: Catechetical Ministry

Worship Coordinator

Fr. Raul

Mga Bibinyagan

Mga Ninong at Ninang

Mga gagamitin: Rite; Oil of Catechumens

Araw at Oras: Sabado de Gloria | 9 am

22.  EASTER VIGIL

Description: Magdamagang Pagdiriwang ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo; karugtong ng Celebration of the Lord’s Passion; service of light; liturgy of the Word (9 readings); liturgy of Baptism; liturgy of the Eucharist; concluding rite

Kalahok: Worship Ministries

Apostoles

Catechetical Ministry

Mga Bibinyagan

Mga gagamitin: May listahan, dun na lang i-check

Araw at Oras: Sabado de Gloria | 9 pm

23. SALUBONG

Description: Prusisyon ng imahe ng Pagkabuhay at ng BVM, na may pagbati (Regina Caeli)

Kalahok: Lahat

Mga batang nakagayak na anghel

Mga taga-awit

Mga magpapaputok

Paring magbibigay ng basbas

Mga gagamitin: Imahe ng Pagkabuhay at ng BVM na nakasakay sa carosa

Mga paputok

Araw at Oras: Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay

pagkatapos ng Easter Vigil

24. EASTER SUNDAY

Description: Pagdiriwang ng muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoon; sa misa may sequence at pagsasariwa ng binyag

Kalahok: Worship Ministries

Mga gagamitin: Karaniwang ginagamit sa Misa

Araw at Oras: Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay

Sunday Schedule

EASTER (TSAKA NA TATALAKAYIN)

1. Mystagogical Catechesis

2. Liturgy Conference 2009

3. Recruitment for Lay Liturgical Ministries

4. Formation for Lay Liturgical Ministries

5. Pentecost Vigil

6. Pentecost Sunday

Pang-JS po ba?

2009-02-27T04:23:00.000+08:00

I was looking for a yellow long-sleeved button-down shirt yesterday at Landmark for Mabuhay Guides training. I approached the attendant and asked if they had a yellow long-sleeved button-down shirt.

And then he goes: "Pang-JS po ba?"

JS?! WATDA?

Ash Wednesday reflection and Amiel's story

2009-02-25T04:36:00.000+08:00

Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return.

At about 4:20 pm yesterday, a Grade 4 student and his nanny were crossing the street in front of Henry Lee Irwin Theater in the vicinity of the Ateneo Grade School when a van driven by a mother who was fetching her son struck them. Amiel was crushed between the van and a CRV. He died. He was ten years old.

Today is Ash Wednesday, it marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day preparation to celebrate Easter Triduum and the Easter Season. Today we put ash on our heads, a reminder of the fact that like Amiel, we will die, we will return to dust, and so we must pursue things that would merit us a life after this one. The ash in cross form reminds us that our salvation, eternal life, is only given to us through the cross of Christ, who died and rose again for us, who calls us to leave our sins and believe and live in him. Thus, ash also signifies our commitment to change our lives for the better and to live according to the Gospel.

Kuwaresma

2009-02-25T04:15:00.000+08:00

Upang maintindihan natin at maging makahulugan para sa atin ang panahon ng Kuwaresma, kailangan makita natin ito bilang panahon ng paghahanda para sa pagdiriwang ng pinakadakilang misteryo ng ating pananampalataya – ang Tatlong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pagpapakasakit, Kamatayan at Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo (Easter Triduum o Paschal Triduum), at ang pagpapalawig dito na panahon ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Easter Season). Nagsisimula ang Kuwaresma sa Miyerkules ng Abo at natatapos sa paglubog ng araw sa Huwebes Santo. Ang Semana Santa naman ang huling bahagi ng Kuwaresma na nagsisimula sa Linggo ng Palaspas at Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon at natatapos sa paglubog ng araw ng Huwebes Santo. Ang gabi ng Huwebes Santo ng Gabi hanggang Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay ay hindi na Kuwaresma kungdi ang pinakatangi at mahalagang mga araw sa buong taon – ang Tatlong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pagpapakasakit, Kamatayan at Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo.

Panahon ang Kuwaresma ng mga huling paghahanda ng mga nais maging kaanib ng sambayanang Kristiyano. Ayon sa sinaunang kaugalian ng Simbahan, ginaganap ang mga sakramento ng pag-anib sa sambayanang Krisityano (binyag, kumpil at eukaristiya) para sa mga hindi pa Kristiyano sa gabi ng Sabado de Gloria (Holy Saturday) sa Magdamagang Pagdiriwang ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo (Easter Vigil). Bago ito daraan sila sa mahabang panahon ng paghuhubog ng diwa, pagninilay sa Salita ng Diyos, at pag-aaral sa pananampalataya, kung kaya’t pagsapit ng kanilang pag-anib sa Simbahan, tunay na nga nilang tinalikuran ang kanilang dating pamumuhay at mamumuhay sila ayon sa turo ng Panginoong Hesukristo – mga Kristiyano di lamang sa papel kungdi sa salita, gawa, pag-iisip at uri ng pamumuhay

Paghahanda din ito ng mga nabinyagan na ngunit nagkasala at pinagsisisihan ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Panahon ito ng paglilinis ng ating budhi mula sa mga humahadlang na tuparin natin ang kalooban ng Diyos, una na ang kasalanan. Bilang mga Kristiyano, tinatawag tayo upang mamuhay ayon sa pamantayan ng Mabuting Balita (Gospel) at kapag hindi natin ito nagagawa, nagkakasala tayo. Ngunit bukas naman ang Diyos sa ating pagbabalik-loob kung kaya nga’t binibigyan niya tayo ng pagkakataon sa sakramento ng pakikipagkasundo (Reconciliation) at sa panahon ng Kuwaresma upang makabalik sa kanyang tahanan gaya sa kuwento ng alibughang anak.

Para sa lahat ng Kristiyano at mga magiging Kristiyano, panahon ang Kuwaresma ng paglilinis, pagtalikod sa kasalanan at pagtatalaga ng sarili upang mamuhay ayon sa aral ni Kristo. Sa panahong ito, iminumungkahi para sa atin ang ilang mga gawain upang matulungan tayo sa layuning ito: pinaigting na pagninilay sa Salita ng Diyos, higit na taimtim na pananalangin, pakikipagkasundo sa Diyos at sa kapwa, pag-aayuno at pag-iwas sa ilang uri ng pagkain, at pag-aabuloy.

Pagninilay sa Salita ng Diyos

Makapangyarihan ang Salita ng Diyos – sa pamamagitan ng Salita lumikha ang Diyos at sa pamamagitan ng Salita din niya tayo iniligtas, sa Salitang Nagkatawang-tao – si Hesukristo. Tandaan natin na si Hesukristo ang Salita ng Diyos na nagkatawang-tao, namuhay dito sa daigdig, ipinako sa krus, namatay at muling nabuhay. Sa pamamagitan niya tayo ay nalikha at naligtas. Kung kaya’t mahalaga para sa isang Kristiyano na basahin at namnamin ang Salita ng Diyos na nasa Banal na Kasulatan, sa Karunungan ng Tradisyon at sa Turo ng Simbahan. Sa panahon ng Kuwaresma, inaanyayahan tayong buklatin ang ating mga Bibliya at magnilay sa Salita ng Diyos araw-araw. Maaari ring magsimba araw-araw, dahil sa Misa, ipinahahayag ang Salita ng Diyos at nangangaral ang lingkod na pari. Sa pagninilay natin higit na nakikilala ang Panginoon at higit tayong napapalapit sa kanya habang mas nakikilala natin siya.

Pakikipagkasundo sa Diyos at sa Kapwa

Layunin ng Buhay Kristiyano na makaisa ang Diyos at makibahagi sa kanyang buhay. Nilikha tayo na kaisa niya at nakikibahagi sa kanyang buhay ngunit sinira natin ito dahil sa kasalanan. Ngunit binibigyan niya tayo ng pagkakataon na maibalik ang nasira ng kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo. Sa sakramentong ito, tinatanggap natin na nagkamali at nagkasala tayo at dumudulog tayo sa kanya upang patawarin tayo. Sa pamamagitan ng pari, natatanggap natin ang pagpapatawad ng Diyos. Huwag sana natin itong tingnan bilang pag-amin lang ng kasalanan, isang bahagi lang yun. Mas mahalaga na makita natin ito bilang kaisa-isang paraan na mababatid natin na pinatatawad tayo ng Diyos. Hindi naman mangyayari na kapag ibulong natin sa hangin ang kasalanan natin ay may boses na sasagot sa atin mula sa langit na nagsasabing pinapatawad na tayo. Kailangan natin ng tagapamagitan, kaya nga may pari. Para din mas maging makahulugan ang ating pakikipagkasundo sa Diyos, sana rin magawa nating makipagkasundo sa ating kapwang naka-alitan o nagawan ng kamalian. Kalooban ng Diyos na mag-ibigan tayo at magiging ganap ang paghilom ng ating relasyon sa Diyos kung mapaghihilom din natin ang ating relasyon sa ating kapwa.

Panalangin

Inaanyayahan din tayo sa panahon ng Kuwaresma para sa higit na pananalangin. Sa tradisyon ng mga Kristiyano, dalawang paraan ang panalangin – una ay pagdalangin kaisa ng pamayanan (communal) at ang pangalawa ay panalanging mag-isa (personal). Marami tayong pagkakataon na makasama ang pamayanan sa panalangin, una na ang pagsisimba tuwing Linggo o araw-araw, ang pagsama sa Panalangin ng Kristiyano sa Maghapon (Liturgy of the Hours), mga panata gaya ng Daan ng Krus at Bisita Iglesia, at iba pa. Maaari rin namang maglaan tayo ng oras sa pagdarasal nang mag-isa. Maari tayong magrosaryo, dumalaw sa Banal na Sakramento o gawin nang mag-isa ang pamamanata.

Pag-aayuno at Pag-iwas sa ilang uri ng Pagkain

Tinatawag tayo ng panahon ng Kuwaresma upang magsakripisyo para sa kapwa sa pag-aayuno at pag-iwas sa ilang uri ng pagkain. Kapag nag-aayuno, minsan lang sa isang araw kumakain. Agahan lang o tanghalian o hapunan. Sa pag-aayuno, nagkakaroon ng linaw ang ating isipan at naitutuon ito sa panalangin. Sa Kuwaresma iniiwasan natin ang ilang pagkain gaya ng karne. Ang punto ay iwasan natin ang mga pagkaing paborito natin bilang sakripisyo. Puwedeng hindi karne ang iwasan (lalo na kung vegetarian), puwedeng tsokolate, puwedeng caviar, puwedeng isaw – ang punto ay iiwasan natin yung hilig natin. Puwede din namang ang iwasan natin ay ang ating mga bisyo gaya ng paninigarilyo, pag-inom, pamimili (shopping) o kahit anong luho at kalabisan natin. Ginagawa natin ang mga ito para makapagtabi ng makatutulong na makakain ang mga nagugutom dahil sa kahirapan. Isa itong paraan upang ibigin ang kapwang nangangailangan.

Pag-aabuloy

Maraming paraan upang ipakita natin ang pagmamahal natin sa ating kapwa. Isa na dito ang aktibong pagtulong sa kanila. Sa kaugalian ng Simbahan, ginagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng paglilimos. Ngunit ayon sa karanasan sa pangkasalukuyan, hindi kailangan ng mahihirap ng limos – ang kailangan nila dangal. Walang silbi ang limos kung wala namang katarungang panlipunan. Di lamang dapat binibigyan ng pangangailangan ang mga maralita, dapat gumagawa din tayo ng paraan upang mawala ang mga bagay na nagpapanatili sa karalitaan gaya ng kamangmangan, katiwalian sa pamahalaan at lipunan, pagtapak sa karapatang pantao, at ang imoral na malaking agwat ng mayaman at mahirap. Hindi rin ibig sabihin na mayaman ang dapat magbigay sa mahirap, na parang may tagapagbigay at may tagatanggap. Lahat nagbibigay, lahat tumatanggap. Ganito ang sinaunang pamayanang Kristiyano sa mga Gawa ng mga Apostol, at ganito pa rin dapat tayo.

Ito ang nais ng Diyos na gawin natin: tigilan ang pag-aalipin at pairalin ang katarungan, palayain ang api at tulungan, pakainin ang nagugutom, patuluyin sa tahanan ang walang matirhan, damitan ang mga hubad, at tulungan ang kapwa (Isaias 58). Kapag wala tayong pakialam at wala tayong ginagawa para sa mga dukha, walang silbi ang panalangin, pag-aayuno at kung ano pa mang gagawin natin ngayong Kuwaresma. Kapag tinupad natin ang kaloobang ito ng Diyos, iniibig natin siya sa ating kapwa at sumasaatin siya.

Nawa maging makahulugan, makabuluhan at makatotohanan ang ating pagdiriwang ng Kuwaresma upang marapat nating maipagdiwang ang dakilang misteryo ng ating kaligtasan.

Magrereklamo ako and WAG KAYONG MANINIWALA NA WATER PROOF ANG OLYMPUS WATER PROOF CAMERA

2009-02-13T05:37:00.000+08:00

I am sending this email to Olympus in Japan after Olympus here said that my warranty is void. It's outrageously infuriating.

I bought an OLY MJU-850 last year. It worked ok until I went to a five-day vacation in one of our island groups here. On the third day, I was doing some snorkeling and was taking pictures underwater. I noticed that my camera had the open battery compartment warning which was strange because it had been in use for hours by then and I made sure it was closed before I even left the hotel that day. Because of that I had to swim back to the boat (20 minutes away) and there I noticed that it had stopped working. And that water had seeped to the LCD screen. I had it checked in your service center here and after two weeks they said that the warranty is void due to physical damage and rust found inside the unit. Water entered through battery compartment. And the cost of the repair is bigger than the cost of the camera itself. I am not happy about their findings. I bought your camera precisely because it can go in the water and that it is shockproof as you claim. First, I did not do anything to the camera to intentionally damage it with water (and why would I do that when I still had two more days worth of pictures to take?), nor did I neglect in care for it, I followed the instructions on your manual (and your service center says I didn't). I was wondering also how the camera had physical damage when it is shockproof as you claim, then it should not be damaged with bumps or even a fall from a height even higher than myself, which it never did because it had always been in my hand and there was nothing higher than 3 meters in the islands. I don't think you should be claiming that your product is such and such if the damage like what happened to mine can happen. If water seeped in, then it's not water proof. If there was physical damage (it is not even clear in their report if the damage is internal), then it is not shockproof. It is hard to reconcile the reasons for voiding the warranty with your claims about your product and it would be ridiculous for me pay an amount higher than the product itself just to repair damage that I did not cause. I am asking you to look into this. Know that I am not happy about this.

And I am a blogger.

Training to become a Mabuhay Guide

2009-02-10T19:39:00.000+08:00

The Department of Tourism with the able leadership of Sec. Ace Durano is trying out this new program called Mabuhay Guides. I was able to get in due to some twist of fate and now we are training to become the Department of Tourism's official tour guides. We will be asked to guide tours of foreign dignitaries, journalists and official guests of the Department. They picked "the best of the best" to train with experts in many aspects of culture so that we have a lot of things to talk about in tours and with a professional tour guide trainer from London. The program is handled by Susan Calo Medina, host of Travel Time.

The training is worth 7000 pounds and is supposed to be for six months but they compressed it to six weeks. Right now the content is culture. We had lectures from Jun De Leon, Flor Hornedo, Eric Torres, Ramon Santos and Nin Encarnacion-Tan. The trainer from London is coming by the end of February and will teach us the practicals. We have training every day except Sunday and it's really intensive. I mean it's just the second day and we learned a lot already. Jun de Leon's lectures are really eye-opening. If we don't finish the training we pay 50000 pesos. As if that would happen with these brilliant lectures.

I'll be posting some reflections on his lessons in the future.

The experience is so far enjoyable. I've met new people, very brilliant people, as fellow trainees. I am seated between Berna and Mel, both Ateneans, who thought that I was from a younger batch. They were surprised when they learned that I am from batch 2005. We've met the Secretary of Tourism, Usec Eduardo Jarque and Standards Director Ma. Victoria Jasmin.

At the end of this training, we'll have written and practical exams. And if we pass, we become official Mabuhay Guides of the DOT and we get a badge, a certificate, several sets of uniform and a year-long contract that would have us on-call (not full-time, we keep our day-jobs).

I wish I could put everything here, but my mind is just full of thoughts and it takes a while to make these ideas sink in and make a coherent entry. But in any case, I am very happy with Mabuhay Guides training. I am very excited to do what we are training to do.

Just what is it about moobs?

2009-01-28T21:33:00.000+08:00

By Finlo Rohrer
BBC News Magazine

The number of men having breast reduction operations in the UK is rising dramatically, but is this really the result of the media spotlighting the physical flaws of male celebrities?

This is an era when glossy magazines and tabloids delight in the most minor flaw of the female celebrity.

The actress with bags under her eyes, the singer with an untrimmed armpit, the model with a sweat patch, all are presented blinking in the paparazzo's flashbulb as their imperfections are chronicled.

All are highlighted with red circles and magnification. And the same process has been applied to male celebrities in recent years.

EXCESSIVE MALE BREASTS

Pubertal gynaecomastia, common in boys, sees breast tissue grow due to hormonal imbalance

In most boys it disappears by end of puberty

Breast growth can be side effect of drugs used to suppressprostate cancer

Can be caused by genetic condition like Klinefelter's Syndrome

Other causes include:

Obesity

Anabolic steroid use

When both the then Prime Minister Tony Blair and leader of the opposition David Cameron were pictured enjoying the sun in the summer of 2006, newspapers from tabloid to broadsheet passed comment on their "moobs".

Every man has breast tissue, but some have excessive breasts. This ranges from classical cases of gynaecomastia, prompted by a range of causes, to breasts enlarged entirely by deposits of fat over the pectoral muscles. But whatever the cause British men seem to be increasingly concerned over the state of their chests.

The latest figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) seem to bear out this obsession.

Surgeons carried out 323 male breast reduction procedures in 2008, up a staggering 44% from 2007.

It would be easy to assume that the UK is a nation where men are rapidly becoming more obese, and they are taking a surgical shortcut to get rid of male breasts that are merely deposits of fat on top of their pectoral muscles.

Simon Cowell was mercilessly ribbed for his physique, but has since embarked on a fitness regime

But this is not the full picture says consultant plastic surgeon and Baaps member Dalia Nield.

She concedes that anything up to a third of the men seeking breast reductions are simply obese. But she says the rest of the rising numbers of operations are people who are suffering gynaecomastia - excessive breasts - caused by other factors, such as a hormonal imbalance.

Among these, a common type is pubertal gynaecomastia, where boys develop the excessive breast tissue during adolescence.

"Many of those young men if they don't have a very marked gynaecomastia they don't necessarily seek help," says Ms Nield. "But I see many of these pubertal cases later in life when they put on weight and it becomes more obvious."

Genetic disorders like Klinefelter's Syndrome - having an extra "X" chromosome - also account for some cases, and there are a rising number of men suffering from excessive breast tissue as a side effect of drugs prescribed for prostate cancer. Treatment of this type of cancer has improved in recent years, says Mrs Nield, leading to more cases.

But how can one explain the dramatic upwards trajectory for male breast reduction procedures? In 2005, only 22 were performed.

'Tremendous distress'

Mrs Nield suggests that much of the increase may be due to the media publicising the surgery option.

Many of those pieces mocking the imperfections of the middle-aged celebrity also contain a factbox that talks about non-obesity gynaecomastia and explains that surgery is an option.

MOOBS: THE ETYMOLOGY

Portmanteau word of "man" and "boobs"

First reference in UK newspaper in June 2004

Satirical website manboobs.co.uk domain name registered in January 2003

Term assumed to be of US origin

The effect, Mrs Nield suggests, is that men who might have been suffering in silence for years, realise they are not alone and are spurred on to seek out surgery.

"It is a cause of tremendous distress," says the surgeon.

And there is no doubting that the last few years have seen an increasing attention to this particular physical flaw.

A search of the LexisNexis newspaper databases suggests the word made its debut in a British newspaper in June 2004. Since then it has been used 161 times. There have been more than 350 references to "man boobs" over the same period. "Moobs" clocks up 281,000 hits on Google.

Kerri McPherson, a chartered health psychologist at Glasgow Caledonian University and a member of the men's health group, Scotland, is an expert on male body image.

"I would argue that what the media is really discussing is just representing the growing concerns of everyday men. This concern has always been there but they have not been able to articulate it."

And it could be argued that media mockery reinforces the negative body image of the excessive male breast sufferer, it also might free some from isolation and paranoia that they could have been burdened with a decade ago.

John McCririck was also mocked after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother

The presentation of "moobs" as something suffered by a slew of male celebrities might make life easier for the ordinary bloke sitting in a pub discussing his problem with his mates.

"More and more people are being given a language to talk about concerns about their body," says Dr McPherson.

"Particularly with what is a very feminine [characteristic] if a man was talking about [having] breasts [decades ago] they would have been a source of ridicule."

Paula Singleton, a researcher in the health faculty at Leeds Metropolitan University, is doing a PhD on the attitudes shown by men planning to have breast reduction surgery, entitled "Bruises heal but moobs last forever - men's account of cosmetic surgery for gynaecomastia."

"It seems like you can hardly turn on the telly and open a newspaper without it being mentioned," she says.

SHOWING SOME FRONT

Friends, 1997. Chandler tries to cancel his gym membership

Ross: Whoa-whoa-whoa, hey! Now remember what we talked about, you gotta be strong.

Chandler: Yes. (In a stronger voice) Yes!

Ross: One more time, "Hey, don't you want a washboard stomach and rock hard pecs?"

Chandler: No! I want a flabby gut and saggy man breasts!

Seinfeld, 1995. George is upset after seeing his dad's moobs

Jerry: So what? A lot of older men have that

Kramer: No, not these. These were real hooters.

George: I was throwing up all night. It was like my own personal Crying Game.

Kramer: Well, maybe you're gonna get 'em too, George.

George: Yeah, that's right. What if it's a genetic thing, like father like son?

"[Those planning surgery] described feelings of shame, anxiety and embarrassment. They had suffered everything from being shouted at from a bus to teasing from work colleagues… doctors smirking and laughing at them and saying 'get down the gym'."

Of course, it would be wrong to group men with excessive breasts into justifiable "moobs" - ie a hormonal, chemical or genetic cause - and unjustifiable "moobs" - those caused primarily by obesity.

Both sets of men may be suffering psychologically at a time when the male body is under increasing scrutiny.

In the academic world, most of the theorising about body image has traditionally been about women, but now researchers are starting to look at changing attitudes among men.

"Men are starting to feel those appearance pressures more and more," says Ms Singleton.

And this growing body consciousness could lead to more men making their way through the surgeon's doors.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7855763.stm

Published: 2009/01/28 12:46:47 GMT

© BBC MMIX

Outspoken Kirill elected new Russian patriarch

2009-01-28T20:47:00.000+08:00

MOSCOW (AFP) — The Russian Orthodox Church has selected 62-year-old Metropolitan Kirill as its new patriarch, an outspoken figure who analysts say could prove a headache for the Kremlin.

A seasoned operator after long service as head of the church's foreign relations section, Kirill was elected on Tuesday by an overwhelming majority in a ballot of church leaders in Moscow's ornate cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, received 508 votes in a secret ballot of the Church Council in Moscow while his challenger Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk won 169 votes.

"I accept and thank the Church Council for my election as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia," Kirill said solemnly after the results were announced, before leading the congregation in an Orthodox liturgy.

Addressing the incense-filled gathering earlier, Kirill had made a strident call for church unity and urged the faithful to resist Protestant and Catholic proselytizing, dampening hopes of a transformation in poisonous ties with Rome.

About 700 bearded and robed bishops and laity from both Russia and diocese abroad had the right to participate in the first such vote of the post-Soviet era, following the death of Alexy II last month.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin both congratulated Kirill, news agencies reported.

"Medvedev voiced hope for further strengthening of the dialogue between church and state in developing the country and boosting spiritual values," Medvedev's spokeswoman Natalya Timakova was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

Putin, who is himself an Orthodox believer, telephoned Kirill to offer his congratulations, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov added.

Kirill's comments echoed the tough approach of his predecessor, who resisted attempts by late Polish pope John Paul II to reach out to Catholics in ex-Soviet lands and who refused to countenance a papal visit to Russia.

In the post-Soviet era "the most active proselytizing was by missionaries of all manner of Protestant denominations but we also noticed with bitterness representatives of the Catholic hierarchy," Kirill said.

"We must attentively follow developments and where necessary quickly and decisively react to threats," added Kirill, who after Alexy's death was appointed "Guardian of the Throne" temporarily in charge of the church.

Metropolitan Kirill, who has hosted his own weekly television programme "Words of a Pastor" for the past 10 years, is seen as something of a loose cannon in political circles, analysts say.

"Among the bishops, he's the only real politician. If I were president, I'd be afraid of such a man," said religious affairs expert Sergei Filatov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, referring to Kirill.

Russia's politicians "can't tell what he's going to do. If (the economy) all goes pear shaped they don't know what Patriarch Kirill would do. They'd prefer someone they had control over," said religious affairs analyst and journalist for the Forum 18 religious news agency Geraldine Fagan earlier.

Kirill, whose crushing victory had been widely predicted, takes over a church that went from strength to strength under Alexy after being repressed in the Soviet era.

Prime Minister Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev both attend church on feast days, as do other Slavic leaders such as Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko.

The church's relatively rapid election of Kirill, without resorting to a run-off, and the withdrawal of a third candidate just before voting began were indicative of its desire to make a show of unity at a crucial moment.

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a symbol of the church's resurgence. Dynamited under Stalin, it was then replaced by an open air swimming pool before an exact replica was rebuilt in the 1990s.

In an interview with the Trud newspaper published Monday, Kirill said the church was thriving but could still play a greater role in daily life, including education.

Fr. Joey's Funeral Mass and Committal

2009-01-10T16:50:00.000+08:00

Among all the liturgical celebrations, the Funeral Mass and the Rite of Committal are the most powerful expressions of faith in Christ and his promises. Christ rose from the dead and all who believe in him are assured of their own resurrection. Which is the reason why I am not that sad, just grieving. Christians have the hope of the resurrection. That one day, we will be with each other again and we will see God as he is.

The Funeral Liturgy went smoothly. The liturgist did his homework and studied the pertinent book. I liked how they put the coffin on the sanctuary floor, as it should be - like how Pope John Paul II's coffin was on the ground and not elevated and the paschal candle was beside the coffin - the paschal candle, the symbol of the risen Christ. In the Introductory Rites, the symbols of faith were placed on the coffin - holy water and the Pall (a reminder of baptism - the water and the white garment) and the Gospel Book. The cross is already in Fr. Joey's hand. He's wearing a blue and gold chasuble and his habit under. I didn't see a stole but I presume it's there. And also a rosary wrapped in his hands. Towards the end, the coffin was incensed again, then the song of farewell and finally the final commendation (redundant).

Fr. Jojo Magadia, Father Provincial, presided over the Mass. Many Jesuits were there - and a familiar priest who is not really Jesuit (Jesuit-Jesuitan), Fr. Steve Z. I bumped into Fr. Vic on entering Gesu. Fr. Adolfo Dacanay, Inay's Th 131 prof who failed him, was there. Fr. James Meehan, my Th 151 prof and a fellow liturgist (fellow daw o). Fr. Ben Nebres, Fr. Bill Kreutz (who presided over Ms. Moran's wedding), Fr. Arcilla (my Latin and Hi165 prof), Fr. Rene Javellana (FA director) and Fr. Chito (AGS chaplain who asked me who I was again) were there. I found Fr. JBoy at the back with the scholastics during communion. Fr. JBoy posted the video that was shown in the Funeral Mass in his site.

Fr. Mario gave a very apt homily. It explained the source of Fr. Joey's illness, that it's inexplicable - Fr. Joey did nothing to damage his liver and it's not genetic. And that Fr. Joey gave Mrs. Siruno (one of my former bosses) a labrador pup from his sickbed. Fr. Mario ended with saying something to the effect that in the darkness and confusion of death we are guided by the light of the paschal candle - the light of the risen Christ.

I was just surprised that the deacon led the Prayer of the Faithful instead of the Presider. He should have just said the intentions. But it's negligible. Not a sin.

Towards the end, Anna, Fr. Joey's sister, expressed her thanks and the list of thanks that Fr. Joey did. She was choked up in tears towards the end of the list. Fr. Joey was able to say his goodbyes and his thanks.

Some students were there - two of them are my students from two years ago - Bam and Anton. Anton was carrying a tarp for Fr. Joey. And a lot of teachers. Ms. Rabino was in the Mass, - I wasn't able to converse with her. Mrs. Camirillo and Mr. Reformado were there - we joined the Grade 3 teachers after the burial in McDo Katips. It's like a reunion. A lot of AHS boys were there. They had been permitted to attend. And a lot of parents. Katabi ko mga Gr 4.

After the Mass I rode the bus of the AGS faculty (nakikifaculty) and went to Sacred Heart Novitiate where the Jesuits begin formation and where they are buried. It was my first time in the Novitiate. Very cozy. Parang gusto ko nang mag-Jesuit. Hehe.

We had the rite of committal in the vestibule of the main building. Fr. Bill presided. He can't read the rite anymore. But he did well ad lib. I saw picture of Rey (a Cubao seminarian) on the bulletin board. Sr. Rellie and Sr. Bubbles were near the coffin during the Rite, I was in a side room behind Ma'am Tantoco (my Ed 33 prof). After the reading and the psalm, we prayed and then brought Fr. Joey to the cemetery in procession. The choir was leading the songs. Sana lang nacarry hanggang likod ang pagkanta.

At the back of the buildings is the cemetery. It's very simple. The niche only bears the name, the date of birth, the date of entry to the Society, and the date of death. Fr. Joey is buried beside Fr. Abesamis (Third Look) and on top of Fr. Hontiveros (liturgical musician). We said our last goodbyes, put flowers in his niche and they closed his niche temporarily.

Mrs. Blanco (the former Ms. Moran), Mrs. Mendoza (pronounced as Men-dow-za - hehehe, the former Ms. Zuniga) and I looked at the other 'residents' and found familiar names. Mrs. Blanco of course knows more priests, she's older than me. I saw Fr. Schmitt (as in Schmitt hall, the chem building), Fr. Dela Costa (who has a statue outside the building of my department in college), Fr. Cipriano Unson (Fr. Chito's cousin) and Bro. Richie who would probably end up as a saint. Fr. Benny Calpotura is also there. I had met him when I attended a series of seminars on Psycho-Spiritual Retreat giving at the Garage (when the Garage was new) and we share the same Enneagram personality type. He died some years ago, I wasn't able to visit. His niche was two slots from Fr. Joey's.

After the whole lot of people left, I was able to meet Fr. Joey's mom and dad. I just shook their hand in an attempt to console them. They have my prayers.

I prayed for a bit and then went to get refreshments. Elise pa rin. Elise for ever.

Hihingi na sana ako ng form kaya lang baka maiwanan ng bus.

We boarded the bus. I sat beside Mr. Garcia (nagkasya kami - sakto lang). Nagkuwentuhan kami tungkol sa liturgy. Kami lang yata nagkakasundo sa liturgy sa AGS. Hanggang sa makatulog siya.

Pagdating sa bandang Katipunan, grand reopening ng McDo. May banda at mga mascot. At kahit kagagaling lang namin sa libing, may teacher na sumigaw:

"Uy si Birdie!"

I am ending this blog entry about a funeral and burial with that.

"Uy si Birdie."

The 'misunderestimated' president?

2009-01-08T12:57:00.000+08:00

All politicians are prone to make slips of the tongue in the heat of the moment - and President George W Bush has made more than most.

The word "Bushism" has been coined to label his occasional verbal lapses during eight years in office, which come to an end on 20 January.

Here are some of his most memorable pronouncements.

ON HIMSELF

"They misunderestimated me."
Bentonville, Arkansas, 6 November, 2000

"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on... shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
Nashville, Tennessee, 17 September, 2002

"There's no question that the minute I got elected, the storm clouds on the horizon were getting nearly directly overhead."
Washington DC, 11 May, 2001

"I want to thank my friend, Senator Bill Frist, for joining us today. He married a Texas girl, I want you to know. Karyn is with us. A West Texas girl, just like me."
Nashville, Tennessee, 27 May, 2004

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

"For a century and a half now, America and Japan have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times."
Tokyo, 18 February, 2002

"The war on terror involves Saddam Hussein because of the nature of Saddam Hussein, the history of Saddam Hussein, and his willingness to terrorise himself."
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 29 January, 2003

"I think war is a dangerous place."
Washington DC, 7 May, 2003

"The ambassador and the general were briefing me on the - the vast majority of Iraqis want to live in a peaceful, free world. And we will find these people and we will bring them to justice."
Washington DC, 27 October, 2003

"Free societies are hopeful societies. And free societies will be allies against these hateful few who have no conscience, who kill at the whim of a hat."
Washington DC, 17 September, 2004

"You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
CBS News, Washington DC, 6 September, 2006

EDUCATION

"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"
Florence, South Carolina, 11 January, 2000

"Reading is the basics for all learning."
Reston, Virginia, 28 March, 2000

"As governor of Texas, I have set high standards for our public schools, and I have met those standards."
CNN, 30 August, 2000

"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.''
Townsend, Tennessee, 21 February, 2001

ECONOMICS

"I understand small business growth. I was one."
New York Daily News, 19 February, 2000

"It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it."
Reuters, 5 May, 2000

"I do remain confident in Linda. She'll make a fine Labour Secretary. From what I've read in the press accounts, she's perfectly qualified."
Austin, Texas, 8 January, 2001

"First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."
Washington DC, 19 May, 2003

HEALTHCARE

"I don't think we need to be subliminable about the differences between our views on prescription drugs."
Orlando, Florida, 12 September, 2000

"Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB/GYN's aren't able to practice their love with women all across the country."
Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 6 September, 2004

TECHNOLOGY

"Will the highways on the internet become more few?"
Concord, New Hampshire, 29 January, 2000

"It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber."
Washington DC, 10 April, 2002

"Information is moving. You know, nightly news is one way, of course, but it's also moving through the blogosphere and through the Internets."
Washington DC, 2 May, 2007

OUT OF LEFT FIELD

"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
Saginaw, Michigan, 29 September, 2000

"Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream."
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, 18 October, 2000

"Those who enter the country illegally violate the law."
Tucson, Arizona, 28 November, 2005

"That's George Washington, the first president, of course. The interesting thing about him is that I read three - three or four books about him last year. Isn't that interesting?"
Speaking to reporter Kai Diekmann, Washington DC, 5 May, 2006

ON GOVERNING

"I have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together."
Bartlett, Tennessee, 18 August, 2000

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best."
Washington DC, 18 April, 2006

"And truth of the matter is, a lot of reports in Washington are never read by anybody. To show you how important this one is, I read it, and [Tony Blair] read it."
On the publication of the Baker-Hamilton Report, Washington DC, 7 December, 2006

"All I can tell you is when the governor calls, I answer his phone."
San Diego, California, 25 October, 2007

"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."
Washington DC, 12 May, 2008

Miss... Miss... Ay... Sorry, Kuya

2008-07-14T12:01:00.000+08:00

Pabalik ako kagabi sa OLPH at nakasakay ako sa jeep papuntang Project 8. Hindi ko alam kung kelan siya sumakay pero napansin ko na lang sa harap ko ang isang napakagandang babae. Maputi at makinis ang balat, naka-ayos ang mukha at derecho ang buhok. Maganda. Parang pinaghalong Donita Rose at Francine Prieto.

Kinutuban ako.

Hindi sasakay ng jeep ang ganito kaganda, lalo pa't papunta sa Project 8 (no offense sa mga taga-project 8).

Naglakbay ang aking paningin sa kanyang kamay na nakahawak sa 'handlebars' ng jeep. At narealize ko na magsinglaki kami ng palad. At nang tiningnan ko ang kanyang paa, ito rin ay lubhang napakahaba. At napansin ko ang leeg na natatakpan ng buhok - may nakaumbok.

Nakasipit pala ang katotohanan.

Professor na po ako, huhuhu...

2008-06-30T13:38:00.000+08:00

This is the situation.

Today, I boarded a jeep to Santo Domingo. I paid the normal 8-peso fair. That would be using the fewest collection (one 5-peso coin, and three 1-peso coins). I began rereading Deus Caritas Est when I realized that the driver had sent change. He gave me back Php 1.50.

For the last two weeks I had been explaining to security guards and other people that I am already teaching here.

"San po kayo, sir?"

"Ano pong year?"

"San ka pupunta?"

"Magtuturo po."

"Professor na po ako."

Nagtangka akong pumasok sa library. Kaya lang wala pa akong ID. Sabi nung guard "Pahinging pruwiba."

Spa Offer

2008-06-25T09:36:00.000+08:00

AFTERNOON TREAT @*************spa
MONDAY TO THURSDAY from 12nn to 5pm

1hr. BODY MASSAGE
(choices of Shitsu, Swedish, Combination or Reflexology )

P250 from P350 - in a Common Room
P350 from P500 - in a Private Room

Gusto ko ng shitsu. Hindi ko pa natatry.

Panuorin niyo

2008-04-24T22:15:00.001+08:00

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MAGCOCOMMENT KA LANG NG GANITO

2008-03-09T20:06:00.000+08:00

"tol, ugali mo ayusin mo sakristan ka pa naman.."

dahil nagsestereotype ka,
at dahil HINDI MO ALAM ANG BUONG KUWENTO. Kung magcocomment ka, magtanong ka muna dahil hindi lahat ng bagay nababanaag sa nakikita. At sira ulo talaga siya.

By the way, hindi ako sakristan.

OH MY...

2008-02-27T17:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Bunny

2008-02-27T17:04:00.000+08:00

Kaya ako hindi tumataba

2008-02-24T18:55:00.000+08:00

dahil may limited amount ng timbang sa mundo, dinidistribute ito ng Diyos sa mga tao. Iniisip ko na lang na kung hindi sa akin napunta, at least napunta sa iba. :))

Halatang di na sanay

2008-02-24T18:46:00.000+08:00

Ang lisensiya sa pagmamaneho ay nageexpire sa birthday. Expired na ang akin. Di na pwedeng kainin. Napilitan ako kaninang magmaneho dahil kailangan kong kunin ang laptop sa OLPH.

Ang maiksi at mahaba (the long and short) nito ay NAIWAN KO ANG SUSI SA LOOB. Ganito talaga pag nasanay ka nang magbayad at iwanan ang sinakyan mo. Haha. Pinapunta ko pa si Isay para sunduin ako. Hahaha. Kailangan ang kotse kong bibilhin ay may toot toot. Para siguradong hindi ako mageengerts sa pagsara.

Kawawa ka naman

2008-02-22T23:59:00.000+08:00

Yan ang trabaho mo tapos hindi mo gamay? tsk. Mahirap tuloy ipaliwanag ang ilang bagay-bagay.

Success!

2008-02-22T08:08:00.000+08:00

Maliban sa dali ng bowel movement, highlight ng araw na ito ang pagkapasa ni Aileen, ang aking ex-roommate at ang aking dear sisteret, sa UST Med school. Masayang masaya ako para sa kanya at alam kong masayang masaya siya. Apat na taon lang ang hihintayin namin at magiging Doktora na siya.

Ako naman ay magkaka-masteral degree na sa ilang buwan at malamang sa hindi ay magtangka ring magka-PhD. So habang hindi pa ako doctor, ako ay isang hilot. Ang kuya ay hilot, ang Aileen ay doktor. :))

At bilang handog na awitin, narito ang "Tagumpay nating Lahat" as performed by Lea Salonga.

Ako'y anak ng lupang hinirang
Kung saan matatagpuan
Ang timyas ng perlas ng Silangan
Nagniningning sa buong kapuluan

Taglay ko ang hiwaga ng Silangan
At saan mang bayan o lungsod
Maging Timog, Hilaga at Kanluran
Ang Pilipino ay namumukod

Refrain:
Sama-sama nating abutin
Pinakamatayog na bituin
At ang aking tagumpay
Tagumpay ng aking lahi
Tagumpay ng aking lipi
Ang tanging minimithi at hinahangad
Hangad ko'y tagumpay nating lahat

Ako ay may isang munting pangarap
Sa aking dakilang lupain
At sa sama-sama nating pagsisikap
Sama-sama ring mararating

Ang iba't ibang galaw, iisang patutunguhan
Dito isang araw, isang kapuluan

Sama-sama nating abutin
Pinakamatayog na bituin
At ang aking tagumpay
Tagumpay ng aking lahi
Tagumpay ng aking lipi
Ang tanging minimithi at hinahangad
Hangad ko'y tagumpay nating lahat
Hangad ko'y tagumpay nating lahat

Hahaha. Ang labo. Lumalabnaw na ang utak ko sa kababasa ng Odo Casel at Romano Guardini. May humahabol pang Edward Schillebeeckx. :))

Sa Totoo Tayo

2008-02-19T11:35:00.000+08:00

Ayaw Kong Maging Tanga

2008-02-18T18:18:00.000+08:00

Kung hindi mo pa nakikita kung gaano kakurakot ang mga nasasangkot sa issue na ito, tanga ka. Tanga. Tanga. Tanga. At mas tanga ka kung wala kang ginagawa.

The Church should rally in the streets. We should drag these thieves to the streets and tear them apart with our bare hands.

An alternative would be to have all the albularyos, mangkukulams and mambabarangs cast their spells on these people, turn them into frogs or whatnot.

Wag tayong mapagod na magpeople power. E ano kung hindi rin matino ang papalit? E ano kung maging kurakot din? Kung pinipigilan tayo dahil ayaw lang nating mapagod sa kakapalit ng pamunuan, wala tayong karapatang magreklamo at maghangad ng mas magandang bukas para sa bayan natin. Kung maging kurakot, e di magpeople power ulit. Sa dami ba naman ng people sa bansa natin, kahit magrelyebo tayo, kering keri.

Game! Naku, wala nang perimeter sa grade 3.

Manindigan!

2008-02-18T18:10:00.000+08:00

Dumalo ako sa Misa sa Gesu bilang pagsuporta kay Jun Lozada o JLo. At dito ko napagtanto ang mga sumusunod:
1. Na ang hindi pakikibaka para sa tama ay pagpayag sa mali. Ayaw ng mga teacher ng mali. Dahil pag maraming mali kailangang mag-retest. Ayaw ng Simbahan ng mali kaya nga dapat labanan ang kasamaan. Ayaw ko ng mali, gusto ko lagi akong tama.

2. Na hindi epektibo ang mga statement na ang phrasing ay "We call on the president to blah blah blah." Mas higit na epektibo kung may isang obispong magsusuot ng miter at titingin sa kamera habang sinasabi ito nang nakaduro sa direksyon ng mga manonood:
"Oo, ikaw, nabunyag na sa lahat ang mga kabalbalan mo. Kailan ka pa magsisisi? Kapag huli na ang lahat? Alam mo, ginawa ni God ang impiyerno para may paglagyan ka!"
at matatapos ang lahat ng ito kung may isang obispo na naka-Miter na sasabihin sa TV:
"Lahat kayong taga-Metropolitan Province of Manila, lumabas na kayo sa mga bahay ninyo at kuyugin natin ang mga maysala. Sugpuin natin ang kasamaan."

at may isang exorcist na magsasaboy ng katakot-takot na holy water sa malacanang para mapaalis si satan. The Church has to remove the social sin that perpetuates the evil of poverty i.e. corruption.

3. Na hindi madali ang pagbabago sa lipunan hangga't hindi lahat tayo nakikisama at nakikibaka. Parang yung kuwento ng pitong tanga. Tumawid sila sa ilog at pagkatawid, para masigurong kumpleto sila, binilang ng unang tanga ang kanyang mga kasama. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Naku, pito tayo, nasaan ang isa, baka nalunod. Hangga't hindi natin nabibilang ang ating sarili, isa rin tayong tanga.

(Teacher, bad word)

Ayaw kong maging tanga.

Paging Pepe - Your Kite is Too High

2008-02-15T16:31:00.000+08:00

Today we had Kite-Flying day at school. Of course, when I say school, that means work. I arrived at 11 and waited for the faculty dance number, which ended up to be at around 4:50. It was fun. Wala akong dalang cap. Wala ring dalang cap si Ms. Moran. Ganito ang nangyayari sa mentoring system.

I had the pleasure of flying a kite and bonding with some of my students like Timmy from Lapu-lapu Santy and JB from Soliman. I may have pictures in one of the albums here. Nagtatatakbo ako na parang Grade 3 student para lang makapagpalipad ng kite sa field sa may CTC. Natumba pa ako at one point. Pero ayos magpalipad ng kite. Yung ibang teachers nakikihawak ng kite para makapag-photo-op.

We danced Soulja boy. Enough said. Dapat nagpatihulog na lang ako sa stage. Mahirap talagang kumita ng pera ngayon - kailangang sumayaw ng teacher.

There were fireworks and celebrities. Nandoon si Kuya Kim. Hindi umulan at may ahas siyang dala. Ang buhay ay weather-weather lang. Ang dami niyang trivia sa kung ano ano gaya ng mga hayop at mga tao. Naalala ni Ms. Moran si Morgan Freeman sa Bucket List. Ako naman naaalala ko si Ka Ernie at ang spoof niyang si Ka Hernia. Siguro kung si Kuya Kim ang ipinatawag sa senado, nasagot na lahat ng tanong. "Trivia, alam niya ba na si ___ ang nagpilit na maglagay ng 130M dollars sa contract?"

Nung pahapon na, tumabi ako sa mga Miriamites para magtype ng liturgy. Kaya lang tumigil ako dahil ginugulo ako ng mga lamok at mga students. Tinatanong ako ng mga Miriamites kung nagdemo ako nung nag-apply ako. Sabi ko hindi dahil pinalitan ko ang isang titser na lumipad na papuntang states. Tinatanong nila kung paano lumipad. Sabi ko nahati sa gitna ang katawan, tinubuan ng pakpak at lumipad.

Nanalo nga pala ako ng 300-pesos na load.

Sidenote: Miro mentions Fr. Dennis. Let's sing "It's a Small World."

Happy Teachers' Day

2008-02-14T09:20:00.000+08:00

The reason why Valentine's Day is irrelevant is because today is also Teachers' Day.

Balemtime's survey from Miko

2008-02-08T19:03:00.000+08:00

1.Do you like anyone? yes.

2. Are you flirty: no.

3. Are you a player? no.

4. Would you get back together with any of your exes? malabo nang mangyari yun. wishful thinking na lang.

5. Have you ever kissed anyone of your friends? yes.

6. Do you want a valentine? maybe.

7. Have you slept over at the opposite sex's house? yes.

8. Do you prefer group dates or single ones? i don't know.

10. Do you like someone who you can not have? yes.

11. Any plans for valentines day? no.

12.What's the best valentines day present for a girl? flowers

14. Are you single or taken?: single.

15.Who do you want to date on Valentine's Day? good question

Today is the Solemnity of Fr. Dennis

2008-02-08T18:24:00.000+08:00

Pagbati sa kaarawan ng bossing naming walang kasing bait, walang kasing husay at walang kasing laki... ng puso (pero hindi enlarged heart). Bossing, magbirthday ka man, para kang hindi tumatanda.

Mabuhay ka!

Stop Talking

2008-02-08T13:51:00.000+08:00

I have decided to stop talking to some people.

Ang Titser at ang mga Estudyante

2008-02-08T09:21:00.000+08:00

Ito ang mga kuwento ng kabalbalan ng isang teacher at ng kanyang mga estudyante.

Kuwento 1: Ang Salarin
Si Mikko ay isa sa grupo ng pitong kumidnap kay Snow White. Nasabihan na rin siya ng kanyang adviser na kung hindi siya magtitino ay gagawin siyang keychain. Dumadaldal habang prayer. E di pina-remain standing ko.

Maya-maya, tinanong ko "Mikko, do you want to sit down?"
Mikko: "Yes, sir."
Me: "I'll let you sit down if you promise to behave."
Mikko: "Ay."

Kuwento 2: Si Lukiam at ang Makalat na Classroom
Si Lukiam ay isang LEAPer (tutee). Gumagamit kami ng classroom na itatago na lang natin sa pangalang 2-Pulog. Makalat palagi ang classroom. Isang araw, napagtanto ni Lukiam na hindi na niya kailangang magdala ng lapis para sa LEAP.

Lukiam: "Teacher, hindi na ako magdadala ng pencil case."
Me: "Bakit?"
Lukiam: "Pupulot na lang ako dito."

Nang sumunod na araw, nagtataka ang aking kasamang si Ms. Moran sa ginagawa ni Lukiam. Pagpasok sa kuwarto, tuwang tuwa itong umiikot at may pinulot sa sahig at sinabing "Ayun."

Kahapon, si Jelo, isa pang LEAPer, ay nagpaalam para kumuha ng kanyang pencil case. Sabi ni Lukiam "Wag ka nang kumuha, pumulot ka na lang dito."

Nang matapos ang session namin, sabi ko kay Lukiam, "Isauli mo yang pencil ha, hindi yan sa iyo."

Binitawan at hinayaan niyang mahulog ang lapis.

Kuwento 3: Ang Tinga at ang Kulangot
Si Vito ay nakaupo sa kanyang upuan. Napansin kong siya ay nangungulangot. Nakita niya akong pinanonood siyang nangungulangot. Nagsmile siya sa akin. At sinubo ang kanyang daliri.

Ano ang sinabi ng tinga sa kulangot?
Tinga: "Uy, ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?

Psst... May Dumi Ka sa Noo

2008-02-07T08:21:00.000+08:00

Sabit ako sa paglalagay ng dumi sa noo ng mga Katoliko kahapon. Nung Martes, sinunog namin ang mga palaspas mula sa nakaraang taon para maging abo na imumudmod sa noo ng mga pumila kahapon. (opo, ang abo ay galing sa lumang palaspas) Ako pa mismo ang nagsunog. Hanggang sa umitim na ang ilong ko. Sa takot ng parish priest na masunog ang simbahan (sa driveway kasi ginawa), ibinuhos niya ang holy water sa apoy (na dapat naman ay hindi lumaki ng ganoon pero mahangin kasi). Ang ending, ako mismo ang nagsunog ng palaspas. Gusto ko na ngang ilagay sa mga tao e, habang mainit-init pa.

Kahapon, dumeretso ako sa simbahan mula sa trabaho at nakadalawang misa pa ako ng hapon. Tinatawanan ako ng kura dahil malalaki ang krus na gawa ko. Sinigurado ko lang namang pantay. Kaya lang may mga 2-3 na nasa may kanan ang krus (parang scar ni harry potter).

Noong natapos ang huling misa, may mga late. So bilang penance, nagcelebrate kami ng rite outside the mass na nakapublish sa Bukal (TM) ng DMLA(R). Basically, ito ay misa na walang liturgy of the eucharist. Ako ang nagpreside, naglector, naghomily at naglagay ng abo. Tinulungan ako ng mga taga-visual aid at isang EMHC.

Natatawa sa akin ang isang lingkod na tagapindot dahil kayang-kaya ko daw ang ginawa ko. Nagspontaneous akong homily. Buti napigilan ko ang sarili ko na magjoke pagkatapos maglagay ng abo na "May dumi kayo sa noo" kungdi sira ang solemnity. Feel na nilang kuwaresma kasi walang music (ehem, kurei).

Natawa ako nung huli kasi nung natapos at nagdismiss ako ("Go in peace to love and serve the Lord" - hindi "Goodbye and thank you, boys and girls") may nagsimula ng pagpalakpak at pumalakpak naman sila. Yun ang di ko gets, ang pagpalakpak pag natapos ang liturgy.

Nung gabi, new year's eve para sa amin. Wala nang fasting at abstinence. Hehe. Saya-saya. Tikoy.

The Repentant Singer

2008-02-04T17:41:00.000+08:00

I used to live between two beerhouses. One was even under the common bedroom. Fortunately, the owner sucks at business so he failed not once, but far too many times to count. My sister said "Nagnegosyo ba siya?" when I asked her how many times they closed down.

There are still two beerhouses to our left. Which is the reason why I am partially deaf.

I have taken notice of a particular regular at the one beside our apartment. I know he is regular because I hear him on the videoke every night. In his regular lineup of songs is a song originally performed by Gary V "Take Me Out of the Dark."

The Library

2008-02-04T10:10:00.000+08:00

Liturgical Books

Aklat ng Mabuting Balita
Aklat ng Pagmimisa sa Roma
Ang Salita ng Diyos
Book of Blessings
Ceremonial of Bishops
De benedictionibus
Lectionary (old edition)
Liturgy of the Hours Volume 1
Liturgy of the Hours Volume 2
Liturgy of the Hours Volume 3
Liturgy of the Hours Volume 4
Missale Romanum 1952
Ordo Baptismi Parvulorum
Ordo Celebrandi Matrimonium
Ordo Exsequiarium
Ordo Initiationis Christiane Adultorum
Panalangin ng Kristiyano sa Maghapon
Rituale Romanum
Roman Missal 1960
Roman Ritual
Sacramentary
Supplement to the Roman Sacramentary
The Rites of the Catholic Church Volume 1
The Rites of the Catholic Church Volume 2
Sacramentarium Veronense
Sacramentarium Gelasianum Vetus
Sacramentarium Gregorianum

Books on Liturgy

A Church without Borders by Vanderwilt
A History of Liturgical Books by Eric Palazzo
A New Look at the Sacraments
A Short History of the Liturgy by Theodor Klauser
A Theology of Christian Prayer
Ambrose of Milan's Method of Mystagogical Preaching by Craig Alan Saterlee
Anamnesis: I Sacramentale e le Benedizioni by A. Nocent et al
Baptism and Confirmation by Burkhard Neunhauser
Benedict's Rule: a Translation and Commentary by Terence Kurdong
Beyond East and West Problems in Liturgical Understanding by Robert Taft SJ
Blessings by Rev Thomas G. Simmons
Cantate et Iubilate Deo
Catholic Rites Today
Celebrating the Rites of Adult Initiation: Pastoral Reflections
Celebrating the Saints
Christ as the Sacrament of the Encounter with God by Edward Schillebeecx
Christian Initiation by Hugh Riley
Christian Initiation: Baptism in the Medieval West by JDC Fisher
Committed Worship Volume 1 by Donald Gelpi
Committed Worship Volume 2 by Donald Gelpi
Confirmation by Aidan Kavanaugh OSB
Context and Text by Kevin Irwin
Das Christliche Kultmysterium (The Mystery of Christian Worship) by Odo Casel OSB
Documents of Baptismal Liturgy by E.C. Whitaker
Documents of the Marriage Liturgy by Mark Searle and Kenneth Stevenson
Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church by Joseph Martos
Eastern Catholic Worship by Donald Artwater
Episcopal Ordination and Ecclesial Consensus by Sharon McMillan
Eucharist and Church Fellowship in the First Four Centuries
Eucharist and Offering by Kenneth Stevenson
Eucharist in rhe New Testament and Early Church by Eugene La Verdiare
Eucharist toward the Third MIllenium
Finding Voice to Give God Praise ed by Kathleen Hughes
Fire and Light in the Western Triduum by AJ MacGregor
Formation in the Ministry of Reader
Foundations of Liturgy by Adolf Adam
Funeral Liturgies by Flor McCarthy SDB
Gli Spazi della Celebrazione Rituale a cura della Facolta Teologica di Sicilia
Handbook for Liturgical Studies Volume 1 (Introduction to Liturgy) ed by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Handbook for Liturgical Studies Volume 2 (Fundamental Liturgy) ed by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Handbook for Liturgical Studies Volume 3 (The Eucharist) ed by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Handbook for Liturgical Studies Volume 4 (Sacraments and Sacramentals) ed by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Handbook for Liturgical Studies Volume 5 (Liturgical Time and Space) ed by Anscar Chupungco OSB
History of the Mass by Robert Cabie
Introits for the Liturgical Year: The Origin and Development of the Latin Texts by Christian Tietze
Infant Baptism in the First Four Centuries by Joachim Jeremias
Introduction to Liturgical Theology by Alexander Schmemann
Introduction to the Liturgy by Ambrosius Verheul
Introduction to the Liturgy by I.H. Dalmais OP
Introduzione alla Storia della Liturgia Occidentale by Enrico Cattaneo
Jesus: An Experimental Christology by Edward Schillebeecx OP
Jewish Roots of Christian Worship
L'eglise en Priere (The Church at Prayer) Volume 1 (Principles of Theology) ed by Aime Georges Martimort
L'eglise en Priere (The Church at Prayer) Volume 2 (The Eucharist) ed by Aime Georges Martimort
L'eglise en Priere (The Church at Prayer) Volume 3 (The Sacraments) ed by Aime Georges Martimort
L'eglise en Priere (The Church at Prayer) Volume 4 (The Liturgy and Time) ed by Aime Georges Martimort
Les Ordines Romani Du Haut Moyen Age by Michel Andrieu
Liturgical Inculturation by Anscar J. Chupungco OSB
Liturgies: Eastern and Western by F.E. Brightman
Liturgies of the Future by Anscar J. Chupungco OSB
Liturgy and Hermeneutics
Liturgy and Music ed by Robin Leaver and Joyce Ann Zimmerman
Liturgy for the New Millenium by Mark Francis and Kieth Pecklers (ed)
Living Water, Sealing Spirit by Maxwell Johnson
Marriage Documents
Marriage in the Lord
Medieval History by Cyrille Vogel
Ministry by Kenan Osborne OFM
More Disputed Questions in the Liturgy
Mystagogy by Enrico Mazza
Nuptial Blessing
Liturgical Theology by Aidan Kavanagh
Ordination Rites of the Ancient Churches of East and West by Paul Bradshaw
Origins of the Liturgical Year by Thomas Talley
Patterns in Comparative Religion by Marcea Eliade
Penance and Anointing of the Sick
Priesthood by Kenan Osborne OFM
Primary Sources of Liturgical Theology
Progress and Tradition by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Prusisyon
Public Worship: A Survey by Josef Jungmann SJ
Reconciliation
Rule of Prayer, Rule of Faith: Essays in Honor of Aidan Kavanaugh OSB
Sacramental Orders
Presence in a Postmodern Context
Sacramental Theology
Sacraments and Sacramentality by Bernard Cooke
Shaping the Easter Feast by Anscar Chupungco OSB
Source and Summit: Commemoration of Josef Jungmann
Springtime of the Liturgy by Lucien Deiss CsSP
Symbol and Sacrament
That All May be One by Terence Nichols
The Awe Inspiring Rites of Christian Initiation
The Bible and the Liturgy by Jean Danielou
The Celebration of the Eucharist by Enrico Mazza
The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described by Adrian Fortescue
The Church’s Worship by J.D. Crichton
The Day Has Come! Easter and Baptism in Zeno of Verona by Gordon Jeanes
The Death of a Christian by Richard Rutherford
The Early Liturgy by Josef Jungmann SJ
The Essential Guardini
The Eucharistic Celebration by Adolf Adam
The Eucharist in the New Testament and the Early Church
The Liturgical Year by Adolf Adam
The Liturgy Documents (Volume 1)
The Liturgy Documents (Volume 2)
The Liturgy of Baptism in the Baptismal Instruction of St John Chrysostom
The Mass by Adrian Fortescue
The Mass by Josef Jungmann SJ
The Mass of the Roman Rite Volume 1 by Josef Jungmann SJ
The Mass of the Roman Rite Volume 2 by Josef Jungmann SJ
The Origin of the Eucharistic Prayer by Enrico Mazza
The Pastoral Companion: A Canon Law Handbook for Catholic Ministry
The Place of Christ in Liturgical Prayer by Josef Jungmann SJ
The Promise of Obedience
The Reform of the Liturgy by Annibale Bugnini
The Roman Funeral Liturgy: History, Celebration and Theology by Vincent Kwane Owusu SVD
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
The Shape of the Liturgy by Gregory Dix OSB
The Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Ratzinger
The Spirit of the Liturgy by Romano Guardini
The Study of Liturgy ed by Cheslyn Jones, Geoffrey Wainwright, Edward Yarnolds SJ and Paul Bradshaw
Theological Dimensions of the Liturgy by Cyprian Vagaggini OSB
Theology of Christian Prayer by John Wright
To Join Together by Kenneth Stevenson

Languages

French Made Simple
French Step by Step by Charles Berlitz
German Made Simple
German Step by Step by Charles Berlitz
Italian Grammar by Charles Berlitz
Italian Step by Step by Charles Berlitz
Italian Vocabulary
Larousse French-English Dictionary
Larousse Italian Dictionary
Latin Made Simple
Mondadori Italian-English Dictionary
New Testament Greek by Eric Jay
Oxford French Dictionary and Grammar
Oxford Latin Grammar
Primer on Ecclesiastical Latin by John Collins
The Everything Learning Latin Book

Fiction

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Leaf Storm by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Autumn of the Patriarch by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
No One Writes to the Colonel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Chronicles of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
El Amor en los Tempos de Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Memories of my Melancholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Iliad by Homer
Odyssey by Homer
Immortality by Milan Kundera
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
The Joke by Milan Kundera
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera
Mass by Milan Kundera
The Pretenders by Milan Kundera
Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice
Roman Lives by Plutarch
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell
The Complete Works of John Milton
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Harry Potter
Chronicles of Narnia
Golden Compass
Subtle Knife
Amber Spyglass

NonFiction

Naked by David Sedaris
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
The Truth with Jokes by Al Franken
The Art of Personal Essay

Formation Program for Masters of Ceremonies (for Dave)

2008-02-04T07:32:00.000+08:00

Module 1: Foundations

1. The Role of the Master of Ceremonies

a. Definition of Role according to GIRM 106 and CE

b. History of the office of Master of Ceremonies

c. Masters of Ceremonies today

2. The Theological, Christological and Pneumatological Dimensions of the Liturgy

a. SC 7

b. Liturgy as a Return to the Father through the Son in the Spirit

c. Priesthood of Christ – role of the Mystical Body

d. Anamnesis (ritual memorial) and Epiklesis (effects of the ritual memorial)

3. Sacramental Theology

a. Theological definition of sacraments (Schillebeeckx – encounter with God, etc)

b. Sign – symbol – sacrament

c. Sacramental Presence

d. Liturgy and Sacraments

4. Liturgical Books

a. Nature and importance of Liturgical Books

b. Short History of Liturgical Books and their effects

c. Introduction to each liturgical book

Module 2: The Eucharist

Theology and History of the Eucharist
General Instruction of the Roman Missal and Rubrics
Ceremonial Actions, Solemn Mass, Pontifical Mass

Module 3: The Liturgical Year

Theology, History and Structure of the Liturgical Year
Lent-Easter Cycle
Advent-Christmas Cycle and Important Feasts

Marunong Kang Mag-French?

2008-02-01T09:13:00.000+08:00

Dave texted me yesterday about a meeting at the Diocese of the DICCPP (Diocesan Implementing/Coordinating Committee for the the Pastoral Program). I go there a little before they started. The week before the relics of Therese of Lisieux came over and so there were still remnants of Therese fever at the office. Kuya Randy had a calendar with Therese's writings and we were looking at it. I read the words aloud and attempted at a translation.

Dave goes "Marunong kang mag-French?"

Me: Oo.

I didn't know he didn't know. Oh well.

From Aileen, kasama ko Dorm :)) (my sister)

2008-01-29T16:41:00.000+08:00

What kind of first impression do you people say when they first see you?
- that i am all holy. and that i am not fed.

What's one thing you like to do alone?
- hmm... excrete.

What is your favorite line to say when you're drunk?
- I am not drunk. Isa pa.

How many drinks do you need before you get tipsy?
- 7 shots.

What kind of books do you like to read?
- Fiction and Nonfiction. Broad ba masyado?

Do you think you're cute?
- No. I am cute without the e.

Do you have a problem changing clothes infront of your friends?
- Yes if friends as in the_court. No if friends as in servers (because we would be changing from church wear to street wear at pinapatong lang ang church wear). No if friends with benefits (hahaha, as if meron).

What do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
- fresh greens.

Describe your bed?
- It is big enough for one. kasya ang two kung dalawang ako. or... hahaha. sa sahig ang isa.

Spontaneous or planned?
- spontaneous (combustion).

Do you know how to play piano?
- I probably can. But I need practice.

What do you carry with you at all times?
- Holy Water, a St. Benedict's cross and the Rituale Romanum

What do you miss most about being a kid?
- Bonding with Aileen, my dorm mate.

Are you happy with your given name?
- It's ok. But I'll eventually change it pag naging monk / pope na ako.

What color is your bedroom?
- it's not even a room. it's color is dirty.

Have you ever been in a play?
- Yes. As audience. Hahaha.

Do you like yourself and believe in yourself?
- Somewhat. Not today.

Do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
- Selectively yes. Generally yes. But really, no. Hahaha

Do you spend more time with your girlfriend/boyfriend or your friends?
- friends. because I have not found the androgynous girlfriend/boyfriend they keep asking in questionnaires like this.

What's one thing you wish you could do but can't?
- Play the violin. Move out.

What is your ideal wedding location?
- church of all saints sa martyrion chapel. (ito yung itatayo kong simbahan hahaha). hindi mahalaga ang place - mahalaga ang liturgy na susundin.

What's one instrument you wish you could play?
- Violin or the pipe organ.

What's one language you want to learn?
- I already know five. Korean.

Have you ever pierced your body parts?
- Hmm. if I pierce my body parts, wouldn't that be self-mutilation? when I used to do acts of mortification, there were piercings that occured. hehehe. joke lang.

Do you have any tattoos?
- tattoos din ba yan na ako ang naglagay? maliban sa mata sa noo ko, wala na.

What's one trait you hate in a person?
- Ayaw ko yung mga taong masyadong bilib sa sarili at feeling nila sila ang sentro ng universe. Hindi ba nila alam na ako ang center ng universe? Na akin ang planetang ito at nakikitira lang lahat kayo? hahaha.

ayaw ko ng mga nagfifeeling na tama pero mali naman talaga.

Do you consider yourself materialistic?
- No. I do not have an attachment to material things. What i have is what I need.

What do you cook best?
- Sapagetti.

What's the last song you heard?
- Careless whisper.

MORE..

In three words, explain today:
- Stressful, Tiring and Busy

What made you smile today?
- May nanghaharana sa Grade 2 faculty room.

What were you doing this morning at 8?
- Preparing for my class.

What were u doing 15 minutes ago?
- Doing something alone - refer to question 2

Something that happened to you in 1986?
- We toppled Marcos.

Last thing someone said to you?
- mwah mwah.

What was your answer?
- mwah mwah. (hindi ko kilala ang kausap ko - nahihiya akong magtanong kasi nagmwahmwah na siya)

Worst thing currently on television:
- ratings.

What was in your e-mail today?
- a lot of trash.

How many different beverages have you drank today?
- C2 Lemon, Water, Appeton, Coke

What is your favorite part of this day?
- Wala. emo na ako, ibababa ko na buhok ko tapos maglalaslas na ako gamit ang plastic knife sa mcdo.

Your current To-do list?
- Masyadong mahaba.

What color is your toothbrush?
- Blue and white.

What are you wearing right now?
- Black shirt and a memento of happier times.

Any plans for Friday night?
- Chinese film festival.

Least favorite place to shop.
- hmmm. CDR king. where the people don't care if you want to buy anything

Things you bought today?
- His Dark Materials.

Last gift you received?
- A pen with Maestro Velasco inscribed

Who is the last person you talked on the phone?
- my secret lover. Joke. actually ang huli kong kausap ay ang boss ko at pinagagalitan niya ako.

What is your favorite song as of now?
- Toccata and Fugue in D minor (cultured)

What is the name of your dog?
- Muning

If you were abandoned in the wilderness, would you survive?
- Yes

Which do you prefer, to eat or sleep?
- eat while sleeping.

Can you do splits?
- No

Can you speak any other language besides English?
- Italian, French, Latin. Filipino. Am learning German, Greek and Spanish though

What is the last letter of your middle name?
- H

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?
- about 5hours

Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
- No

Are you scared of flying?
- No

Is your hair curly or straight?
- wavy

Do you like funny people or serious people?
- I don't like people. period. hehehe.

What I always needed/wanted

2008-01-29T15:41:00.000+08:00

A MacBook Pro.

A device by which all my word-processing, graphic-designing, video-editing and web browsing need could be provided with a stylish and snob appeal. I hope they release the update soon.

So I can say goodbye (again) to Windows, which is the cause of my stress and reinforces the idea that Bill Gates is the third AntiChrist.

I Just Remembered...

2008-01-26T11:36:00.000+08:00

I graduated 2005 with a bachelor of arts major in the humanities. This fact suddenly popped into my mind this morning as I was writing a paper for Dr. Manabat's class. Strange though, I never realized that the course does make me more capable of looking at things differently and judging beauty better. Bigla kong namiss ang aesthetics class with then not-National Artist Salvador Bernal. Tinuruan niya kaming maging judgemental. Haha. Tinuruan niya kaming magevaluate kung ano ba talaga ang maganda at bakit ito maganda. The humanities program does help one judge something, be it an artwork, a literary work, a publications layout, not just according to subjective taste but by the objective merits of a work.

Ibig sabihin, kapag may sinabi akong maganda, maganda nga ito. Pag pangit, pangit talaga.

Madalas, napapangitan ako sa sarili kong gawa. Pero nagagandahan ang iba. Pag may humirit na na maganda ang gawa ko, puwede na yun. Hahaha.

Ang post na ito ay para magtanggal ng stress. Marami ako ngayon nun. Gusto mo?

Brands (from Life)

2008-01-26T04:28:00.000+08:00

1)What's the brand of your watch? - I don't use one.
2) What's the brand of your rubbershoes? - Converse, Nike
3) What's the brand of your cell phone? - Nokia
4) What's the brand of your computer? - Apple, Toshiba, HP/Compaq
5) What's the brand of your bags? - CK, Jansport, Penshoppe, Fila
6) What's the brand of your underwear? - Bench
7) What's the brand of your flipflops? - Havaianas
8) What's the brand of your wallet? - Girbaud
9) What's the brand of your perfume? - I don't use perfume. I sneeze.
10) What's the brand of your shirts? - the usual stuff: topman/topshop, bench, penshoppe, lacoste, f&h, talleres de nazaret, liturgical apostolate. haha.
11) What's the brand of your TV? - No TV's for me.
12) What's the brand of your car? - Not mine. Pero gusto ko ng popemobile.
13) What's the brand of your shampoo and conditioner? - H&S, Clear and Nizoral.
14) What's the brand of your bodysoap? - Dial. Tsaka showergel ng adidas.
15) What's the brand of your dental floss? - Oral B
16) What's the brand of your jeans? - Bench, Penshoppe, Lee (kum kee)
17) What's the brand of your laundry soap? - Ariel.
18) What's the brand of your lotion? - No lotions for me.
19) What's the brand of your toothpaste? - Colgate, Crest.
20) What's the brand of your ballpen? - Pilot. Parker (with my name on it)

From BBC. ewan ko kung mapapansin niyo - may cameo

2008-01-25T12:13:00.000+08:00

Three Little Pigs 'too offensive'

By Sean Coughlan
BBC News, education

The judges said this depiction of a pig "raised cultural issues"

A story based on the Three Little Pigs fairy tale has been turned down by a government agency's awards panel as the subject matter could offend Muslims.

The digital book, re-telling the classic story, was rejected by judges who warned that "the use of pigs raises cultural issues".

Becta, the government's educational technology agency, is a leading partner in the annual Bett Award for schools.

The judges also attacked Three Little Cowboy Builders for offending builders.

The book's creative director, Anne Curtis, said the idea that including pigs in a story could be interpreted as racism was "like a slap in the face".

'Cultural issues'

The CD-Rom digital version of the traditional story of the three little pigs, called Three Little Cowboy Builders, is aimed at primary school children.

But judges at this year's Bett Award said that they had "concerns about the Asian community and the use of pigs raises cultural issues".

The Three Little Cowboy Builders has already been a prize winner at the recent Education Resource Award - but its Newcastle-based publishers, Shoo-fly, were turned down by the Bett Award panel.

The feedback from the judges explaining why they had rejected the CD-Rom highlighted that they "could not recommend this product to the Muslim community".

They also warned that the story might "alienate parts of the workforce (building trade)".

The judges criticised the stereotyping in the story of the unfortunate pigs: "Is it true that all builders are cowboys, builders get their work blown down, and builders are like pigs?"

Animal Farm?

Ms Curtis said that rather than preventing the spread of racism, such an attitude was likely to inflame ill-feeling. As another example, she says would that mean that secondary schools could not teach Animal Farm because it features pigs?

Her company is committed to an ethical approach to business and its products promote a message of mutual respect, she says - and banning such traditional stories will "close minds rather than open them".

Becta, the government funded agency responsible for technology in schools and colleges, says that it is standing by the judges' verdict.

"Becta with its partners is responsible for the judging criteria against which the 70 independent judges, mostly practising teachers, comment. All the partners stick by the judging criteria," said a Becta spokesman.

The reason that this product was not shortlisted was because "it failed to reach the required standard across a number of criteria", said the spokesman.

Becta runs the awards with the Besa trade association and show organisers, Emap Education.

Merlin John, author of an educational technology website which highlighted the story, warns that such rulings can undermine the credibility of the awards.

"When benchmarks are undermined by pedestrian and pedantic tick lists, and by inflexible, unhelpful processes, it can tarnish the achievements of even the most worthy winners.

"It's time for a rethink, and for Becta to listen to the criticisms that have been ignored for a number of years," said Mr John.

Paktay na si Joker

2008-01-23T01:24:00.000+08:00

Heath Ledger is found dead in US

Hollywood actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at a downtown Manhattan residence, a New York Police Department spokesman has said.

"He was found unconscious at the apartment and pronounced dead," a police spokeswoman said.

It is not yet clear how the 28-year-old Australian actor, who earned an Oscar nomination as a gay cowboy in 2005 film Brokeback Mountain, died.

Police said he had been due to have a massage at the flat.

The housekeeper went to tell him the masseuse had arrived and found him dead on Tuesday afternoon, police spokesman Paul Browne told Associated Press news agency.

Police said they did not suspect foul play in the death of the Perth-born actor.

In September he split from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7203797.stm

Published: 2008/01/22 22:08:45 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

Answering the Need for Liturgical Education

2008-01-19T03:02:00.000+08:00

This is a paper for liturgical education class.

When the pastor of my real parish was transferred, he asked me to help him in his new parish. It was a small church and it was quite far from the center of the diocese. It did not take me long to find that it had been neglected. And as my pastoral work in the liturgical celebrations there commenced, I saw that it really needed liturgical formation. Most of the ministers only know what was taught them in the formations from the diocese, the choirs did not have any decent repertoire of liturgical music and eveything in the celebration barely passed the minimum requirement (even the lights, only the light above the altar worked).

As the elected (I find it strange that I was elected without me knowing) Worship Coordinator, I was given the opportunity to improve the liturgical and devotional services in the parish. I was responsible for spearheading all planning, directing and evaluating what we do for worship. I took the time to attend meetings just to answer questions and clarify things. I found myself answering questions regarding small details of what we do in the Mass like bowing, genuflecting, etc and I realized that for many of the people here, it was the small things, the petty things, that were important. It was then that I realized that there was really a need to deepen their understanding of Christian prayer.

For the last two years, I had been busy not just with the liturgical services of the parish but also with giving formation seminars and talks. It is really amazing how the people in this parish are very open to these seminars and talks and they are very interested. I liken them to someone who hasn’t eaten for days who finds food and eats it voraciously. The people were very receptive and very willing to listen to someone half, or even a third of their age.

Recently, I have begun a worship publication for them that comes out monthly. I named it Ecclesia Orans because Fr. Dennis wont let me use Bukal (or Bukalette) and so that I can follow the tradition of the liturgical movement. It is where I try to explain things in a manner most can understand. It is mostly in Filipino. It is comforting to know that those who take copies do read them and keep them.

After reading the assigned articles, it was nice to know that I had been doing my part – helping make celebrations better and teaching litugy. I wish I could do more to make the liturgical celebrations in my new parish and in the bigger community of the Diocese better. But I need ordination for that. As of now, I am content with maximizing what I can do as a layperson, as a worship coordinator and as a member of the diocesan ministry for liturgical affairs.

Eucharist Issue ng Newsletter ng Worship

2008-01-19T02:07:00.000+08:00

Ipinakita niya ang Kanyang Pag-ibig

Sa itinakda ng kalooban ng Diyos Ama na lubos na iniibig ang sangkatauhan, ang Panginoong Hesukristo ay ipinagkanulo, hinatulan, pinagpakasakit at namatay at sa ikatlong araw ay nabuhay na magmuli. Ang kanyang kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ang nagligtas sa atin. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pag-aalay ng kanyang sarili para sa ating kasalanan, naipagkasundo niya tayo sa Diyos Ama at isinabisa niya ang isang bagong tipan sa pagitan ng Diyos at sangkatauhan. Sa kanyang kamatayan nang nakabitin sa isang puno (ang krus), napawalang-bisa niya ang kasalanang mula sa puno. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang kamatayan, nagapi niya ang kamatayan na para sa atin. Sa kanyang kamatayan sa isang paraang kasumpa-sumpa, napawi niya ang sumpa ng kasalanan sa sangkatauhan. Sa kanyang kamatayan, naipasa niya ang kanyang Espiritu sa mga sumasampalataya sa kanya. Sa dugo’t tubig na dumaloy sa kanyang tagiliran, nailuwal ang Simbahan. Sa kanyang pagkabuhay na magmuli, nakamit niya para sa ating kanyang Simbahan ang pagkabuhay na magmuli at ang buhay na walang hanggan. Ang pagpapakasakit, kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ng ating Panginoon ay ang misteryo ng paskuwa, ang pinakapuso ng ating pananampalatayang Kristiyano. Naniniwala tayo na ang ating Diyos na nagkatawang-tao ay nagpakasakit, namatay at muling nabuhay para sa atin sapagkat minamahal niya tayo at ninanais niyang makiisa tayo sa kanyang buhay. Ito (dapat) ang misteryong nagbibigay sa atin ng buhay, dangal at pag-asa.

Ngunit paano ito mararanasan ng mga taong nabuhay makalipas ito? Paano mararanasan ito ng mga taong tulad natin na nabuhay dalawang libong taon matapos itong maganap?

Noong gabing siya’y ipagkanulo, hinawakan niya ang tinapay, pinasalamatan niya ang Diyos Ama, pinaghati-hati niya iyon, iniabot sa kanyang mga alagad at sinabing “Tanggapin ninyo ito at kanin: ito ang aking Katawan na ihahandog para sa inyo.” At nang matapos ang hapunan, hinawakan niya ang kalis na may alak, muli siyang nagpasalamat sa Diyos Ama, iniabot sa kanyang mga alagad at sinabing “Tanggapin ninyong lahat ito at inumin: ito ang kalis ng aking dugo, ng bago at walang hanggang tipan, ang aking dugo na ibubuhos para sa inyo at para sa lahat sa ikapagpapatawad ng kasalanan. Gawin ninyo ito sa pag-alala sa akin.”

Noong Huwebes bago siya kusang-loob na nag-alay ng kanyang sarili, itinatag ng Panginoon ang isang kainan bilang magiging pag-alala sa kanyang pag-aalay ng Katawan at Dugo sa krus. Ito ang Eukaristiya. Noong Huling Hapunan, itinakda ng Panginoon ang pag-alala sa kanyang gagawin sa Biyernes at ito ay sa paraan ng isang ritwal na pagkain (ritual meal). At ang bilin niya sa kanyang mga alagad ay gawin ito bilang pag-alala sa kanya. Kung kaya nga’t sa tuwing kakainin natin ang tinapay na ito at iinumin ang alak na ito, ipinahahayag natin ang kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoon hanggang sa kanyang muling pagparito.

At matapat naman natin itong tinutupad bilang kanyang mga alagad, bilang kanyang Simbahan sa iba’t ibang yugto ng panahon, tuwing Linggo at araw-araw para sa iba. Linggo-linggo o araw-araw nagtitipon tayo upang ipagdiwang ang ginawa ng Diyos, ng Panginoong Hesukristo para sa atin.

Kung ang Huling Hapunan ay pagtingin sa hinaharap - sa gagawin pa lang ni Kristo sa kalbaryo, ang ating Misa naman ay paggunita at pagsasa-ngayon ng pag-aalay niya at kanyang pagkabuhay na magmuli. Sa Huling Hapunan, ang kanyang pag-aalay ay ipinaranas na niya sa pamamagitan ng mga tanda ng pangkaraniwang tinapay at pagkaraniwang alak. Ang pag-aalay ng tinapay at alak na ito bilang kanyang Katawan at Dugo ay ginawa niyang tanda, ginawa niyang misteryo ng kanyang mismong pag-aalay ng Katawan at Dugo sa krus. At ang ating paggunita, ang ating Misa, ang ating Eukaristiya, ay pagganap din ng pag-aalay na ito. Kung kaya’t tuwing sasabihin ng pari ang mga salita ng Panginoon, ang kaganapan sa krus at kanyang muling pagkabuhay ay nagaganap sa ating harapan, at tuwing gaganapin ito, ang krus ay ang altar at ang altar ay ang krus. Ang nag-aalay ay tayo (pari at sambayanan) bilang Katawan ni Kristo, at ang inaalay natin ay ang Katawan ni Kristo sa anyong tinapay.

Kung mababatid lang sana natin ang nakamamanghang misteryong ito sa tuwing pagsisimba natin at kung ang pagmimisa at pagsisimba natin ay mahusay, siguro higit nating mararanasan ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin, siguro mas matatanto natin ang katotohanang tayo ang Katawan ni Kristo sa mundong ito, na tayo ay iisang Katawan, iisang diwa kay Kristo. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pakikibahagi nang mahusay at may pagmamalay sa Misa, nakiki-isa tayo sa pag-aalay ni Kristo para sa ipagpapatawad ng kasalanan at kaligtasan ng sangkatauhan.

Ang Pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya

Nagmula ang salitang Eukaristiya (Eucharist) mula sa salitang Griyego (hindi Latin) na ang ibig sabihin ay “Pagpupuri’t Pagpapasalamat.” Ito ang ikalawang kilos sa hapunan (nagpasalamat si Hesus para sa tinapay at alak) at ang panalangin ng pagpupuri at pasasalamat na ito ang pinakapuso ng pagdiriwang sapagkat dito inaalala at ginaganap ang ginawa ng Diyos para sa tao. Kalaunan, ang buong pagdiriwang ay tinatawag nang Eukaristiya. Isa pang bansag sa Eukaristiya ay Misa. Ang Misa (Mass) ay nagmula sa Missa na pantukoy naman sa pagtitipong para sa Eukaristiya. Sa paghayo sinasabi ng diakono “Ite, Missa est” (Humayo kayo, nakapagmisa na tayo.) Ang pinakamatandang bansag sa Misa ay Paghahati ng Tinapay (Breaking of Bread). Mula sa panahon ng mga alagad (ayon sa mga Gawa ng mga Apostol), nagtitipon na ang mga sumasampalataya kay Kristo para sa paghahati ng tinapay.

Ano nga ba ang Eukaristiya? Ayon sa turo ng Simbahan, ang Misa ay: (1) pag-alala sa pagpapakasakit, kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo, (2) Sakramento ng Pag-ibig, Tanda ng Pagkakaisa at Buklod ng Pag-ibig, (3) Piging sa Kasalan ng Kordero, at (4) Patikim ng Kaluwalhatian sa Hinaharap.

Pag-alala sa Pagpapakasakit, Kamatayan at Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo (Memorial of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ)

Ang Eukaristiya ay pag-alala sa pagpapakasakit, kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ni Kristo na siyang pinakapuso ng ating pananampalataya. Ang pag-alalang ito ay ginagawa natin sa pamamagitan ng ritwal. Hindi tayo umaalala sa pamamagitan lamang ng imahinasyon. Ginagawa natin ang pag-alalang ito sa pamamagitan ng mga tanda, mga kilos at mga salitang tumatagos sa ating mga pandama, ginagawa natin ito sa paraan na ating nararanasan, nakikita, naaamoy, naririnig, nahahawakan, natitikman.

Hindi sapat ang wikang Filipino at Ingles para makuha ang diwa ng pag-alalang ito. Sa wikang Griyego, ang salitang ginagamit ay anamnesis. Ang anamnesis ay isang tanging paraan ng pag-alala. Para sa mga sinaunang Kristiyano at mga Hudyo, ang pag-alala sa ginawa ng Diyos sa nakaraan ay hindi basta pagtingin sa nakaraan. Sa tuwing ipahahayag ang Kasulatang Banal at hinahati ang tinapay, ang ginawa ng Diyos sa nakaraan ay nagaganap sa kanilang harapan. Hindi inuulit dahil hindi na puwedeng ulitin, kungdi nagaganap muli sa kanilang harapan. Ito ang nangyayari sa ating Misa. Sa pamamagitan ng ritwal na may kilos, salita at tanda, inaalala natin ang pag-aalay ni Kristo at ginaganap natin ito sa ating harapan sa ating kasalukuyan. Hindi bagong pag-aalay kungdi pag-aalay mismo ni Kristo.

Bakit natin kailangang alalahanin? Una, ang kaligtasan ni Kristo ay isang bagay na dapat nararanasan natin upang lubos itong tumalab sa ating pagkatao. Pangalawa, sa tuwing inaalala natin ang kanyang pag-aalay, nangyayari ang epiklesis. Noong mamatay si Kristo sa krus ayon sa mabuting balita na ayon kay San Juan, hindi siya simpleng nalagutan ng hininga. Bagkus, ipinasa niya ang kanyang Espiritu (“He passed on His Spirit” o sa Griyego “paradoken to pneuma”). Ipinasa niya ito sa kanyang mga alagad na nasa baba ng krus. Ipinasa niya ito sa kanyang Simbahan. Kung kaya’t tuwing inaaalala natin ang kamatayan niya sa pamamagitan ng ating Eukaristiya, ang kanyang Espiritu na nagliligtas sa atin ay lumulukob din sa atin.

Sakramento ng Pag-ibig, Tanda ng Pagkakaisa at Buklod ng Pag-ibig (Sacrament of Love, Sign of Unity and Bond of Charity)

Ilan sa mga panalong linya na sinabi ni Hesus noong Huling Hapunan ay “Kung paanong inibig ko kayo, mag-ibigan din kayo,” at “Walang nang pag-ibig pa ang hihigit sa isang kaibigang mag-aalay ng kanyang sarili para sa kayang kaibigan.” Ipinakita niya ang pag-ibig na ito sa krus. At dahil ang Eukaristiya ay pag-alala sa ginawa ng Panginoon sa krus, ang Eukaristiya ay tanda nito. Ngunit hindi ito basta tanda lamang, sa pamamagitan ng tandang ito nararanasan natin ang pag-ibig na ito at sa Eukaristiya nakikipagtagpo ang Diyos sa tao at nagkakaloob ng kanyang kaligtasan. Kung kaya’t ang Eukaristiya ay isang sakramento na kung saan ang tanda at ang pinatutungkulan ng tanda (ang Diyos) ay naroroon at iisa. Kung kaya’t ang Panginoon ay nasa Eukaristiya at ang Panginoon ay ang Eukaristiya. Sa tuwing ipinagdiriwang natin ang Eukaristiya, nararanasan natin ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin.

Itong pag-ibig na ito ay dapat nating ipinakikita at ipinadaranas sa ating kapwa. Itong Eukaristiya din ang nagbubuklod sa atin sa pagmamahalan. At dahil tayo ay nagmamahalan, tayo ay nagkakaisa. Ang Eukaristiya ay isang tanda ng pagkakaisa dahil sa pagdiriwang nito, ang lahat ng sumasampalataya kay Kristo ay nagkakaisa bilang isang Katawan, kasama si Hesukristo bilang puno (head of the Church) at ang isa’t isa na may kanya-kanyang pakikibahagi dito. Sa Eukaristiya, mababanaag ang Simbahang Katawan ni Kristo sa kanyang totoo at pinakamahusay na pag-iral, pag-iral na kaisa ng Diyos at nakikipagtagpo sa Diyos at sa isa’t isa sa pag-ibig. Ang salitang komunyon (communion) ay nangangahulugang pagiging kaisa kasama [ang iba] (“union with”). Ang pagiging kaisang ito ay hindi lang tumutukoy sa pakikipagkaisa natin sa Diyos kungdi pakikipagkaisa din natin sa ating kapwa Kristiyano. Ang katotohanan ng pagiging isang Katawan natin ay makikita sa pagsasalo-salo natin sa iisang Tinapay na si Kristo at kung paanong ang pinagpira-pirasong katawan ni Kristo sa anyong tinapay ay ating tinatanggap, tayong mga tumatanggap ng iisang Tinapay ay nagiging isang Katawan din ni Kristo. Sabi ni San Agustin ng Hippo, “Kayong mga Kristiyano, maging kayo ang ipinagdiriwang niyo. Ang isang tinapay na inyong tinanggap ay kayo.”

Piging sa Kasalan ng Kordero (Wedding Feast of the Lamb)

Ang Eukaristiya ay isang piging sa kasalan ng Kordero. Ang Kordero ay si Kristo – siya ay kinasal sa Simbahan. Kinasal siya sa Simbahan nang ipinakita niya ang kanyang pagmamahal para dito nang mamatay siya sa krus (kaya nga ang pinakamakatotohanang wedding picture ay picture ni Kristo na nakapako at sa krus itinatag ni Kristo ang sakramento ng kasal). Ipinagdiriwang natin ang kasal na ito sa isang piging (reception), isang kainan.

Kapag sinabing kordero, pinatutungkulan nito ang isang pag-aalay. Ang kordero ay hayop na inaalay para sa (a) ikapagpapatawad ng kasalan (dahil ang kordero ang aako ng parusa para sa makasalanan), (b) pagsasabisa ng isang tipan (nang makipagtipan ang Diyos sa mga Israelita, pumatay ng kordero at iwinisik ang dugo nito sa mga sumang-ayon sa tipan) at (3) bilang alay para makahingi ng pabor sa Diyos. Ito ay natupad lahat sa pag-aalay ni Kristo, dahil si Kristo ang perpektong kordero, at ang alay lamang niya ang kalugod-lugod sa Diyos at wala nang pag-aalay ang makatutumbas dito (oo, kahit gaano ka kabanal, hindi ka pa rin karapat-dapat kahit ialay mo ang sarili mo; magiging kalugod-lugod ka lang kung makikipagkaisa ka kay Kristo at sasama ka sa kanyang pag-aalay).

Ang Eukaristiya ay isang piging. Nang sinabi ni Hesus na “Gawin ninyo ito sa pag-alala sa akin,” ang tinutukoy niya ay ang hapunan at hindi ang mismong pagkamatay sa krus. Kaya nga, para sa mga magtatangka, wala pong totoong mabuting epekto o epektong kaligtasan ang pagpapako sa krus. Kaya nga kapag ginaganap natin ang pag-aalay ni Kristo, ito ay sa anyo ng isang kainan. Ang krus natin ay isang mesa. Ang alay natin ay hindi tao kungdi pagkain (tinapay at alak).

Pagkatapos ng isang pag-aalay ng kordero, ang mga nagtitipan ay nagsasalo sa kinatay na kordero. Ang bahagi na para sa Diyos ay sinusunog at ang bahagi na para sa tao ay pinagsasaluhan ng mga tao. Ang karaniwang pagkain tinutunaw ng ating katawan, nagbabago at nagiging bahagi ng katawan natin. Si Kristo hindi nagbabago at kapag kinain natin siya, tayo ay mas higit na nagiging kawangis niya at tayo’y nagiging bahagi ng kanyang Katawan.

Patikim ng Kaluwalhatian sa Hinaharap (Foretaste of Future Glory

Ang Eukaristiya natin ay pag-alala ng isang pangyayari sa nakaraan at pagganap dito sa ating kasalukuyan. Ngunit ito rin ay isang pagtingin sa hinaharap. Inaabangan natin ang muling pagbalik ni Kristo at habang inaantay natin siya, inaalala natin siya at umaasa tayong babalik nga siya sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Eukaristiya. Ang ating pagdiriwang ay tumitingin sa hinaharap kung kailan ang ating Panginoon ay babalik at tayong lahat ay magdiriwang ng Eukaristiya kasama siya sa harapan ng Diyos Amang ating sinasamba at sa pakikipagkaisa ng Espiritu Santo. Sa Eukaristiya, ang Panginoong darating ay dumarating sa anyong tinapay at alak at sa paglukob ng Espiritu. Kung kaya’t sa Misa, ang noon, ngayon at bukas ay nasa ating kasalukuyan dahil si Kristo ay si Kristo, noon, ngayon at sa hinaharap.

Ang Misa ay: (1) pag-alala sa pagpapakasakit, kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoong Hesukristo, (2) Sakramento ng Pag-ibig, Tanda ng Pagkakaisa at Buklod ng Pag-ibig, (3) Piging sa Kasalan ng Kordero, at (4) Patikim ng Kaluwalhatian sa Hinaharap. Maliwanag?

DAHIL PALAAWAY AKO NGAYON

2008-01-18T17:42:00.000+08:00

Dear Globe,

I was wondering if the term customer care for you is a joke. I am so frustrated with your service. I would have called you to complain if not for your landline service THAT DOES NOT WORK SINCE A WEEK AFTER IT WAS INSTALLED. And the only reason I am able to send this email is by patiently restarting the router over and over again since five thirty this afternoon. If you see the time stamp on this email, do count the hours that I CANNOT USE THE INTERNET SERVICE I AM PAYING FOR. And for that matter, EXCEPT FOR ONE PHONECALL, I HAVE BEEN PAYING YOU ONLY FOR THE INTERNET EVEN IF YOU SHOULD BE GIVING ME AN INTERNET+LANDLINE BUNDLE AND I CAN’T EVEN USE THIS INTERNET SERVICE. I have already called you and I have already sent you emails. If it doesn’t take too much of your time, you could at least tell me that you are not interested in my complaints and that you have decided not to act on it.

Nagtataka lang ako kung biro lang ang mga salitang ‘customer care’ para sa inyo. Itatawag ko sana ang reklamong ito kaya lang HINDI GUMAGANA ANG LANDLINE MULA PA ISANG LINGGO PAGKAKABIT NITO. At ang dahilan kung bakit ako nakapagpadala ng liham na ito ay dahil pinagtiyagaan kong i-restart ang router na ikinabit niyo dito mula kaninang alas-singko y media ng hapon. Puwede niyong bilanging ang oras NA HINDI KO MAGAMIT ANG SERBISYONG BINAYARAN KO NA SA TOTOO LANG, ITO LANG ANG BINABAYARAN KONG MAGAMIT KAHIT PA ANG DAPAT NINYONG BINIBIIGAY SA AKIN AY INTERNET + LANDLINE. INTERNET SERVICE NA NGA LANG ANG NAGAMIT KO, PARUSA PANG GAMITIN. Tinawagan ko na kayo noon at pinadalhan ko na rin kayo ng ilang email. Kung hindi naman nakakahiya sa inyo, ano ba yung sabihin niyo sa akin kung wala kayong interes sa mga reklamo ko o kaya na hindi niyo ito aayusin.

Do remember that in an open market, there are other service providers available. And that in this internet age, information about your service from disgruntled clients can easily circulate.

Tandaan niyo na sa mercadong gaya ng atin, may ibang makapagbibigay ng serbisyong binibigay niyo. At sa panahon ngayon, mas mabilis kumalat ang tungkol sa napakaganda niyong serbisyo.

Chimp can't be declared a person, Austrian high court rules

2008-01-16T00:47:00.000+08:00

VIENNA, Austria - A chimpanzee cannot be declared a person, Austria's Supreme Court has ruled, activists said Tuesday.

An animal rights group had sought to have the chimp, Matthew Hiasl Pan, declared a person in hopes of gaining guardianship of the animal.

The shelter where Matthew has lived for 25 years is going bankrupt, threatening to leave him homeless. Donors have offered to help support him, but under Austrian law, only a person can receive personal gifts.

The Vienna-based Association Against Animal Factories sought to have him declared a person and petitioned to be appointed Matthew's trustee.

But the high court upheld a September ruling by a judge in the town of Wiener Neustadt rejecting the petition, the group said Tuesday.

The rights group said it would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Matthew and another chimp at the shelter, Rosi, were captured as babies in Sierra Leone in 1982 and smuggled to Austria for use in pharmaceutical experiments. Customs officers intercepted the shipment and turned the chimps over to the shelter.

Organizers said they may set up a foundation to collect donations for Matthew, whose life expectancy in captivity is about 60 years.

But they argue that only personhood will ensure that he isn't sold outside Austria. - AP

Death Notice

2008-01-15T10:56:00.000+08:00

FR. EDUARDO P. HONTIVEROS, SJ

(20 December 1923 – 15 January 2008)

Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, was born on 20 December 1923 in Molo, Iloilo City. He was one of eight children born to Jose Hontiveros and Vicenta Pardo.

Fr. Honti, as he is fondly known, was educated at the Capiz Elementary School and the pre-war Ateneo de Manila in Padre Faura, graduating from high school in 1939. From 1939 to 1945 he was at San Jose Seminary. He entered the Society of Jesus after the war in 1945, pronouncing first vows at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches in June 1947. There he finished his studies in philosophy and then proceeded to Ateneo de Zamboanga for his three-year regency, teaching religion, Latin, and English, and moderating the Choir String Band. In 1951, he traveled to the United States to study theology, and was ordained in 1954 by Francis Cardinal Spellman. After earning a doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, he returned to teach in the Philippines in 1958. He pronounced final vows in the Society of Jesus in 1960.

Fr. Honti had a long career as a theology professor and seminary formator for Jesuits and San Jose seminarians. He served in various capacities, including as Rector of San Jose Seminary and Dean of Loyola School of Theology. For more than thirty years until 1991 when a stroke seriously hampered his mobility and capacity to communicate, he was a fatherly figure to generations of Jesuit and Josefino seminarians.

But Fr. Honti is best known for his music. In 1965, as the Second Vatican Council ended and called for inculturation of the liturgy, Fr. Honti, whose family is musically inclined, was already composing Mass hymns in Tagalog. He asked the church choirs in Barangka, Marikina, and Pansol, both communities near the new Ateneo campus in Loyola Heights, to sing his songs, and he readily adjusted the notes if the choir found his compositions too difficult. Before long, he had composed a complete set of hymns for the Mass. Thus began Fr. Honti’s love affair with heartfelt liturgical music. His songs spread to other parishes and by the 1970s, aided by a fresh wave of nationalism, his songs had become staple fare at Masses.

His name may not be familiar to all, but his music certainly is. He was not the only Filipino who experimented with sacred music in the vernacular starting in the 1960s, but he was certainly the most prolific, and most successful, if success is measured by the popularity of one’s work. Over a period of twenty-five years, Fr. Honti composed hundreds of hymns, many of which with moving stories of ordinary people behind them. He has inspired younger generations of composers like Fr. Nemesio Que, Fr. Fruto Ramirez, Fr. Manoling Francisco, Fr. Arnel Aquino, and Fr. Jboy Gonzales. It is no exaggeration that Fr. Honti has been called the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music.

Today it is a testament to Fr. Honti’s pioneering spirit that so many styles of church music are sung in our Masses and other gatherings. The choices can seem quite daunting, and it is never easy to select songs that various generations of churchgoers can follow, but play the opening notes of Fr. Honti’s Pananagutan, or intone his Luwalhati, Santo, Kordero ng Diyos, or his Magnificat, and everyone can join in. That is the surest way to show that while his name may not ring a bell, his music does.

Fr. Honti’s initiatives have been recognized with the Ateneo de Manila University’s Tanglaw ng Lahi Award (1976), the Asian Catholic Publishers’ “Outstanding Catholic Author” (1992), and the Papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (2000), among many other awards and citations. He suffered another major stroke in early January, and went home to the Lord on 15 January.

His wake is being held at the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University, where daily masses will be held at 8:00 p.m. The funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, 19 January, 8:00 a.m. at the Church of the Gesu in Ateneo Loyola Heights campus. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loyola School of Theology, for the Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, Professorial Chair.

15 January 2008

Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus

Appeton

2008-01-14T16:23:00.000+08:00

Ito ang huli kong binili tonight. Tingnan mabuti ang picture sa lata. Ganyang ganyan ang gusto kong mangyari. As of this morning, ako ay nasa 106 lbs. Pag-uwi ko nasa 102 na lang ako. Pagkakain ng dinner ako ay 104. Ang kailangan kong timbang ayon sa aking Body Mass Index ay dapat nasa range ng 118-155. Ang target ko ay 122 lbs.

Obviously, I am underweight. Duh.

Hindi ko na kakayaning mas bumigat pa at ayaw kong tumaba. dahil magastos magpalit ng wardrobe. lalo na ng ecclesiastical wardrobe. mahal ang sutana.

I Want a Chow Chow

2008-01-14T03:39:00.000+08:00

Gusto ko ng aso.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter Preparations

2008-01-13T18:26:00.000+08:00

Hello! Globelines!!!

2008-01-05T18:53:00.000+08:00

To: Globelines

i wrote to you last year about my phone not working. it stopped
working a week after it was installed. i've also called already a
number of times. my phone is still not working. i am only able to
use the net since this was installed. the phone, nada. ni hindi
matawagan.

yung last year na yun - october pa. mantakin mo ilang buwan na akong walang phone. september pa nasira. tumawag na ako, twice. argh.

Congratulations kay Dianne!

2008-01-05T11:14:00.000+08:00

Dianne, welcome to the Ateneo.

So proud. (tears)

It makes me so proud to have my children study where I study - kaya nga nag-aaral ako kung saan-saan. Kaya nga next year, kumpleto ko na ang big four. :))

Law Aptitude Exam

2008-01-03T08:16:00.000+08:00

Bigla akong natakot. Natapos ko naman ang Law Aptitude Exam. Kumpleto ang sagot ko sa lahat ng parts, lalo na sa math. Nalagyan ko naman ng conclusion ang essay kahit papano, mahaba nga lang ang intro. Argh, kinakabahan ako sa resulta. Ayaw ko naman maglagay ng condition na pag hindi ako pumasa, hindi na ako maglo-law. Gusto ko rin namang maging abogado. Joaquin Bernas.. Argh talaga.

Proclamation on the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany

2008-01-02T18:14:00.000+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters, the glory of the Lord has shone upon us, and shall ever be manifest among us, until the day of his return. Through the rhythms of times and seasons let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.

Let us recall the year's culmination, the Easter Triduum of the Lord: his last supper, his crucifixion, his burial, and his rising celebrated between the evening of the 20th of March and the evening of the 23rd of March.

Each Easter - as on each Sunday - the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death.

From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the 6th of February.
The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the 4th of May.
Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter, will be celebrated on the 11th of May.

Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.

To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come, Lord of time and history, be endless praise, for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

La Vida Es Sueno

2008-01-02T15:58:00.000+08:00

Naisipan kong pumunta sa Spindle, na dati kong parokya. At doon, tumambad sa akin ang pagrerenovate na ginagawa at pagpapaganda ng simbahan. Nakita ko rin ang aktibong pakikilahok ng mga dati kong kasamahan sa PPC na hindi kampon ng kadiliman. At ineengganyo nila akong bumalik dahil maganda na daw ang patakbo sa parokya. Nakita ko ang bagong kura na nagmimisa. Pagkatapos, nilapitan ako at kinausap at pinakiusapang bumalik at sinabi niya na gaganda ang parokya, kaya bumalik na daw ako. Humirit ang mga EMHC na marami nang pagbabago, na maganda na ang mga polisiya, wala nang kurapsyon, mabait na ang staff, wala na ang mga kampon ng kadiliman at mas madalas nang nagmimisa ang kura.

Doon ko narealize na panaginip lang ang lahat. Gumising na ako. Tanghali na e. Lumarga kami ng mga anak ko sa Trinoma at the Block. Niregaluhan ako ng inaanak ko ng planner ng starbak (sabi ko pa naman kay Ms. Gregorio hindi ako naghahangad ng planner). Nanlibre pa ang batang itatago natin sa pangalan na Kevin Yulo Yu ng Pizza. Napagalitan tuloy kami ng Starbak dahil bawal daw. Hindi pa ako abogado, gusto ko sanang paabutin sa korte.

:)) Happy New Year!

Resuming Paperwork

2008-01-01T13:15:00.000+08:00

I am finding it difficult to write anything. Today, I was supposed to write the entire new issue of our Worship newsletter but up until now I can only muster a few sentences. I keep falling asleep. Now I am eating chocolates because I might need a sugar rush. Which would segue now into a song by A*Teens with the same title.

NOOO... I must stop digressing.

Stuff to Do

Ecclesia Orans January Issue
Wedding Liturgy for Ms. Moran
Layout of Wedding Liturgies for Ms. Moran and Diane Z. (who will become Mrs. Velasco)
MA Papers/Thesis Stuff
CLP for 4th Quarter
Backlog ng Ekek sa buhay
Drill holes onto the wall again for another shelf/table

Happy New Year!

Water Pig - Your Brother is a Water Pig

2007-12-31T05:28:00.000+08:00

BirthDay: Saturday, December 31, 1983
Sign: Pig
Element: Water
Lunar Years of the Sign: 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019

Description of the Sign Personality
Pure hearted and hedonistic, the Pig is the last but not least of the 12 signs. If for no other reason, Pigs have more fun. Who can't help but like the easy going, helpful, courteous and kindly Pig? They make great friends and sensual lovers. Yes, Pigs love anything that appeals to the senses, music, jacuzzis, and of course good food and drink. And, no one more optimistically looks forward to the joys of retirement. On the down side, Pigs are often naive and trusting to a fault. It's no challenge to con a Pig. They're not that great when it comes to managing money either. And, they can be impulsive, often reacting to a situation without thinking. These faults and a gentle nature often mask the Pig's very real inner strength.

Description of the Sign-Element Personality
The Water Pig is even gentler than other Pigs, making it the "go with the flow" sign of the Chinese zodiac. You tend to be extremely social and blessed with good communications skills. Being so gentle, however, you are prone to being over emotional and often go on binges to indulge your senses. Blessed with popularity, you make a great host or hostess.

Description of Home Life
The Pig is a sign of peace throughout the Orient. The Pig's home will be just that, peaceful, comfortable, and inviting. Expect to find the Pig's family eating, drinking, listening to some great music, or cuddling by the fireplace, generally enjoying the comfort of their own home. A Pig's home will almost always be occupied.

Hours Ruled by the Sign: 9pm-11pm

hahahahahaha... ang baboy

Hodie Noknok Natus Est

2007-12-30T20:18:00.000+08:00

I pieced together a little something in celebration of my natal anniversary:

Ten days after the winter solstice twenty-four years ago, coincidentally, the last day of the year, a child was born by natural means on a simple native mat.

More than nine months earlier, sperm cells were produced in the testicles of the father and an egg cell was produced in the ovary of the mother. Nine months before, during sexual intercourse, a sperm cell and the egg cell met and something was conceived.

According to Tertullian (3rd Century), a human is a human since conception. This human formed in the womb of the mother and finally, came out nine months later. It was an auspicious day.

The baby began to walk seven steps forward and at each step a lotus flower appeared on the ground. Then, at the seventh stride, he stopped and with a noble voice shouted:

"I am chief of the world,
Eldest am I in the world,
Foremost am I in the world.
This is the last birth.
There is now no more coming to be."

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

(Of course, the one in italics is the birth narrative of Gautama Siddharta, while the one in bold is that of Jesus. I pieced together nga e.)

But really, i was born on a native woven mat (banig) through natural means (inire - ino, inire, inivi, initus). My birthplace is 61 C timog avenue, quezon city. Sa third floor. The apartment is now a branch of Piandre. In half a decade, that place will be demolished for a shrine.

it was my aunt who assisted my mother to give birth. She is a midwife. If she were a man, she wont be called a midhusband. There was much rejoicing because i came out as a male. And male firstborns are considered lucky by my mother's heritage.

Lucky. Sinuswerte. Hahaha. Oy, yung wishlist nasa http://noknokdei.multiply.com/journal/item/558/Araw-araw_naman_akong_tumatanda_-_parang_kayo

:D

dahil ito ang araw ko

2007-12-30T18:42:00.000+08:00

kung wala kayong maisip na regalo, ito. sobrang kelangan.

Totoo na ito: Thesis Proposal for the Degree of Master of Arts in Liturgy

2007-12-28T18:48:00.000+08:00

Thesis: The Classical Roman Form of the Eucharist and the Reform of Vatican II

Premise and Objectives

The Eucharistic celebration that we have as the Ordinary form today is misconceived to be merely a product of the second Vatican Council, an invention concocted by a small group of people including Pope Paul VI of happy memory. This misconception has been fueled by those who (rabidly) support the Tridentine Mass. It is even shocking to Christian sensibility that people resorted to namecalling and false accusation in attacking the reform, referring the Paul VI mass as the Mass of the devil and falsely identifying the late Archbishop Annibale Bugnini of being a mason. Were these so-called Traditionalist correct? Was the post-Vatican II Mass really just an invention of Bugnini et. Al.? Is the Tridentine Mass the Mass of the Church since its beginning?

The Mass as we know it has a long history and a long process of evolution. The Liturgy of the Church of Rome has a colorful history. And it has a cycle – a cycle of celebration, accumulation of rites and then a reform, then going back to the celebration. The Tridentine Rite of the Mass is one of the products of this cycle. Those who made it wanted to return to the tradition of the Fathers, just like the earlier Gregorian reform, and this is the same goal of the Vatican II reformers. But the situation then was different from that of the Second Vatican Council. Theirs was to support the Counter-Reformation and defend the Tradition of the Church, whereas the Second Vatican Council wanted to reach out to the faithful of the modern world. And what was needed to return to the tradition of the Fathers such as old manuscripts, codices, missals, ordines and documents, is more available during the past century than during their time. Progress in archeology, finding important treasures of liturgical history, these things happened only in the last 200 years. The reformers of Trent did not have access to what we have today. The Post-Vatican II Mass, contrary to Traditionalist views, is more similar to the Classical Roman Liturgy. It can be considered as the fulfillment of the Trent reformers’ desire to have the Mass they were reforming as celebrated by the Fathers of the Roman Church.

How was the classical roman form of the Mass celebrated? How did the reformers go back to this? To what extent did they return to this? How did this reformed liturgy manifest the other reforms of the Second Vatican Council in areas such as theology and ecclesiology?

In this thesis, I will show how the reform of Vatican II was able to achieve going back to the Classical Roman Liturgy and how this form of the celebration affects the faith of each Christian and how we are as a Christian community, and that what was achieved in the reform of the liturgy, that is going back to the liturgical tradition of the Fathers also helped us go back somehow to how the Church was in the time of the Fathers.

Sidenote (I dont know where to put this). During the time of the Fathers, and even before that – Christians did not separate the profane from the divine. Their life here on earth, their bodies, their worship experience, was of this world and yet transfigured into the sacred. They did not fall in awe of the mystery – they lived in this mystery. The Mystery of God for them is something they can touch for their baptism made them a new creation, sharing in the life of Christ. We find it difficult today because we are so convoluted, that is why there are people who find the mystery something we can only see from the other side of the communion rail, something we shouldn’t touch nor eat because we are dirty. The early Christians had none of that. They knew that communion in Christ’s body meant that they actually commune with other people. They are not individualistic and merely going to church to see the host without actually communicating with each other in the church. God is manifest for them, not only in the sacrament but in their fellow Church members.

Bibliography

1. Ordo Romanus Primus
2. Sacramentarium Gelasianum Vetus
3. Sacramentarium Gregorianum
4. History of the Liturgy
5. Mass (Jungmann)
6. The Celebration of the Eucharist (Mazza)
7. Reform of the Liturgy (Bugnini)
8. Introduzione alla Storia della Liturgia Occidentale (Cattaneo)
9. Medieval Liturgy (Vogel)
10. Mass of the Roman Rite (Jungmann)
11. Handbook for Liturgical Studies (ed. Chupungco)
12. Anamnesis
13. L'Eglise en Priere (ed. Martimort)
14. Springtime in the Liturgy (Deiss)
15. MR 1975
16. MR 2000

Outline:

I. Introduction
II. The Classical Roman Form of the Eucharistic Celebration
A. Order of the Mass
B. Participation of the People of God
C. Ecclesiology Produced
III. Reform of the Second Vatican Council
A. Order of the Mass
B. Particiaption of the People of God
C. Ecclesiology on Vatican II
IV. Comparison of the Trent Reform and the Vatican II Reform
V. Implications
VI. Pastoral Notes

WTP (What the pack): Hello Kitty products target fashionable young males

2007-12-28T12:02:00.000+08:00

TOKYO - Hello Kitty is no sexist.

The cute cuddly white cat from Japan's Sanrio Co., usually seen on toys and jewelry for girls and young women, will soon don T-shirts, bags, watches and other products targeting young men, company spokesman Kazuo Tohmatsu said Friday.

''We think Hello Kitty is accepted by young men as a design statement in fashion,'' he said.

The feline for-men products will go on sale in Japan next month, and will be sold soon in the US and other Asian nations, according to Sanrio.

The usual bubble-headed shape of Hello Kitty was slightly changed for a more rugged, cool look to appeal to men in their teens and early 20s.

For example, a picture of the cat on a 4,095 yen (US$36; euro25) black T-shirt has the words, ''hello kitty,'' instead of the usual dots for the eyes and nose.

Hello Kitty is one of mascot-obsessed Japan's biggest ''character'' hits, decorating everything from a humble 126 yen (US$1; 70 euro cents) eraser to a 5.5 million yen (US$48,000; euro33,000) diamond necklace.

The planned products mark the first time Sanrio is developing Hello Kitty items especially for males, Tohmatsu said.

But Sanrio had tried a ''limited edition'' collaboration in men's clothing with designers in Tokyo's chic Harajuku section earlier this year, and they proved popular, he said.

''Young men these days grew up with character goods,'' said Tohmatsu. ''That generation feels no embarrassment about wearing Hello Kitty.'' - AP

Magastos ang Pasko

2007-12-28T06:12:00.000+08:00

Sa loob ng linggong ito, ang nagagastos ko na ay aabot sa halos dalawampung libong piso. malaking bahagi naman noon ang aking cellphone bill at wifi bill na umaabot ng walong libo. pero malaki pa rin talaga ang gastos ko. at single pa ako niyan. kaya wala akong naiipon. haha. buti na lang hindi ko na kailangang bumili ng pampaligo at underwear dahil may nagregalo na mga estudyante. wait. kailangan ko palang bumili ng appeton.

nga pala, nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nagbigay ng mga regalo. lalo na sa mga estudyante kong hindi naman kailangang magbigay talaga. salamat na rin. at merry christmas. ang ganda ganda ng CK na bag. ang sarap ng mga cookies, crinkles, pastries, chocolates at candies. Nalantakan ko na lahat. salamat din sa mga workmates.

ang birthday ko malapit na. may chance pa kayong bumili ng regalo hanggang monday. hindi ko pa alam kung saan ang celebration. mall o tagaytay. haha. bangag. bahala na. walang sense ang post ko.

Sabog but Looking Ahead

2007-12-26T07:54:00.000+08:00

Nakakapagod itong nakaraang apat na linggo. well, ganun talaga. ang daming nangyari, ang daming pagbabago (sa planning pa lang ng simbang gabi hanggang on the spot), ang daming gifts (pero big winner pa rin si ina at ang kanyang ipod nano from parent), ang daming bagong karananasan (gaya ng pag-e-MC sa concert at pag-e-MC at photographer at the same time), ang daming natuwa, ang daming naiyak, ang daming chocolate sa kuwarto ko, ang daming white hair sa ulo ko, ang dami nang taong buhay ako dito.

next year kaya?

pano na pag wala na ako sa admu? pano ko kaya babanatan ang Bachelor of Law? pano ko kaya pagsasabay-sabayin ulit lahat - law, turo ng theo, parokya, diocese, buhay, buhay-pag-igib (hindi pag-ibig)? pano kaya ako sa dalawang bago kong school? magkakafriends kaya ako? magkakabenefits kaya ako (insurance, HMO, bonus, hamon)? magkakasya na kaya ako sa large na polo na bigay ni fr. dennis? at sa large na briefs na bigay ni M___ ng 3 - ___. ano kaya ang isusuot ko sa ordination ko sa diaconate? sa presbyterate? pano kaya ang holy week namin ulit? matutuwa pa kaya sa akin ang mga taga-OLPH? matatapos pa ba ang pagpupustahan ng mga matatanda kung pari ako o hindi? sino ba si Pepsi? masama bang pumatol sa high school? magturo kaya muna ako sa high school para may progression? wala bang manlilibre sa akin for a change?

Gusto ko nang Magturo!

2007-11-27T02:52:00.000+08:00

Lalo yata akong magkakasakit. Dapat papasok na ako sa trabaho kanina. Pagbaba ko para kumuha ng sabon sa tindahan, nadatnan kong gising pa si papa. Tiningnan niya kung nilalagnat pa ako. Meron pa. Huli ako. Hindi na naman niya ako pinapasok.

Kahapon malala ang pakiramdam ko. Yung lagnat na nagdidiliryo. Yung tipong hindi mo alam kung tulog ka o gising basta palipat-lipat ka sa pagiging tulog at gising dahil wala ka namang control. Nung nagising nga ako ng alas-dos y media akala ko nasa school ako dahil ang huli kong naaalala e pinapasa ko ang quiz paper.

Hindi ko naman kasalanan na magkalagnat. Nung Linggo kasi, hindi na dapat ako pupunta sa OLPH para magserve. Tinangka kong magpahinga para naman maayos ang takbo ng utak ko sa LAE. E hindi, dahil maaga pa lang nasense ko na na naiinis ang bossing ko. Tama nga dahil palpak ang Procession. Nagtagal pa ako dahil sa High Mass. Minabuti ko na lang na maging maaga sa UP para sa Exam. Dumaan lang ako sa Trinoma para maglunch sa Ineng's at dumating ako sa UP ng 12:45. Nagtaxi na ako para siguradong makakarating on time at para hindi mabasa dahil umaambon na noon. Pagdating ko sa Malcom Hall, hinila ako ng isang lalaki at sinabing, iba na ang venue, doon ka na tumayo sa college of education, sabay turo sa building sa kabilang dulo ng sunken garden.

Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Nilakad ko ang sunken garden para sa LAE. At dahil doon ang exam, malayo pa rin ang nilakad ko para makasakay ng jeep palabas ng UP.

Sa kawindangan ng weekend (mula biyernes), ayan, hindi ko tuloy nagawa ang normal kong aktibidades - magturo. Namimiss ko na ang Inihaw na Liempo. At balot. Labag din sa kalooban kong ipasa sa iba ang dapat kong ginagawa.

Naiinis na rin siguro ang nanay ko dahil nilalantakan ko ang paninda niyang paracetamol at ibuprofen.

Today, I

2007-11-24T16:43:00.000+08:00

had to prepare stuff for church, tapos MA class pa, may presentation pa dapat ako at paper, na hindi ko na natapos, tapos had to buy candles and charcoal tapos had to bring the laptop to church, tapos had to prepare everything for the Masses, tapos had to serve in the Mass, tapos had to lead the vigil, tapos i am still to review for tomorrow's exam

Genuine Love according to my Boss

2007-11-21T08:05:00.000+08:00

this is a repost from my boss's multiply (http://masigasig.multiply.com)

Meron daw matagal nang mag boyfriend at girlfriend. Kailangan ng space nung babae kaya nag-break up muna sila kahit ayaw ng lalake. Pagtagal-tagal nagkaroon ng bagong girlfriend yung lalake, na kinagalit naman ng dating girlfriend. Umaasa pa rin yung dating girlfriend na siya pa rin ang pipiliin nung dating boyfriend; umaasa siya na siya na lang. Ayaw ng lalaki. Sabi nung lalake,"You had me at my best. She had me at my worst." Yan ang sabi ni Popoy kay Basha. Yan ang sabi ni John Loyd kay Bea sa pelikulang... hehehe... you guessed it right... One More Chance.

To be loved when you are at your best, that is expected. To be loved when you are at your worst, that is a mystery. That is taking risk at its worst. That is leaping into unknown. In more ways than one, that is genuine love.

When a mother forgives a daughter after eloping with a man whom the mother dislikes, after giving birth to a child, left alone by the child's father and no contact with her mom for a year, that is being loved at your worst. That is genuine love.

When a husband takes her wife back, after leaving him and her children for abroad and taking a husband there for convenience, after stopping remittances for the children, and after getting ill abroad decides to return, that is being loved at your worst. That is genuine love.

When a parent embraces a child, after squandering the family's money in drugs and booze, after abusing siblings and friends, after putting the family's reputation in jeopardy, that is being loved at your worst. That is genuine love.

Being loved at your worst. That is what happens everytime we go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Being in touch with our weaknesses and confessing all our mistakes and sinfulness, we are at our worst. But God, through the priest, embraces us with his merciful love. God absolves our sins. God loves us most when we are at our worst, not because he approves of our worst, no, but because he knows how much love we need to get out of our worst and take the first step towards our best.

God loves us. And even at our worst, He will have us.

Stand by Me Still Lyrics

2007-11-21T08:03:00.000+08:00

1. This day God gives me Strength of high heaven
Sun and Moon shining, Flame in my hearth
Flashing of lightning, Wind in its swiftness,
Deeps of the ocean, Firmness of earth.

2. This day God sends me Strength as my guardian,
Might to uphold me, Wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful, your ears are list'ning,
Your lips are speaking, Friend at my side.

3. God's way is my way, God's shield is 'round me,
God's host defends me, Saving from ill.
Angels of heaven, Drive from me always
All that would harm me, Stand by me still.

4. Rising I thank you, Mighty and Strong One
King of creation, Giver of rest.
Firmly confessing Threeness of Persons
Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blest.

Hala, Lima na ang magiging Alma Mater ko...

2007-11-18T14:18:00.000+08:00

Big four + Beda. Hahahaha. Ang saya. Palaging panalo.

I just downed 20 packs of nuts in one sitting

2007-11-18T13:30:00.000+08:00

Mamaw,

Sorry po. Inubos ko po ang paninda ninyong Less Grease Happy na mani. Yung color blue. Gusto ko kasi ng Happy. Alam mo yun? Mani. Sa English, nuts.

Sorry ha.

XOXO,

NOKNOK

And So I did my Career Tracking

2007-11-18T13:24:00.000+08:00

I have made up my mind. I am taking up Law. But that is if I pass the LAE which is on Sunday and honestly, I have no idea about its content.

The reason why I decided to do this is (1) to be a lawyer (duh) and (2) humor my parents. One of the options I had before was to become a lawyer and why not? It will be 4-5 years. Aileen, my sister, will start her medicine after she graduates in March. Therefore, it is a big possibility that our family will gain a doctor and lawyer by 2012/13. If the world hasn't ended yet.

What about my MA? I will finish it this schoolyear. I have already chosen (actually, been imposed) the topic Classical Roman Liturgy and the Reform of Vatican II as my topic. (Padre, gasgas na daw po ang mystagogical approach, gagawa na lang ako ng module pag may MA na ako). And maybe I'll take up the doctorate program after. Bahala na. Kaya naman magmulti-task. Wala naman akong lovelife. Hahaha. Tsaka, hindi naman ako matutulog ng apat na taon e.

After Law, aasarin ko na si God - magpapari ako. Sa kakagulo niya ng isip ko, nagdecide na ako na sa ayaw niya at sa gusto, magpapari ako. Hahaha.

Ergo, in twelve years, I will be chanting the Eucharistic Prayer.

Again, kung may earth pa. Hehehe.

Pero siyempre, I actually have no plans. This is just an outline. It is still God who is in control. Wala nang mas se-stable pa sa buhay na yan - abogado na, pari pa. Beyond this, bahala na talaga ang Diyos.

Hmmm. Makagawa nga din ng Martyr's letter to girlfriend.

A Martyr's Letter to His Girlfriend

2007-11-18T02:44:00.000+08:00

"Let My Memory Always Remind You There Is a Better Life"

MADRID, Spain, NOV. 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of a letter from Bartolomé Blanco Márquez, written to his girlfriend from prison the day before he was executed during religious persecution in 1930s Spain. Márquez was beatified Oct. 28; the letter is published in the “Summarium Super Martyrio” of his beatification cause.

Bartolomé Blanco Márquez was born in Cordoba in 1914. He was arrested as a Catholic leader -- he was the secretary of Catholic Action and a delegate to the Catholic Syndicates -- on Aug. 18, 1936. He was executed on Oct. 2, 1936, at age 21, while he cried out, “Long live Christ the King!”

* * *

Provincial prison of Jaen, Oct. 1, 1936

My dearest Maruja:

Your memory will remain with me to the grave and, as long as the slightest throb stirs my heart, it will beat for love of you. God has deemed fit to sublimate these worldly affections, ennobling them when we love each other in him. Though in my final days, God is my light and what I long for, this does not mean that the recollection of the one dearest to me will not accompany me until the hour of my death.

I am assisted by many priests who -- what a sweet comfort -- pour out the treasures of grace into my soul, strengthening it. I look death in the eye and, believe my words, it does not daunt me or make me afraid.

My sentence before the court of mankind will be my soundest defense before God's court; in their effort to revile me, they have ennobled me; in trying to sentence me, they have absolved me, and by attempting to lose me, they have saved me. Do you see what I mean? Why, of course! Because in killing me, they grant me true life and in condemning me for always upholding the highest ideals of religion, country and family, they swing open before me the doors of heaven.

My body will be buried in a grave in this cemetery of Jaen; while I am left with only a few hours before that definitive repose, allow me to ask but one thing of you: that in memory of the love we shared, which at this moment is enhanced, that you would take on as your primary objective the salvation of your soul. In that way, we will procure our reuniting in heaven for all eternity, where nothing will separate us.

Goodbye, until that moment, then, dearest Maruja! Do not forget that I am looking at you from heaven, and try to be a model Christian woman, since, in the end, worldly goods and delights are of no avail if we do not manage to save our souls.

My thoughts of gratitude to all your family and, for you, all my love, sublimated in the hours of death. Do not forget me, my Maruja, and let my memory always remind you there is a better life, and that attaining it should constitute our highest aspiration.

Be strong and make a new life; you are young and kind, and you will have God's help, which I will implore upon you from his kingdom. Goodbye, until eternity, then, when we shall continue to love each other for life everlasting.

should i law?

2007-11-13T11:12:00.000+08:00

what do you think?
Matatapos na ako sa MA Liturgy. Gagaan na ang trabaho ko. Yun nga lang, hindi ko na naman mabibigyan ng time ang mga kailangang bigyan ng time... e para sa akin mahalaga ang Simbahan, pamilya, kaibigan at ka-ibigan (na nonexistent).

Haha, bahala na. End of this week ang deadline ng submission ng form. Nov 25 ang exam (Christ the King pa, ang daming gagawin)...

Noknok da Katekist on the Resurrection

2007-11-11T17:27:00.000+08:00

Nakalabit ako para magcatechize kanina. Tinuturo ko ang resurrection. Sana naman naabsorb nila ang value na dapat meron sila - ang hindi matakot na mamatay.

I am not afraid to die.

Siguro masakit ng kaunti (hehe) pero hindi ako natatakot. My faith in Christ, who rose from the dead, is such that I need not fear death. Death is the not end of things but a passage to the next life.

Kinukuwento ko sa mga bata ang mga santong pinakain sa hayop, pinako, at binarbeque. Nakakatawa ang pagsagot nila ng "Opo" na galing sa ilong kapag tinatanong ko kung kaya nilang tularan.

This is my Simbang Gabi Wishlist for God

2007-11-11T17:22:00.000+08:00

I really don't believe in bullying God into giving stuff but what the heck, when I first did this, I got what I asked for. I know it's not what I did but how good he is to me. So, the first time I completed Simbang Gabi I asked for a girlfriend. Yes, a girlfriend. And in his mysterious ways(tm) he gave me a pseudo-girlfriend. And the following year, a laptop - Apple iBook G4. Of course, these were coursed to me through people whom he uses as 'instruments' like a filtration apparatus or a centrifuge. The year after that, following his track record, I decided to request for a lot of things - like an agenda for the whole next year. I was banking on his generosity. Well, he granted most of the things in the list, so what the heck.

People, when God wants you to give me things, DO NOT GO AGAINST HIS WILL. Let yourself be an instrument of grace.

So here's the list:
1. The soon-to-be-released new MacBook pro that's smaller but as powerful as the 15 inch version. Let it be clear that this has apostolic value because of the nature of my activities.
2. Optimus Prime Movie Action figure (the bigger one) and Megatron na rin para puwede akong maglaro na parang bata.
3. Chucks - simple-colored chucks. The kind Fr. Jboy was wearing when he presided Mass last Thursday.

Gosh, wala na akong maisip na material things. Ibig sabihin wala na akong gaanong attachment. Long shot pero baka sakali:
1. Isang unit sa itatayong condo sa kanto ng EDSA at Quezon Ave.
2. Toyota Yaris OR Ford Focus Sport

(God, hindi po ako magrerequest ng walang apostolic value - except laruan)

Ito naman ang mga mas madali para kay God dahil hindi material.
1. Metanoia para kay Miranda. Hindi para sa akin, kungdi para sa kanya para mabawasan ang mga may galit sa kanya.
2. Slack para sa mga Students ko na Pinepressure ng Magulang. Sana maintindihan ng magulang na ang mahalaga ay matuto ang bata at hindi ang grade. At hindi dapat ang mga anak nila ang tumupad sa mga frustrations nila sa buhay.
3. Turok para sa mga Students kong may ADHD. Para ito sa kanila. Kailangan nilang maging normal dahil kakawawain sila ng mundong ito.
4. Poverty Alleviation (hindi puwedeng eradication dahil hindi mangyayari sabi ni Jesus)
5. 2-state solution sa Palestine/Israel.
6. Democracy sa Burma
7. Health in mind and body ng lahat ng kakilala ko.

My Birthday falls on the seventh day of the Octave of Christmas

2007-11-07T03:34:00.000+08:00

Ang Gospel sa araw na iyon ay ito

Gospel : Jn 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Resiliency

2007-11-04T17:58:00.000+08:00

I found myself sad today, for reasons that i cannot really identify. I had a long day and it helped me forget. And towards the evening, as I do whenever I am sad, i go out and try to forget the sadness. I checked papers at trinoma's starbucks ibabaw. The long and short of it is that I realized that I do not have the right to be sad and that I am resilient to these things now. I have to be strong for others. I have to let myself be broken so that I can be given. I have to be tough whenever I am broken.

The high point is that I made new friends. Wait, isa lang pala siya.

The lower point from that is that I had my aunt anointed for her operation. I bullied my boss to do it. Then she saw me serve at mass. She commented that I looked like a bishop. Anyway, we brought her to Ongpin to eat fat noodles and soup. Then she thought of going to Luneta and upon reaching Luneta, she said she wont go down and that we should go home instead.

Basta pumayag na siya. Please pray for her.

matagal ko nang alam

2007-11-02T09:36:00.000+08:00

Jeff, you are Balanced-brained

That means you are able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres of your brain, depending upon a given situation.

When you need to explain a complicated process to someone, or plan a detailed vacation, the left hemisphere of your brain, which is responsible for your ability to solve problems logically, might kick in. But if you were critiquing an art opening or coming up with an original way to file papers, the right side of your brain, which is responsible for noticing subtle details in things, might take over.

While many people have clearly dominant left- or right-brained tendencies, you are able to draw on skills from both hemispheres of your brain. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.

The down side to being balanced-brained is that you may sometimes feel paralyzed by indecision when the two hemispheres of your brain are competing to solve a problem in their own unique ways.

Si Annie ng Shaider pala

2007-10-22T18:08:00.000+08:00

ay naging porn star pagkatapos ng shaider.

there goes my childhood.

Huwag Kayong Magalit sa Akin... Ganito ako ginawa ni God

2007-10-22T17:26:00.000+08:00

Nagtimbang ako sa timbangan sa parokya at ang aking timbang ay umabot ng 110. Isa itong achievement dahil hindi ako umaabot ng ganitong timbang. karaniwan ako ay nasa 100 lang at mas mababa. Take note, achievement. Ito na ang epekto ng araw-araw na pagkain ng liempo at napakaraming kanin at pagkain sa labas nang mag-isa pero pangdalawa ang kinakain. At siyempre ang tatlo hanggang limang balot tuwing weekdays.

Kanina, naoverhear ako ng mga magagandang dilag mula sa ikalawang baitang sa hirit na 'kailangan kong imaintain ang 110.'

K: grabe, hindi nga ako bumababa sa ganun e.
M: ako hindi na aabot dun.
Ako: Ayaw ko nang natatangay ng hangin.

May kakaiba sa pagkakagawa ni God sa katawang ito. Kahit magsteak siguro ako gabi-gabi e ilang bahing lang nawala ko na ang nagain ko.

Kaya ako tinatawag ni Fr. Anscar (ex rector ng beda) na hungry. Pero sabi rin niya sa utak ko daw pumupunta.

Wala akong alaga. Imagination ko lang si Echidna.