Lenten Season 2012

"Till on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live..."
(In Christ Alone)

Today we recall the death of our Savior Jesus Christ. We remember His passion so that the whole human kind will be saved from sin and destruction. This 2012, how really did I celebrate Lent?

There are three Tenets of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Alms-giving. Let's proceed.

Prayer. I had a lot of prayers this whole season. As a Catholic, prayer is very essential because it's our way of communicating to God. During our Visita Iglesia yesterday wherein we went to five different Churches, we prayed the rosary and had our Stations of the Cross. I attended the procession wherein we are supposed to pray the rosary while walking around Vigan. I attended three of the most important Eucharistic Celebrations of the Lenten Season: Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. Prayer. Check.

Fasting. I had a good start, but it ended drastically. Fasting means having only one whole meal a day. It's supposed to be that way. Combined with Abstinence (refraining from eating meat), both should be done on Fridays. As far as Abstinence is concerned, I did pretty well refraining from meat the whole Lenten Season. As far as Fasting is concerned, nevermind. Haha. I eat a lot on the three meals. I cannot control myself. I do not know why. Fasting. Nope.

Almsgiving. Okay, alms-giving. I kinda gave some alms to the poor. I've offered money when the basket comes. I did the best I can at my own comfort to give alms. Almsgiving. Almost.


Aside from the vast number of tourists that flocked Vigan, the thick population on the procession, the heat, my Lenten Season was really holy. I did everything to fully celebrate Lent. It is this season where we commemorate how Jesus, in His human form, suffered from our sins. He was charged for something He did not do; was scourged many times; was given a crown of thorns and was mocked, made to carry a big cross so heavy he fell down three times; was crucified naked in front of His mother; was left alone by His disciples just when everything was blurry; died on the third hour; buried on a tomb; and soon, rose on the third day.


We prepare ourselves for the most important Eucharistic Celebration of the whole Liturgical Year, the Easter Mass. Jesus rose again.

Leap Year

Apparently, my February is not like any other. It only happens once in a quarter of a score; or once every four years, which makes 2008 the last year when we had this phenomenon. It's called Leap Year, and apparently, it has become a holiday for some.

The main reason for this is very scientific. The actual days in a year is 365.25. So, every fourth year, the days will be 366 to make up that 1/4 for every year. That's why it has been leap year. Now the reason why February is kind of mysterious and I don't know why.

Leap Year is very exciting for me because I get to know how people who celebrate their birthdays today actually celebrate their birthdays. Out of curiosity, I asked this question on Facebook and there was actually a comment saying, "they either celebrate their birthday on February 28 or March 1." Cool! So I've heard this on the news before but I'm not quite sure so I said this again online. So February 28 or March 1, ei. I thought they would celebrate every four years. Haha. That means their four times younger than everyone of us in numbers. How I would wish that my birthday's on a 29th February. No blowouts. More money. And more special and worth remembering because my real birth date would only come every after four years. I've not yet known any friend who celebrated their birthday today. There was no one on Facebook. There was one on Twitter but he was a complete stranger.

Well, February 29 went right so far.Until the next Leap Year. (That would be about 2016 already.)

The Amusing and Vivacious Dash to Five Kilometers

Fun Run.

'Twas the last day of our Annual School Days. For a three day event, I believe that every moment should be worth remembering and it must be enjoyable, but it was, the other way around. I'll not dwell on those things that much. Good thing there are these redeeming activities that would suffice those boring moments.

First and Foremost is the amusing and vivacious dash to five kilometers, or Fun Run which happened a while ago. At first, I did not want to join the said run because I am really not into running, I had a bad experience last year, and I would rather sleep. But since it's a class requirement for a PE class, I had to.

At first, I was running swiftly with my companions. But before finishing a kilometer, I was already dead tired. I feel like giving up, but I had to run. Fortunately, my companions were as unexperienced as I am so all of us stopped for a while and started our walk. We were at the front first, but when we started walking, we were passed by many runners. Instead of being determined, we just laughed it off with this expression:

After some time of walking, we started running again. When we got tired, we walked again, then we ran and walked, until we finished the damn marathon. In a matter of 40 minutes (approximately), I finished the race dead tired and ready to lie down. But I didn't. Haha. In the end, it was an amusing, and vivacious dash to five kilometers.

Second Redeeming Factor is the Cultural Show. I had fun watching it. After watching them perform and give their all, I would say that my PHP 90 is worth it! Aside from the destroyed sound system and the minor mistakes and some inconsistencies, they really put on quite a show there. KUDOS! Hahaha.

It was very nice to be a part of the production team. Yeah. I didn't know I was a part of the team considering that I worked at home. I made the video presentations in between performances and after some time, I was shocked that I became the Visual Artist. Actually, it's a bit high for a position like that, but, hey, it's nice to be a part of a show so successful, even the provincial superior would like. Hahaha.

So far, that's the St. Paul's Week Celebration 2012. RAG-O! :D

P.S.
As of now, my thighs are starting to sore so bad. It's like my experience again last year. God, why do I have to do this? Hahahaha

Of Superstitions and Circular Fruits

Happy New Year!

I was expecting the entry to 2012 to be a big bang – more than the sit com – and that it would immediately affect our lives. I as such wanted big changes this year, so as a starting point, with a snap of the fingers, I had an idea that maybe for my own sake. So this year, I tried to deviate from the silly superstitious acts to what we call reality. From polka dots to circular fruits, it was pretty funny that Filipinos, though very religious enough to the point of idolizing statues, still believe in these traditions and of luck. It came like a lightning that these beliefs, no matter how much we practice them, will never improve our lives nor give meaning to it. So I tried to my best, but still, I failed.

Traditions I consider as worthless – sorry for my term – are the loud noises, the grapes on walls, the 12 fruits, the jumps, the salts and rice, the polka dots, the circular and sticky food. Argh. Well, the loud noises apparently would drive away all the bad luck that they have. The grapes on walls, 12 fruits, salts and rice, the polka dots and the circular food would supposedly bring luck and wealth and fortune to the family. The jump would supposedly make the person taller. The sticky food would apparently make the family bond more.

But these are all fraud, coming from a person who hated superstitious beliefs. This year, as much as I wanted to kill the joy, I was outnumbered at home. They were all shaking coins and blowing their torotots around the house, opening all the doors, and jumping. Well, all of these are for money and wealth. And then we call ourselves zealous Catholics.

Laugh all you want.

Though we went to mass before these festive events, it would not suffice the event which we commemorated this day. My mother, a devout Catholic, who wore polka dots that night, did not even know why we were going to mass. For many years, we were attending the New Year’s mass. All she know was this mass was for thanksgiving for another year. Well, she may have a point there, but it’s not the main reason. She also knew that January 1 is the Holy Trinity Day. Like, WTF? I don’t really mean to be the all-knowing guy here but January 1 is the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary. This day is one of the three mandatory masses which Catholics need to attend aside from the Sunday masses – the two others being the Easter Sunday, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which is set on December 8.

But since she is my mother, I might as well forgive her. Come on! It’s the New Year’s Day!

Call me Kill Joy.

Well, I am.

For the record, though I never did those silly things, I had fun watching my father, my brother and my mother do those silly things. It was a very fun sight. It made my night. Those fireworks and fire crackers, though not much loud as last year, were already perfect for me. Since I’m a little allergic or something to the fumes of the lusis, I tried lightning one or two to be in the celebration mood. I don’t want to be 140% kill joy you know.

Anyway, the food we ate during our media noche was exquisite. It was scrumptious, delectable, all the adjectives you can think of! Trust me, my parents are good cooks. Though the wine was not that delicious, I still managed to sip a little.

Well, that’s it for the celebration for the entry of 2012. I hope this year will be a good one. Wait, let me check. A GREAT one.

23 Pesos

This day is definitely a holiday.

Yeah.

More than a Child

So I learned a very magical song. It's not like any Christmas songs out there. The tune is very heartwarming and very gentle, soothing to the ears and to the mind. The lyrics are, as the composer said, about Jesus' birth in relation to the reason He came. Ever since I've heard it when we had our practice, I was like mesmerized by it so I actually searched it on YouTube and found one video with the composer singing it. Great! Tis' my favorite Christmas song already and since today is Christmas, I thought of sharing this song.

That video is Larry Holder singing More than a Child, the title of the song. Listen to it carefully and be amazed! Here are the lyrics:

More than a child born in the hay,

Jesus, my Lord, on that first Christmas day.

More than the son of a carpenter man;

You carried the weight of the world in Your hand.

For You are the Hope of my soul,

All that I see, and all that I know.

In You, there is peace in my life,

For one day You came, as angels proclaimed,

The Light of the world for us all!

More than a star shining that night,

More than the shepherds amazed by the sight,

More than three wise men with riches of gold;

You, the Messiah, the prophets foretold

Would come, bringing newness and life,

Freedom from sin, deliv'rance from strife.

In You, there is peace evermore,

For one day You came, as angels proclaimed,

The Light of the world for us all.

Yes, one day You came, as angels proclaimed,

Redeemer and Lord of us all!

Hey, Merry Christmas by the way.

Let us not forget the sole reason why we celebrate Christmas: JESUS.  As John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus was sent to us because God loves us really much and He wants us to be saved from the wrath of evil. And so He was born, in a lowly manger. And as John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." 

This day must not be used for enjoyment but in celebrating for God's love and for Christ's birth.

Merry Christmas once again!

More than Christmas Programs

So I just came from two Christmas Programs today. One was the our departmental Christmas Program and the other one was the FamJam. So, okay, like any other Christmas Programs and Parties, we would all have the chance to enjoy, to play, to be happy, to exchange gifts, and dress like freaks. Of course, as a requirement for the signing of clearance, I had to attend both of them. To enjoy these, we had to pay more than Php300 for the consumption of both.

The Virgin

On this day, ohh Beautiful Mother, on this Day, we give thee our lives.

December 8 is chosen as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. 


According to Wikipedia,the Immaculate Conception of Mary is a dogma of the Roman Catholic Church, according to which the Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of original sin.


The solemnity is celebrated on December 8 and is one of the mandatory days outside the Sunday masses wherein Catholics are obliged to attend mass.


At school, we took part in the celebration of the day. We had our school mass. I knew from the start that it was going to be a normal mass. From the readings, to the offertory, to the communion. However, what was extraordinary during the mass was when we sang one of the communion songs. We were singing that song with all our hearts, but then, when that line was sung by us, it was as if, it hit me like an arrow. Some tears covered my eyes. It never fell down, because I stopped it from rolling. I know I've sang this song like a million times already, but it was only that time that I was deeply moved by the song, so much that it left me teary eyed. I love the Lord, it said repeatedly on all verses. 



I wanted to let them repeat this song again, but it they didn't. After all, if they did, I might be crying in front of the microphone already, and be embarrassed in front of thousands of students waiting in line to receive Jesus Christ through the host. Well, I could listen to it all the time, though.


I just love the Lord.


Well, after that mass, we had our group sharing of what and how our Church looks like and what our role is for the Church. There plenty of sharings. It was a pretty boring discussion and we're so glad that it finished fast. I might have taken a slumber if it went on slower than usual. Hah. Hah. 

In celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we had a chance to watch one of the greatest love stories ever told and was portrayed in a movie. The Nativity Story is one heck of a movie to cherish forever. Majority of those were not in the Bible, however, it was very realistic which makes me think that it's a pretty accurate to what really happened. 


I was struck by the Nativity Scene wherein Joseph was the one who helped Mary deliver the baby Jesus. It was very heartwarming. Hah. Hah. I was also amazed by how the three magi computed for the exact time for the star. Everything was very good! I can't find any wrong on the show. 


I was disappointed by the tomato meter of this. It's just 38%! Gosh. I can't believe it. Ohh, well, it's they're own opinion of the movie. If I were to rate this movie, it would be 89%.


After watching the movie, we had our living rosary, the twisted way.


Instead of the usual, Holy Mary, we twisted it in a way that we pray for each country. For example, we would say, "Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, pray for Canada, now and at the hour of our death, Amen." Isn't that nice? Pray for 50 countries around the world with Mary as the one we pray for. 


On this day, I would like to pause for a while and thank Mary for being so humble and obedient. She serves as an example for all of us. I would like to thank Mary for bearing Jesus Christ. It caused our salvation. I thank Mary for being a good wife to Joseph and being with him during those times. She's the first woman I have ever loved. Who knew what have happened to us without Mary, the Mother of God.

November 30, 2011

So I've heard that today's the day of one of our national heroes. It is the day when we are supposedly honor the courage and the contributions of this person to the lives of the Filipinos. But, as if nothing happened. I woke up late in the morning still sick. There were no classes because it's supposedly a holiday. Moments went on and it turned out to be a normal, boring holiday. Just watching television and surfing the net all day.

The night went on, watched the news, but turned out, no Andres Bonifacio Day news on the headlines. There were news on deaths, crimes, awards, and rallies, but no honoring for him. There were nonsense showbiz news, endless commercials, useless countdowns, but no sign. Is it me or is he forgotten already?

Going back to my history, Andres Bonifacio was one of the heroes who is found in our money. But much more than that, he sparked the swords of the Filipinos during the Spanish regime in the Philippines when our national hero was in jail. He led in the formation of the most famous war group in the Philippines. He initiated the tearing of the cedulas which symbolizes the Filipinos' rage against the Spaniards. He fought many battles, but he lost to all. But, this paved way to other battles around the Philippines during those times.

Unlike many heroes who died as martyrs, he died differently. He was executed by fellow Filipinos themselves for he and his brother allegedly did something. I cannot remember that anymore. Sadly, the leader during those times were his former friend.

Many might considered him to be the national hero more than Rizal. I do say Bonifacio has done quite many things that stirred our history, but I just don't know if he is really fit to take that title. I may not give the right reasons why. But, I think his title now is fitting to him more, "The Father of the Philippine Revolution."

So this post is not just a reminder that November 30 is Andres Bonifacio's day, or the day that we have no classes, or the day that Sec. Butch Abad said that Elena Bautista-Horn needs a psychiatrist. This is a post that would remind us that Andres Bonifacio is not just a man of courage, but a person that would linger in our midst forever and ever.

Wait.

I am not quite really sure if Filipinos know that today is his day. I'm not quite sure if my sister knows why today is a vacation day. I'm not sure if the people parting on the clubs know that today is his day. Well, honestly speaking, I never knew that today is his day until just a while ago when I received a text relating to Bonifacio. People like me really needs to master these dates already. It's more than a day without classes, you know.

As what my grandmother says, and I conclude,

"Andres Bonifacio, a tapang a tao.
a putol a kamay, hindi aatras.
a putol a paa, hindi tatakbo."


Good night everyone. Goodbye November.

Todos los Santos

As I lit that candle, I said a short prayer asking God to grant the all the souls rest in peace and be finally be with Him in paradise. It’s a practice we Filipino Catholics when November strikes its first and second. We often go to the cemetery and offer prayers to all the dead relatives. We light candles and give the flowers. And as a Filipino tradition, we leave food to the grave of our relatives.

Only Catholics believe in purgatory, and that is the reason why we pray for the dead. We pray for their souls to journey safely to heaven and be with God forever. And we are not selfish enough to pray only for the people we know. We pray for all the souls, even those who are forgotten. And that is the reason why All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are born. Now this is something I’m really proud of being a Catholic.

This is also a moment when families get together…in front of their relative’s grave. They offer prayers together, stay for a while, eat together, laugh together and do pretty much like any family reunions do. In our case, we were reminiscing what our dead relatives’ were and how they were when they were still alive. Our younger relatives might not met them.

It’s a very momentous event. In our case, we stay up to 8pm and some might even stay until 10pm or even later! That’s how we love our relatives. We know they are dead but, we know they’re souls are still alive. We talk to them at times and offer them food.  That’s different!

Overall, this is not a time when fake ghouls and costumes roam around but a time when we pay respect to the people who have gone ahead of us. 

Liberty Day

I ALMOST FORGOT.


HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY PHILIPPINES! :D
(July 4, 1946)












...and America, too. :D










[June 12 is the Philippine Independence but I regard July 4 as the true Philippine Independence. Why? IT was on July 4, 1946 when the last invaders of the Philippines left the country and at last, we gained liberty. :D)