desiderata

SPECKS of WISDOM to PONDER

2009-11-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine. ~David Nicholas

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. ~Mary C. Crowley

Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees. ~Victor Hugo

God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them. ~Author Unknown

What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~Eleanor Powell

----------------------------------------------------------------me and my daughter Rose Therese, circa August 2009

You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller your God. ~Author Unknown

The soul can split the sky in two and let the face of God shine through. ~Edna St. Vincent Millay

I wear a coat of angels' breath and warm myself with His love. ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche

Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God. ~Diana Robinson

Weave in faith and God will find the thread. ~Author Unknown

When we can't piece together the puzzle of our own lives, remember the best view of a puzzle is from above. Let Him help put you together. ~Amethyst Snow-Rivers

Some stand on tiptoe trying to reach God to talk to him - you try too hard, friend - drop to your knees and listen to him, he'll hear you better that way. ~Ever Garrison

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. ~Leo Buscaglia

God is not what you imagine or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed. ~Saint Augustine

God is not the name of God, but an opinion about Him. ~Pope Xystus I,

MY FATHER'S LOVE LETTER

2009-11-23T00:16:00.001-08:00

One day, I happen to find this letter while I was browsing and trying to salvage a number of the old rotten family pictures in our old, disintegrating, ancient mother house in Bayabas. This is a letter of my father, Priscillano “Percing” M. Lozada addressed to my mother, Lucia V. Lozada. I was 3 years and 7 month-old when my father wrote this letter. I am the youngest among the eight children that our parents had raised. My father was born in 1921, so he was 54 years old when this letter was written.

Bayabas, Surigao del Sur

Oct. 12, 1974

Mrs. Lucia V. Lozada

Bayabas, Surigao del Sur

Dearest Mama,

Since our marriage, I had found nothing different as the years go by. Marriage to me with you is full of meaning in this world and without you as my love/wife I can’t live completely. Little misunderstanding sometime occurs which I consider a bit of marriage life, which may happen in all couples.

Hardships in life can always be solved thru mutual understanding. I found nothing from you for so much so I always go deeper to love you. Twenty five years of our marriage is still fresh and sweet.

Lastly but not the least I hope there will be more twenty-five years to come to vine our eternal love thru Jesus Christ our Lord. Sweet kisses from –

Loving husband,

Papa

LESSONS LEARNED FROM ONDOY

2009-10-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ondoy is considered the worst storm that hit Metro Manila in 40 years and that it was equivalent of one month’s worth of rain falling within 6 hours. The result, landslides and raging flood reminiscent to the great biblical flood during the time of Noah. During which, not a few died, lost loved ones, their own homes and valuable properties.

The factors to consider and blame are:
An extraordinary weather incident
Climate change via global warming
Lack of civil defense planning and vigilance; inadequate weather bulletins and alerts from PAG-ASA
Poor waste management. If the creeks and rivers had not been clogged, they would have allowed for released waters from the dams and floodwaters to have somehow drain faster.
Environment degradation
Wild and unregulated property development

Metro Manila settlers themselves contributed to the disaster. That is, from the plastic bags they throw into the sewers to the trash in the streets everyday. The sewers and drain systems are like veins in our body. If you feed it with junk, it will give you a heart attack.

The garbage was the doing of the common people. These were thrown into the waterways because that was the easiest and quickest way to get rid of them. The result, because the trash clogged waterways, the latter is made shallow and narrow. Eventually with the storm “Ondoy”, nature took revenge. Waterways overflowed the banks and entered the homes, yards and streets and to the very people where the garbage came from. As the trite adage says, “the trash you throw into the streams will come back to haunt you”.

While the flood was heavily accompanied by mud washed down by rain, landslide continue to occur even after the storm Ondoy. This is because there are no more roots of trees to hold the soil together. Those people responsible in cutting down the forest must have been the first to be buried alive by landslide but they are accordingly merely watching high and dry from their mansions and condos. These people who got rich by illegal logging assuage their feelings of guilt by donating some of their ill-gotten wealth to the relief organizations helping flood victims.

“We benefit more from our failures than from our successes; that crises teach us more important lessons than we can possibly learn from books and classrooms. As someone puts it, one of the things that hits you most forcibly and offers ideas of value is failure and suffering. Success and happiness give out great feelings but it is affliction that enlightens and prepare us best for the future.” -- Ramon J. Farolan, Phil. Daily Inquirer Columnist

THE CROCODILE RIVER STORY

2009-09-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

A story is told of Abegail who was very much in love with Henry who lived across the river highly infested with crocodile.

One day, Abegail wanted to go to Henry because she missed him so much. Her problem is how to cross the river. She approached her friend Tito who was busy repairing his boat. Abegail pleaded to row her across the river when the boat is repaired but Tito sent her away and yelled at her saying not to bother him with her feelings.

She walked further and found another friend Mark who was eager to bring her across with his boat on one condition that she sleep with him that night. Abegail consented and she was eventually brought across the river.

Abegail was very happy to see Henry and embraced him at once.

In their intimate moments, Abegail told Henry the ordeal she had undergone just to be able to see him including giving herself to Mark. Upon learning this, Henry was very angry and rejected Abegail.

In her depression, she was looking for a shoulder to cry on. She found Luis and told him of her misfortune. Luis right away went to Henry and beat him severely while Abegail was at his back making faces to Henry then the story ends.

Questions:

Who is the most hateful character in the story? Why?

Who is the least hateful character in the story? Why?

What made him/her hateful for you?

What sort of norm are you protecting?

A Few Lines of Inspirational Message During the Recognition of Honors (1st grading; 3rd Year Level)

2009-09-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

To all the honor students, congratulations! May you double you efforts for the second grading period if not maintain the fervor in all your intellectual endeavors. May I advice, anyway that as you become popular in the campus still you should remain humble. Refrain looking down on your less intelligent classmates or schoolmates, thinking you are more important than them. In the educational arena, as students you are still on training. This isn’t real victory yet. Real victory in education is when you already finish a course and land on a decent job.

According to the DepEd survey most successful individuals merely have an average I.Q. Average people, accordingly, tend to be more successful in life than those individuals who were performing very well during their studies. Why is it so? Because these popular students did not only earned swelled grades but swelled heads as well. Yumayabang. They focus more on the importance of the honors that they may get out of their studies. They forget that the real essence of studying is to learn. Getting high grades is important but it is more significant to absorb, to live the lessons learned in each of your subjects particularly in your Values Education. Do not merely memorize but inculcate into your hearts the lessons learned from each of your subjects.

I’m not here to discourage you for getting exceptional scholastic performance. Congratulations indeed because you serve as an inspiration to others. However, may I remind you as well that success likewise require that throughout your life you need to maintain not only the intellectual fervor but the equilibrium of humility that in the face of all humanity we are all equal. God may have endowed on you greater intellectual prowess compared to others but it has a purpose not to make yourselves selfish but to be of service to others. Let us be reminded always by one of the nuggets of wisdom we can get from the movie Spiderman. It goes, “with great power comes great responsibility”.

To the rest of the students who are merely serving as audience in this gathering, students without honors, congratulations to you as well. Congratulations for your perseverance. Congratulations because many have already dropped out and you are still here.

Accordingly, “The illiterate of the 21st century are not those who cannot read and write, but those who doesn’t want to learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

What does it mean?

Comparing your generation to the previous generations, education nowadays is more accessible than before. Even the handicapped people, they can nowadays attain higher education. This is because of the availability of new educational programs and technology.

The definition of illiterate nowadays does not refer anymore to those who cannot read or write but it can be, as well, referred to those students who may be physically present in school but mentally absent. These are the students who doesn’t want to learn, unlearn and relearn. This is because they are already comfortable with their ignorance.

For the honor students, again, congratulations!

And for the rest of the students, do not give up we hope to see you all promoted for 4^thyear at the end of the school year…

Thank you for listening…

Self-Confidence is POWER

2009-08-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

A business executive was deep in debt and could see no way out. Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park bench , head in hands, wondering if anything could save his company from bankruptcy.

Suddenly an old man appeared before him. “I can see that something is troubling you,” he said. After listening to the executive’s woes, the old man said, “I believe I can help you.” He asked the man his name, wrote out a check, and pushed it into his hand saying, “Take this money. Meet me here exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time.” Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come.

The business executive saw in his hand a check for $500,000, signed by John D. Rockefeller, then one of the richest men in the world! “I can erase my money worries in an instant!” he realized. But instead, the executive decided to put the un-cashed check in his safe. Just knowing it was there might give him the strength to work out a way to save his business, he thought.

With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and extended terms of payment. He closed several big sales. Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again. Exactly one year later, he returned to the park with the un- cashed check. At the agreed-upon time, the old man appeared. But just as the executive was about to hand back the check and share his success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.

“I’m so glad I caught him!” she cried. “I hope he hasn’t been bothering you. He’s always escaping from the rest home and telling people he’s John D. Rockefeller. ” And she led the old man away by the arm. The astonished executive just stood there, stunned.
All year long he’d been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him. Suddenly, he realized that it wasn’t the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was his newfound self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after.

Last Recorded Phone Call of Ninoy Aquino

2009-08-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Remembering Ninoy...

2009-08-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

Remembering Ninoy in his 26th Assasination Anniversary l

2009-08-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Ninoy and Cory By ZOILO DEJARESCO III August 12, 2009

2009-08-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

No single Filipino couple positively influenced the course of Philippine history better than the Aquinos – Ninoy and Cory. With Cory's dramatic interment last week, an era had ended.

Cory Aquino, 76, was one of Asia's first woman leaders and the 11th and first woman president of the republic. She led People Power in 1986 that blew away an entrenched dictator and restored democracy. Cory owned the franchise over "People Power," copied world-wide for bloodless liberation movements.

In 1983, Ninoy came home from exile in Boston – at a time when his life was in most danger – to provide a democratic alternative to the ailing Marcos. He was murdered at the tarmac that enraged the nation.

Ninoy promised to bring back democracy to the nation; Cory delivered it. Ninoy was the bow, Cory the arrow.

It is told that a seer once warned the Marcoses that once Ninoy's body (then in exile) touched Philippine soil, that would signal the beginning of the end of the despotic regime. Loyalists wanted to defy the prophecy by having the Tarlac senator assassinated.

However, Ninoy's body did touch Philippine soil – dead as it was – and history saw the prophecy fulfilled in 1986.

Then, doubtless, it was only a matter of time before Ninoy would have become president of the Philippines.

Bravery, honesty and awesome faith were Cory's trademarks as civil society supported her moves to resuscitate a fragile democracy and fend off many bloody coups.

In 1986, Cory became president as a person who wanted it the least and relinquished power to a Protestant successor – a power she did not covet one minute longer after restoring to the

broken ramparts of democracy.Cory Aquino, Time Magazine's 1986 "Woman of the Year" and Nobel Peace Prize nominee – was then back to pro-poor NGO work and when democracy was threatened by Charter change, corruption and backsliding to the ways of the dictator, Cory snaked out of retirement to once again lighten the darkening shadows of the land.

Cory Aquino, clutching a rosary given by Sister Lucia of Fatima, died on August 1, a first Saturday (normally) devoted to Our Lady and a month dedicated to Her as well. She died on the first day of the month of August, the same month Ninoy was murdered on August 21, 1983 – which later gave birth to the ATOM (August Twenty One Movement)

On the other hand, Numerologists are quick to point out that Cory's date and exact time of death (August 1, 2009) is really 08-01-2009-3:18 (a.m.) Removing all the 0's and putting the numbers together would be: 8129318.

Rearranging those numbers would be 8-21-1983 or August 21, 1983, Ninoy's assassination date.

POEM COMPOSED BY NINOY FOR CORY

2009-08-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

I Have Fallen In Love

I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times
In a day spanning nineteen years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.
I loved her first when she was young
Enchanting and vibrant, eternally new
She was brilliant, fragrant and cool
As the morning dew.
I fell in love with her the second time
When first she bore her child and mine
Always by my side, the source of my strength
Helping to turn the tide.
But there were candles to burn
The world was my concern
While our home was her domain
And the people were mine
While the children were hers to maintain.
So it was in those eighteen years and a day
Till I was detained
Forced in prison to stay.
Suddenly she’s our sole support
Source of comfort
Our wellspring of hope
On her shoulders fell the burden of life.
I fell in love again
With the same woman the third time
Looming from the battle
Her courage will never fade.
Amidst the hardships she has remained
Undaunted and unafraid
She is calm, composed
She is God’s lovely maid.

NINOY'S LAST LOVE LETTER TO CORY (Written hours before he was assassinated on August 21, 1983)

2009-08-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Cory,

In a few hours I shall be embarking on an uncertain fate, which may well be the end of a long struggle. I slept well last night for the first time since I left Boston — maybe because I’m just plain tired or I’m really at peace with myself. I want to tell you many things but time is running out and I do not have any machine. After a few more paragraphs, my penmanship will be illegible.

All the things I want to tell you may be capsulized in one line - - I love you! You’ve stood by me in my most trying moments and there were times I was very hard on you. But if anyone will ever understand me, it is you, and I know you will always find it in your heart to forgive — and unfair and ironic as it is — it is because of this thought and belief that I often took you for granted.

Early on I knew I was not meant to make money — so I won’t be able to leave anything to the children. I did what I thought I could do best, which is public service, and I hope our people in time will appreciate my sacrifices. This would be my legacy to the children. I may not bequeath them material wealth but I leave them a tradition which can be priceless.

I realize I’ve been very stingy with praise and appreciation for all your efforts — but though unsaid — you know that as far I’m concerned, you are the best. That’s why we’ve lasted this long. There will only be one thing in the world I will never accept — that you love me more than I love you — because my love for you though unarticulated will never be equaled.

If all goes well I should be back in my cell before sundown. Should I be detained do not rush to get home. Take your time and enjoy a side trip to Europe with the girls.

I’ll try to call you tonight if the authorities will allow me. Otherwise just remember me in your dreams.

Love,
Ninoy

P.S. I offered a special rosary for Papa and I asked for his intercession. You know he never failed me. (Ninoy here is referring to Cory’s father, Jose Cojuangco, who died on August 21, 1976)

Paalam at maraming salamat po President Cory C. Aquino!

2009-08-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

"People used to compare me to the ideal president, but he doesn't exist and never existed. He has never lived," she said in the 2007 Philippine Star interview.

"When I am just with a few close friends, I tell them, 'OK, you don't like me? Look at the alternatives,' and that shuts them up," she told America's NBC television in a 1987 interview.

While the Filipino People wept, Cory and Ninoy are now rejoicing in heaven as they met and are together again at last, forever...

OUR FAMILY PRAYER

2009-07-31T02:41:00.000-07:00

Once again Lord God, we come before You. We acknowledge our insignificance, unworthiness and sinfulness compared to Your greatness, kindness, power and majesty. We admit Lord God that without You we can do nothing but with You nothing is impossible.

We thank You Lord, for all the blessings You have given us. For making us feel your presence in the midst of our daily tasks, thank You so much.

Send us O lord Your Holy Spirit to fill our weaknesses with His strength.

We entrust to You Lord our Children: Benedict, Therese and Baby Clare. Prepare for them Lord God in advance a promising and good future waiting for them. Make them O Lord, responsible, respectful and respectable individuals in the society someday. May they live a long and happy life.

Bless me and my wife Lord God, that we may be together for a long and happy union until old age.

Bless O Lord our friends and the people who are kind to us. Protect and save us from evil, undesirable occurences and from the people who may be plotting evil against us.

We entrust to You Lord God all our worries, fears and future plans for indeed Lord we cannot but admit that without You we can do nothing but with You nothing is impossible. Amen

BEDTIME PRAYER OF OUR KIDS

2009-07-31T02:29:00.000-07:00

Jesus, have mercy on us.

Jesus, bless Papa, Mama, Benedict, Rose Therese and Baby Clare.

Mama Mary, pray for us.

St. Benedict, pray for us.

St. Therese, pray for us.

St. Clare, pray for us.

St. Francis, pray for us.

Jesus, Thank You very much.

Jesus, good night.

Jesus, luv you...

Amen.

NEVER QUIT!

2009-07-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

One day I decided to quit, i.e., my job, my relationship, my Spirituality and even life itself. I was hopeless.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. “God” I said, “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?” His answer surprised me. God said, “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?” “Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.” God continued, “In the third year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit. God said, and then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots beneath.

Those roots made the bamboo very strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”

God said to me, “did you know that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come, You will rise high.”

I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope this lesson I have learned would be of help to you also.

God will never give up on you!

THE NECESSITY TO UNDERGO HARDSHIPS & STRUGGLES...

2009-07-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand tobe able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.

We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

I asked for Strength.........

And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.........

And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.........

And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage.........

And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love.........

And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.........

And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ........

I received everything I needed!

Trust in God. Always !

GOD IS A SILVER PURIFIER

2009-07-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

In the Bible, the Book of Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy-- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

If we could shrink the earth's population

2009-07-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following. There would be:

57 Asians,

21 Europeans,

14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south,

8 would be Africans,

52 would be female,

48 would be male,

70 would be non-white 30 would be white;

70 would be non-Christian,

30 would be Christian;

89 would be heterosexual,

11 would be homosexual;

6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States;

80 would live in substandard housing;

70 would be unable to read;

50 would suffer from malnutrition;

(ONE)1 would be near death;

(ONE)1 would be near birth;

(ONE)1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education;

(ONE)1 (yes, only 1) would be computer literate..

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes glaringly apparent. And, therefore . . . If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

As you read this and are reminded how life is in the rest of the world, remember just how blessed you really are!

Conversation with THE MERCIFUL GOD

2009-06-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Jesus: Be not afraid of your Savior, O sinful soul. I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish his graces on you. How dear your soul is to Me! I have inscribed your name upon My hand; you are engraved as a deep wound in My Heart.

Soul: Lord, I hear your voice calling me to turn back from the path of sin, but I have neither the strength nor the courage to do so.

Jesus: I am your strength, I will help you in the struggle.

Soul: Lord, I recognize your holiness, and I fear You.

Jesus: My child, do you fear the God of mercy? My holiness does not prevent Me from being merciful. Behold, for you I have established a throne of mercy on earththe tabernacle-and from this throne I desire to enter into your heart. I am not surrounded by a retinue or guards. You can come to me at any moment, at any time; I want to speak to you and desire to grant you grace.

Soul: Lord, I doubt that You will pardon my numerous sins; my misery fills me with fright.

Jesus: My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world. Who can measure the extent of my goodness? For you I descended from heaven to earth; for you I allowed myself to be nailed to the cross; for you I let my Sacred Heart be pierced with a lance, thus opening wide the source of mercy for you. Come, then, with trust to draw graces from this fountain. I never reject a contrite heart. Your misery has disappeared in the depths of My mercy. Do not argue with Me about your wretchedness. You will give me pleasure if you hand over to me all your troubles and griefs. I shall heap upon you the treasures of My grace.

Soul: You have conquered, O Lord, my stony heart with Your goodness. In trust and humility I approach the tribunal of Your mercy, where You yourself absolve me by the hand of your representative. O Lord, I feel Your grace and Your peace filling my poor soul. I feel

I feel overwhelmed by Your mercy, O Lord. You forgive me, which is more than I dared to hope for or could imagine. Your goodness surpasses all my desires. And now, filled with gratitude for so many graces, I invite You to my heart. I wandered, like a prodigal child gone astray; but you did not cease to be my Father. Increase Your mercy toward me, for You see how weak I am.

Jesus: Child, speak no more of your misery; it is already forgotten. Listen, My child,to what I desire to tell you. Come close to My wounds and draw from the Fountain of Life whatever your heart desires. Drink copiously from the Fountain of Life and you will not weary on your journey. Look at the splendors of My mercy and do not fear the enemies of your salvation. Glorify My mercy.

(Diary of Sister Faustina, Divine Mercy)

BEST OF FRIENDS (a tribute to my father)

2009-06-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

My father was a very friendly person. No wonder, he once was elected Mayor in our hometown. He had numerous circles of friends. Most of the time these people would gather around my father or vice versa, i.e., my father would gather them in our house over a drinking session talking about anything under the sun, i.e., agriculture, politics, silly green jokes, etc.

Aside from the various circle of friends he had, there was a man who frequently visited my father alone. His name is Mr. Dalipe Lucar. Mr. Dalipe and my father would talk for hours, face to face and one on one. This visitor was different because their conversation was not over a drinking session.

When my father was in his sixties I rarely saw him meeting his friends over a drinking session. By this time, as I was already in my adolescence, I was the one bringing my own barkadas at home for a drinking session.

In old age, my father was not as vibrant anymore as he was. This time, I noticed that Mr. Dalipe would now frequently come to our house visiting my father. As usual they would talk about the same topic that they both liked. Their subject matter was about religion and spirituality. I remember them sharing their views about the validity of the shroud of Turin, the 3 days darkness during the second coming of Christ, the epistle of St. John the apostle, i.e., about the revelation or last book in the Bible, etc. During the last few moments of my father’s earthly sojourn I noticed him reading the Bible and praying the rosary alone and he maintained his bonding with Mr. Dalipe. Eventually my father Priscillano M. Lozada, Sr. died in 1987. Mr. Dalipe on the otherhand died just a couple of years ago.

A few months back, I discovered a picture in our ancestral home. I asked my mother regarding this very old photograph dated August 12, 1946 taken in Baybay, Leyte. My mother replied that the one seated on the armchair is my father and the other person is Mr. Dalipe Lucar. They were both in their early twenties when the picture was taken. “They were best of friends” my mother said.

My father maintained a friendship since he was young and until he died…

To my father, I salute you! I am praying that you are now already in heaven with your parents and relatives, and of course with your best friend, Mr. Dalipe.

Happy Father’s day Papa Percing…

STUDYING FOR PRIESTHOOD

2009-06-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

I visited my hometown lately for the death anniversary of my father (June 12, 2009; Friday) which coincides with the “Araw ng Kalayaan” a national holiday. The parish Priest was not around during the 6:00 am mass, for this reason, a 4^th year Philo. Seminarian Julian Lozada Raut-Raut, Jr. conducted the “kasaulugan”. As his reflection for the Gospel reading, he read the “the Paradox of our time”. I was impressed with its content and message that is why after the “kasaulugan” I personally went to the convent and had a brief conversation with him so as with the other two seminarians who are on vacation. Eventually I borrowed the selection and decided to post it in my Blog as could be seen below.

Today, our hometown, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, has around six diocesan seminarians, i.e., studying for Priesthood:

SEM. ROLLY M. CABUGA – currently in 1^stYear level Theology in St. John Vianney Theological Seminary Cagayan de Oro. The seminary is managed by the Jesuits. He is the son of Camoloy Cabuga from sitio Cagbuaya, Brgy. Balete. Whenever he is on vacation, he serves the parish as choir master. He is very adept in playing the organ and piano.

SEM. JULIAN L. RAUT-RAUT – currently in 4^th year level Philosophy in San Jose de Mindanao Seminary. Son of Josefa Lozada-Raut-Raut and Julian, Sr. from Brgy. Amag. A very soft spoken, accomodating and reflective person, meditative and deep thinker as well. Apparently very kind and polite.

SEM. JOHN PHILIP M. LOZADA – currently in 2^nd year Philosophy in San Jose de Mindanao. Son of Ondoy and Femia Lozada.

SEM. DAVE ELMER M. JUCOM – 2^nd year Philosophy student as well in San Jose de Mindanao Seminary. Son of the police officer Elvie Jucom and Merlyn Manliguez-Jucom.

SEM. NIEL P. QUIJADA – 1^st year philosophy (second year as a seminarian) in San Jose de Mindanao Seminary. Son of Mercy Pondoc-Quijada and the late Samuel Quijada

SEM. VON RASSEL M. JUCOM – Pre-college or under the spirituality formation program. No academic studies yet for one year. In San Jose de Mindanao Seminary as well. He is the younger brother of Dave Elmer M. Jucom. Son of Elvie Jucom and Merlyn Manliguez-Jucom.

Shown in this picture are the following (From left): Sem. John Philip M. Lozada, Von Rassel M. Jucom and Sem. Julian Lozada Raut-Raut, Jr.

These Seminarians belong to underprivilege families (particularly: Sem. Julian and Rolly) for this reason, they are currently looking for sponsors to help them shoulder a portion of their expensive seminary studies.

For those who might be kind enough to share their blessings, any amount heartily shared will be very much appreciated. God for certain will return your kindness a hundredfold…

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME By Gerry Carlin

2009-06-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints. We spend more but have less, we buy more but we enjoy less.

We have bigger houses yet smaller families, more conveniences but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgment, more experts yet more problem, more medicines but less wellness.

We’ve learned how to make a living but not life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered the outer space, but not the inner space. We’ve done larger things but not better things.

We’ve cleaned the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

Remember: spend more time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember: say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person will soon grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and

it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember to say: I love you to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. (A kiss and embrace will mend a heart when it comes from deep inside of you). Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away…

DEVOTION TO MAMA MARY: Prayer for Financial Help & The Memorare

2009-06-08T01:38:00.001-07:00

Realizing, dear Mother that you are our perpetual help not only in spiritual but also in temporal necessities, we ask you to help us in our present financial worries. Because of unavoidable circumstances, which have arisen in our lives, we are in great want and financial embarrassment since we are unable to meet our honest necessities. We are not asking dearest Mother for wealth, if the possession of it is not in accordance with the will of God. We merely ask you for that assistance which will help us to settle our present obligations. We believe, dear Mother of God that you are extremely kind and generous to all your loving and devoted children. We plead with you, therefore, dear Mother, to obtain for us the help we so urgently need. We are trying so earnestly to solve our problems but we believe more in you powerful help and intercession with our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our Redeemer. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought you intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To you I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in your mercy, hear and answer us. Amen

VALUE

2009-05-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it has not decreased in value. It is still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special - Don't ever forget it! (Source: www.indianchild.com/inspiring_stories.htm - 50k)

God can never be outdone in generosity; GIVE and you shall RECEIVE

2009-05-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Dear BRODmy8,

Dito na ako sa Dubai since 2007 (January 15 to be exact). It was unexpected, brod. May friend ako dati na kasama ko ring sacristan who's been in Dubai for 3 years prior. Bale kumpare ko siya, inaanak ko yung panganay niya. Nagbakasyon siya sa Pilipinas noong November 2006. Treat ko sila ng lunch sa Manila and before we parted ways, biniro niya ako kung gusto ko daw bang pumunta rin sa Dubai. Sabi ko: "Oo ba." Casually said. Come mid-December of the same year, I received a brown envelope from Dubai via DHL, and surprise of all surprises, it was my visa to the United Arab Emirates! So wala na akong nagawa pa kasi gumastos na rin siya e. I have to file my immediate resignation (kahit nag-eenjoy pa ako sa call center noon sa Makati). Biglaan. Even my colleagues were taken aback by the suddenness of it all. Hindi ako excited to leave the Philippines then. Nag-sink in lang siya sa akin on my way to the airport on that fateful day. Sa loob ng taxi (ayoko ng may pahatid-hatid pa. Mas mabigat dalhin sa dibdib yung may iiyak pag-alis) doon ko lang naisip na ilang oras na lang ay OFW na nga pala ako. Noon lang ako nalungkot, kasi kahit pag-impake ng gamit ko ginawa ko lang on the same day ng flight ko.

Sharing ko lang brod kung paanong ako ay nakarating talaga sa Dubai, like what really brought me here. Yung friend ko who helped me get to Dubai is like 7 years my junior and we became friends only when I was still a postulant sa Conventuals. Gusto rin sana niya magpari pero God has other plans for him. His father died in Japan. Being the panganay (dalawa lang silang magkapatid), he had no other choice than to be the "father" of the family. During the wake of his dad, walang dumadalaw o dumaramay sa kanila na mga kamag-anak nila. I made it a point to be there everyday and every single night. Wala ang mga pari noon dahil may annual retreat sila sa Manila so I looked for a priest from outside our town. Divine Providence, I found a La Salette priest in nearby Santiago City. Noong unang dumating ang pari sa simbahan, I have to hasten to attend to him. Up until mailibing ang father niya, katulong nila ako sa bahay nila. Nahihiya sa akin ang mother niya. Pero para sa akin, what is that for friends, di ba? In case sa akin mangyari yun, ayaw ko rin siyempre na mag-isa lang ako during that time of great loss and grief. Kapag iniisip ko, it was that simple and very ordinary act of kindness I did to his family that brought me to Dubai. I always share this to friends not for egotistical high but to highlight the importance of always putting others before one's self. Na yun bang isang random act of kindness can really spell the difference in our lives. Para sa akin, what I did was the very thing demanded by that particular situation, yun bang kung may sunog ay natural lang na tumakbo ako at buhusan yung apoy ng tubig. Pero I have seen the repercussion of that small act. Grand indeed is that maxim that God can never be outdone in generosity. Napakabait ng Diyos. Sabi nga ni Brother Mike Velarde: "Siksik, liglig at umaapaw."

CONStantly

Comment on "A LIFE LONG OVERDUE" from a good friend in DUBAI

2009-05-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dear BRODmy8,

I have enjoyed reading Aunty Peryang's (of happy memory) story and also I felt for you when you missed that one last chance noong tinatawag ka niya. Yun na pala ang huling pagkikita ninyo and I was also devastated. Pero siguro it was meant to be para mas malaking surprise sa iyo yung Cocofed Insurance Certificate na ikaw pala ang beneficiary! Naghihimutok ako sa part na yun. That only shows the greatness of her soul. Kung tinatanong mo kung nasa Langit na ba siya, para sa akin, wala man akong authority to say so, nandoon na siya sa piling Niya at nila. Di ba Siya (Jesus Christ) rin naman ang nagsabi na mahalin natin at igalang ang ating mga magulang? Siya yung selfless na nag-alay ng buong buhay niya para sa kanyang mga magulang. Ganun daw kasi ang pagmamahal. Like the redemptive love of Christ, handa ito na magbuwis ng buhay para sa minamahal. When Christ took our human form, tinalikdan na rin Niya kung sino talaga Siya para lang makipamayan at tumira sa gitna natin -- para maging tayo rin Siya (at tayo naman ay maging katulad Niya). Aunty Peryang's love was redemptive in itself. As told in my previous mail, I can actually identify with Aunty Peryang. It is also my parents who are the very reason why I am here in Dubai. Kahit may pangarap pa rin sana akong pilit na inaabot, isinasaisantabi ko muna anuman yun para sa pagmamahal sa mga magulang ko. If love is measured by loving until it hurts, am I not hurting? If love is dying to one's self, am I not dying every day of my life now? But it is in this dying that I am also being reborn. This is the Christian paradox. Even if no one drinks from the fountain, it is still happy to flow freely and give itself out. Its constant flowing is its very meaning...

From your CONStant BROD

(Constatino Salas, Adminisitrative Officer, RBS The Royal Bank of Scotland, Dubai)

2009-05-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to fight to make everything alright, you give your best and you give your all and yet you still lose. If you get tired, tell JESUS to take the fight and win it for you. May love remain the purpose of your existence whatever circumstances you are in right now. Have a grateful heart always either victorious or defeated, we are still blessed.

–Cons Salas

SAYINGS FOR THE DAY

2009-05-16T01:33:00.001-07:00

Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.-Souza

Laws are partly formed for the sake of good men, in order to instruct them how they may live on friendly terms with one another, and partly for the sake of those who refuse to be instructed, whose spirit cannot be subdued, or softened, or hindered from plunging into evil. –Plato

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.- Aristotle

Man...is a tame or civilized animal; never the less, he requires proper instruction and a fortunate nature, and then of all animals he becomes the most divine and most civilized; but if he be insufficiently or ill- educated he is the most savage of earthly creatures. –Plato

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.-Josh Billings

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.-Dalai Lama

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity. –Socrates

A LIFE THAT WAS LONG OVERDUE (Aunty Peryang: In Memoriam)

2009-05-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

After living together for around three years with a son, me and my wife Rosemarie, were finally married through a very private Catholic Church wedding ceremony on October 9, 2004. We were after God’s blessing that our matrimonial union maybe sanctified at last. The officiating priest was very supportive. Knowing my financial status, when I asked how much tithe I owed him for the ceremony, he opened his right hand to me and with a smile he said: “it doesn’t matter how much you will give, twenty pesos (Php. 20.00) will do, I’ll close my eyes so I won’t see the amount”. The wedding was very private as in really, really private. The church was closed. The only persons present during the wedding was me, my wife, the priest, my mother, our two year old son Benedict and, our only one wedding-godmother, my septuagenarian aunt – AUNTY PERYANG.

After the said wedding, during the meager reception at our own residence, we had a very short talk with our only visitor – my aunt-godmother.

Aunty Peryang had been living alone in her house because she had no family of her own. She opted single blessedness. Because of her age, she was now sick with various ailments. I told her that a well to do niece of hers in Davao City had been waiting for her to come and promised to provide for her proper medication. In reply, she seriously stared at me for long and after almost a minute of silence she stoically said: “what for, I don’t need any medication. I have no children nor grandchildren unlike your mama. I don’t have any offspring to look for or attend to. Frankly, I don’t have any reason at all to be around in this world.” Not expecting what she just said, I was stunned but she wasn’t finished yet and she added the most chilling words I ever heard: “The fact is, I’ve been expecting death fifteen years ago. My life has been long overdue, long overdue…” I was speechless, I really didn’t expect hearing unnerving statements from her. She appears totally different to the jolly and cool Aunty Peryang I used to have known since my childhood. At the age of 75, she ran-out of lively stories to tell. All that she could barely utter now were groans of aches and sharp pains from the various parts of her body.

In less than two months after our said conversation, Aunty Peryang died alone in her house.

A couple of days before her death, I was in a hurry looking for someone who may be kind enough to lend me money to fed my family for that particular day, I happened to pass by her house, she saw me and said she had something very important to tell me. I promised to talk to her afterwards but sadly, I wasn’t able to hear what it was.

After her death we discover a cocofed insurance certificate among her belongings in the amount of ten thousand pesos (Php. 10,000.00). I was her beneficiary. Consequently, half of the said amount was spent to settle the remaining balance of the expenses of her burial.

When she was still alive, Aunty Peryang used to be a very enthusiastic story teller. A year before her death, she was still the same person I used to have known since my childhood. Among us, her nephews and nieces, she was quite famous because of her unique hilarious laughter that she alone could exhibit. While telling her stories, her laughter serves like commas in each of her sentences. The words cool, calm and yet lively metamorphosed into tangible flesh in her person. While listening to her, time seemed to stand still. Her manner of story telling emanates a calm and lively ambiance, inducing one to momentarily set aside personal reservations, worries and the like. Most of the people in our hometown look at her akin to an exotic but an exemplary specie, a rare one of a kind and endangered indeed. Among the many topics she was fond of telling us was her first hand experiences since her childhood, e.g., during the Japanese occupation; how our place evolved from a rarely inhabited sitio to an obscure barrio; and, unto a town that this small Municipality of Bayabas has become now. She also loved to tell her other experiences since childhood with her four older siblings (one of them is my father) and with her youngest brother. She was good looking when she was still young, a fair skin (still evident in her old age), slim, sexy and pretty enough to attract numerous suitors. Interestingly, she told us stories about the numerous admirers who formally tried to win her heart during younger days but to no avail. Eventually, some of these men became very wealthy and prominent individuals.

But why didn’t she get married?

Aunty Peryang would casually and proudly claim having willfully, i.e., through her own volition, decided earlier in life not to get married, bear no children and deliberately become perpetually celibate and chaste for a sublime purpose. Literally, the sublime purpose is to serve as caregiver for her parents, i.e., our grandfather and grandmother, specially during the latter’s both older days in moments of senility. When she was still young, she would say, if I get married, who will take good care of them?
Consequently, our grandfather died many years ago. Four years after my grandfather’s death, our grandmother died subsequently later. Indeed, our grandparents died not without the loving care, and many sleepless nights that an exceptional caregiver dedicatedly and tenderly served them with. When our grandparents were, respectively, in the prolonged agonizing state on their deathbed, I remember my father, Papa Percing telling Aunty Peryang to likewise attend to her own personal health and welfare. Otherwise, he insisted, she might die soon, earlier than her patients.

After the death of our grandparents, Aunty Peryang felt that her purpose in life had been already accomplished as well.

Almost two decades after the death of both parents, Aunty Peryang, faced the twilight of her own life. She was afflicted with various illnesses that even she herself could not identify because she refused medication.

As universally claimed, the family is the oldest form of institution that has ever existed in the history of mankind. This institution cropped up, according to sociologists and psychologists, from the innate nature and basic need of human beings to closely and intimately associate with each other. That is, to communicate, share experiences and laughter, to elicit sympathy and comfort, and to love and be loved. Aunty Peryang challenged this incontestable truth of man’s nature and she paid the price, i.e., a lot of ordeal, sacrifices and self-denial.

At the age of 76 Aunty Peryang breath her last. She was unable to receive the same degree of attention that she rendered her own parents onto their deathbed. Given with the opportunities to raise her own family, Aunty Peryang bravely contested the invincible current of the eternal laws of nature. She prevailed and shelled-out the cost of a willing victim. She sacrificed her whole person on the altar of utmost empathy for her adored parents. She lived the life of a martyr and paid the price of solitude unto death. Her most priced unwritten last will and testament declared that she should be buried beside her most beloved parents. For this, her bereaved nephews and nieces reverently laid her on an elevated cemetery lot exclusively allotted a long time ago for the three of them. God knows, what sort of reward a martyr like her deserves up there…

Now, in eternal union with her beloved parents, maybe she has resumed telling her never ending stories, interrupted only as usual with outbursts of laughter. Aside from her beloved parents Nanay Kayang and Tatay Anton, surrounding her up there as company and audience, most probably are the following who passed away earlier: Priscillano Sr. (my father), Priscillano Jr. (my brother), Perluz Francia (my sister), Manuel (my uncle), Irenea (my aunt), Leopardo (my uncle), etc, and many other relatives belonging to our clan.

Perhaps, with Aunty Peryang’s presence now in heaven, souls have not only rest peace but with lots of laughter as well…

So be it Lord God, we pray… Amen.

MY HOMETOWN: Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines

2009-05-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

The Pictures shown above are recently taken, i.e., the summer of 2009. I was born and grew-up in this place. Our town is considered the smallest municipality throughout the country. It consists roughly, of only around 6,000 voting population, i.e., barely half the total number of high school students' population of Agusan National High School. Our place is located in the north-eastern part of Mindanao. Obscure, and yet a very peaceful place indeed...

YouTube - MurilloCongress Registration

2009-04-30T02:16:00.000-07:00

YouTube - MurilloCongress Registration

REMINISCENCE

2009-04-27T00:37:00.001-07:00

An ideal life in general, accordingly, has three parts. The first part is the period of dreaming and this belongs to the stage of childhood and adolescence. The second part is the stage of achieving and living our dreams and this belongs to adulthood. The third and last part of a man’s life is the stage of reminiscence and this belongs to old age or the twilight years. While watching at their own horizon to fade forever, this is the least best well-spent time for retirees, that is, reminiscing the good memories during younger years. And, that’s what life is in this world per se, nothing else.
In some way or another, I agree to this insight that such is the best shot a man could have. Ironically, we could see Lolos and Lolas in their sixtys or seventies still very much preoccupied taking care of their young. Consequently, these are their own grandchildren left to them by the incompetent parents. Personally, I am hoping that someday, this would not be our case together with my wife in our age of senility. To reminisce is to peacefully look back and joyfully identify (if he/she could still manage to) the little traces of footprints as a parcel of proof that he/she existed and actively participated awhile ago in the game called life. This is man’s last taste of happiness when all he/she could make out of himself/herself is a mere spectator, watching the world passing by. By then it is good to remember the little traces of his/her own existence before they will be erased eventually forever by the never-ending constant changes of time.
If God may give me the grace of reaching old age, by that time because of natural mental corrosion I may not have a very sharp recollection of the past events in my life as I could ably still today.
For this reason, I would like to begin partially jotting down some of the significant events in my life so much so I could eventually precisely recall the details by reading on these pages someday.

These are among the numerous graces I ought to thank the good Lord God for smiling at me and on my family particularly beginning the month of October 2008:

1. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for granting me a stable job inherently pertinent and suitable to my personality and capabilities…
On October 27, 2008, I was appointed by the Department of Education as Guidance Counselor
of JPENHS, the most populous and renowned public High School in the Capital town of our
province. I am particularly and eternally grateful to Sir PD Richard de la Rosa and to her wife
Ma’am Melyn Yu de la Rosa for being instrumental in the realization of my appointment.

2. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for the brand new flat screen computer installed in the JPENHS Guidance Office last February 12, 2009 donated by Globe Telecommunications.
Due to lack of funds, the Guidance Office of JPENHS had an outmoded and defective computer when I reported for work beginning the month of November 2008. For this reason, I tried sending a computer solicitation letter dated November 18, 2008 to the main office of Globe Telecom in Metro Manila. Fortunately, after almost four months, the Globe Telecom Company via its Community Relations office responded accordingly on February 12, 2009.
As told by the Globe personnel who personally came to deliver the computer, the unit they have donated to the Guidance Office is identical quality-wise to the computer units utilized by the Globe employees themselves in the main office of Globe Telecommunications.

3. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for the success of the Spiritual Enhancement Activity or Recollection I have conducted from January 26 to February 3, 2009 for around 500 JPENHS Graduating students

4. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for giving me the chance to attend on March 10 to 12, 2009 a seminar/training on Psycho Social Intervention (PSI)/ Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). There were around 150 participants coming from the various DEPeD Divisions within the CARAGA Region attending the said 3-day training which was held at the Balanghai Hotel Convention Center, Butuan City. The training was indeed very applicable and useful as it equipped the selected participants with working knowledge in promoting mental health in the schools and the community. The training offered an unconventional but effective strategy in dealing with students or teachers undergoing stressful moments.

5. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for the successful JPENHS Faculty-Evaluation held last March 16-31, 2009, in each sections of every year level, i.e., from 1st year to 4th year. Through the mandate of the JPENHS Principal Madam Imelda Falcon, I conducted an evaluation of the students on the performance of their teachers for school Year 2008-2009. The evaluation sheet was distributed to each students through a surprise classroom visit in each section of every year level. Approximately, there were a total of no less than 3,000 students who participated in the evaluation. The students were given the opportunity to rate their teachers according to the latter’s competence and character. They were also being given the chance to vote for a teacher that they like most. And, at the bottom of the evaluation sheet, the students were instructed to feel free writing some school concerns needed to be addressed by the principal’s office.

The Principal and the Assistant principal themselves took part or conducted personally the surprise classroom evaluations for a number of sections in the 2nd year level and 4th year level respectively. In addition, I was designated to consolidate the results of the said evaluation.

The purpose of the evaluation, according to the principal herself, was to upgrade the performance of the teachers, i.e., chances are the outcome of the evaluation would imply or insinuate that there should be a need to improve the performance of some teachers.

6. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for making me instrumental in touching the hearts of numerous students by imparting on them right values and healthy outlook in life.
One of these numerous spiritual activities I was invited to conduct and personally facilitate was on March 28, 2009 for the section Graham Bell fourth year students, Special Science Curriculum, LRC-Students. I was supposed to have another important schedule during that day but I cannot say no to the invitation of these students. These graduating students had arranged a one night bonding moment for their batch a few days before their graduation. Instead of spending their bonding moment on other secular sort of happenings, e.g., bar hopping, disco, etc., they choose to have a spiritual activity under my direction. I was indeed touched by their initiative to apparently quench and satisfy their thirst and longing for spiritual truths. From 7:30 PM to almost 3:00AM, the experience was indeed very memorable and I personally felt God’s presence and guidance.

7. My praise and thanksgiving goes to You Lord God for giving me the grace to attend and participate in the Murillo-clan reunion held last April 18-19, 2009 in our hometown Bayabas, Surigao del Sur.

For now, I cannot but acknowledge my own insignificance and unworthiness compared to God's might and Goodness. May He be with me and in my family always for without Him I am nothing but with Him nothing is impossible...

PRAYER FOR A GOOD DEATH

2009-04-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

In the name of your little friend St. Therese of the Child Jesus, I humbly come to ask you Lord that when our time comes to leave here below, do not call us by a sudden death...
Not by an accident that tears the body apart.
Not by an illness that leaves the mind confused or the senses impaired.
Not by a malady that wears out the soul, or at the mercy of evil forces.
Not with a heart filled with hate, or a body racked with pain.
Not abandoned lonely, without love or care.
Not by our own hands in a moment of despair.
Jesus, let death come as a gentle friend to sit and linger with us until you call our names.

Then let us enter your heavenly home to receive your final gift of grace to be near you forever and look upon the divine countenance of your Holy Face. Amen.
---anonymous (Most probably by a Carmelite Nun or Friar)

ON FRANCIS M’S DEATH; A REFLECTION

2009-03-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

Last March 6, 2009, a blog site my8desiderata was created. On this same day the so called king of Rap, the late Francis “Kiko” Magalona died. May God bless his soul and likewise sanctify this newly born blogsite of mine.

The fact is, I can’t appreciate rap music. I am no fan of Francis Magalona but when he died I felt an unusual chilling impact within. Just like the death of Nida Blanca, Rudy Fernandez, Fernando Poe, Jr., Marky Cielo and every time a public figure dies, I could feel a somewhat bizarre message addressed personally to me and to the public. That day, while those who were in the prime of life were very much preoccupied with their respective tasks and pursuit in life, God sent a reminder.

Last March 6, 2009, not a few were very excited for the following day to come. This was because March 7, 2009 would be the Final reunion concert of a very popular Band “Eraserheads” lead by Ely Buendia and at the same time the search for Binibining Pilipinas 2009 would be held at around 10:00pm of the same day.

Through the death of Francis M., God reminds us again that, while we may say, we own the present moment in our life, the future, i.e., tomorrow, the following hour, minute or millisecond isn’t ours. Whether we may still be alive in the next second, minute, hour or day, it is up to Him to decide. The decision is His not ours. Every next millisecond in our life is not a prerogative but a gift…

Before we were born, God didn’t consult us regarding our choices. In the first place He didn’t ask whether we want to accept life or remain unknown in the world of nonexistence. Secondly, God did not consult us regarding our other choices, e.g., as to what part of the globe or nation we would like to be born to, what society or parents we would like to be with, what sort of uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters we would like to have in a family, etc. The bottom line is, life like a surprise gift was unwrapped suddenly, once and for all before us. And, just like the manner it was given, life, by surprise would also be taken away from us...

Indeed, life is like a beautiful flower that blooms attractively, only for a moment, but withers and fades away the next time you take look at it.

Why did he die at around 12 noon “Eat Bulaga” time? Christ Himself said in the Holy Scripture that not a single hair from our head would fall on the ground without His consent. In this way, I believe that it was through God’s consent or plan that Francis M. would die at 12 noon Bulaga time. For a reason, I think that his death would be known right away nationwide in an instant as it happened. And Francis M’s death became a great shock and reminder for everyone to pause for a moment and think that like Francis M. we have a life as fleeting as the life that he had.

In this case, using the death of a very popular individual, his death just like the death of every person, God has a message or a very compelling REMINDER for all of us:
That however popular, rich, poor or humble the status of any person, truly, everybody comes from the dust and to dust, whether we like it or not, all of us will one day return.
That everybody should always bear in mind and in his/her heart the virtue of humility before the eyes of his/her creator…
That this life we are clinging to each day would also one day let us go from the world of the living unto the state of eternal departure in the world of the unknown.
That our sojourn in this world, indeed, is just temporary…
That while we are in the prime of life, our energies should not be wasted on worthless activities but has to be directed or committed on worthwhile ones, i.e., improving the status of human existence, something that we would impart as a legacy to those we would inevitably and eventually left behind.
That today is Francis M’s day and tomorrow, the next day or one of the days to come will be mine or your turn to finally pass away without even saying goodbye…

How to Post Comments in this Blog

2009-03-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

How to Post Comments in this Blog

There are many people asking me how to post comments or reactions in this blog. Well, it is just as easy as reading this blog. There are only few steps to follow. First, read any of the article s published here to comment with. The list of articles is located at the right side bar called Labels. At the end of the article or entry, you click POST COMMENTS. Second, write or compose your thoughts or reactions about the subject or subjects you have read. I will appreciate any suggestions or ideas you wish to share to improve this blog. Click Comment as anonymous if you are not registered in blogspot.com. I would suggest to include your name and location when you choose anonymous identity. If you do have an account in Google.com, click and type your Name or URL in blogspot.com. Finally click Post Comment. Your comment will be visible after my approval. Make your comment now! See you.

Inspirational Message to TNSHS Students

2009-03-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I feel so honored for being a part of this 3rd grading recognition day of your school because it means that at least for this day the horizon of my opportunity in imparting right values is not confined or not limited within the compound of Jacinto P. Elpa National High School but to Tandag National Science High School as well.

Without any much ado may I share with you a very short story.
This story happened a long time ago during the 15th century.
This is a day or two in the life of Michelangelo, the renowned 15th century Italian, renaissance visual artist. Michelangelo as a visual artist was not only an oil painter but a sculptor as well. Sculptors are those who curb images and statues. For example the person who made the statue of Liberty in New York, USA or those persons responsible in making the statues of several of our heroes, e.g., Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Manuel L. Quezon, etc., i.e., in Manila are called sculptors.

So, 5hundred years ago during the 15th century, one day there was a boy who happened to pass-by the studio of Michelangelo and the boy curiously observed the artist’s actual intricate execution of his craft. By this time Michelangelo was in the initial stage of sculpting. He was working on a masterpiece-sculpture that he would later on entitle “David”. The boy noticed that Michelangelo selected a fine marble stone fitting to the size of his work. The stone was nothing but a common huge marble stone just like any other huge marble stone. After a little while the boy saw the artist carefully pounding or hammering his sharp tools against the hard marble stone but that’s all he had seen that day because he didn’t stay for long.
Many days have passed and the boy wasn’t able to see the daily improvement of the artist’s work. A number of weeks passed by and the boy, out of curiosity, visited again the studio of the artist. By this time, upon entering the studio, the boy was so amazed and so surprised at what he saw. The artist was now about 35% finished with his work. The boy noticed that there was already form coming out of the marble stone. The bust, that is, the figure of a human head and shoulder were already noticeable and starting to make a form out of the stone. The boy cannot anymore contain his curiosity and so he approach Michelangelo and said: SIR, YOU SET FREE A HUMAN FIGURE CONFINED IN A MARBLE STONE. HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A HUMAN FIGURE HIDDEN INSIDE THIS MARBLE STONE?

According to our very own renowned Filipino artist Mauro Malang Santos, every work of Art, every masterpiece is a product of 10% inspiration and 90 % perspiration. When the famous artist Michelangelo created his David masterpiece, it was produced through a careful, meticulous, cautious calculation to make his work appear with a realistic human body contour. He made it painstakingly with real efforts. Contrary to the assumption or perception of the curious boy, the artist did not merely unfold, uncover or made bare a certain figure already imbedded within the stone but it was purely a creation out of his own creativity. Beforehand, he had an idea in his mind, a blue print that he imposed upon the stone and made his vision into reality through hard work and purely talent.

Sa Jacinto P. Elpa National High School, adunay mga estudyante nga ang ilang panan-aw sa ilang kaugalingon sila si Michelangelo. I believe nga dinhe sa inyo school naay usab ing-ana nga mga estudyante. Adunay mga estudyante nga mao ni ang ilang panan-aw sa ilang kauglingon pero unconsciously, dili sila aware. Actually the ideal approach toward learning or education can be likened to the approach of a sculptor toward his work of art. Usa sa mga effective nga strategy toward learning mao ang pagtan-aw sa imong kaugalingon isip usa ka sculptor artist ug ang imong marble stone o ang gitawag nga medium or work of art mao ang imong kaugalingon mismo. But because we are human beings not made out of stone but with body and soul, the assumption of the 7 year-old curious boy in the studio of Michelangelo is to be applied, that is we carefully hammer the sharp tools of our own expectations only for the purpose of revealing, exposing or unfolding the best qualities already imbedded within ourselves since we were born. In this case the process of learning will be more efficient and successful.

In some cases, making the same approach and strategy toward learning, there are students who treat themselves like a stone, that is, void yet of any figure and then they would impose upon themselves a blue print designed on them by other people. Like Michelangelo day by day they hammer upon themselves the sharp tools of the expectations of others. In other words, they try to painstakingly create someone out of themselves in accordance to the expectations of others.

This is a sad and painful process of education. This kind of learning would merely produce nothing but pressure. Pressure begets tension. When it is tension that prevails while learning, there will be minimal learning absorption. Very high or lofty expectations misappropriate to one’s own natural and mental capabilities would eventually result to disappointment, disillusion and self-pity.

During the era of the great pillars of Philosophy, namely, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, learning was synonymous to leisure. The term to learn is similar to having fun. For them learning is nothing but a mental exercise. If gymnastics and other kinds of sports that involve physical exertion is fun, learning which involves mental exertion is also fun. By that time the people who engage themselves in logic, linguistics, science and other areas of learning are called lovers of wisdom.

Today during your 3rd grading recognition day, although all of you are recognized and given with awards, it cannot be denied that there are those who are given with more special awards and there are those who are given with less or not so special awards. For those who are among the top ten honor students and those granted with different special awards, may I say that you should pursue academic excellence with leisure and not with pure pressure. Pursue excellence not because you are pressured by someone but because you love to study. Pursue academic excellence not because you want to prove something to somebody because the accomplishments that you have achieved are mainly for your own good, it is only secondary for the pride of your parents or your family.

For those who do not receive special awards and honors, so long as you have done the best that you can do there is nothing that you should worry about, be ashamed of or to be envious with your classmates. In every person God has a gift. We are all endowed with good qualities that one day will mature into reality so long as we know already what it is. If you don’t know yet your gift, all you need to do is #1. pray for God’s guidance, #2. reflect, #3. Discern, #4. Discover the best innate qualities you have within yourself, #5. Focus on the best qualities that you have and nurture and cultivate it until it matures into reality. I repeat, each one of us has a special gift from God and all that we have to do is unfold, uncover, unearth, make bare, reveal or expose the best innate qualities that has been imbedded within yourselves. You need not impose upon yourselves a blue print that is designed for you by other persons. Man is a being not a stone. Every person is unique and he is daily in a continuous process of unfolding his true self. Man cannot be confined in a box or in a frame just like a show case of art. Discover the best qualities you have within yourselves focus on it and nurture it until it will mature into reality.

During the onset of the 19th century somewhere in Switzerland there was a couple who were so worried about their 7 year-old child who was a loner. At his age he couldn’t speak fluently yet. The child doesn’t like to socialize with the other kids of his age. At school he didn’t excel academically. The child would just spend his time at one corner of their house playing puzzles alone. His parents were not so happy about the social and the academic performance of their son. He was considered a late bloomer. At the age of 26 this boy entered manhood and became very famous because of the book that he published in the field of physics. His name is Albert Einstein. When people would praise him and call him genius, Albert Einstein, out of humility, would reply that he has no special gift—he is only passionately curious. Later in life however at the age of 70, he claimed that he merely found or discover great thoughts that lead others to understand some of the deepest mystery of nature and this is because God has granted him with great grace.

As students, if you already exerted all your efforts in your studies and yet you have not received any special awards and only minor awards in this recognition day, it is alright. Be contented, because even God himself is not expecting something that is beyond your capabilities. On the other hand, if you are a student that deserves a special award because you have a high I.Q. or intelligent enough to have one but has not receive something that you deserve because your aim in your studies is merely to have passing grades, in this case, we have a different story. In the Gospel of St. Matthew 25:14-30, our Lord Jesus Christ himself told a parable about the talents and He says that those who are given with many or much then many or much are also expected of them. If you are not using your talent or intelligence as expected, this will be taken away from you...

Thank you all for listening.

May God smile on us always.

****MARIETO CLEBEN V. LOZADA, guidance counselor of JPENHS
Speech during the 3rd grading recognition day of the NSHS; February 19, 2009; SSPSC avc