Celebrating the Canonization of Pedro Calungsod

Image of St. Pedro Calungsod at St. Joseph's Cathedral
Parish of the Ipil Diocese

It wasn't easy to find time to practice with the choir some hymns for Pedro Calungsod, who is canonized today as the second Filipino saint. There were periodic tests, teachers' conference and preparations for the celebration of our school baranga's founding anniversary. But my perseverance won. Just a few days before Sunday, the kids mastered hymns like "St. Pedro Calungsod (Percival Cacanindin), San Pedro Calungsod (Fr. Tim Ofrasio, SJ) and Kuya Pedro (Jamie Rivera)" after our few practices. In one of our rehearsals, one of my students really cried when she saw the video of Calunsod's story. Some of my students were interested to have the mp3 amd mp4 copies of the hymns so they can practice at home. 

This Sunday, also the World Mission Sunday, coincides with the canonization of 7 beatified individuals at St. Peter's Basilica. Here in our cathedral, our school choir joined the Interlude Choir in the singing for the second mass (8 am) and sang during the third mass (9:30 am), which are both in English medium. On both celebrations the hymn for St. Pedro Calungsod by Percival Cacanindin and San Pedro by Fr. Tim were sand during the entrance and offertory processions, respectively. The choir sang Kuya Pedro as post communion in the 3rd mass. 

Saint Pedro Calungsod is such a special saint. I heard about him as "blessed," but when I learned about his life as a young evangelist who bravely died, protecting Fr. Diego (blessed) and defending our Catholic faith, I believe deep in my heart, that he truly is a saint. He is a Visayan, just like me. He too eagerly served the Church - the passion that I have in me. There have been times that I sought for his intercession and though the prayers were that simple, they were answered. Now, faithfully I would always pray: "San Pedro Calungsod, ig-ampo mo kami."

The story behind this new gadget

Last October 15, we were strolling around SM North Wing. In-in was very playful that she kept on running away in the mall and wanting me to follow her. I was with Jonas when we went on different way. Mamang, Dyan and Daylin with kids Dhanna and Dodot were busy finding for the kids' shoes. I was already tired of following after In-in. When I received a text from Daylin, the phone I was using got drained of its battery. I told Jonas that we buy a cheap phone so we can make a call. We window shopped at the Cyberzone area. We also tried to find our location. Jonas even told me, "we are so lost." It took us some time to finally decide on buying a phone. In-in was very tired and sleepy then. We went to an ATM machine and got some cash to buy the phone LG e400. As soon as the SIM card was inserted, I readily received a call from Daylin, who was so worried about us. They went to where we were (at Earophone), where they found In-in sleeping on my arms.

I would have bought a Samsung unit of similar price but LG's internet page is better and it has great features. I will have bought a phone on a scheduled trip next week, but here it is with me now. The phone, not really that expensive is a gadget great to have.

Dining at Chika-an @ SM City Cebu

This very day is Dhanna's birthday. My sister Dyan treated us with delicious lunch in one of the restaurants in SM City Cebu. At Chika-an, we ordered pinakbet, crispy pata, baked scallop, lumpia shanghai, kare-kare and clam soup. The ambiance of the location is good with added view of Radisson Blu Hotel nearby. The treat really got me stuffed. I thought we should have ordered fewer serves. Anyway, it was one great lunch worth telling in this blog.

Dhanna's 3rd Birthday

The first destination of the day was to attend the celebration of the 28th Sunday of the Ordinary Time. We attended the Holy Mass at Consolacion Church here in Cebu. Then Dhanna was given a birthday party at Jollibee. She was thrilled by what was to happen. The party was attended by Dhanna's parents' friends. Her birthday on October 15 was celebrated in advance. Her mother's (Dyan) birthday would also be on the 17th.

The kids enjoyed the party with some parlor games, fun challenges and dance showdown. Here are some of the videos and pictures:

Here in Cebu now

With Chiwawa hybrid Chauncy 

Mamang and I woke up early this morning and took the 4:30 air con bus to Zamboanga. We took the 9:25 am flight 5J 434 of Cebu Pacific. Dyan and Jonathan, with their cute girl Dhanna fetched us. Also in the car were In-in, (who embraced me tightly when she saw me) and her mother Daylin and brother Joshua.

Now I'm here at Dyan's new home in Mandaue. Jonas, who grew in Ipil till he was more than a year old, is also here. There are many things to enjoy here. Aside from everyone's hospitality, there's a quite strong internet connection in the house plus the cute hybrid dog named Chauncy, who is overly friendly and playful. It's nice to be here for the next three days. Tomorrow, Dhanna's 3rd birthday (which is actually on the 15th) will be celebrated. Our family will also be blessing this new home. I look forward to seeing Cebu once again. Our school at the moment, is planning to send us to training sometime on the last week of this month. The said event will be here in Cebu.

with Jonas, Dhanna, In-in and Joshua

I thank God for the safe trip He blessed on us.

Funny Cake

"Happy New Hair Day Darwin."

This morning, two of my co-teachers went to the town. When they came back, they brought some food for our lunch. To my surprise, they bought a cake for me. I so wondered why they gave me such a present. I could not think of any celebration. When I looked at the entire cake, I could not expect what were written therein. It said, "Happy New Hair Day Darwin." I laughed and asked them why. They said that they would just like to buy a chocolate cake and since it's free to have greetings written on it, they thought it would be funny to greet me for my new hair cut. 

First 9:30 am Sunday English Mass Choir

Singing Psalm 23 by Ferdz Bautista 

(Note: All photos courtesy of Boyet Sumatra)

The school choir has already rendered musical services in some Eucharistic celebrations namely this year's baccalaureate mass, founding anniversary of DepEd-Zamboanga Sibugay Division Office thanksgiving mass and mass at the Division Office commemorating the 2012 World Teachers' Day. From these, I have become confident that they can be as good as regular choir at St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Ipil Diocese. Indeed, this morning, the school choir sang solemnly during the first ever 9:30 am English Mass. We sang the mass proper using the new English text, all of Dan Schutte's Mass of Christ the Savior, Revised. We also sang Ferdinand Bautista's Psalm 23. Bishop Julius Tonel celebrated the mass. During his homily, he recognized the choir as a "new" group in the church. He jokingly called me "Fr. Darwin." The Local Government of Ipil, headed by Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan, who attended the mass, sponsored the Eucharistic celebration. It is my prayer that we would be able to sustain this ministry. This activity surely brings the kids closer to God through singing sacred hymns in the house of the Lord. 

Bishop Tonel stands in front of  the Altar during the
offertory procession, as the choir sings "All Good Gifts."

My World Teachers' Day

At past 5 am today, I received a text message from a personnel at the DepEd Division Office, requesting me to accompany in the singing for a Thanksgiving Mass in the celebration of the World's Teachers' Month 2012. I saw it as something meaningful to celebrate "my day." I chose eight choir members from the school and we lead in the singing of the missal hymns, using the new texts. Fr. Dodong was the celebrant of the mass. He was very amazed when he heard our choir original, "My Teacher, My Hero," as our final song. I had the song composed last year, and I improved some of its texts this time. Some personnel also requested for the copy of the song. 

My Teacher, my Hero

Lyrics and music: Darwin Q. Lumosbog

What have I done that I deserve, deserve your love and care?

What is the worth that I possess, that you are always there?

You are the light that guides my path, the star that shines my way.

You are the voice that makes me speak; I thank you every day.

There are times that you and me, walk in different ways.

And there are moments that you are there, to brighten up my days.

You are the arms embracing me, whenever I need love.

You my teacher, a great friend, a gift from up above!

Refrain

My teacher, my hero! My teacher, my hero!

I’ll reach up on the dreams I have, upon your helping hands.

Every day I thank you; appreciate you: My teacher, my hero!

What shall I do to let you know, to let you know I care?

What shall I give to you today, to thank your love so dear?

You are a precious gift to me, my teacher; my true friend

This I promise, this I pledge: I’ll remember you till the end

Refrain (Twice) 

Coda:

Every day I thank you, appreciate you, my teacher, my hero!

The entire school choir also sang "My Teacher, My Hero," during the school's presentation program for teachers. It was first rendered to the teachers last school year at Campus B during the conduct of the same celebration. I opted not to attend the program this time as I would expect that there would be teachers that would not be given (or be given less) tokens. I did not want to see that happen so I just stayed at the faculty room. Some students, however, came to me and gave me their presents. I felt happy having seen their sincerity in doing what they did. I attended the teachers' party in the afternoon. I was the one who lead the prayer before the sumptuous meal prepared by the Student Government Organization. We had lots of fun games after the lunch. 

Photo Courtesy of Trisha Veronica Avengoza 

At Casa Mea Hotel

I, Lovely, Sheryl, Christine and Sweet went to Casa Mea, to have our little party. We took some pictures there and we cooled down with a delicious banana shake treat. I saw two of my former students working at the hotel. How fulfilling it was to see them finding a job for a living. 

Since it is Friday today, I had to go early to the church to accompany in the singing of the hymns for the 5:15 mass. It is first Friday of the month so I had to stay further for the Holy Hour. Bishop Tonel celebrated the mass and lead in the prayer of the Holy Hour.