The last JS Prom

K - 12 will have its grade 9 next year. The fourth year will be the only level outside the new curriculum. There would be no more JS then.

Niña gets married today

Just last month, Kuya Manny (Niña's father) told our choir that Niña was going to be wed, which was scheduled today. Our choir, the Interlude Family sang at the wedding liturgy. I did the responsorial psalm, Ps. 92: Lord, it is good to give you thanks. During the rite of marriage, I found it enjoying seeing Niña looking at her husband whenever he says his part. I thought she was so happy and I feel the same for her. I wish her all the joys and blessings that her new life could bring.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Pamela Wooton

Today, the second day after Epiphany, is Papang's 2nd Death Anniversary

I woke up early and dressed in white polo. I was not supposed to be the cantor-organist but since the assigned group could not be present, I volunteered yesterday to take care of the mass hymns. I offered the mass for my father's eternal rest. Epiphany has always been linked to my father's death. He died January 7, 2012, the day before the Epiphany celebration. Before his death, I was praying with him to follow the star wherever it could go for it shall lead his way to the Savior's place. Last year, his first death anniversary, was the first day after Epiphany. I recalled the homily of Bishop Joy in last Sunday's Solemnity of Epiphany that says about emptying something from ourselves to offer to the LORD. I realized that it was the very life of my father that our family had to let go. It was indeed hefty to be given out. But just like the Magi, we felt the ease of pain and sorrow having seen the end of our father's suffering from his illness. We continue to pray that he may be given the greatest gift of all - eternal life.

A day with Spinolanian pioneering batch

Buluan island is truly mesmerizing. The island's cool, clean waters and the bright, cream sand continue to amaze me. Today, I was here with some of the first batch MSS (Marcelo Spinola School). As usual, we did funny things and talked nonsense stuffs. But it was worth spending my time. I enjoyed a lot and felt happy seeing my students succeed in life. The return trip wasn't good since it coincided with the low tide. We had to stop the pump boat at a distance offshore and walk through the muddy coast, around 200 m to get back to the mainland. The consolation was that the current wasn't that strong.

Photo courtesy of Ivy Marie Panes

Photo courtesy of Ivy Marie Panes

Photo courtesy of Ivy Marie Panes

What does this year 2014 have for me?

Last year, I could say that I had a busier life. Teaching in the public high school and at an external studies unit of a university, training school choir, serving at St. Joseph's Cathedral parish through music ministry - all these highlighted the year that was. I would always jokingly sometimes ask my students, "what would you become after doing that thing?" Now, such question seriously follows after what I have been through 2013. What have I so far become? I should accept that I continue to gain insight in my teaching. I have become more compassionate although I really have to work hard on showing my concern for my students. There were still moments that I found it inevitable to become unfriendly with them. The choir in the school this past year has served in many events. There have been a lot of issues to tackle for the next batch. I would be more "choosy" to come up with a more improved choir. There were a lot of developments as to the church music ministry. Last month, all that serve in the music ministry were finally commissioned by our Bishop in the Diocese of Ipil.

Personally, I see myself to be as busy as last year. Yet there were a lot of times that I ask myself, "what other paths could I possibly trod? My life seemed to be programmed while my personality remained adventurous." There were a number of sacrifices that I have, just to serve the LORD. I wish I could just keep this to myself. Now this year begins already. God has blessed me at the start of the year through the prayers I participated with at the church on the first day of 2014. There are already lined up activities to be done. On January 5 is the Epiphany of our LORD. On the 6th, will be the opening of the school classes for 2014. My father's 2nd death anniversary will be on the 7th. I will be accompanying for a wedding liturgy on the 8th and it will be the Feast of the Black Nazarene on the 9th. Hopefully, January 10 is a holiday.

I look forward to a more adventurous year this time. I wish for some new things to unfold before me. I am not getting any younger; I pray that I will be situated somewhere here in the LORD's bounteous vineyard. For certain, it is the LORD who will guide me through the path I will follow this year.