Bienvenidos aqui na Ipil Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

His Excellency Bishop Julius Tonnel, D.D, upon seeing the Black Nazarene at the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Bukidnon, was hearwarmed by the image of the Lord. At the time, the Parish Priest of Quiapo, where the original image of the Nazarene resides, was there too. From their conversation, Bishop Tonell wrote a letter to Archbishop Rosales of Manila, requesting that the Ipil Diocese be given the image of the Nazarene. The bishop of Manila in his reply to Bp. Tonnel, happily informed that the Nazarene Statue be made soonest. It was also mentioned in the letter that the Diocese of Ipil would be informed on the time of shipping the holy image. That was last April.

Now, July 14, 2011 at past 10 am, the image of the Black Nazarene arrived at the premises of the St. Joseph's Cathedral, with Bp. Tonell, leading the welcoming of the Lord's image. Last Saturday, I have been practicing with the Interlude Choir, the singing of the Nazarene's theme: "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno." During the blessing of the image, we sang it meaningfully with the faithful present. After the para-liturgical rites, the Bishop approached me and gladly asked how I came up with the hymn for the Nazarene. I told him that I got it online. He suggested that we also sing it during the communion on Sunday as a gesture of welcoming the Lord's image.

This 5:oo pm, we'll be singing during the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of the Black Nazarene of our Lord.

Training up a school choir

To have an SATB choir has been a big dream. Never have I thought that I'd train up one group of talented high school students, sing in harmony. So far, it has been more than a couple of weeks and the choir has three pieces that are ready for presentation. The first one, "I Believe in Peace" by Fr. Nilo, is truly a meaningful song. I have also found a piece from the Internet, the "Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Hymn), which is arranged by Ed Nepomuceno. The third piece is Dan Schutte's "These Alone are Enough", which is a good music for doxology. (Picture on the left was taken during our practice last Friday, July 8, which we did at a Kiosk as we would want to have it done outside a room.)

The job hasn't been like doing the work there in the music room. Before each rehearsal, I have to encode each note of the songs into a software program for music. (Thanks to a real great friend from Davao City, who installed the program in my net book. He is Amiel G. Baculna - an instructor at John Paul II College and the church organist in Davao.) Without the program, it would have been so impossible to train the kids. I usually save each file as sound format so it can be played during our practice.

There are challenges that lie ahead. The kids have to master yet the art of singing. We have yet to purchase a keyboard. There are times that some of the choir members have to attend to other extra-curricular activities during our practices. But with the good remarks we have been hearing so far, there is no reason for us to slow down. This is the first time the school would have this kind of group, and there's more to come, God bless us.

I have had it washed anyway

It's been raining 24/7. The road, muddy; everywhere, wet all day. My motorcycle has been dirty with mud for almost two weeks now. I would think that it is not wise to have it regularly washed. This morning, I looked at my XRM-RS 125 and I saw it was not necessarily have to be that untidy of the mess it got from the wet weather. I was on the way to campus B when I saw a car wash open. And so, it was washed. Despite the thought that it will get dirty again, as the rains are still around, I have had it washed anyway.

Seasons of Love @ PIL

Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for this video of the group 2 performance during the Concert Night of the 2011 Music Module at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. Our group, during its rehearsals shared lots of funny moments. AJ lead the group in its practices. This video tells a lot of stories our group made at the PIL.



Trainer: AJ
Soloist: Carlo Rey
Fr. Danto's impersonator: Randell
Organist: Oliver

Other members: Myself, Fe, Jeffery, Raffy, Sr. Noelle, Aloma
(Fr. Danto was supposed to be with us. However, he was scheduled to leave ahead. Randell represented Fr. Danto, impersonating father's manner of speaking in Filipino.)

One Super Remembrance from 2011 music module

This rendition was rehearsed by the talented Father Nilo. This was the last time we were at the Transfiguration Chapel at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. As soon as the distribution of certificates was done, I went to the terminal bus with some other three participants. It was one memorable night. Our friends accompanied us to the bus terminal and it was truly hurting when we parted our ways. The four of us who left ahead were bound to Cagayan de Oro. There, we too had to went on separate ways. At 1:30 am, I was home bound and got to my destination at 10:30 am.

(Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for the video.)

When will this rain ever end?

This day is not excused from rain. There have been downpours here in Ipil. They usually happen in the afternoon. There were times that I had to drive through despite the rain to get to the church for my choir responsibility. Last Monday, I wasn't able to attend my classes in WMSU because of the seemingly unending downpour. I came late last night in my class for the same reason. The campus B road, although still passable, has been so muddy. I always get my shoes and pants dirty whenever I pass along the road.

I thought this day wouldn't be wet with rain. It was very sunny at 10 am. Then, all of a sudden, before noon came, the rain fell down again. It's like that the weather decided to rain, and indeed it rained at once! When will this ever end? Only the Creator of the World knows. For the moment, I just have to be thankful for each day, each rainy day, that somehow there are no floods here.

Searching for Silence

Work loads in school, social network surfing and activities, Church songs preparations, part time job schedules, hanging out with friends... all these have met me after days of living a quieter, simpler life. Where is my thought about my very self? I haven't have the moment of resting my mind. Yes, I can still sleep well. But each day is marked with much noise around - noise, which I my self created. I couldn't hear that peaceful sound. I just need a piece of mind that is in true silence. I need to rest my thoughts amidst a life packed with things to do. I pray that I attain peace in the silence I am searching for.

"True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." - William Penn

Gratitude in Prayer: a glimpse on a prayer of thanks

There are many times that because of the heftiness of the load of anxieties within, I find it hard to even be grateful for what I am going through; when I know in the end, all shall be well with God. Here's a glimpse of a reflection I wrote while in Malaybalay City last month:

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May 26, 2011

Have I ever learned to thank you my Lord? All that I have been having is a complaining thought. I am downhearted by the difficulties I am going through. Where is my mind that thinks of praising You my God, for all that I walk along with? Where is the grateful heart, that should adore You my God for all the love I have received from my friends? Today, I pray, that amidst the hardship and anxiety, You teach me O God, how to become grateful. Lord, for having brought me here, despite of the supposedly hectic schedules now and in the next days; for having given me friends and teachers, whom I share my life with; for the music, that is like heaven, so serene and lively yet like following Christ, entails challenges along the way. For all these, my gratitude O God would not suffice what it takes to give You praise. I love You O Lord, and I thank You. Your faithfulness and love keep me going. Your mercy makes me grow. Bless me that I may give You thanks, all the days of my life. Amen.

I’m really leaving the science lab

I had to get up so early. My first day’s work in school was going to be the inventory of science lab equipment. The school is kinder to me this school year; I am not given an advisory class. Consequently, I have to give up my position as science lab in-charge. I used to handle the science lab since its completion. I have had lots of memories there with my previous third year students. Now, the lab is only one of the buildings I would see in school. The present lab in charge Ma’am Neneng helped me out in accounting the equipment. Thank God we have six students who assisted us in the carrying of the apparatuses. Ma’am Neng gave me a nice snack after the inventory.

As soon as I left the lab room, there was a sensation of loneliness. I realized I was really leaving the science lab. Well, that’s life. But I’m still in school. My framed certificates are still there inside the science lab. I still belong. For now, I have to go on with what I am being assigned to - a teacher in general education, handling one Biology class and a SPED teacher, catering SPED classes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

A cool novel gadget

After the damage of the screen of my HP Laptop, long had I been contemplating if I’d buy another one or any similar technology; specially that it worth 40 thousand pesos. When I attended the training for the deaf in Cagayan de Oro City, I was looking around for a net book. Although I did not find time to window shop, I already made a decision that I’d have my mid-year bonus to purchase one. Last May 22, on my way to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, I dropped by the City of Golden Friendship and looked for a net book at Gaisano Mall. I was kind of attracted at first sight with the Acer Aspire One brand, with its new look and the price tag was 11 thousand and eight hundred plus. And so I purchased it. The gadget was first used at the PIL in Malaybalay. I found it to be user-friendly and easy to carry. With its small size, transferring it from place to place is a breeze. So far, I am enjoying the use of the gadget especially in surfing the Internet, playing some games and encoding. It’s really good to buy something from funds that come in the package of bonus. This cool gadget is one remembrance of such eared produce of the work. The gadget is also a tangible reminder of my days at PIL. (Huh, get over it Darwin!)

Gaining a friend to treasure for life

My 10-day stay in Bukidnon would have been only to learn more about the music in the Liturgy. On the first day of my visit to the place named Paul VI Institute of Liturgy, I was apprehensive about getting along with others specially that the first ones I met don’t speak the dialect I could be most spontaneous when talking. When I learned that someone was going to be a roommate, I prayed that at least he is from Mindanao. As he got into the room, we readily talked like we have known each other forever. More to our initial conversation, he is familiar with some people I know. Amiel has become a friend that day. There was never a dull moment with each other. We would sing almost every day, to the top of our voices the moment he skillfully plays the keyboard he brought with him from Davao. We talked about just anything under the sun. It didn’t take us long to ridicule each other, even everywhere.

Perhaps the time when we were given a break on a Saturday, was one unforgettable experience. We walked from the venue to the high way talking whatever came into the discussions. It was very sunny then that as we reached a shaded place, we removed our shirts and fan them off to remove of the heat absorbed from the noon sun’s beams. We were looking for a broadband kit at the commercial center. We asked every possible person where to by the gadget but it’s as if everyone didn’t know the place. Finally, we passed by an unlikely store, when he said we give it a try again. Indeed, there was one broadband stick available. It was one funny time when we were heading home because we were chased by the rain. We ran, well, despite our large-size tummies and reached the venue, not so wet. We were always late with the prayers and classes and we had decided on the last few days to come early to the chapel, which we successfully did.

There were many moments we made at PIL; a complete entry would be too chaotic (LOL). One thing I value about our friendship is Amiel’s effort for me to learn. During our classes in music, he would encourage me to participate. He might have heard of my threats whenever he literally dragged me to participate in solfeggio, but deep within, I truly appreciated his concern for me to learn. At night, he would not allow me to sleep until I get the right tones, of those he required me to intone. I now realized that he gave me more than what I shared him. Id**t, salamat sa shirt ha. Dako na gyud interes ang printing.. hehe.. **rk. I was the first to go home and he accompanied me to the bus terminal. It was the last time that I saw such a wonderful friend. I brought with me our word that we’d be friends for life. Until now, we still send our thoughts, thanks to the SMS feature of the mobile phones.

God truly works in ways we don’t expect. My anxieties about how would I be able to cope with music lessons at PIL, deal with the feeling of homesickness and befriend with everyone were unnoticeably faded. Added to my superfriend Amiel were our super trainers and my super co-participants. Ma’am Cynthia’s very difficult lessons did not eclipse her being kindhearted. Sir Ferds, was very great to get along with. With Fr. Nilo, there’s just no dull moment. I always have the LOL times with him. Fr. Anscar’s wisdom truly gives enlightenment. Fr. Albert always gives me encouragement. I found Sr. Noelle to be so lighthearted. Seminarians Carlo and Roy were easy to get along with. I had lots of funny talks with Fr. Danto. Everyone just became a friend. How I miss our laughter and togetherness. I'll have them all treasured in my heart.

Here in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

I have been here since last Sunday. I will be staying for my studies on basic music up to June 3. I have several experiences so far - some have been hard times catching up with the lessons. I also have the moments of fun with some newly found friends. The prayers here are profound, that aside from masses, there are also prayers of Psalms that we sing. I still have to catch up with all the lessons. So far, I find solfeggio most interesting. Here, we are housed at the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. Meanwhile, my musically adept roommate, the closest person I have here, is somehow helping me manage my stay here.

Happy First Birthday Erika Nessa

Jolly Christmas Party need not be extravagant

12-16-10

And so the kids under my advisory enjoyed the simple party. Simple, because we did not contribute specific amount for the food. The students prepared by group. We had a simple lunch and we did not even have the money-spending exchanging gift. But we had the party that was jolly. Some joined in the karaoke singing. Others were ecstatic playing the parlor games. The winners got candies as their prizes.
I was surprised by a student who gave me a gift. I thought that was an act of true sharing. I wished I could have given her something in return. But I thought she was grateful that I sponsored the drinks and the games' prizes, and most of all, of my presence. Earlier, they thought the party would not pursue. The kids went home with smile on their face. These pictures can really tell, even more than what I am saying here.

Gift of Christmas

I was arguing with some of my third year students this morning on the idea of exchanging gifts. They suggested that we raffle their names for the exchange gifts as one highlight for the Christmas party in school. Over the years of my teaching, I always succumb to the desire of the kids; after all, it's their party not mine. However this time, I have seen the necessity of bringing up my stand on exchanging gifts. I discussed with them on the idea about gifts during Christmas. I told them that after the Magi gave their gifts to Jesus, they did not ask for any exchange. "We are the very gifts for others, as Christ came to share to us the gift of Salvation," I added. I further said that Christmas is not about expecting for something to be received but it is a moment to share joy to everyone. A family could have all the decorations, food preparations and everything for the celebration. But if there's no peace in the home, what's Christmas for? Some of us try to feel the presence of the season by having all the materials for the celebration of holidays around. It is every Christian's responsibility to tell the world of the meaning and reason for the Season: The Birth of Jesus, the Emmanuel.

I was relieved that somehow, they agreed that we shall not have exchanging gifts anymore.