Been to Buluan at last

Thanks to the science club Buluan Island Coastal Cleanup Drive, I set, for the first time my foot on the enchanting island. Yesterday (Oct 23), I got my back pack stuffed and ready for the big day. At past 9 am, I was with some 20 plus science clubbers as first batch to visit the island. The next batch followed us in less than an hour. After we gathered the nonbiodegradable garbage picked along the sand stretch, we enjoyed bathing and making fun in the cool waters of the island.

Long have I been wanting to go to the island. It's white sand lining is observable from the mainland. Many stories have been told about and relating to it. Presence of rebels, huge waves and difficulty in finding a boat and instances of boat sinking have been told of the island. But there are also nice things about it. Just yesterday, I could only say good things about Buluan Island. It is one of the top marine sanctuaries in the Philippines and is truly amazing and beautiful. How I wish I could go back there and once again, enjoy the breezy, bright and cool island experience.

Got an award on the day of Papang's first afterlife birthday

The documentation that I worked with ALS-Sibugay, which was one of the semifinalists in the National Search for Outstanding ALS Implementation 2012, earned me a plaque on the very first birthday of my father after his death.

The awarding was done this afternoon through a program,, "Harvest of Excellence," that was held at Roderic's Resort in Taway. There were a number of recipients from SPED, ALS, Elementary and Secondary Educators. We were all given fresh red roses, symbolic of their (DepEd Division Office Personnel) congratulatory gesture. The organizers offered us canned juice and hamburger for our snacks. I was with the ALS group during the awarding of the palques. The Division ALS Coordinator was there and he congratulated me.

It was drizzling after the program, but I rushed to Autumn Woods Memorial Park to greet Papang a happy birthday. I placed the rose I received earlier on his tomb. I said a little prayer before I left. It was still drizzling when I was on my way home. Had he been alive today, he would have been so proud of the recognition I got. But I know that he is just there somewhere, happily watching over us, whom he loved dearly.

Payments here and there

I should be enjoying the fruit of my hard labor. Yes, today I have had my check enchased. But payments are left and right - One thousand for the bu-bu, six hundred thirty for Autumn Woods Memorial Park, six hundred fifty for St. Peter Plan; not to mention my two thousand six hundred plus monthly amortization for PAG-IBIG housing loan and five thousand one hundred plus for my two-year salary loan at One Network Bank. These all sum up to almost ten thousand pesos!  

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Christ's great love for us is perfected in his offering of salvation. Let us then joyfully draw water from his well, filled with saving love as this psalm expresses:

During the 6 am mass, Erika sang the English version, which was accompanied by Rodel. My mother, who attended the mass said that the psalm was beautifully sang. We just had this one practiced last night. The Cebuano version was sang by the same psalmist during the 5 pm mass, of which I was the organist.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

From PIL back to IPIL

I had high expectations for my own before I went to Bukidnon to attend the Music Module 2 at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. I thought it would be a breeze to learn in the music theory specially that I have been immersed in choirs. I expected that I could catch up with playing harmony in the organ, having known the basic piano chords. I foresaw a not-so-difficult solfeggio class, having the confidence that it would be a continuance of last module's activities. I have had great hopes that when I get back, my music in the liturgical celebrations in the Church would be a lot better.

It was a gradual realization that module 2 was indeed a lot more challenging than expected. During my stay at PIL, I have come to resolutions that I have to take extra miles in learning the basic skills and theories in music. I even told myself that it would be best if I teach music, for this is the most effective way of learning. I have to enroll in piano class to make me ready with playing organ with harmony. I should allot time for solfeggio practice. Having the high interest to learn, I opted to stay and stand through the difficulties of catching up. With the helpful classmates and mentors, I somehow finished the course, with many skills and learning that have yet to become mine. 

This morning at 11, I stepped my foot on Ipil, my beloved town. After a short rest, I accompanied the choir during the 5 pm anticipated mass of the Solemnity of Christ's Body and Blood. After 10 days, at last I played the organ in pipe music. The assembly joined the choir actively. I thought that the accompaniment was effective since the community participated in the sung parts of the celebration. After the mass, I practiced with the choir my composed antiphons for the lauds tomorrow. 

It is not an excuse that with this not-standardized playing the people can sing or participate anyway, that I would not venture on the basic skills in music. I shall pursue learning, for in so doing, God is glorified. The Almighty deserves only the best music, which is worthy in praising and glorifying him. It is my fervent prayer that God may grant me strength to make me a better servant in the music ministry.

The Lord has given me light

My skepticism has diminished. A bright light has been bestowed upon me by the Lord. I prayed, and prayed intently that today, he would be my strength that I would be able to face yet another day of challenges in my subjects here at PIL. Indeed, I have drawn strength from the people who care. My classmates, the Dominican seminarians have become Christ's unseen face and unnoticed force. With their encouragement and assistance, I somehow have coped with the day's challenges. The journey with them is one gain that I have reaped from this Music Module. My teachers have been kindest and mildest today. Their methodology and approach enabled me to get some pieces of learning I could polish and use soon. Our group (II) practice for the presentation was a lot of fun. The joys we shared with our group members during our rehearsal were relaxing and heart-warming. The day's prayers in the morning and in the evening at the chapel, along with my classmates and mentors' sharing brought joy in the heart. As Fr. Anscar said, "Bring the PIL Community" to where we would be after the Music Module, I came to realize that there is more to than just learning the theories and skills in music. It is the life that I have lived in my stay in this institute that determines the weight of benefit that I could get from this training. The gain to treasure is my doing of things everyday that glorifies God. 

Dominican Seminarians Bro. Roy and Bro. Aaron

Not worth the coming

Paul VI Institute of Liturgy (PIL)
Brgy. San Jose
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

When I realized that I have not enough preparations for this training I am into now, I started to question about my worth of being here. Would I be gaining the benefits expected of this Music Module II, where I am enrolled?

As of the moment, I am practically ignorant with performing the 2 – part playing of organ. I just have the thought in me now that had it been made clear to us participants before enrolling, that basic piano skills are necessary to the lesson on playing the organ, I would have second thoughts about joining. I am so catching up with solfeggio activities. Most probably, 365 days of last year were chiefly spent for my classes in the school where I teach science. I should have appropriated some time for some practice in the solfeggio. The lessons on Music Theory have been difficult to catch up with. Along with all these challenges is the inevitable feeling of insecurity, having seen everyone but me, is sailing through the discussions and activities well. What is my worth being here? I should have been in a lower level class. But despite this burden, there have been times of learning. The mentors have been friendly. It can be gleaned from their actions their desire for me to learn. But then again, everything is just so difficult. There are even moments when I question about my being in the music ministry. I have seen that what I have been doing is far from standard. It is not enough that you have the desire to serve; I should also have the proper skills in the performance of such service.

When I looked at my left hand this morning, I gazed at its insufficiency in playing the organ. Right above it, was the crucifix with the Christ’s statue hanging on it. I looked at the Lord’s open hands, though wounded with nails. I realized that the same should be done. These hands have to work further. These hands have to suffer and be burdened with trainings. Only then shall these hands become worthy of serving Jesus in this ministry. Those who are adept surely did not wake up one day, and became skilled. I look forward to training myself. This Module has taught me to give service that is to its best. I might not be coming back here next year or even for years. But it wouldn’t mean that I surrender with my enhancement in music. I shall work, and work even harder. I can make it. God looks tenderly at his poor people. I know he would help me with this endeavor. 

Our Gorgeous AI.11 Bet is Now in the Top 3

Almost every time American Idol Season 11 airs on TV, our family is glued to the show in anticipation to the performance of the Filipino contestant Jessica Sanchez. Her singing talent is amazing. Even the American Idol coach Jimmy believed that she has the best voice among all the candidates. It was shocking when she was almost eliminated, but we expected that the judges would save her with their only one save for the entire season. Indeed, while singing to stay in the contest, the judges even went up the stage to stop her and saved her from leaving the competition. Now, she is at the top 3. We saw the news on TV. The elimination night show will be aired tonight at 6, but several local news channels report in advance the results. In 5 years, there has been no female winner. This time, she is the only one left. The best female singer on AI.11 is undeniably Jessica Sanchez - the last female contestant standing strongly. I hope the Filipino and Mexican communities in the US would vote for her. She deserves to be the winner.

Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips joined her in the top 3. Hollie Cavanagh was eliminated.

Startlingly Simple, Serene Island

One of the many views of Balas-Balas Island

Probably because the place is barely lined with sand, that the folks of Dapitan call it Balas-Balas, suggesting the meagerness of the beach-soil at the sides of the limestone-structured island. A pump boat ride got us there in about fifteen minutes. We enjoyed looking at the edge of the west coast of Dapitan, landscaped with nature-carved  sedimentary rocks and lively green vegetation while on the way to the island. Simple as it is, the island offers a variety of picturesque sights at different angles. Serenity and simplicity make this humble island a venue for a get-together with friends, where you can truly hear what every one would say as there are no loud sounds from appliances. I heard that a number of people would come to the place during the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Last April 28, there were two parties aside from us that went there. 

Nearing the captivating island 

I and Pilar pose in match-in-color summer wear

Jellyfish presence is something not familiar ( to the people in Dapitan, accordingly.) But there were at least three when we were there. One of our friends was stung (by about a couple of inches) by a such a venomous young cnidarian. I was grateful I wasn't though I was swimming a lot there. I think, one has to be really careful and observant enough about the presence of these relatives of Medusa. I did snorkeling and found some sea urchins hiding in the rocks. I spotted some starfish and young corals at the bottom. The water was virtually still while I was swimming. Though not highly rich in biodiversity, the presence of marine life at the nearby seafloor and the coolness and cleanliness of the water are enough to enjoy viewing sea creatures through goggles. Lovely's brother Pagong and Harvey her husband with their son Kenzie, also enjoyed snorkeling, but were not stung by any jellyfish.

I chat with Sweet in the cavern. Pilar took this picture. 

After-lunch moment with Pagong, Me, Pilar and Lovely

Given another time to revisit the island, why not? The beach, though not the usual heavily sanded, offers venues where one can have fun under the summer sun. The rock formations are great backdrops for photo shoots. There are at least two shallow caves, which are evidently formed by chemical weathering on the limestone. Visitors can sit down the caverns while looking at the scenic views from the island. The "edge" extends generously before you get to the deeper area, so swimming is convenient. The beach is also naturally setup having only waves, insects and birds that serenade the stunning island. It's truly a nature trip going to and being in Balas-Balas island. 

Just another view seen from the island

Balas-Balas, simple, but naturally scenic island. 

My second commencement speech

The first graduation message I had was addressed to Marcelo Spinola School 2010 Graduates. This one below was conveyed, well, to my very students and now, co-alumni of WMSU. I somehow realized later, that it had to be a WMSU graduate, who should talk about WMSUans in this modern period. 

WMSU GRADUATES 2012: MOVING TOWARDS THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW CENTURY

I am truly honored having been chosen as your speaker for this memorable commencement exercises. Being an alumnus of Western Mindanao State University, I could say that your graduation from college brings oneness in the sense of achievement with all of us that finished our studies from this university.

Dear graduates, the ones close to you couldn’t be any prouder and more content having seen you wearing your graduation suits, in crimson, the color associated in some biblical passages with richness of knowledge of good. Indeed, you have been enriched by our Alma Mater with the bounty of learning amidst all the real challenges you faced until you come to this very day, when you would probably say, “at last, I made it!” “What a journey it has been.” “Thank you dear God that you have blessed me with the sweetest fruit of success from all the efforts that I took.” You should have realized this time that those actions you took in facing difficulties that seemed to be unsolvable were just possible after all. This is the time to cherish all the triumphs you have gained.  

You finished your studies when there are innovations in education such as UBD, K+12. This is also the time when our national government seriously addresses issues on good governance. Technological advancements are at their peak. Undeniably, along with these developments, your life as students was not that easy. Other than the demands of your mentors and subjects, financial constraints would have been a barrier to finish your course. Personal issues would have weakened your spirits. But look at you now, steadfast and successful. “Congratulations!” You are most deserving of this greeting. You are graduates of the new century.

The new century has brought you graduates of education and computer courses together for a great endeavor that waits ahead. What a powerhouse tandem you make! Just recently, the partnership of the University of the Philippines Open University with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the DOST, through the iSchools project evaluated and validated the so-called Computer-Based Learning Objects. These learning objects are teaching complements which can be used during the conduct of the lesson, remediation, reinforcement, and enrichment with and even without the teacher’s facility. The Alternative Learning System, which is catering learners of all ages enjoys the utilization of digitized learning modules. I have learned that some computer science students ventured on computer-based researches at some of the schools in our province. On the other hand, a number of BSEd students utilized IT in their practice teaching. The BEED students transacted with their research adviser online. With our ESU’s online resource venue, you are so in sync with how studies and researches are done in this modern era.

However, amidst these overwhelming advancements, there is still so much to do. This world is setup dynamically. Innovations are here, there and everywhere and they happen anytime. There are schools that have not been installed with IT. There are still issues in education that have to be addressed, one of the most pressing concerns – the achievement rates of the learners. There are teachers, students and citizens who have yet to get acquainted with the ever-evolving computer programs. In the society, there are still necessities that call out loud for useful inventions. A number of government services have yet to be made more time-efficient and convenient.  The challenges of the new century are indeed big. These challenges highlight the job that you graduates, shall be doing comes your turn as employees of the society. 

But we have a bright future ahead of us. What makes you advantageous among all other graduates of the country is that you are WMSU graduates. This university has geared you with appropriate, relevant courses that shall enable you to confront the present time’s demands. We often hear good remarks about WMSU graduates. The students taking up masters and doctors at the university gain great reputation from the community. Its motto: “La Universidad, para la comunidad”, “the University for the Community,” is an assurance that this university turns out graduates who are highly potential agents of positive transformations in the society. You, who completed your well-earned courses from this institution, are undeniably directed towards facing and answering the challenges of the new century.

But are these challenges of the technologically advanced century confined in computer-based or IT-related concerns? Certainly, you have enough knowledge and skills to keep yourselves attuned to what is trending in the technology now. As graduates of computer science, you can be employed by agencies that require IT-skilled applicants. You are surely adept at dealing software programs and operating systems, and even efficient with working on the hardware components of a computer. And as education graduates, your knowledge on the foundation in education and skills in the utilization of educational technology shall make you good teachers in the field.

Aside from or even more than your knowledge and skills, is your attitude. The way you will move yourselves in this new millennium shall be greatly influenced by your values. Among the louder challenges that ring in this modern world, is the call towards self-transformation. Issues on corruption, poverty, social injustices, crimes, illiteracy and environmental problems continue to exist in this contemporary time. These are real challenges, where you graduates are moving into. Not only has this university called you to address them, but our very own country, the Philippines. You are the shining hope, being a breed of new blood in transforming this country to a more developed state, where there is social justice and prosperity. You shall be the frontline workers in taking care of our environment and in preserving the rich biodiversity of our province. You, computer science graduates shall be inventors of schemes that would allow our government to dispense fast and efficient services to the public. You, teacher-education graduates, shall mold the minds of the young to be competent and self-reliant. All of you, graduates, shall be agents of good governance and nation-building.

Dear graduates, the world out there is indeed challenging. After this graduation, you will get yourselves ready for the exams such as CS eligibility and LET. This is yet another tough mountain to climb. Some of you may endeavor on finding a job. The journey just commences today, and WMSU celebrates this beginning, as it sends you forth not to the world of unemployment, but to the venues of tremendous possibilities. Live by the good values as you make use of your earned knowledge and skills as you take your next steps. Trust in God. Our faith strengthens our spirits and motivates us to do what is right and just. Believe in yourself. Your relentlessly burning confidence shall keep you going and moving towards the fulfillment of your dreams. Once again, congratulations and Godspeed!

-          Darwin Q. Lumosbog

-          April 22, 2012

I was so not lost

Roaming around Manila on my own has never occurred in my thoughts until yesterday. I arrived at NAIA Terminal 2 when all the participants (in the training I am attending now here in Tagaytay) were already in the seminar venue. The organizer called up on me and gave me instruction on how to get to Tagaytay. I took a ride on a shuttle bus, which passes south of the terminal 2. I requested the driver assistant to drop me at the MRT. I paid 12 pesos for the ride. Once there, he signaled me to go down. I did not realize that the buses for Tagaytay were still meters ahead. So I took a brisk walk, dragging my baggage. I asked the dispatcher there where would I take a ride. He was kind enough to point on a bus. And so, I was headed to my destination. The traffic in Manila I used to see on TV happened to me. It took the bus more than three hours to get to Tagaytay. Earlier, I asked the bus conductor to drop me at the "Rotunda", which he did. I paid 60 for the trip. I saw a tricycle and told its driver to bring me to DAPCC. The driver talked a lot about the place. Seeing that I was trying to take a shot of the famous Taal Volcano, he stopped the motorcycle at a vantage point. The picture was really good and I posted it on Facebook. At least 15 people liked it. I finally reached the venue and took my lunch after I checked in.I thought I would find it hard to get to an unfamiliar place. It takes guts to do it. Now, I could be more confident when it comes to situations like this one.

Just for the pics

Friday it was when I was rushing to the pageant venue as I would be the chairman of the Board of Judges for the 2012 Miss WMSU-Ipil. It was already like more than half an hour after the scheduled time before I arrived. As the show commenced, I realized I left my camera. I texted everyone at home but for some reasons, they couldn’t attend to my request. Right after the talent contest, I drove as fast as I could homeward to get the cam. I estimated that I could still be back since there would be two presentations before the next exposure of the candidates. I caught up the last intermission number before the next competition – the swim wear. And so the cam successfully took pictures, which are definitely memorable and as they say, “fruits of a hard labor.”

Ivy Marie Aballe, BSEd II Major in Biological Science was crowned Miss WMSU. She bagged three minor awards namely, best in Production Number, Cocktail Dress and Swim Suit. She was also the Most Photogenic. She will be enjoying full scholarship grant in the next school year. She will be representing WMSU in the 2012 Miss Ipil Pageant.

Joy Marie Sullia, BSEd III, also a Biological Science major, was the first runner up. She was the best in School Uniform and in Gown. The Computer Science candidate, Shiela Mae Deleonio, who was the Best in Talent, showing off her singing prowess was the second runner up.

40 days after my father's peaceful death

Time really runs quickly that it seems just yesterday, we mourned for papang's death. Now it's the 40th day since that night of January 7, 2012, when he left us. There have been times that I cry so hard, having missed my father so badly. I am however consoled by the truth that he is no longer feeling the pains he used to experience while still here.This morning at 10, father Elmer presided a Holy Mass at the tomb of papang. The Parish Council were almost all present. Papang used to work with them when he was still stronger. Some of our neighbors were there too. After the mass, we invited them for lunch at home.

We still continue to pray for papang's eternal repose. We have the strong faith that with our prayers and deeds, we share in his salvation, through the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 32

The melody of this antiphon of psalm 32 was made at past 11 pm on the 11th of this month. This morning, this was sung by Stephanie - a lector/psalmist who just practiced this one for few minutes. She solemnly and beautifully sang the psalm at key of C and I was so glad that this could be rendered that good. Praise be God, who heals us.

Earlier, I sang the Cebuano version of this one. It was during the radio-broadcast 6 am mass. Noli, the CFC choir (who was assigned that morning) guitarist, accompanied me properly despite the fact that we did not practice the psalm beforehand. Before the start of the mass, I left the score on the organ chair, where he always positions his song books.

"Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted."

This Sunday's psalm expresses how God takes care of his people. He heals their sickness, as well as their pains. I sang in the first mass at the Parish Cathedral this beautiful song.

I set the alarm on my phone at 5 am - an hour before the first mass. Although it beeped at 4:45 am, I opted to have the time extended by 10 minutes. I was the one alarmed because I woke up at exactly 6 am. So I pulled out the white polo and put on my pants, undershirt and white polo; and without having my at least my face washed, I rushed to the church, which is around a couple of kilometers away. I got their with the gates closed since at the time, the Angelus was prayed. Once the gate was opened, I hurriedly drove to the side of the church as I heard the commentator saying the introduction. I realized that it was our beloved Bishop Tonel, who would be celebrating the mass. It was around seconds that I approached and reached the organ and I played it for the entrance hymn. "Yes, I made it!" I told myself. I managed to have my self ready for the Responsorial Psalm, and Rodel, the cathedral's sacristan, accompanied me. The mass was on air, via a.m. radio, and it was heard all over the province.

God does not only heal our being brokenhearted but also our life's anxieties. We have the assurance of his comforting presence for as long as we call upon him.

Erika Nessa turns 2

After what our family has been through, we joyfully celebrate today the birthday of the youngest grand daughter of mamang and our departed papang, with feasting and prayer.

A thanks-giving intention was offered during the daily mass this morning. The celebrator was brought by her mother with Joshua and mamang to the St. Joseph Cathedral and heard today's early Eucharist. Toti and Daylin, her mother prepared the food for the dinner, when we would be celebrating as family the birthday of In-in. Mamang led the prayer, with bible readings. In-in excitedly blew her candle, and then the kids and the not-anymore-kids feasted the sumptuous dinner. After the dinner, we proceeded on praying the 10th day of prayer for the souls of our beloved departed.

Moving On

Yesterday at 9 am, we (I, mamang and Daylin) accompanied the prayer group to offer prayers at papang's tomb in Autumn Woods on the last day of Novena for my father's soul. Somewhere at the concluding part, I sang Salve Regina, asking for the intercession of our Lady to lead papang's soul to the Blessed fruit of her womb - Jesus. At night, the Novena was prayed in its completion. Earlier, mamang attended the 6 am mass, where we offered prayer intention for the eternal repose of papang's soul.

It is really now the time to move on and get involved back to our daily routines, having the faith that our beloved departed, now rests in the loving arms of our Creator. However, mortal and helpless as we are, we shall continue to pray for papang's eternal salvation. We shall never put into oblivion the memories we shared, while he's still here on earth. Just this morning, mamang woke up early and she heard the 6 am mass. The kids at home got themselves ready for the school. My sister Daday and I did our usual preparations before reporting to our respective duties. Mamang has started to be once again busy with her coop's concerns. We have seen the people we used to meet, done the works we used to accomplish and walked on the paths we usually pass by. This is the usual life. The only lacking person in the picture is that of papang's. But having him here in our hearts and thoughts, he's really not that far. Yes, we have to move on; move on, not forgetting the love of papang for us, that we owe him a life lived to its fullest. For it is by our good deeds that we become close to God, the God who takes care of papang's soul in His heavenly home.

Papang is finally laid to rest today

At 7 am, fr. Dodong presided the funeral mass for my father. The ceremonies and the liturgy allowed us to express the grief we felt as papang's interment was coming closer. We drew strength from each other, as family, specially that our relatives were around at that time. The Interlude choir filled the celebration with beautiful, memorable hymns. The attendance at papang's funeral mass was unexpected. At past 8 am, we brought our father in his coffin to Autumn Woods Memorial Park in Taway. With the help of some friends, those who mourned with us were ferried to the park with vehicles, which were served for free. Papang's place of burial had been orderly readied before we arrived there. Nonoy lead the burial prayers before the interment. I could hear the mourning of my sisters as papang in his casket, was brought down to the ground. All I could say was to hope that he may have a peaceful journey towards his heavenly home. I stood beside my mamang, as I felt the grace of strength that kept me peaceful. Then the tomb was completely covered. They placed the gravestone with my father's name etched therein. They covered his tomb with the flowers offered at his wake. Mamang, Dyan, Daday and I prayed at papang's grave, where we lighted two candles.

Papang's earthly body now rests in a peaceful place; his soul now reunites with the Father who created him. Our relatives have just left us back to their places. And we at home, take our well-deserved relaxation. A sense of joy now fills me, having seen how we have given our father an honorable, memorable and peaceful interment. May he truly rest peacefully in the arms of his Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ the Lord.

It's the last vigil for papang

(12:46 am)

At 5:30 pm of January 13, father Elmer came and presided a funeral mass for papang. I attended the celebration late since I was the accompanist for the high mass of the Feast of the Black Nazarene here in Ipil. I found that my Dinglasa cousins arrived, as soon as I saw Didi, their eldest. I almost cried when I saw their presence. My father should be so glad that his sister's and brother's children are here to console us.

After the liturgy, the usual novena prayer proceeded. Few minutes later, the CFC served memorial service at papang's last wake. Noli accompanied the group in singing beautiful songs, which papang used to sing when he was still here. Then our family offered our prayer to papang. Diday and Lyn-lyn were the lectors, as I lead the rite. We said our prayers asking for the strength from the Almighty and praying for the eternal repose of our father's soul. Earlier, all of us cousins here present, exchanged joyful thoughts at papang's wake. Had he been alive, our conversations would have been more vibrant. I think this has been the time papang was looking forward to - that we have a family reunion, and it just happened.

Hours from now, papang will be finally laid to rest. At 7 am, a funeral mass will be held at the Parish Cathedral. All I pray this time is that the Good Lord strengthen our family as we will be confronting with the pain of seeing our father left at the memorial park. Later on, we will be moving on with our lives, without him. May the God of peace grant us serenity, which will enable us to realize that finally, papang's pains have come to an end; that this is the very time to experience tranquility, having the thought that our father is at the loving care of his Creator.

Our Relatives Visited; Some have Arrived from Far Distances

Yesterday, our closest relative here in Ipil, auntie Rosmin, with her son and our Querubin relatives in Sta. Clara Naga, visited us. Jonathan, Dyan's husband and their children arrived from Cebu. Earlier this day, from Margusatubig, Neneng, our eldest' wife with AJ their youngest came home. The one and only brother of papang, uncle Henie with his wife auntie Malou came home this afternoon from Lapuyan. Later, all the way from GenSan, Auntie Delsa, mamang's aunt and auntie Nida, my mother's younger sister followed. They were in the same bus with our first cousin Jun-jun, who also arrived this afternoon from Pagadian. Just this time of writing, my first cousins Mac-mac, Mayan and Ukong came home, braving the heavy downpour. We have been informed that more of our relatives will be coming. My sister Daday's mother-in-law is also here.

Their arrival and visits brought consolation to our family. They offered listening ears to the experiences we went through our father's death. The warmth of thoughts, touch and embrace truly consoles us. Traveling entails sacrifice not only of time and money but also of one's health, as it is energy-requiring. But they still come and mourn with us. Life this time is truly difficult but with our family's relatives around, there are reasons to be stronger. Their presence signifies the helping hand of God, which constantly answers all our needs. There is nothing to worry what might come ahead of us for our family is not alone in our grief. As it is written, "the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs." (Ps. 145) Praise be the Lord's name forever. Amen.