tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297398772024-03-13T20:56:21.466+08:00#UsadLangDanz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-4712718308246759672022-08-04T23:10:00.000+08:002022-08-04T23:10:00.251+08:00INSIDE THE TOMB OF JESUS (Originally Posted on FB - April 6, 2020)<span style="font-family: Prompt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8YuVPsD7hUPlvFFBb7_wYv6taGpAcHObyhtt2t4MtYWhLAzyaxWrmtnVe3KAA8yMrq64luMUI2oydMzxmGpIocj8brEfH4aA6L7dwwO5qap6b51QyE830xaU2CL1zL3E3QGBulXiZx_SatmMh-fLioY5UkQeQMWQxbGjcHj32Zc6BQulXQU/s4608/20191117_153856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8YuVPsD7hUPlvFFBb7_wYv6taGpAcHObyhtt2t4MtYWhLAzyaxWrmtnVe3KAA8yMrq64luMUI2oydMzxmGpIocj8brEfH4aA6L7dwwO5qap6b51QyE830xaU2CL1zL3E3QGBulXiZx_SatmMh-fLioY5UkQeQMWQxbGjcHj32Zc6BQulXQU/s320/20191117_153856.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Holy Sepulcher of Jesus</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">NOVEMBER 17, 2019. It was the first Sunday I would be able to enter Jerusalem since I came here for seminary formation. Being a newbie here in the Holy Land, this is a dream come true for me. I have always dreamed of entering the Holy City and venerate the places connected to our faith and salvation. There is no time to lose and only one place to visit: <b>The Church of the Holy Sepulchre.</b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">There were a lot of pilgrims during that time, and the Church was packed (if ever this happened today I might have more time due to the quarantine.). Nevertheless, we tried our best to draw closer to the Edicule, the area where the Tomb of Jesus was located. A few moments later, to my surprise, we were already inside his Tomb. Tears and goosebumps in a manner I could never explain gripped my heart. We sure stayed for more than 5 minutes, but to me it was like forever!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODjscLThZf7MHAecl65zCDH4-PgDLHykxNDebtB0xjBe-yH5ujz-YnlMtCwz5RspAY8a5bh_JcuorjiySt6_ZxkkG61sJrn1Vj7MwEFruB8mFcLB1ZR46jQLcZWdrjfSWHoeIPrif1rmQpzE4S77G3gpAopqv2arDR4Uu12DvFiDz-uR_n6k/s1032/IMG-20191117-WA0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="774" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODjscLThZf7MHAecl65zCDH4-PgDLHykxNDebtB0xjBe-yH5ujz-YnlMtCwz5RspAY8a5bh_JcuorjiySt6_ZxkkG61sJrn1Vj7MwEFruB8mFcLB1ZR46jQLcZWdrjfSWHoeIPrif1rmQpzE4S77G3gpAopqv2arDR4Uu12DvFiDz-uR_n6k/w300-h400/IMG-20191117-WA0026.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: x-small;"><i>The best ten minutes of my life were spent here:<br />inside the Tomb of Jesus.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;">Inside the Tomb of Jesus, as I have noticed it, is darkness. Only the oil lamps give light to the area where the body of Our Lord was laid, just enough to see what's inside. In this darkness, God granted me to see his light... the light which scatters the darkness of the night. This tomb, this empty tomb, stands witness to the reality that my Lord has died, but he has victoriously risen from the dead!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br />This encounter gave a concrete meaning to everything I believed since childhood and gave more meaning to celebrating Holy Week. In the midst of the crises and sickness we are facing, we are reminded that Our Lord and Master has suffered even death for us, but he has triumphed with his glorious resurrection! We may endure darkness now, but it will not stay for long, for our faith in the Lord who died and rose for us will grant us light and guide our paths towards him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br />To all, let us continue persevering in our faith in this time of darkness. We may die or fail, but God will raise us up again!</span></div>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-68158120911664753832022-08-02T12:59:00.004+08:002022-08-02T13:02:41.183+08:00THIS IS #UsadLang!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4acYZOw5wPT8q_iXZuq5u28agBcOhIiCMvUpuQLWP3hU6zLutBn3ioYD0jlMl_JmlR63y6ThwmkRmj_hL7paYY9aixG6mTk4HTSsCGW3W7kpdj_pvArkOJ8njvN00acFvQ5LwJ4jdJ3iO87v581CfgV8nWZ6jROStc_47J1BZ_tjgieuJLBw/s1702/owy%20new%20layout%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1702" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4acYZOw5wPT8q_iXZuq5u28agBcOhIiCMvUpuQLWP3hU6zLutBn3ioYD0jlMl_JmlR63y6ThwmkRmj_hL7paYY9aixG6mTk4HTSsCGW3W7kpdj_pvArkOJ8njvN00acFvQ5LwJ4jdJ3iO87v581CfgV8nWZ6jROStc_47J1BZ_tjgieuJLBw/w548-h202/owy%20new%20layout%202.png" width="548" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">After years of hiatus, I have decided to give some focus on my blogsite, which has been a silent witness to my adolescent and early adulthood years. I was supposed to do this yesterday if not because of a fever which bugged me down since the weekend. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">A lot of things happened since the time I became active in blogging, and so to keep this blog in-line with the trends, I have adopted my official hashtag since 2017, <b>#UsadLang</b>, as SirBitz@Blogger's new name. "One With You" has served its purpose for the past 17 years, and so we rebrand this blog along with the rest of my social media handles (FB, IG, Youtube) for unity's sake.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;">Thanks a lot to all who have silently passed over this blog through the years. I know what your particular interests are when it comes to page views and all, and I so appreciate your interest in reading one or two of my articles. </span><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;">I will try my best to be active again in blogging, or at least leave an entry here every once in a while. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;">And so, we continue. #UsadLang</span></p><p><br /></p>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-10960059682997512342022-07-27T15:59:00.003+08:002022-07-27T16:07:31.022+08:00LA VIRGEN DE LA SOLEDAD DE NAVOTAS: Ina Nami't Gabay<span style="font-family: Prompt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKKlV1hEnwcKpUkT8sz4vC4a_p86cHAufz8_JZn_vBvTGc5zoGmKxkfvRbHfF6bEsFpPUCy5CPMdDmJfeu_rrvixs5z8O8t2N5ixv565iRa1mVygJsnbC6Y5e__cmU8pj5jhJM15FNAELiZJ4eHKHosXCYpjZVhypK3SfoD6o0jd7TpyANco/s3537/IMG_1532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3537" data-original-width="2812" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKKlV1hEnwcKpUkT8sz4vC4a_p86cHAufz8_JZn_vBvTGc5zoGmKxkfvRbHfF6bEsFpPUCy5CPMdDmJfeu_rrvixs5z8O8t2N5ixv565iRa1mVygJsnbC6Y5e__cmU8pj5jhJM15FNAELiZJ4eHKHosXCYpjZVhypK3SfoD6o0jd7TpyANco/w355-h447/IMG_1532.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>La Virgen de la Soledad de Navotas</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May tatlong taon na kaming nagpipista sa Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga sa Parokya ng Sta. Cruz sa Navotas, pero nitong isang taon lang kami pinahintulutang ganapin ang rosaryo at lingguhang pagnonobena sa kanyang karangalan. Mas lalo pang dumami ang Jovenes, at nagkaroon ng kabuluhan ang aming pag-iral sa parokya. Hindi rin nawala ang mga kapatid nating hindi naunawaan ang pag-iral ng grupo, ni ng debosyon, pero hindi nagpabaya ang Mahal na Ina, ni nanghina ang mga Jovenes.</span></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: Prompt;"><br />Sa loob ng isang taon, ang gamit namin sa pagdedebosyon ay isang .jpg copy ng Mahal na Birhen ng Soledad na naka-flash sa monitor. Bandang Abril naman noong inilipat ang poster ng Birhen mula sa lumang simbahan (ngayo'y kapilya) patungo sa bagong parokya. Noong bumubuo kami ng By-laws at ng Action Plan, napagkaisahan naming dapat magkaroon ng sariling pintang larawan ang Mahal na Ina sa aming parokya. Isa sa mga naging hadlang na agad naming nakita ay ang kawalan namin ng pondo; ang Jovenes ay isang grupo ng mga kabataang walang trabaho at mga mag-aaral pa lang. Alam naming mahal ang magpapinta ng larawan ng Soledad at aabutin ng taon bago matupad ito, pero siguro hindi naman ako nag-iisa sa pagsabing hindi kami nagsawang humingi ng tulong sa Mahal na Ina upang matupad ito.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br />Hindi kami binigo ni Nana Choleng. Minsan, naisipan kong kausapin ang kapwa ko kasapi sa Cofradia na nagpipinta rin ng Soledad. Laking kagalakan ko nang malaman kong ito ay ipinagkakaloob pro bono sa mga komunidad at parokyang nagnanais na magtaguyod ng debosyon sa kanya. Hindi lamang ito, kami ay hinamon ring gawing kakaiba ang paglalarawan sa Mahal na Birhen ng Soledad kumpara sa Porta Vaga at sa iba pang mga depiksyon sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Prompt;">November 7, 2021, pagkatapos naming manumpa bilang isang samahan, ay itinanghal sa buong pamayanan ang bagong pintang larawan ng Mahal na Ina, <b>NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SOLEDAD DE NAVOTAS</b>. Ito ay ipinagkaloob ng Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga sa Parokya ng Sta. Cruz, bilang pagkilala sa munti naming pagsusumikap na maipakilala ang pamimintuho sa kanya dito sa aming komunidad. </span><span style="font-family: Prompt;">Makikita rito si Maria na nakaluhod at nagninilay sa mga instrumento ng pagpapakasakit ni Hesus na kanyang Anak, katulad ng karaniwang pagsasalarawan ng La Soledad de Porta Vaga. Subalit, si Maria ay makikitang nasa gitna ng karagatan, nababanaag ang kahinahunan sa gitna ng unos. Ito ay magpapaalala sa atin ng pagpapakita ng Mahal na Ina sa sundalo sa baybayin ng dagat Cañacao, malapit sa Porta Vaga. Ito rin ay bilang pagkilala sa Lungsod ng Navotas, na ngayo'y kilala bilang Fishing Capital ng ating bansa. </span><span style="font-family: Prompt;">Ito ay isang bagong karagdagan sa yumayabong at lumalagong debosyon sa Virgen de la Soledad sa buong Pilipinas. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Prompt;">Para sa amin, ito ay katuparan ng isang pangarap, isang pagpapakita ng aming pagmamahal kay Maria, ang Talang Maningning na gabay sa bawat pagsubok at hamon ng buhay. </span><span style="font-family: Prompt;">Abot-langit ang aming pasasalamat sa lahat ng tumulong upang maging ganap ang pangarap naming ito. Hindi ko na maiisa-isa, ngunit alam kong ang Diyos na ang bahalang magpala sa bawat isa sa ating nagpapahayag ng pananampalataya sa kanya, at pagmamahal sa Inang Maria. Dalangin naming ang bawat dumulog at mamintuho rito ay makaranas ng maka-inang pagkalinga ni Maria, ang Birhen ng Soledad, ang Ina, Reyna at gabay ng bawat mananampalataya patungo kay Hesus.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Prompt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">VIVA LA VIRGEN!!!</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>VIVA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SOLEDAD DE NAVOTAS!!!</b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Prompt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FuMdW0UblZYv1dYDwgPDy-lf57fJU14HONPtvpgBMi08Cnmw-gOHcBSZg7FBZgefv_z1bxiJ2EH1eD0GZn2QFbgEizXDU1E5WqAXx3OTrsURwygMl5hC2vAQSu0RTe9_ciLRh7Xe1mmFJ8i2gYjFmeKBfU1VYz425X6AI_ZYUJ2Yb6dqdvo/s1622/257132090_4841475272530548_6268137123164415455_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1622" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FuMdW0UblZYv1dYDwgPDy-lf57fJU14HONPtvpgBMi08Cnmw-gOHcBSZg7FBZgefv_z1bxiJ2EH1eD0GZn2QFbgEizXDU1E5WqAXx3OTrsURwygMl5hC2vAQSu0RTe9_ciLRh7Xe1mmFJ8i2gYjFmeKBfU1VYz425X6AI_ZYUJ2Yb6dqdvo/s320/257132090_4841475272530548_6268137123164415455_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Oktubre 2, 2021, nang ang pintang larawan ay ipinagkaloob ng Cofradia de la Virgen de la Soledad de Porta Vaga sa Jovenes de la Soledad. Sa araw ring iyon, ang pintang larawan ng Mahal na Ina ay binasbasan ni Rdo. P. Michael Reuben Cron, Kura Rektor ng Pandiyosesanong Dambana ng Mahal na Birhen ng Soledad ng Porta Vaga.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZmIsIN8qztV-SqCxW2GiXHkcnIi40ExUbCtXO_DtvyZh28AgG4m6TA4CfhN4m2bASjm5aA2crOAUituflI0OoK3C3XJyOxK98zPmc-e5xO0LD7BZt_4QCZcU3d4a92hLo3u06keG1i6Y2h2hpfn5ZmQ2ToZd6UT22jahnFwfsxj2PphwB3Y/s1930/257453090_4841486845862724_1855771469388655254_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1930" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZmIsIN8qztV-SqCxW2GiXHkcnIi40ExUbCtXO_DtvyZh28AgG4m6TA4CfhN4m2bASjm5aA2crOAUituflI0OoK3C3XJyOxK98zPmc-e5xO0LD7BZt_4QCZcU3d4a92hLo3u06keG1i6Y2h2hpfn5ZmQ2ToZd6UT22jahnFwfsxj2PphwB3Y/s320/257453090_4841486845862724_1855771469388655254_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Nobyembre 7, 2021, nang ang pintang larawan ng Mahal na Ina, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Navotas, ay itinanghal sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa Parokya ng Sta. Cruz, ang magsisilbing sentro ng pamimintuho sa kanya. Siya ay tinanggap ni Rdo. P. Romy Tuazon, Kura Paroko. Sa kasalukuyan, ang pintang larawan ng Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Navotas ay matatagpuan sa Parokya ng Sta. Cruz, Tanza, Lungsod ng Navotas.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span></div>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-22508809267266419902020-07-23T12:31:00.001+08:002020-07-23T12:31:39.025+08:00𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒆𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒂𝒌𝒂-𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒎... 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑲𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑼𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒚𝒂?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoMBsXYvtgDqWIDNTYd6eOA90g3Reetm2NEnyg0fCHQhway2VwHp5pH7SLV0EFtkBcheZsGq48AQUwwl7bM_N5PvrOQREn6ZMP-qJIEhWa8NBlYnFvxqypWsPVEAtAi1EWpxUQw/s960/109361646_3415551991789557_5724005211517365413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoMBsXYvtgDqWIDNTYd6eOA90g3Reetm2NEnyg0fCHQhway2VwHp5pH7SLV0EFtkBcheZsGq48AQUwwl7bM_N5PvrOQREn6ZMP-qJIEhWa8NBlYnFvxqypWsPVEAtAi1EWpxUQw/s320/109361646_3415551991789557_5724005211517365413_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><font face="inherit" size="2"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><b>1882</b>, sa gitna ng epidemya ng Kolera na nanalasa sa Cavite Puerto at sa mga karatig-lugar, isang matandang babae ng naka-itim ang dumalaw sa governador ng Cavite, humiling na ipagdiwang ang Pista ng Virgen de la Soledad upang humupa ang sakit. Di nga nagtagal humupa ang kolera, at nang taong 1883, ipinagdiwang nang buong rangya ang Pista ng Mahal na Ina, tanda ng pasasalamat sa pagkakaligtas mula sa sakit at pagkalinga sa kanyang mga anak.<br /><br /><b>2020</b>, dumating ang pandemya ng COVID-19, maraming nagkakasakit at namamatay. Daan-daang buhay ang nalagay sa perwisyo. Ngunit tayo, sa ating pag-ibig at pagtitiwala ay patuloy na kumakatok sa pinto ng langit, humihingi ng awa na tuluyan nang humupa ang pandemya, nang sa gayon, ay maibalik sa dati ang ating mga gawi at makapagdiwang muli ng Pista ng Mahal na Virgen de la Soledad sa Nobyembre na may kalakip na pasasalamat at pag-asa.<br /><br />Sinu-sino nga ba sa atin ang naghihintay sa "pagdating" ng matandang babaeng naka-itim?<br /><br />Isa ako sa mga naghihintay sa kanyang pagdating, pisikal man o hindi. Kaakibat ang disiplina, responsibilidad sa sarili at sa kapwa, at marubdob na pananampalataya, umaasa at nananalig ako na kahahabagan niya tayo at ng kanyang Anak na si Hesus at tuluyang pahuhupain ang pandemyang ito.<br /><br />Darating rin siya. Manalig lang tayo. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/reinadecavite352ph?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F">#ReinaDeCavite352ph</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/19thhealingrosaryreinadecavite?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F">#19thHealingRosaryReinaDeCavite</a></font></div>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-77114501613501264122019-02-07T21:21:00.002+08:002019-02-07T21:21:56.167+08:00Something's brewing...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Missed my posts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'M COMING BACK. SOON.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#UsadLang</span></div>
Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-8585912310305675822016-11-20T22:35:00.000+08:002016-11-20T22:40:11.654+08:00SR. TERESITA CASTILLO, The Visionary of Lipa(1927-2016)<b>Just last Wednesday (11/16), as I was browsing through the late-night posts on FB, I was shocked by the news that Sr. Teresing, the humble lady who saw Our Lady at Lipa, passed away. She was 89.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHiRAXg0Iebm39zk3yH00YyLaI1s_UEbSOir4SwhLszpAG-0eWrDXwOvh4W8qWDhFPjO-yxRGZofhfBMyoFo1MM_ntPMoYWn2M7GTxvl7EysoXfxgM7BxNDw_w83pxgEnqaeNQw/s1600/10702118_838787122799403_3673102171968219230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHiRAXg0Iebm39zk3yH00YyLaI1s_UEbSOir4SwhLszpAG-0eWrDXwOvh4W8qWDhFPjO-yxRGZofhfBMyoFo1MM_ntPMoYWn2M7GTxvl7EysoXfxgM7BxNDw_w83pxgEnqaeNQw/s400/10702118_838787122799403_3673102171968219230_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>I remember that very intimate moment I visited her abode and listened to her inspiring words. In the midst of concerns I am currently facing, the words of Sr. Teresita re-echoed in my heart: <span style="color: cyan;"><i><b>Just lift your problems to God. What is impossible to man is possible for God.</b></i> </span><br />
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True enough, after that wonderful encounter with the seer of Lipa, a wave of bad things happened to me. These things somehow shook my person and it was all my fault. But in entrusting my concerns to the Lord, I felt his grace. Somehow, I was able to recover from my faults, though I know there are wounds that may take time to heal.<br />
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Eventually, these faults led me to rediscover myself, my purpose in this life. Carefully, though I am really that hard-headed guy who just cannot follow easily, <b>God did not give up on me. Things may indeed be impossible for me, but it is truly possible for Him who loved me more than I can return. </b>Somehow, the encounter with Sr. Teresing became a foretaste of the things which are about to come.<br />
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This encounter, I was able to share with you <b><a href="http://sirbitz.blogspot.com/2014/08/beholding-lady-who-beheld-our-lady.html" target="_blank">THROUGH THIS POST</a></b>, which was read by thousands of devotees and faithful who wanted to know more about the Visionary of Lipa, and her current condition (in 2014). Up until posting time, a silent stream of viewers visit this particular page and read my share of the story. Thank you for letting me share Sr. Teresing with you. Let this story be a living testimony of the benevolence of this simple lady who witnessed Mary's love for the world.<br />
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I have to admit, the devotion I had to Our Lady watered down because of the final decision of the Church authorities which defined the verdict of 1951. That same somehow gave a drastic end to the efforts of the faithful to ask the Holy See to grant its approval, as far as the apparitions are concerned. Sad as it may seem, we felt obliged to obey the decree of the Holy See. However, this did not waver the love I and all of us Filipinos have for the Blessed Mother. We shall always have a mother who cares for us and intercedes for our needs.<br />
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And yes, on a personal note, <b>I reaffirm my belief to the apparitions of 1948, though it may only be on a personal level, </b>and I pray that the time will come that the Holy Mother Church would come to recognize the apparitions, and its messages, and its impact on the faithful, which is very timely. I believe. I believe.<br />
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Sr. Teresing, we may have met once, but you touched my heart deeply that its impact may last as long as I live. Salamat po, for being an inspiration for all of us. Salamat po, for sharing with us Mama Mary's love. We promise to continue loving her and Jesus, the way you did show your love for them. I ask you to please remember me before Our Lady, remember this poor man who sought to follow His call.<br />
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May you rest in peace, Sr. Teresing. Mahal na mahal po namin kayo! Until soon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUGNftTYFCR-JLPapt5UxIbC-z-SpY_0b0N9Xu1Y_NTn3oFHJaaoDk1HaWinuS2HnHq2dtV3KsqQJiwmZyOLVezio2TrkgYuhC1sQ9wADY-So2ksVEkbL53E5LHaOJ6lmQbSAdA/s1600/15135942_1146134312134204_6850938369728513993_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUGNftTYFCR-JLPapt5UxIbC-z-SpY_0b0N9Xu1Y_NTn3oFHJaaoDk1HaWinuS2HnHq2dtV3KsqQJiwmZyOLVezio2TrkgYuhC1sQ9wADY-So2ksVEkbL53E5LHaOJ6lmQbSAdA/s400/15135942_1146134312134204_6850938369728513993_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: small;">"I know all of you here who came to visit me, all of you will be blessed by Mama Mary."<br />(Sr. Teresita Castillo, 2014. Pic courtesy: MMMLDI/Cyrus Santos)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-41054586357181140932016-07-08T15:35:00.001+08:002016-07-08T15:35:40.036+08:00TIDBITS: Remnants of Cebu and My Augustinian Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my dreams came true last summer, when I and Jason <i>(Sanchez, a former brother at Dominican Laity)</i> visited Cebu. It was not really a planned journey, and there were obstacles especially when we prepared our finances, but the last week of April came and we were able to push through with our summer getaway.<br />
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While at Cebu, we had many encounters with the revered image of Santo Niño de Cebu. Since we stayed at <i>Patria de Cebu</i> (the hotel in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral), we managed to wake up early in the morning, to walk towards the Basilica (which is two blocks away) and venerate the image for quite some time. We did this all throughout our stay at Cebu; we saw it as indeed a blessing since not everyone has the opportunity to visit Cebu.<br />
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Cebu has an important place in the heart of Catholic Philippines. Here, the faith started to blossom forth from the image of the Child Jesus. The Santo Niño serves as the image of the Filipino faith: young, humble, cheerful. Five hundred years have passed and the trust of the nation in God remains steadfast despite the tests of time, and the challenges of the generations.<br />
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Who may have known that after a few weeks, I would enter the Religious Order which promoted the devotion to the image for hundreds of years? From Cebu, the love for Jesus spread throughout our country and to other places through the Augustinians. And we keep it alive until the present through our continuous prayer before the sacred image of Santo Niño every Friday.<br />
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Their footsteps, we long to follow now. We don't know what lies ahead, yet we seek his face in greater strides.<br />
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<br />Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-80555259217518494932016-07-01T23:01:00.000+08:002016-07-01T23:01:01.609+08:00ANG GULO MO NAMAN, WEWE!<b><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">So what happened to everything I left?</span></b><br />
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Simple answer: I left them behind. All of them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;">I have written somewhere in this blog before that my life has been a roller coaster, being in one place now and moving on later. True enough, life has been a long journey for me so far, and with all the journeys I undertook, decisions made and everything else. But this decision - leaving everything behind for the Seminary - has been one of the biggest decisions I had undertaken, a new YES to God who never left me alone all these time.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">But how about everything I had before? <i>Ganun na lang ba lahat?</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;">After five years of life with the Dominicans, I entered the life of the Augustinians. After four years of working as a teacher, I now try to reach my dreams as a Priest of Jesus. And these two were never easy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;">It's really painful to let go. But we all know that it's all a part of the process of leaving the things you love for the greatest thing in life. I don't know what lies ahead of me. I mean it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;">You see, entering a seminary is a no-joke. You study things of higher level, you tend to live in a community of people you don't know, some won't be friends with you pa. You wake up at a uncomfortable time just to fulfill seminary schedule. We enter a new reality, far from our ideas before, from our comfort zones. In this reality, you do not depend on what you think might make you happy; you only depend on the greatest good. You search for it, not on material things, but deep inside you, in the spirit. You carefully - and sometimes, painfully - leave your old self to wear the new person.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3;">It certainly takes time and lots of effort, but it will never be without God's help. Everything's impossible without complete trust in his Will. On this thought I depend as I embark on this journey. <i>Yung gulong ito, magiging maayos rin sa awa ng Panginoon. </i>God will take care of this. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">I plan to revive Ur Dose if time allows me. I don't know how this could be but in any case, this blog would still be regularly updated. Thanks for the continual support and prayers.</span></i>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-33279470688038789302016-06-29T22:19:00.000+08:002016-06-29T22:19:41.513+08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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June 26, 2016. It was raining when I and my co-aspirant brothers asked for the Mercy of God and for admittance to the life of the Community under the example of Saint Augustine. In response, Fr. Peter Casiño, OSA gave us the insignia of the Order of St. Augustine: the heart pierced by an arrow, placed upon an open book, signifying the thirst for wisdom and knowledge under the guidance of the Cross of Jesus. Since then, life has never been the same. All over again.</div>
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YES. After years of running away, after many failures and loopholes, I now stand up and take the challenge. I thought life is already enough for me, but then there is still a deeper desire in my heart to return to my dreams and make them a reality. This is the start of a long journey full of joys and challenges, all towards Jesus.</div>
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Not only I, but WE take the challenge. This is the start of a new chapter in our lives, and we will never make it without God's grace.<br /><br />Please pray for us that we may be really strong in the Lord.</div>
Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-18445511181423671412016-06-18T11:23:00.002+08:002016-06-18T11:23:53.275+08:00OWY @ 10: THE STORY CONTINUES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1wmL42O1GThsqVg3V4D2AyH7if5DjgcLdXeb8LuynIfd1pGbhDJ2zMHoTN-pseLDYwLu9NhsNiq902HPhgbP1FWYh4YZx9g-t02uPhQHrYLiOF7e2-IygnqiHJcM-YNwgeJaiA/s1600/owy+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1wmL42O1GThsqVg3V4D2AyH7if5DjgcLdXeb8LuynIfd1pGbhDJ2zMHoTN-pseLDYwLu9NhsNiq902HPhgbP1FWYh4YZx9g-t02uPhQHrYLiOF7e2-IygnqiHJcM-YNwgeJaiA/s320/owy+10.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Yes. It's been ten years since I first wrote my very first post on this domain. Time flies very fast. A lot of things have changed since I first did that. Aside from reminding me the reality that I'm getting old (and fatter... duhh), this blog would always take me back to those carefree days when I am free to write on anything and everything that comes out of my mind. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">I was 15 then, too young for someone to write (back then. Perhaps not now, since technology advanced that far since the very first day I wrote, and many youngsters started making their kilig novels.) Now, I'm 25, and unlike before, thoughts become too complex to be written in a simple note like this, aside from the time constraint that my job and other sorts gave me, lessening the opportunities for me to write many things in the liberty of my time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">True enough, much has changed. But the blog is still here, frequented by people from every part of the world, just to read posts related to faith and travel, whatever. I planned to have a week-long celebration of posts like what I had in 2011, but things suddenly changed, because of a big decision I made which changed my life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">It's been a while since I responded to God's call to become his priest, and I have to admit, the journey I had after I tried (and failed) with the Rogationists in 2006 formed me made me realize that it is not easy to go away from the things I love and, eventually, that call to follow him. In the years that followed, I saw myself not drawing away from the religious life, as an altar server in our parish in Navotas, to a Mukha Ader and Dominican Lay in Santo Domingo, intertwined with the many achievements I had as an educator, photographer, and everything else.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Despite the challenges and failures I encountered along the way, God did not change, and his love remained. For this, just recently, I reconsidered the tiny whisper to follow Jesus again, and enter the religious life as an Augustinian. It was a big decision, since I need to leave everything behind, for something better than life has for me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Of course, like other seminarians, the first month of life "inside" is full of adjustments. That includes detachment from the life I and my other aspirant-seminarians used to have outside, and imbuing of the life we've chosen, a life of community and love, of prayer and study. And for someone active like me, who spent almost half his teenage life being <i>aligaga</i>, it is not easy, but certainly doable as long as we place ourselves in the hands of God, and entrust our life to the Heart of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b>This is just the start of a new chapter of the story which this blog would continue to cover as long as possible. </b>So, as I write this post on the Tenth Anniversary of this blog, I would like to ask for your prayers that we may persevere in this new journey I am about to take. Or better yet, let us pray for each other that God may always bless us every step of the way. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b>YES. THE STORY CONTINUES. :)</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><br /></b></span>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-89483056288707399162016-05-11T15:14:00.000+08:002016-07-13T15:16:24.975+08:00ENCOUNTERS: ILOCOS (Pagudpud - May 7, 2016)After a day of travelling to historical places, eating lots of food and conquering the sand dunes, we headed towards the other side of Ilocos Norte, to the place known for its white sand beach (yeop, like Boracay, less the people) and other frontiers that is not frequented by the usual mob.<br />
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Next stop: PAGUDPUD!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first stop: Big Electric Fans! Es te, The Windmills of Bangui!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot day, eh? xD</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUmSS_uYyBbPNsSMRCM1EDknqjFpcqE99RCznXrL0LegxZgYKMbnposfrOzkStevM9T1oj4LjEyK1-auFXoLZouuWvnQoeX74j1cr36ceCllpaxpX1rprGER99X1G7Lh46Tdjbw/s1600/DSC_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUmSS_uYyBbPNsSMRCM1EDknqjFpcqE99RCznXrL0LegxZgYKMbnposfrOzkStevM9T1oj4LjEyK1-auFXoLZouuWvnQoeX74j1cr36ceCllpaxpX1rprGER99X1G7Lh46Tdjbw/s400/DSC_0479.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it is really a hot day. xDDD</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6H8erx3YNycuBWHM_3YiXfwdbFHAhmVzGGXvJAlnQi18nbvvv1jHrpvDfNmv3QL6-wdExVmQrn8-C3LBuOQ0V4nGifYbKQ8CltmhpmLRAOrx982NL_mLQAeyD5yTZaWCDxz85Q/s1600/DSC_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6H8erx3YNycuBWHM_3YiXfwdbFHAhmVzGGXvJAlnQi18nbvvv1jHrpvDfNmv3QL6-wdExVmQrn8-C3LBuOQ0V4nGifYbKQ8CltmhpmLRAOrx982NL_mLQAeyD5yTZaWCDxz85Q/s400/DSC_0515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even my mom can't stand the heat, but at least she's still smiling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xqYzuEdddZbU5yJ1_4gAuNeCI4dB7NCHQ3gQGhZnQ4NWA5dDp4ZtdxBDZ5w714EAaI42hyItlv1-8WSPsU_jsbCuRfhH0XgvItcXeXa6NCLjtVf8EAf4YaSYGkBUMpsnH21bfA/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xqYzuEdddZbU5yJ1_4gAuNeCI4dB7NCHQ3gQGhZnQ4NWA5dDp4ZtdxBDZ5w714EAaI42hyItlv1-8WSPsU_jsbCuRfhH0XgvItcXeXa6NCLjtVf8EAf4YaSYGkBUMpsnH21bfA/s400/DSC_0628.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next stop: Kabigan Falls deep inside Pagudpud. Despite<br />its silent and mystic look-and-feel, it is still frequented by a good number of tourists.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0FpQQ2HArnCYKkxt_83xw_qHYphrcScl-IiXfOJE4Fm1UkHAzcxzfIkMrf1s9hYt3iiZ8juRUEUpden5FfYfgJL4SqbsL_zWppbjsuUkwxg5eJGdDBhs031IYECvCYAlciNkNQ/s1600/DSC_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0FpQQ2HArnCYKkxt_83xw_qHYphrcScl-IiXfOJE4Fm1UkHAzcxzfIkMrf1s9hYt3iiZ8juRUEUpden5FfYfgJL4SqbsL_zWppbjsuUkwxg5eJGdDBhs031IYECvCYAlciNkNQ/s400/DSC_0641.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To visit Kabigan Falls, you need a 30-minute simple trek from the main road. As<br />you take the trail, you will see lots of farmlands with ample irrigation, since their water<br />comes from the falls. The rest goes down towards the sea. The feeling is tranquil, even this<br />carabao can't help but to take a bath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL1Oyex2uUP9jaYJXMypiGi2-jLCxI_GAYXdFNdN-N8jnsjtf91ikl3bAdaHJXxqQ4sCEVFALAIaaBNwYWaez5Chl55plaNUGNZbjHUnlxHFoPVFUQN0m0BV33WKUOjGELr0jBw/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL1Oyex2uUP9jaYJXMypiGi2-jLCxI_GAYXdFNdN-N8jnsjtf91ikl3bAdaHJXxqQ4sCEVFALAIaaBNwYWaez5Chl55plaNUGNZbjHUnlxHFoPVFUQN0m0BV33WKUOjGELr0jBw/s400/DSC_0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeop, that's me looking around my land. (Actually, my sea. Just kidding. xD)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8peYpm7Vx1D5trq7R__qUF5bU515p9g-EIGC1bIwIupG6Qj2ezTkxLRAZWdieZI7rYFVuFGiFJrAUlpuBMW_dQCADN3sjJhQH3Y4kptQXuWoESqMWKEYkcoUlrCIcPBiBiDL7eQ/s1600/DSC_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8peYpm7Vx1D5trq7R__qUF5bU515p9g-EIGC1bIwIupG6Qj2ezTkxLRAZWdieZI7rYFVuFGiFJrAUlpuBMW_dQCADN3sjJhQH3Y4kptQXuWoESqMWKEYkcoUlrCIcPBiBiDL7eQ/s400/DSC_0693.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what this is, but the view from where I was was super great!</td></tr>
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<br />Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-10244648101606113502016-05-10T15:51:00.000+08:002016-07-11T16:00:05.792+08:00ENCOUNTERS: Ilocos (Laoag - May 7, 2016)Two weeks before entering the Seminary, I and my sister treated my mom to a special trip to Ilocos. Though unplanned, it was nevertheless a great visit, since it was her dream to visit Ilocandia, a place of history, legacy and yes, relaxation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8JEji7Mli-1FazvpuDxIKR-2XxGkmMpc8rCPeL7B9TMfASbHMWdNoPWhtyx0h0K_bLXzgeeBWmeuUcN38PiLfCY08CXsvDNqm8Wa2XEZ8vm0QkKOzcJXc2ZF-t2ACcj2Rlh32g/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8JEji7Mli-1FazvpuDxIKR-2XxGkmMpc8rCPeL7B9TMfASbHMWdNoPWhtyx0h0K_bLXzgeeBWmeuUcN38PiLfCY08CXsvDNqm8Wa2XEZ8vm0QkKOzcJXc2ZF-t2ACcj2Rlh32g/s320/DSC_0360.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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After twelve hours of land travel (via Partas Bus. The special trip has designated hours, so we went thru the regular trip which was also relaxing anyway), we reached Laoag City in the morning of Friday. We spent the day travelling through its known churches, special places and try its sand dunes as the sun is just setting.<br />
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Here are some shots. I opted not to post the facade of Laoag and Paoay churches, since we are already familiar with them. Instead, I have here the shots from the Sanctuary of Laoag Cathedral, and the image of the Patron of Paoay Parish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TDEC9lbEE8eGr0k3xQNzaYGhZkGKBBzh1aX7CwZHkBWrHUSrR3nCkG7QxqTMrr_nSmG0OEl3Q6Gpup7-CgZp7FFTauQBWGBAgdhFz_fbIJpS4eKWkVwPbeS54i0iFp7gzq4dVA/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TDEC9lbEE8eGr0k3xQNzaYGhZkGKBBzh1aX7CwZHkBWrHUSrR3nCkG7QxqTMrr_nSmG0OEl3Q6Gpup7-CgZp7FFTauQBWGBAgdhFz_fbIJpS4eKWkVwPbeS54i0iFp7gzq4dVA/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of <b>St. William the Hermit Cathedral</b> under the Diocese of Laoag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdMPv-zs1dy2SzkI008g6kocCWtoqwthULyJZDg9ioON9pY7SOSwjGE-5rEv92fxWNDveD0b-NwsESbFD_c6OxDDlhr2GxuwS9d2eLPqr_Feby-CAhyphenhyphensXm-iVUmJJgBODRiyStA/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdMPv-zs1dy2SzkI008g6kocCWtoqwthULyJZDg9ioON9pY7SOSwjGE-5rEv92fxWNDveD0b-NwsESbFD_c6OxDDlhr2GxuwS9d2eLPqr_Feby-CAhyphenhyphensXm-iVUmJJgBODRiyStA/s400/DSC_0133.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JM and Ajie posing in front of the <b>Provincial Capitol</b>, a few days ahead<br />
of the election.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTk_JPwHgqebpAFDKqDi8uxbxlfr49vxFn0r40HCwAcz1uM8p92S3cxXDwCQCoiWM3sZMlDC_ndwCrpERTQPrzpit6PC8lMr0tbzCh23DaU9Z2ivsOQviYGT38C6mNJDCZmoA2A/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTk_JPwHgqebpAFDKqDi8uxbxlfr49vxFn0r40HCwAcz1uM8p92S3cxXDwCQCoiWM3sZMlDC_ndwCrpERTQPrzpit6PC8lMr0tbzCh23DaU9Z2ivsOQviYGT38C6mNJDCZmoA2A/s400/DSC_0313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy at the <b>Sand Dunes of Paoay</b> (which is beside... South China Sea? I'm not so sure)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSMWuSfpEnskdlWI8VJvJWZqDDuAmFWyfHbNOfdM5Zim5DvIzNBlOFMn6bsYgqH7zREj67707H0DHidG5DGnVQ0Y_pebhNrhaUPgQxH7KQiocPiaGDGgxIQfPxgIhcSQOEzirCQ/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSMWuSfpEnskdlWI8VJvJWZqDDuAmFWyfHbNOfdM5Zim5DvIzNBlOFMn6bsYgqH7zREj67707H0DHidG5DGnVQ0Y_pebhNrhaUPgQxH7KQiocPiaGDGgxIQfPxgIhcSQOEzirCQ/s400/DSC_0170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Paoay Lake</b>, a majestic lake beside the <b>Malacañang of the North</b> (the residence of<br />
the Marcoses at Ilocos)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo70hy2MAHzgj9ua0gxVhyphenhyphentH3anqsmDFanAoqXWsRwmkRE6wb_ta1zPD_Gh8M9dXaj0Ks1OepId70SwaqElCISRNucUQ2k0iJ8aX1d6fi5dEcAHkzmpy-QBuJ-S0PI-HWq7eWjjg/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo70hy2MAHzgj9ua0gxVhyphenhyphentH3anqsmDFanAoqXWsRwmkRE6wb_ta1zPD_Gh8M9dXaj0Ks1OepId70SwaqElCISRNucUQ2k0iJ8aX1d6fi5dEcAHkzmpy-QBuJ-S0PI-HWq7eWjjg/s400/DSC_0223.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Holy Father Saint Augustine, patron of <b>Paoay Church</b></td></tr>
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<br />Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-8723448795585356662016-02-23T14:55:00.001+08:002016-02-23T14:55:20.464+08:00IMITATION towards REALITYWhen I find time to write on things, I make sure I grab the chance. <i>Mahirap ulit mawalan sa kawalan. </i>xDDD<div>
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In the past few months of journeying with life, I used as a guide a little book. Little as it seemed, it focused on the big things of life, especially one's relationship with the Lord. It has been used by many generations, especially by those in the religious life, clerics and nuns.</div>
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The title: <b>Imitation of Christ </b>by Thomas a' Kempis.</div>
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The book was given to me by a very close friend last October, as a birthday/vestition gift for that year. Being not so fond of reading books, it took me some time to read it. Until that night, I never thought what was inside the book. It was until one November night when I tried to see what's inside the book.</div>
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And indeed, it was more than what I expected.</div>
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From simple basics of faith, to things that helped me decide on which road to take, the Imitation guided me step by step, page by page, towards attaining holiness in a not-so-quick manner, in the here and now.</div>
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In the book, I reflected on how important obedience is, how great it feels to carry the cross and to pursue with the road of the cross, to keep my mouth shut except in praising God, among many others. As I read, I resolved to do these things the next day, to become better, to accept everything in patience, to be moderate, to control, and to become a model.</div>
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<b>Imitating Christ in today's reality is very hard to do. Indeed, especially in a judging and criticizing society, you'll find it very hard to be another Christ. But then, reading books and contemplating on them can certainly help you achieve a better way of life, one patterned after Jesus. as long as you open yourself and your ideals to God's divine will and mercy, nothing's impossible.</b></div>
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Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-56070568298608297232016-02-15T23:57:00.004+08:002016-02-16T00:16:51.254+08:00THE HANDS (In memory of Ivan Rolfe A. Banaag, 2000-2013)<i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">It took me three years to post the story of Ivan's death here on my blog. Perhaps, it's more of me either not yet moving on with how Ivan died, or with my general busyness with teacher things. <b>But I have to admit that until now, his story - and memory - remains in the hearts of those who believed in him, his family, friends and colleagues.</b></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #ead1dc;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I personally believe that his story does not end with his death. It continues on, as long as people are continued to be inspired by his story. Thus, I re-post here my personal account on how Ivan died three years ago, on February 18, 2013. It served as a pivoting point in my life, and in the lives of many others. The story of my encounter would give a glimpse on it. Likewise, I added some information in italics, so that the story could be as whole and updated as possible.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">This picture is the last I took of Ivan while he was still alive: this is the story of his hand holding mine on the final battle he faced.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQApUNJEWydB3KQ3anUyGW0vekDBw13EnNVmaX7uva4OtMvYH3CExLhngF84eMus_7BkQT_kRVaBJ5fD4z2EwdCfhv0Z2_vlggAPw965Za6iNWgcMN0l3rUojtZJvPh-lH5vXgLA/s1600/the+hands+repost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQApUNJEWydB3KQ3anUyGW0vekDBw13EnNVmaX7uva4OtMvYH3CExLhngF84eMus_7BkQT_kRVaBJ5fD4z2EwdCfhv0Z2_vlggAPw965Za6iNWgcMN0l3rUojtZJvPh-lH5vXgLA/s400/the+hands+repost.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-size: x-small;">The tight grip he gave would always remind me of the boy who never gave up. <br />That hold would be cherished all the days of my life. <br />His hands serve as a reminder for me to trust in God's loving will for me.</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE HANDS (The Last Days of Ivan)</span></b></b><br />
<i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">An anecdote on Ivan's final hours, from the AM Moderator, Bro. Weldann Lester Panganiban</span></i></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Reposted from the AM Online Necrological Service - February 22, 2013.)</span></i></i></div>
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Since we began the advocacy of prayers for Ivan's recovery, a lot of people are asking us regarding his sickness. The same question came in when we made the official announcement of his death last Monday.<br />
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We tried our best to keep it hidden, with respect to Ivan and the Banaag Family, but eventually some individuals shared in the comments the reason of his demise. With this, I prayerfully decided to make a little account of Ivan's parting hours, particularly when I visited him the night before his death.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">Ivan's Grade 6 Graduation Picture.<br />Had he been alive, he will be in Grade 9 <br />this school year.</span></i></td></tr>
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It was the New Year (January 01, 2013), as the family prepared to do their New Year custom of visiting the Minor Basilica of the Nazarene in Quiapo, he complained that he could not walk anymore. <i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">(I remember that as early as December 2012, he complained a certain pain at his back.)</span> </i>The next day, he was rushed to the Hospital, where they discovered a mass in his spine. It was immediately removed, and everyone thought that's the end of it.<br />
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But it is just the beginning.<br />
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January 19, 2013, when the doctors revealed Ivan's true situation: he incurred stage 4 Cancer of the Bone Marrow <i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">(Burkitt's Lymphoma, to be exact.)</span></i>. It was truly a shocking point for everyone, especially for his parents. Being a boy with lots of dreams, this would mean something very challenging for him.<br />
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He underwent chemotherapy, as everyone was still hoping for a miracle. He entertained visitors of different ages and places. He met friends, classmates, relatives. Everyone saw how brave Ivan was especially that he is undergoing the greatest fight of his life.<br />
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(He recounted to me on my first visit that he had four great fights in his recent life: One was in Tanza during the Flores de Mayo, another while he was defending Maribeth from the people who were not really pleased with its looks, the third was at a certain event at Saint James. THIS, according to him, WAS THE LAST.)<br />
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On the eve of his death, February 17, 2013, I felt the urge to visit Ivan, so I went from Holy Family Parish <i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">(actually, I came from UP Diliman, after serving in Mass) </span></i>to the Hospital. There, I saw a very different Ivan, very far from the Ivan I got to know of in the past. I can still talk to him so I related to him (for one last time) our experience in the bus.<br />
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I can see the pain in his whole being; words could never describe the suffering Ivan underwent. I tried to touch him, but I don't know where. Right then, I noticed his left hand moving, like he wanted to hold to something. I did not hesitate, I gave my right hand for him to hold.<br />
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He held my hand tightly for a few minutes. I was confused, speechless. I felt so blank at that sight. I just let him touch my hand. It was like he was telling something to me but I can't determine what it is.<br />
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I took a deep breath and looked at the heavens. I know that God's will is at work at that moment. I said a little prayer, only for me to keep. I know that at one point, a miracle could still happen, but at the end of the day, His will would still be done.<br />
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The next day, February 18, 2013, he passed away. Mico (Pacheco, AM's Head Admin) relayed the news to me. <i><span style="color: #ead1dc;">(The doctors tried to revive him, but Tito Bok, seeing his son in great pain, decided not to push through with it.)</span></i> The first thing that came to my mind was the moment that he was holding my hand, tightly, never letting me go. I broke in tears at physically losing a close buddy, a true friend who taught me in one way or another how to trust. I don't know how to continue with my work nor to keep myself well that night.<br />
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I was looking for consolation, for a reason behind everything. I was searching for the answer to my questions: What's with that tight grip? What does he want to say to me? Sino ba ako sa batang ito?<br />
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As I reflect on the events (with his help, I believe), I realized that I was not just an ordinary buddy to Ivan. I came into a conclusion: TRUST. Everything we had undergone, the experiences we had shared together, those taught us to stay strone despite the challenges. In a way, they taught us to stay strong against all odds and to trust the Ever-loving God in all that we do.<br />
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In pain, in suffering, Ivan saw a ray of hope, a reason to trust amid the trials. This was the same thing he taught me, the same thing I share with everyone who loved him and became a part of his life in one way or another.<br />
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In times of challenges, we always have one and ONE reason to hold on: God is there for us. He gives us people to share our ups and downs with, in good times and bad. We are invited now and always to cherish every moment, to extend our hand and give our trust to each other.<br />
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Is there a reason to mourn? Perhaps, because Ivan lived a very short life at twelve. But for me, I don't think there should be any more reason to be in sorrow after his cremation. With the smoke rises the boy who overcame the trials of his life for us to be taught how to trust God above all and in all.<br />
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And the tight grip he gave would always remind me of the boy who never gave up. That hold would be cherished all the days of my life. His hands serve as a reminder for me to trust in God's loving will for me.<br />
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<br />Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-54791535445130650862016-02-13T20:39:00.001+08:002016-02-13T20:40:45.195+08:00VIA CRUCIS SA AVE Year 5: Lolo Uweng<span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: large;">It's been over a year since I last visited Lolo Uweng at Landayan. This year, due to my proximity to the place (thank you, NCR Palaro!), I was able to venerate the Santo Entierro once again. I attended the Ash Wednesday Mass there, and took photos of the stations there. I was also able to meet Christian, a FB friend who is serving there. He helped me with shooting some videos for the intro vid of VCSA. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: large;">Of course, there were some bloopers during the shoot.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='420' height='366' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dykv2ll_FH6pN551YSqv-FseJLUWRKEVbmD1g92ISMWxSib6nslisFO64sthJ7AAAqd8eUJ6MhodyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: large;">But in the end, with Lolo Uweng's help, we were able to come up with a simple yet informative video on Lolo Uweng and the Diocesan Shrine. This served as a kickstart for this year's edition of Via Crucis sa Ave. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: large;">More videos will be done during this Lenten Season, as we continue this custom of journeying with Jesus on the Way of the Cross.</span>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-68991618517859719782016-02-09T17:28:00.001+08:002016-02-09T17:28:28.182+08:00GOLDEN ARROW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The GOLDEN ARROW PRAYER given to Sr. Mary of St. Peter. After receiving this prayer, Sister Mary of St. Peter was given a vision in which she saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus delightfully wounded by this "Golden Arrow" as torrents of graces streamed from It for the conversion of sinners.</i>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-24548767624351661392016-02-05T00:18:00.001+08:002016-02-05T00:18:46.397+08:00<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Oh well... Trying..</div>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-68121068311798218352016-01-19T10:16:00.001+08:002016-01-19T10:16:12.617+08:00JOURNEYSThe last two months of 2015 was focused on adventures. Just when I thought that having an adventure is expensive, I found out more. People spend on adventures because they wish to see something outside their comfort zones, that there's more than office work, or a classroom setup. True enough, the experiences I had prove that there is more than what I usually do. The company of friends prove that those who are true will stay no matter what.<br />
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I will share these stories soon. :)Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-21218623238668321222015-12-31T15:57:00.000+08:002016-01-27T15:58:05.791+08:002016... LIFE'S A SURPRISE!!!<span style="color: #f4cccc;">Hindi lang ako ang nag-iisang nagsasabing kakaiba ang taong 2015 sa mga pagsubok at bagyo na dinala nito. Kung tutuusin, sobrang bigat ng naging impact ng mga pagsubok na iyon para sa akin. Yung tipo bang akala ko wala nang nagtitiwala, yung wala nang nagmamahal? Yung feeling mo nasa kawalan ka, at palagi ka na lang magbabanggit ng hugot lines para mabawasan ang kirot na nararamdaman? Higit sa lahat, yung feeling na mag-isa ka, kahit na hindi. Mabigat na taon, sabi ng iba.<br /><br />Pero hindi rin ako nag-iisang magsabi na may mga kakaibang surpresang dala ang taong ito. Nakita natin ngayong taon si Pope Francis, kinilig tayo sa Aldub, Merong nagkaroon ng bagong trabaho, tulad ko, mga bagong karanasan at taong nakilala, mga biyahe at bundok na naakyat, mga bagong larawang nakunan, at para sa akin at sa mga kasamahan ko, ngayong taon kami tinanggap sa Order of Preachers bilang mga Lay Novice.<br /><br />Surpresa sa gitna ng mga problema sa buhay. Ganito naman ang biyaya ng Diyos, di ba? Hindi niya tayo pinababayaan sa oras na tayo ay nangangailangan. Yung nabibigla na lang tayo at may ganitong kabibigat na blessing na dumarating. Basta manatili lang tayong nagtitiwala sa kanya. Hindi tayo nag-iisa. Kahit kailan, hindi tayo nag-iisa.<br /><br />At alam kong mananatili ang mga surpresa sa pagpasok ng panibagong taon. Hangga't may taong naniniwala sa kung ano'ng mga bubulaga sa kanyang buhay, darating ang biyaya. Hangga't may nagsusumikap na tuparin ang pangarap, may surpreesa. xD<br /><br />Pinangako kong mag-iiba ang 2016, at magiging higit na masaya. Sana ganito rin tayo. Dahil ang buhay ay punung-puno ng surpresa, ito ay magsisimula sa ating pagsusumikap, at sa pagpapala ng Panginooon.<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />ISANG MASURPRESANG 2016 PO SA ATING LAHAT, AT PAGPALAIN TAYO NG PANGINOONG DIYOS!!! </span></b><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-75815114648089480712015-12-30T21:37:00.004+08:002015-12-30T21:37:58.750+08:00NEW HOUSE. NEW SPHERE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">NEW HOUSE. NEW SPHERE. This is my 2015. Wounded, yet still in battle. Dead, yet alive. Lost many friends, yet blessed with real ones. All under one new roof. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">In 2015, I went beyond who I was. Leaving the comfort of a private school, to enter the challenging world of the public school system, the cheers of many friends for real people who stood by me in some of the most trying moments in my life. What I thought was right was skinned off me, painful as it seemed. The care of two mothers who never let go of me. I admit I was a lot clumsy and pasaway this year, yet God knows how tough it came for me, and eventually, for most of us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I promised myself that the coming year will be a lot different. And it will be. I have lots of pains this year, that I will always remember in my memory, yet God will always be the master of my ship. And this year, I will let him surprise me. Through me, he will surprise everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">This year will be a year of surprises. Like the new house where I live now, everything will be new. This, I promise. This, I will do. #LifesASurprise2016</span>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-77873342809984972232015-11-23T15:46:00.000+08:002016-02-01T00:06:53.553+08:00BORAWAN ISLAND: More Than Expected<span style="color: #ffe599;">There was much excitement as the third week of November ushered in. With the height of the APEC Summit held in Manila, came the indulgence of having four days of vacation. This is to reduce traffic especially along the places where meetings are to be held (or did it really reduce?). <i>Syempre</i>, because it's vacation time, people working in the Metro went to different places to enjoy the once-in-a-while vacation. For us teachers, it was more of another Sem Break, so we really spent it going somewhere and taking four days-off.</span>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">After thinking where to go, my friends persuaded me to join them in going on a trip down south. I even thought of not joining them to save money, <i>pero ang ending</i>, I called them a few hours before departure. I joined them for four days of sun and sand along the beaches of Quezon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>And so, we have the island beaches of Borawan, Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan</b> in Padre Burgos, Quezon. This was actually my first time to join them in their adventures. And for an unplanned trip as this, it was more than expected.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">We left on the early afternoon of November 18 by bus to Lucena City. We arrived at the Grand Terminal at 7:00 PM or so. That's approximately five hours of sitting down and looking nowhere than traffic jams and buildings (especially along San Pablo Laguna entering Quezon). We forgot that the holiday is only for NCR; other provinces still had work and classes during the holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">Upon arriving at Lucena, we were welcomed by food stalls inviting us to eat dinner. Everything was <i>lutong-bahay</i>, but they taste enough for our hungry tummies. They sell a special delicacy with shark meat, which passed my gastronomic standards (<i>as in swak!</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">According to blogs, there are shuttle buses which would take us to Borawan, however, because it was already dark, we asked for an alternative mode of transportation. The people there directed us to a </span><b style="color: #ffe599;">Barney Bus</b><span style="color: #ffe599;"> which was about to leave at that moment. An hour had passed, and we were able to reach Padre Burgos, after entering the Bondoc Peninsula. We were welcomed by our cheerful guide who looked after us and our provisions during our stay there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">After a tricycle took us to the seashore, we had a short boat ride which took us to our first destination: Borawan Island. We pitched camp there, and we slept in total darkness, amid the brilliant stars and shooting stars above us. It was a wonder to behold, and it lulled us to sleep. Really, a wonder to behold (except for the fact that it rained a few hours later and we struggled because our not-so-waterproof tent got wet).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">When sun rose the following day (Nov 19), we had a little stroll along Borawan. It was really like Boracay because of its white sand, and Palawan because of its cliffs. <i>Nga lang</i>, we were not able to climb the cliffs because the guide was not there, and it was only open during summer. And yes, there were lots of people there who visited just to have a little vacay.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXIEgZCxnxZ5O605mqgzsNgrkDQeOd-juT0e9K3gXIHiAdv3jDukrIghvNK3PocNSZKF1OSVaYxUUZxz_pBleX0ahWXuMqC5aeuhyRKyrl10BUAAIJoRmZ8eveliiP-0dUea2IQ/s1600/received_10203702391878782.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXIEgZCxnxZ5O605mqgzsNgrkDQeOd-juT0e9K3gXIHiAdv3jDukrIghvNK3PocNSZKF1OSVaYxUUZxz_pBleX0ahWXuMqC5aeuhyRKyrl10BUAAIJoRmZ8eveliiP-0dUea2IQ/s320/received_10203702391878782.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #ffe599;">We had our breakfast there, before going by boat to our next destination: <b>Puting Buhangin Island</b>. As the journey was exciting, so was the view upon reaching the Island. True to its name, the sand there was very fine white, and the water very clear. The rock formations were also wonderful, especially the <i>Kuwebang Butas</i> which was actually was a passageway to the other side of the beach. However, visitors are not allowed to enter the inmost of the island because it was a private property, and there is an ongoing construction of a power plant (or is it? am not sure) in the heart of the island. Well, the beach for itself is enough for us to enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">After having lunch and staying there for a few hours, we went back to Borawan to wash ourselves and pack up. And because sea water is capable of clearing out toxins from our lungs, I started sneezing out all the mucus inside me. My cold was severe that it lasted way after our vacation. Nevertheless, it helped clear out the things I don't need inside my body.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2UHFuRSrgRo6ZUgUehvnBC7Yt5z9WpPu8rVh11qxz4je9xxTFG_hcm3I2TJggim2O4MUb2dCkYLNqwxomysWhZtqa77-E7B3lKazRGhFBQTFazN4_QQQELMu5A54nlklEJqC-A/s1600/IMG_20151119_175515_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2UHFuRSrgRo6ZUgUehvnBC7Yt5z9WpPu8rVh11qxz4je9xxTFG_hcm3I2TJggim2O4MUb2dCkYLNqwxomysWhZtqa77-E7B3lKazRGhFBQTFazN4_QQQELMu5A54nlklEJqC-A/s320/IMG_20151119_175515_1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #ffe599;">So, we took another boat ride to our final destination, <b>Dampalitan Island.</b> Of all the three islands, this is the silent one. Upon reaching there, we found only a little number of visitors, but there's more reasons to be there, especially when you're staying for the night. Actually, tourists are allowed to light a camp fire there. So, under the night sky, with the warm fire around us, we shared our stories and ideals. It was a night which we wish never to end.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">One thing I noticed about the people there was their hospitality towards their visitors. As we were sleeping, rain poured again. We were struggling because there was nowhere to stay, however, the people there noticed our need and they allowed us to stay in one of the cottages. Despite the fact that I felt so cold because I have no blanket and cold wind was seeping on all corners of the cottage, at least, I was able to tuck in and sleep that night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">For the first time, my survival skills were tested, especially on dealing with things away from your comfort zone. As a newbie, I realized many things, but one thing's for sure: <b>I must be prepared for our trip next time. </b>I was not able to bring important things, especially a blanket for the cold night. Oh well, much more to be learned.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiIoSD4KKqppfS0Ze0GzgSwgSUQ_tuKCwJuuZKHOV2i2cpT-Pba0hzTpZ_rFRE1J4hZwWaWMtSFero4VtRN6197KsUsFWw9xw0eguXQODd70mSozHaMjloZzJH0dgSAyB34HzNg/s1600/IMG_20151120_163636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiIoSD4KKqppfS0Ze0GzgSwgSUQ_tuKCwJuuZKHOV2i2cpT-Pba0hzTpZ_rFRE1J4hZwWaWMtSFero4VtRN6197KsUsFWw9xw0eguXQODd70mSozHaMjloZzJH0dgSAyB34HzNg/s640/IMG_20151120_163636.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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After fixing things up, we need to go home. But before we reach Manila, we decided to stop over and take a little <i>banlaw</i> (rinse) at <b>Pandin Lake</b> in San Pablo City, Laguna. It provided what we need at that time, good food, a little trek, and much water to take off the salts in us. Because of its unknown depth, we were required to wear life vests once we take a dip. The view around us was very close to nature. There was more than the usual Laguna we know.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSILpwuOLWfyPk-R9onA8XTcy7k2MySDV51QS7d4Yf9h06XgBN1v_BrcOCEZQcAobaRQk_I9m0-7oKZkAbwniWcFHuWMc86iWChbJncEglM7UHDD0P40JQ9RzjgXSTtTTd-V-1g/s1600/IMG_20151119_173712_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSILpwuOLWfyPk-R9onA8XTcy7k2MySDV51QS7d4Yf9h06XgBN1v_BrcOCEZQcAobaRQk_I9m0-7oKZkAbwniWcFHuWMc86iWChbJncEglM7UHDD0P40JQ9RzjgXSTtTTd-V-1g/s320/IMG_20151119_173712_1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #ffe599;"><b>In all, it was worth an unplanned beach-out</b>. It taught me many things, from treasuring time and friends, to being prepared in untold situations and circumstances. It was actually the start of the adventurous in me, as it ushered in many opportunities for me to go out and sail more seas, climb more peaks and explore new places.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">It's more than expected. :)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" height="400" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="http://files.photosnack.com/iframejs/embed.html?hash=pdn3wjmk6&t=1454255816" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="600"></iframe><br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #ffe599;">Thanks to <b>Jaycel Magaling</b> for some of the shots used here. ;)</span></i></div>
Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-25381185385928172452015-11-17T14:54:00.001+08:002015-11-17T14:54:32.988+08:00MUST VISIT: #ako<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggekY-uzdpuzDrRnvfa1EMXi91jhujE_ouwce-n9SDOq9G5KJDFkvtFiYN4Q0hoKJpz_xadwDKZI8QgmE7RvYllKJUWiRjOHl4x6ZAB_trIUYmN4Emuc2o7ildZH8J9MqVYZUPWA/s1600/AKO+POSTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggekY-uzdpuzDrRnvfa1EMXi91jhujE_ouwce-n9SDOq9G5KJDFkvtFiYN4Q0hoKJpz_xadwDKZI8QgmE7RvYllKJUWiRjOHl4x6ZAB_trIUYmN4Emuc2o7ildZH8J9MqVYZUPWA/s640/AKO+POSTER.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><b>#ako</b> is an unusual walk-in recollection featuring the different faces of poverty within us. As we enter the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, we are invited to take a closer look inside ourselves, and enter those spaces of poverty, which we neglect most of the time.</i><br />
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<i>The recollection-cum-exhibit runs until </i><b style="font-style: italic;">December 20, 2015</b><i> at </i><b><i>Garden of Saints, San Jose de Navotas Parish, </i><a href="https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=san+jose+de+navotas+parish&oq=san+jose+de+navotas+parish&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60.5339j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=0&ie=UTF-8#q=san+jose+de+navotas+parish&rflfq=1&tbm=lcl&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:1&oll=14.66275235000416,120.94463655000004&ospn=0.0027972549971586602,0.005074739456176758&oz=17&fll=14.661428969337207,120.94548412804875&fspn=0.011189087590190994,0.02029895782470703&fz=16&qop=1&rlfi=hd:;si:" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">M. Naval St., San Jose, Navotas City</a><i>. </i></b><i>(click the address for the Map)</i><br />
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<i><b><a href="http://facebook.com/shotsnibenefactiusfp" target="_blank">Shots Ni Benefactius</a> </b>is the Official Photographer of this activity.</i>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-88306827317947521832015-11-05T18:30:00.003+08:002015-11-05T18:30:36.743+08:00Thoughts...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2-4W_p-pe2-2FGI_2XsXL2p7Em2QJxxQxB6MjBKJnV6KFW4QTOpICGyu5cXA8K71yVn2-vE77HyLvhZvx3tJSpqb8AU8T8zmjj22lGdAe-0zXUOSW5htPsf1WEoryKXRlv9sbw/s1600/cover+leaves2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2-4W_p-pe2-2FGI_2XsXL2p7Em2QJxxQxB6MjBKJnV6KFW4QTOpICGyu5cXA8K71yVn2-vE77HyLvhZvx3tJSpqb8AU8T8zmjj22lGdAe-0zXUOSW5htPsf1WEoryKXRlv9sbw/s400/cover+leaves2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">God has created me to do him some definitive service; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">I have my mission - I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good. I shall do his work. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Therefore, I will trust him, whatever I am. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">I cannot be thrown away. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve him; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">in perplexity, my perplexity may serve him; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve him. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">He may take away my friends. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">He may throw me among strangers. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">He may make me feel desolate, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">make my spirits sink, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">hide my future from me - </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">still he knows what he is about. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>- John Henry Cardinal Newman</b></span></i></div>
Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-13371240867340288642015-11-02T14:36:00.002+08:002015-11-02T14:36:56.648+08:00PRAYER OF ENTRUSTMENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AdNkun3bZMIVavNWDoGlwQKmZcS7KHSFS4u19fQIb3JOBrqTleoEup5hyphenhyphen2h916Ol_Egz13e1Hxd9l7-6w4KLq2JOInwaV0s8LkvCyOEbgkiGRktNvSb31ScNVBufvCK7f_NzEg/s1600/2+ENTRUSTMENT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AdNkun3bZMIVavNWDoGlwQKmZcS7KHSFS4u19fQIb3JOBrqTleoEup5hyphenhyphen2h916Ol_Egz13e1Hxd9l7-6w4KLq2JOInwaV0s8LkvCyOEbgkiGRktNvSb31ScNVBufvCK7f_NzEg/s640/2+ENTRUSTMENT.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">(Fruit of Contemplation from my Silent Retreat, Oct 30-Nov. 01, 2015)</span></i></div>
Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29739877.post-530926800672341012015-10-21T15:18:00.000+08:002016-02-23T15:33:03.589+08:00LA NAVAL 2015: #SalamatPoNANAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW6JzTLXY3XI3gsGFAJ79ZN7ablR7q5s5JetyI2sAakMQHKq28muhnRCYNHvPDuOv5yzTxd4xsE2WFfIoOEZzgqZQWKEagVNi5qdJusfx-aMHIHiPfIvKLOx22rQ0XaNyVx0SZQ/s1600/Nanay+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW6JzTLXY3XI3gsGFAJ79ZN7ablR7q5s5JetyI2sAakMQHKq28muhnRCYNHvPDuOv5yzTxd4xsE2WFfIoOEZzgqZQWKEagVNi5qdJusfx-aMHIHiPfIvKLOx22rQ0XaNyVx0SZQ/s640/Nanay+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"><i>DEAR NANAY,</i></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">I could still remember clearly that day: <b>October 10, 2010</b>. I was in a middle of a total chaos inside and out. I was struggling then to stand up after my many falls. At that moment I saw you in the high altar of Santo Domingo, I felt more than attraction. <b>It was love at first sight.</b> Since then, I made a promise to visit you, to get to know you more, to begin loving you.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;">From then on, I stood up and moved on with life. From my first passing grades, to our successful thesis defense and graduation from College, to my first job (well, all the jobs I had) and my passing the Licensure Exams. In response, I dedicated my life to your service, first as a Mukha Ader, IPLM giliw, and now, as a Lay Dominican.</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">You saw me stand up after my many falls in life. No, you did not just see me; you held me up. For the many months of serving you, you proved that <b>there is more in you than just devotion.</b> Loving you means taking a radical change in life, to work and act more than before. Loving you means more than prayers recited. Indeed, it is taking action and standing up for God and others. You made me realize these things, and along with your guidance, you strengthened my resolve to go and change my life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">For the many times I knelt before your throne, I did not see an image of yourself, or a mere representation. No, I saw you. I felt you. I am aware you were looking at me, In your gaze, you told me that you love me, or as it seemed. Every stage of my young life, I entrusted some of my greatest decisions to you. And as you undo the knots of my life, I see your hand reaching out for me to become the best in whatever I choose.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">And so, allow me to thank you for all the things you had shown me, in your grace and love. Thank you for letting me see love in everything you provided me. Thank you for the grace of family, friends, and now, the Dominican Family where I belong. Thank you for showing me the real meaning of devotion, <b>for letting my devotion turn into a love story</b>, for being the one I love.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Salamat po, Nanay, sa lahat ng biyaya! Hindi po sasapat ang mga salita upang maihandog ang pasasalamat ko at ng aking pamilya. Ngayon, hayaan ninyong ihandog ko ang aking sarili sa iyo. Sa nakalipas na mga taon, hindi mo ako iniwanan. NANGANGAKO AKO, HINDI NA KITA IIWANAN.</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Salamat po, Nanay!</b></span><br />
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<b><br /></b>Danz Panganibanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539215989885831162noreply@blogger.com0