MEET THE GOBILIANZ.....

Here comes the new teachers of ICPS...

Once a student, always a teacher!

HALINA'T DUMULONG SA INANG MAPAG-AMPON

Featuring the Santa Ana Parish in Manila, Shrine of Our Lady of  the Abandoned.

From the mob, I saw Edrian Santollano of the PPMK Online Ministry. It's like the meeting of the Two Holy Founders.

As I enter the church, I saw on one side the image of Our Lady. I did not hesitate to touch her manto. Later, when I asked one of the people looking after the Caro, I came to knew that I was able to touch the Original Image, as the replica is enshrined at the Altar. 

How I wish Ivan is really here... 

It was also the first time in years that I meet my dear brother, Fra Lloyd Paul Elauria, OFM. It reminds me of my CCS days.

We were given a random chance to go up the Belfry of the oldest Church outside Intramuros. From there, you could see the skyline of Makati and Mandaluyong Cities.

The interior of the Church

This mystical well at the back of the church houses water said to be miraculous.

People from all walks of life gathered together with Our Lady in procession. This was her 300th Feast since her arrival in the Philippines.

...where out of nowhere, we pulled the Caro of San Francisco. I don't know where the real pullers of the Caro were at that moment, but I can't help thinking that for that special night, we were chosen to take charge.

During my stay there at Santa Ana, the noticeable wonder I saw was her face. It has a sterling smile, ready to show concern to her children in need. It's like telling you that you could certainly ask her anything you wish, knowing that you will never be confounded. I hope this would not be the last time I would visit her in her Shrine. Viva La Virgen!!!

AGUA DE MAYO

And after a hot month, here comes what everyone is waiting for... 

THE FIRST ACID RAIN OF MAY!!!

Once in my life, I enjoyed taking a cool bath under the rain, not caring about anyone's criticism. Back then, I could run through our yard naked, dancing and singing to joy, and splashing water to my mom.

It was then. 

I just looked outside last Saturday, without even thinking of taking a dip because I know that it's bad for the skin. Yet I look at the happy faces of my nephews and nieces. Memories came back to me.

Memories go down and splash our thoughts with the joys of the yesteryears. I don't really know if I had a well-spent childhood. For one thing I know, the days I can take a bath under the rain left a significant impact on me. Something good.

PROSTRATING... more than just vows.

Weldann Lester Panganiban

April 29 

One of the things which gave me goosebumps during the Solemn Profession of the Dominican Friars today was their prostration at the beginning of the rite, asking for God's mercy as a response to the question of the Father Provincial.

This is an unusual sight, yet it is somewhat a call for everyone present. It's really a shaking call. We all need God's mercy; we ask for it in prostration. We're nothing without HIS grace. We follow and subject ourselves to him in everything we do, until death.