LA NAVAL 2015: #SalamatPoNANAY!

DEAR NANAY,

I could still remember clearly that day: October 10, 2010. 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. It was love at first sight. Since then, I made a promise to visit you, to get to know you more, to begin loving you.

THE FIFTEEN PROMISES TO THOSE WHO PRAY THE ROSARY WITH DEVOTION

Our Life, Our Sweetness, Our Hope! (La Naval 2015)

THE FIFTEEN PROMISES TO THOSE WHO PRAY THE ROSARY WITH DEVOTION

(from St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche)

1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest Graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against Hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant Mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men [and women] from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire for Eternal Things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whosoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself [herself] to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the Grace of God, and become worthy of Eternal Life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the Light of God and the plenitude of His Graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the Merits of the Saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from Purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of Glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by recitation of the Rosary.

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

The Start of Forever

Do you believe in Forever? For us, the statement Walang Forever (There is no Forever) is true, especially in one's love life. We often use the term when we court someone we love: "I want you to be with me forever." "You are my forever." But then, this "forever" ends up to having a time limit: one week, one month, some years. People nowadays set a time limit to something which is supposed to surpass time and space.

When we use the term forever, it means we commit or show our love to someone or something for the rest of our lives, even until death, sometimes after death. You offer the greatest proof of love and admiration: your life.

Where everything started: La Naval 2010

Since my devotion to Our Lady started five years ago, I entrusted my life to Nanay, with all my activities and plans, achievements and pains, placed at the foot of her Altar. She saw me fall down quite a number of times, and stand up after each fall to move on and forward. All the significant events in my life since then, from my graduation in college to my first job, from my first teaching stint to my passing as a Professional Teacher, I had obtained through her powerful intercession. 

Along the way, I also came to know Saint Dominic and his band of brothers, known as the Dominicans. I became friends with some of them, and through them I became acquainted with the Order's way of life, focused on prayer and study. 

Five years of miracles, and numerous encounters of friendship and brotherhood, inspired me to stand up and take the journey myself as a Dominican. I don't know what lies ahead, but after some time of reflection, I decided to go on and see for myself what God has in store.

I entered the Our Lady of La Naval Lay Dominican Fraternity in 2013, but instead of having my Vestition after a year, it took me two years to finish my Postulancy. I can't find time to immerse in study because of my preparation for the Licensure Examinations that year. I was almost at the brink of giving up, because of my lack of attendance and other factors. But then, I thought that I should go on. Our Lady did not give up on me, so why should I turn away from her?

I continued my Postulancy in 2014, undergoing the formation I received a year before. Challenges came and went, but Our Lady did not leave me especially in some of the trying moments in my life that year. She proved to me that everything is alright, as long as I follow her ways. It was hard, but God's grace is far better than anything people throw at me.

Finally, after a brief examination, I and my fellow postulants received the nod of the Chapter to receive the Scapular of Saint Dominic and enter the Novitiate - the next step of formation. At that time, I planned to give up if ever I do not pass the exam and to continue my devotion as before, but Nanay has other things in mind. 

We received our Scapulars from Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, OP,
Prior of the Convent and Spiritual Director of Our Lady of La Naval Lay
Dominican Fraternity. and Sir Eugene delos Santos, OP, President of the Fraternity.

We formally received our Scapular yesterday at Santo Domingo, inside the church where I first encountered her love and protection five years ago. It was like a point of destiny, entrusting our lives to her under the example of Saint Dominic. Wearing the Scapular, we felt a special bond of care and protection, the same thing I felt when I started my devotion to Nanay. Our spirits were overflowing with joy, knowing that we already belong to a family of preachers, and that we are already placed under the guidance of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the same Lady whom I have entrusted my life five years ago.

It is the start of a journey. After a brief time discovering her and experiencing her love in many ways and miracles, it is my turn. What I did is not a show-off; but it is, for me, the best way to give back to Mary for the many blessings I received through her intercession. The journey would never be smooth; I know it is a rough road, but I always believe that after a typhoon is a sunny day. Nothing is impossible for someone who trusts in the Lord's providence.

Do you believe in Forever? I do. As long as you believe that God has a best plan for you, and as long as you trust in his grace, there would certainly be a forever. Love lasts forever, if you place it in the right hands. It is, simply, the start of forever, as we shall always dedicate ourselves to Mary and to her Son, Jesus, without any reservation, for the rest of our lives. 

LA NAVAL 2014: A Vow Made and Fulfilled

Besamanto, Oct. 10, 2014

There are lots of reasons why I should say that my fifth La Naval is more exciting and memorable than the past four. I always mentioned in the former posts that each La Naval, though containing the same program, and focused on the same Virgin of the Holy Rosary, has a distinct character which makes it unique every year.

This year, despite the heavy rains during the novena days, crowds still poured in during the Festivities, showing their resiliency when it comes to their love for the Blessed Mother. Rain or shine, the devotees continued to visit Our Lady in her Shrine at Quezon City, to bring up to her their prayers and needs, and to thank her for answered intentions.

The vow of our forefathers was once again fulfilled in this year's festivities, and nothing stopped the Filipino in showing their devotion to her, not even the rain which poured out during the festivities.

Personally, this year was a lot more challenging for me. Though I already experienced last year the long travel from Malabon to QC and back, my ongoing battle with TB made it hard for me to go on. There was even a chance that I almost had a physical breakdown. But despite all these, I'm confident that Our Lady helped me move on and continue this little sacrifice.

True enough, Our Lady is true to her word.

LA NAVAL 2014: Some PIC-PACs (Part 01)

As La Naval Season is upon us, here are some of the shots of the recent days:

After Our Lady was enthroned, and everything's done, the lights of the Baldachino still illuminate the dark church.
Mary, the bearer of the Light, which is Jesus, continues to share the glorious rays of God to the people
who continuously live in the darkness of sin.

On the first Besamanto for this year, Our Lady was once again taken down from her royal throne to
listen to the needs of her children. Her face is so serene, in all her royalty.

When someone approaches Our Lady, there is always hope that their prayers would certainly be answered.
In the course of time, people continued to cling to Mary's hand, asking her help in every need.
There was none that she refused.

NANAY'S MIRACLE: A Story at the Camarin

My Besamanto last October 03, 2013.
The encounter I had at the Camarin is similar
to this one.

This is an overdue post, because I was supposed to post this in occasion of Mama Mary's Birthday last September 08. But tough times and heavy responsibilities came in which made this pending post get postponed for so many times.

But then, I realized that if ever I write this at the end of the month, it would not be late at all, since it has a big connection to La Naval, whose patronage I have sought and whose care I felt for four years now, and how, in one of the most trying moments of my life yet, she manifested her presence.

As you may have known, I had taken the Licensure Examination for Teachers last year. From the start to the end, Our Lady stayed by my side, especially on those days when I felt so alone, that I can't make it.

Our scheduled date of the Exam was Sept. 29, 2013, Sunday. After weeks of rigorous review, I decided to give my brain a little rest in preparation for the exam. Of course, that included a last-minute visit to Our Lady's shrine in Quezon City.

September 28, 2013. I attended Mass at Sto. Domingo for the Feast of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions. The Image of the Santo Rosario is already kept at the "Camarin" (a room for the venerated images) in faithful preparation for the La Naval festivities. Saddened, I just believed that what's more important is her maternal presence, whether her physical image is there or not.

After a few minutes of meditation, I saw some friar-friends entering inside the Camarin. I had second thoughts on what to do, but my faith (and some of my kakulitan) led me to ask one of the Friars a very special request: to have my Rosary touched to Our Lady's Manto.

He hesitated at first, but then, he took my Rosary, entered the Camarin, and touched it to Our Lady. Meanwhile, the Camarero (caretaker) of the Image opened the door of the Camarin so widely, that I was able to see Our Lady. As this was taking place, I prayed one Ave and entrusted to her, in a quick span of time, my fate as I take the Licensure Exams.

No words can explain this experience: to see Our Lady (even if it's within a brief distance), and to have my rosary touched to her hands. After that brief moment, I started to feel a maternal embrace enveloping my whole person, and I felt the strength to take the challenge.

The next day, with the Rosary clasped in my hand, I took the test. I remember the tears I shed as the test was on-going, and the cry which came from the depths of my nothingness: Mi Madre! Mi Reina! Mi Gran Señora! It's intensity took me emotionally that it even led me to tears, but thank God and Our Lady, I was able to persevere and pass the exam!

A few days after the Oath-taking, at the start
of 2014, I offered to Our Lady my oath
as a Professional Teacher. (01-01-2014)

In thanksgiving to Nanay, on the day of my oath-taking (December 23, 2013), I attended Mass at Santo Domingo, and offered a token of thanksgiving to her. Small as it might seem, it came from my heart, as a very special way of thanking her for her guidance and wisdom as I went through one of the challenging, yet promising moments in my life.

This Sunday will mark a year after the Camarin experience. After challenges which went my way after the LET, my love and devotion for Nanay remains. She had let me pass through these tough challenges, and yet she stays by my side. Despite my weakness, her love perseveres. 

What lies next? I don't know. Perhaps I would be more blessed with another encounter very soon. Until then, I just pray that this year's La Naval festivities would be more memorable for me and for all devotees.

A Pilgrimage of Thanks

There were five non working days which ICPS had observed from December 6-10, in-line with the celebration of Malabon Teachers' Day, and the 3-day observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the Parish in Malabon City.

I took advantage of these five days to go and take a roadtrip around the churches I had visited before, and there to give thanks for letting me pass the Board. I took with me some good friends to join me in the journey.

LA NAVAL 2013: Tuloy lang ang Paglalayag! (The Story)

Lahat tayo naglalayag sa buhay na ito. Maraming pagsubok na dumarating na akala natin ay magpapabagsak sa atin sa kadiliman.

Gayun pa man, hindi dapat tayo makaramdam ng pangungulila, sapagkat nariyan, gumagabay at tumatanglaw sa atin, si Maria na ating Ina, at si Hesus na kanyang Anak at ating Panginoon. 

The yearly La Naval Festivities. This serves as one of my main highlights for the year, next to my birthday, due to its importance in my life. Because of the development I underwent from being a simple devotee, to being her Guardia de Honor since last year, I can really say, with all humility, that Our Lady calls even the most unworthy of people, to serve Her and Her Son, Jesus. 

This is my Fourth La Naval on the record, and yet every part of it is different from the past LN celebrations I had, despite the same royal and sacred look-and-feel it provides the devotee. I can still recall every memoir, and though words cannot really describe everything, I will try to put these memoirs into writing.

LA NAVAL 2013: Tuloy lang sa paglayag!

Took this shot from the inside, the view of a Guardia de Honor. It capped-off the past days of prayers and preparation for this year's La Naval.

More in the coming post. The site had been sick for a few months, and I just checked whether I could post already or not. Since I'm already able to post, I'll share my La Naval story very soon. :)

Weldann Lester Panganiban

October 14 at 11:50am · Edited · 

Lahat tayo naglalayag sa buhay na ito. Maraming pagsubok na dumarating na akala natin ay magpapabagsak sa atin sa kadiliman.

Gayun pa man, hindi dapat tayo makaramdam ng pangungulila, sapagkat nariyan, gumagabay at tumatanglaw sa atin, si Maria na ating Ina, at si Hesus na kanyang Anak at ating Panginoon. 

Reaching the Skies with Nanay...(A Guardia's story)

Then a student,...
2011 LN Festivities

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila. This is a splendid name for a queen who always comes to the aid of her children. I am proud to become one of the millions of people who felt the intercession of Our Lady, and continued to become at service to her. What was just a simple and unprepared visit at the start, now turned out to be a life of service and ministry for her love and affection.

Just a year ago (this is different from my very first visit in 2010), I was among the sea of spectators for the Feast of La Naval de Manila. Back then, I promised Nanay then that I will try my best to visit her more often. I began my monthly habit of visiting her during the First Sunday of the month, as a fulfillment of my vow. Not that I still feel the bitterness on my own home base, but it was a moment for me to reflect with Mary on my performance as a lay rising from the ashes.

Sa Mahal kong Nanay...

November 16, 2011

SDC

Mahal kong Nanay...

Marami silang tawag sa iyo. Maraming taguring gamit. Maraming pamanhik. Gayunpaman, nais kitang tawagin sa ngalan na kung saan ako ay panatag... NANAY.

Ilang beses na akong napatawag sa iyo! Ilang pagkakataon na ring sa kabila ng kakapusan ng pera at mga biglang insidenteng nangyari, ako ay napaparito upang dalawin ka at magpasalamat. Salamat sa mga biyayang napagkaloob, salamat sa mga pagsubok na napagdaanan at napagtagumpayan! Salamat dahil sa kabila ng aking kamalian at pagsuway, ay nariyan ka pa rin upang ako ay gabayan at suportahan lalo na sa madidilim na sandali ng aking buhay. 

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako mapapadpad noong mga panahon na iyon. Lulong ako sa masamang pita, pabaya sa pag-aaral, at wasak na wasak ang buhay. Di ba nga, ang plano ko ay talikuran ang pag-aaral at sumubok na tumayo sa sariling paa, kahit hindi ko kaya? Malamang nga, ilang bagsak na lang ng paa ko ay mabibiyak na ang lupa upang kainin ako sa aking sariling kamatayan. Mapait, malagim, madilim.

Subalit, sa isang iglap ay nanumbalik ang lahat sa dating sigla! Pinagmamasdan ko ang aking pagbangon mula sa pagkadapa at masasabi kong hindi ko ito sariling gawa! Muli kong hinarap ang mga tinalikurang pagsubok; ngayo'y dahan-dahang naaani ko ang kaganapan ng pangarap na minsan kong tinalikuran.

Tama, Nanay. Ang aking pagkabagsak ay isang pasimula. Pasimula ng isang bagong yugto sa aking buhay. Hindi ko ito napansin noon, ngunit ngayo'y ubod ng linaw!

Sa panahon na dahan-dahan akong tumatayo, hindi ko napupuna na ako ay nasa isang paghahanda upang makilala ang isang babae na pupukaw sa aking buhay; paghahanda para sa isang sandali na magpapabago ng buhay ko. At iyon ay nangyari noong gabing iyon na, sa gitna ng dagat ng tao, sa kabila ng aking takot, ay nakilala kita. isang alamat ng aking kabataan na ngayo'y isang realidad na aking hinahawakan at tinatamasa!

O kay tamis na sandali! Sandali na nagpasimula sa IYONG YUGTO ng pag-iral sa aking buhay. Mula noon, dahan-dahang nagbago ang lahat sa akin! Dahan-dahang kinuha ang aking lumang katauhan at tinuruang muling lumapit kay Hesus sa aking munting paraan.

Ngayon, sa puntong ito na ako'y naguguluhan at nadidiliman, hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip na lumapit sa iyo. Alam mo ang mga pinagdadaanan ko, ang mga hirap at pagsubok, ang aking mga kahinaan at problema. Natatalos mo kung gaano ito kabigat at kahirap. Kahit na minsan ay ako rin ang dahilan ng lahat ng pasanin ko, alam ko na hindi ko ito pinagdadaanan kung hindi mo ibig at nais.

Nanay, patuloy mo akong ipanalangin! Patuloy mo akong tulungan! Patuloy mo akong pakinggan at suportahan sa oras ng pangangailangan! Minsan mo na akong tinulungan, alam ko na ngayon ay hindi mo ako pababayaan.

Hindi ako magsasawa sa pagpapahayag ng pagmamahal... ng papuri... at ng pasasalamat sa lahat ng iyong kaloob sa akin! Sa gabi-gabi kong mga date na kasama ka, sa mga piling araw na ako'y mapaa-iyong dambana, at sa iba't-ibang oras na akin kang naipapahayag at napaglilingkuran sa aking kapwa.

Ngayon, ako ay yayao nang muli. Babalik na ako sa aking pamilya, parokya at paaralan. Babalik na ako sa araw-araw na pamumuhay. Subalit hindi ito ang huling sandali. Ipinapangako ko sa iyo, O Nanay kong mahal, na sa pagbabalik ko sa dambana mong ito, ako ay ganap mo nang lingkod. Sa bawat pagbalik ko rito, lalo at lalo kong hahanapin ang aking sariling landas na kasama ka. Lalo at lalo akong magiging bukas sa tawag ng iyong Anak.

Nay, sa huli, iiwan ko ang aking puso sa iyong paanan. Kunin mo ito at dalhin, kasama ng aking mga panalangin, naisin at pamanhik, kay Hesus na minamahal mong Anak at aking Panginoon.

Sa kanya ang kaluwalhatian at sa iyo ang pagdangal ngayon at kailanman. Amen!

MADRE AMOROSA, PRENDA DE AMOR,

ADIOS, ADIOS!!!

LA NAVAL 2011: Milagro ni Nanay

(Baka isipin mong tinataboy kita, pero para mas maganda ang kwentuhan, bisitahin mo muna ang unang dalawang post ng seryeng ito: PART ONE at PART TWO. Click ninyo lang ang mga link para madala kayo doon. Pero kung gusto ninyo talagang magsimula dito.... hmm, sige na nga!!! )

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Ang unang pagbisita sa La Naval, 10.10.10

Isang taon na ang lumipas nang una akong makarating sa Santo Domingo at maging bahagi ng Fiesta ng La Naval. Noon ko unang nakita si Nanay, at aaminin kong na-in-love ako agad sa kanya. May luha ng kagalakan sa mata, nag-iwan ako ng pangako na babalikan ko siya sa susunod na taon. Sariwang-sariwa pa sa alala ko ang gabing iyon. Mistulang kahapon lamang, hinintay kong dumating ang araw na iyun sa kabila ng kaabalahan at mga pagsubok na dumating sa buhay ko sa mga araw, linggo at buwan na dumaan.


Sa kanyang pamamagitan (naniniwala ako doon), nagkaroon ako ng mga mababait at nakaka-challenge na estudyante. Nakabangon ako mula sa mga abo ng pagkabagsak sa pag-aaral. Nanumbalik ang dating samahan ng aking minamahal na Kura, at nakabalik ako sa dati kong posisyon sa Konseho Pastoral. Ngunit higit sa lahat, napalapit at napamahal ako sa aking Mommy na tunay na nagbibigay sa akin ng aking mga pangangailangan sa  kabila ng aking kahinaan at pagkakamali sa kanya.


Pero ang pinakamatindi sa lahat ay ang kanyang pagpaparamdam ng pagmamahal at suporta lalo na sa mga sandali ng aking kahinaan, noong manakaw ang aking wallet ng dalawang beses, noong bumayo si Pedring ng matindihan at halos maligo ang buong bahay namin, noong mahiwa ang aking kaliwang palad na sa kabutihang palad ay nagagalaw ko pa rin ngayon, noong may mga taong hindi makaintindi sa aking mga nais ipahayag, at lalo na noong ma-realize kong panahon nang tumayo ako mula sa aking sekswal na kahinaan.


Tulad nga ng isang Ina, pinaramdam ni Maria sa akin na basta para sa aking ikakalago ay nandiyan siya at di ako pababayaan. Dahil dito ay lalong nadagdagan ang dahilan para dumayo sa kabila ng malakas na ulan at magpasalamat sa kanya ng personal sa lahat ng biyaya na kanyang ipinagkaloob. Kahit na anong mangyari, pupunta ako doon at ipaparamdam ko ang aking pagmamahal at pagpapasalamat sa kanya.

PEDRING y LA NAVAL: Pagmamahal sa Gitna ng Unos (Part 02)

(Magandang basahin mo agad ang post na ito, pero mas maganda kung babasahin mo muna ang Part One... READ IT HERE!!! )

October 01, 2011
Fiesta ni Ate Teresita

Umuulan noon. Hindi, umambon lang. Nasa paligid kasi yung bagong bagyo, si Quiel. Nakababad ako noon sa FB, nagdarasal na sana'y mag-online si Erwin. Di nga ako nagkamali. Nag-online siya, at nagkausap kami.

Bitz: Lakad tayo, di ba?

Whin: Ayy! Meron pala tayo bukas! Amp... Wala akong pera!

Bitz: Bakit?

Whin: Sir, wala akong naipon! Nalimutan ko na aalis pala tayo. Amp...

Bitz: Wala ka talagang pera?

Whin: Ilibre mo ako, sir. Magkano ba pera mo?

... babaratin na naman yata ako ng minamahal kong estu!!! Haixxsst.... 

Bitz: 150 ang budget ko. Sige, may 80 ka na sa akin.

Whin: Ano'ng oras ba ang lakad natin bukas?

Bitz: Ano'ng bukas? NGAYON kaya ang lakad natin?!

Whin: Naku, sir! Wala talaga akong pera.

Bitz: Sige, manghiram ka ng pamasahe kahit na papunta doon sa meeting place natin.

Whin: Sir, paano kung di ako makapunta? Ingat ka na lang.

Bitz: Wag kang panghinaan ng loob! Marami nang nagawa si Nanay para sa akin. Kung nagawa niya iyun sa akin, magagawa rin niya iyun para sa iyo. Tuloy tayo! Have Faith!

Whin: Kasi sir, gusto ko ring magkaroon ng blessing eh!

Bitz: Kaya nga, sumama ka na.

At matapos magkaisa sa lugar na pagkikitaan namin ng estudyante ko, nag-offline na kami pareho upang maghanda. Sinisita ako ng kapatid ko, "Naku, magmo-mall ka lang eh, manlalalaki! Idadamay mo pa ang simbahan. Ikaw talaga!" Pero di pa rin niya ako napigilan at tumuloy na ako sa lakad.

3:00 PM, LRT Carriedo Station.

Ano ba ito?! Maraming mukhang hablero sa paligid. Baka mapa-ano ako dito ah. Antagal naman ni Erwin!

3:15 PM, LRT Carriedo Station.

May lumapit sa akin, naka-T-shirt lang siya at sumbrero. Kinawayan niya ako. Sinukluban ako ng takot at baka kung ano ang gawin sa akin. Pero bago ako magpakita ng pagka-panic, tinignan ko muna siya ng mabuti. Kilala ko ang ngiti niya. Si Erwin na nga.

"O, Tito! Bakit parang nabalisa ka?"

"Akala ko indyanan na, eh. Kinakabahan ako."

Nagsimula na kami ng paglalakad para sa iisang misyon: ang madalaw si Nanay, at magpasalamat para sa pagkakaligtas namin mula sa bagyo. Nagsimula kaming maglakbay sa nakakatakot na daan ng Carriedo. Nakakatakot dahil sa madulas na daan, malakas na buhos ng ulan, at mga taong (sa totoo lang ay) di mapagkakatiwalaan. 

3:25 PM

"O, anak. Ito ang Simbahan ng Quiapo."

"Niloloko mo ba ako, Tito Welds? Di kaya ito ang Simbahan ng Quiapo."

Aba, may sumabat: "Iyan na ang Simbahan ng Quiapo! Sige, pasok kayo!"

May ngiti sa labi, nag-stop-over muna kami sa simbahan ng Nazareno sa Quiapo. Ito ang unang pagkakataon kong makapasok rito makalipas ang halos sampung taon. Hindi masyadong familiar ang mukha ng simbahan subalit sa unang pagtingin ko ay ituturing mo talaga siyang simbahan ng madla. Maganda, ngunit angkop sa masa  ang dating. Lalo nakakapang-akit  sa mga deboto ng Poong Nazareno na dumadagsa dito pag January.

Hinayaan ako ni Erwin na gawin ang isang bagay na nais kong gawin sa araw na ito: ang tumanggap ng Kumpisal. Parang may bulong sa akin na mas nararapat na maging malinis muna ako bago humarap kay Nanay. Isang magandang pangungumpisal ang naganap sa loob ng Confessional Box. Samantalang siya ay ginamit rin ang oras para lumuhod sa harap ni Hesus Nazareno at manalangin.

Mapayapa kaming nakaalis ng Quiapo. Handa na kaming makipagkita kay Nanay.  Excited na excited na kami.

4:55 PM

Bumaba na kami sa Banaue, tutal malapit na at parang nakakaburyo ang trapik na nararanasan namin. Bago kami pumasok sa mismomg simbahan, dumaan kami sa may kumbento ng mga pari. May tindahan sa may gilid. Samantalang ako ay bumibili ng souvenir, pinagtitripan naman ni Erwin ang anak na babae ng tindera. Sa totoo lang, sa pagdating namin doon, nagsimulang umingay sa paligid. Pero di ko kasalanan iyun... (:p)

Pero nagbago ang aura namin sa aming pagpasok sa mismong simbahan. Hindi na naalis ang paningin ko sa Magandang babae na nasa itaas ng Altar, at  sa batang kanyang buhat-buhat. Pagkatapos ng aking mga gawi sa pagpasok sa isang simbahan, inakbayan ko si Erwin at napabulong...

Hi, 'Nay! Ito na ulit ako! At tignan mo, may kasama pa ako!!!

Tinitignan lang ako ni Erwin. Napansin niya ang kakaibang kislap sa mga mata ko. Para bang may nakitang kakaiba na nagdala sa akin ng saya na kakaiba! Napabulong ulit ako, ngayon naman ay siya ang kinakausap ko...

Erwin, meet my Nanay. Mula ngayon, nanay mo na rin siya.

Napangiti siya. Alam niya ang nais kong sabihin. Naramdaman rin niya ng mga sandaling yon ang isang kakila-kilabot na pakiramdam... para bang may nakamasid sa kanya. Nakakapangilabot. Ito rin mismo ang naramdaman ko isang taon na ang nakakalipas. Love at first sight, kung baga. Napamahal na ako sa kanya, at nais kong iparamdam na minamahal ko siya.

Kung nakuha mo na kung sino siya, oo, tama ka! Siya nga si Maria, Reyna ng Santo Rosaryo ng La Naval de Manila. Halos isang taon na noong huli ko siyang nakita, kaya aaminin ko na parang high na naman ako nung mga sandaling iyon. Sariwang-sariwa pa rin sa akin ang alaala ng 10.10.10; parang pakiramdam ko, kahapon lang noong huli kaming nagkita, kahit sa totoo lang ay isang taon na ang nagdaan. Buhay na buhay pa rin ang alaala, ang alab at pagmamahal!

Dame tu Bendicion, Madre de Salvador!

Ito rin ang unang pagkakataon na makasama ako sa aktibidad na kaugnay sa pagnonobena sa Birhen. Nakadagdag ito sa pangingilabot na naramdaman ko. Iba ang naririnig sa internet sa mismong nandoon ka sa harap ng Mahal na Ina, nagsisimba at umaawit ng Ynvocacion  at  Despedida! Nakakatindig ng balahibo, nakakataas ng diwa. Ito pala ang mahika ng La Naval.

Bukod pa riyan, sinamantala na rin namin ang pagkakataon na makalapit sa Mahal na Ina sa Besamanto pagkatapos ng Misa. Pinalad akong makaluhod sa harap niya. Walang kilos, ang kamay ay nakasuporta sa mukha, nakatingin lang ako sa kanyang mukha na puspos ng pagmamahal, habang ibinubuhos ko ang lahat ng sentimyento ng puso ko. Halos maluha-luha ako ng mga sandaling iyun. Paano ba namang hindi, eh  kausap ko at kaniigan ang aking Nanay na pakiramdam ko ay nakikinig sa akin. Tunay nga, walang makakapantay sa pagmamahal ng Birhen ng La Naval!

Sa pagtatapos ng aming gabi sa Santo Domingo, nakita ni Erwin ang mukha ko at ito ang kanyang naging reaksyon, 

"Naku, Tito Welds! Parang sobrang saya mo ah! Parang maliwanag ang mukha mo... Kakilabot!"

"Ganyan ang Mahal na Birhen. Para bang buhay siya? Para bang nakikinig siya sa iyo? Kaya nga masasabi ko, siya ang Nanay ko."

9:15 PM

Sa pag-uwi namin, ang masaya sanang pagtatapos ng araw ay nauwi sa isang matinding pagsubok.

Sa pagpasok muli namin sa simbahan ng Quiapo, may isang batang nagpupumilit na ibenta sa amin ang kanyang kwintas. Wala na kaming pera noon, kaya kahit na anong  pilit niya ay isinasauli namin ang kwintas niya. Habang isinasabit niya iyun sa braso ko, sinasabi niya,

"Sige na kuya, bilhin nyo na, para lang naman sa pamasahe ko't pambaon. Salamat po!"

"Naku, neng! Wala talaga kaming  pera..."

Buti nga sana kung ganun lang ang pagsubok, subalit may isa pa na darating. Isang mabigat na pagsubok na titingin ko hanggang saan ako sa pananampalataya ko sa Diyos at pagtitiwala kay Nanay.

Nagkahiwalay na kami ni Erwin sa Carriedo, at paakyat na ako ng LRT nang biglang sumigaw ang babae sa gilid ko,

"Boy, yung harap ng bag mo, bukas."

Naalala ko, naroon ang aking wallet, gayun din ang Novena Booklet ko sa La Naval. Nang tignan ko ang bukas kong front pouch, wala na nga pareho. (Naroon rin ang USB Flash Drive ko. Salamat sa Diyos, di iyon nakuha.)

Nagpanic ako. Sinubukan kong habulin si Erwin subalit inaalala ko na baka mahalata nilang may problema ako at mauwi pa iyun sa mas matinding gulo. Wala na akong magagawa, kailangan ko nang kumilos. 

'Nay, pagsubok lang ito. Sige, ikaw ang bahala.

Di na ako nagdalawang-isip. nagdesisyon na akong maglakad mula Carriedo pauwi. Hindi iniisip ang gutom o ang mas matinding panganib na dala ng malamig na gabi sa Avenida de Rizal, binagtas ko ang mahabang daan, papalayo sa lugar  na kung saan nagsimula ang aking pakikibaka ng gabing iyon.

Marami akong nakita sa aking paglalakad sa Rizal Ave.: Mga kotse at trak na pauwi na, mga tindahan na pasara na, at mga babaeng pang-aliw na inalok pa ako ng service sa halagang Php300.00. Kinikilabutan ako. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang madaratnan ko sa daan. Subalit nasa isip ko pa ang alaala ng Besamanto, at ang maamong mukha ng Mahal na Birhen. Ang sigaw ng isip at puso ko...

Nanay, wag mo akong  pabayaan... Inang Maria, wag mo akong pabayaan...

Pagdating sa Calle Yuchengco, nakakita ako ng jeep na Gasak-Recto. Hindi na ako nag-alinlangan. Matapos ang isang matamis na dasal, lumapit ako sa driver at nakiusap...

"Boss! Nanakawan ako sa Carriedo, natangay ang wallet ko! Sampung piso lang ang pera ko. Pwede po bang makisabay?"

"Sige na, sakay na!"

Napahinga ako ng malalim. Nagpasalamat ako ng mga sandaling iyon dahil kahit na may  nangyaring masama sa akin (dala ng aking kapabayaan na rin), ay hindi ako pinabayaan ni Maria. Napatunayan ng insidenteng iyon na nariyan lang si Nanay, handang umalalay lalo na sa mga mabibigat na sitwasyon ng aking buhay. Kahit na nawalan ako ng bagay na mahalaga, pinakita sa akin ni Nanay na mas mahalaga pa siya sa anumang materyal na bagay at di niya ako pababayaan basta matatag lang akong nakakapit sa kanya.

Nagkausap kami ni Erwin sa cellphone pagkauwi ko sa bahay.

"O, tito, tuloy tayo sa Linggo?"

"Siyempre! Pagsubok lang iyun, hindi nito mababago ang pagmamahal na alay ko kay Maria, at lalo pa akong magpapasalamat dahil di niya ako pinabayaan."

"Marami tayong kasama?"

"Syempre, anak!"

"Basta tito, Walang aayaw! Hangga't di natin nakukuha kay Ina yung GRACE niya, walang aayaw!"

"Oo anak. Walang aayaw. Ngayon pa na kung anu-ano na ang napagdaanan ko? Walang aayaw, tangan lang tayo. Nandiyan si Nanay para sa atin di niya tayo pababayaan!"

Ngayon, lahat ng bagay ay nakatutok na sa isang petsa: October 09, 2011. Isang pista ng pagpapasalamat sa Inang Maria. Makikiisa kami, makikisaya at muling dudulog sa kanya. 

Ano man ang mangyari, tuloy ang laban, dahil kasama si Nanay!!!

Itutuloy...

VIVA LA GRAN SEÑORA!!! (Extracted from WedPost, October 13, 2010)

This article came from WedPost, a former segment of this blog which was published every Wednesday which features a compilation of events for the past week. It is about my very first visit to Santo Domingo Church, QC, and my first encounter with Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila. This encounter started my love for Nanay, and furthered my growth from a student standing up from ashes to a professional teacher guided by her love and care. This is the start of my love story with Nanay La Naval. (August 30, 2014)

10-10-10 was really a day of union between me and God. The day spent wisely, I took the chance to communicate with God in various ways, and since it was a Sunday, it was really my Church Day...

... it so happened that I took it to a different level.

Last Sunday (Second Sunday of October) was the celebration of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila. I knew it for all this time, thanks to my dete who studied in a Dominican School (St. James Academy). I knew that there was this certain honor to the Virgin, under the title La Naval de Manila, but in reality, I don't know where to visit her. For the years that I came to know of her, I prayed that I may visit her, even just once. It never came to happen, until last Sunday.

A new-found friend in Facebook invited me to attend the celebrations. I am not supposed to come to the event for various reasons, and for the fact that I don't know how to go to Sto. Domingo Church. Yet, I answered yes to him, putting my trust to the Virgin that She will guide me as I go to her shrine.

Sunday came, and as the date of the day came to be, Miracle came after miracle. First of them all, God made my schedule more earlier than I did. I was able to attend the Convivence of my community in the morning, attend Mass in our parish in the afternoon, and go to Sto. Domingo in the Evening. When last Saturday, I was in a dilemma on how to fix my schedule for the next day, God has prepared something after all.

Second, When I thought I was lost in Recto, I was not. I was looking for a jeep on the way to the Church. On my first try, they refuse me, since Sto. Domingo was not a part of their route. I am so desperate then when a driver said to me,Boy, mali ang jeep na hinahanapan mo. Dun ka sa kabilang kalye. I did searched for a jeep on the other side of the road, and Deo Gratias! I found one. I keep on texting my friend on my whereabouts, and when I texted him that I am past Kanlaon St., his reply was, "Congrats bro, andyan ka na!"

Third, and the most notable miracle of the day, the thrill and excitement that I felt when I stood in front of her image. Parang... grabe! When I entered the Church, I've gone sight-seeing first, roving around the Carossas of the different saints that were included in the procession. When I arrived at the side door of the Church, I got my first-hand look at the virgin from my position. Filled with awe, all that I was able to say was... "Ma! I'm here na!" All my curiosity of the younger years were wiped out on that moment, when I was able to see her face-to-face. It was a moving moment for me.

As I left her that night, I made a promise to her, that I will make sure that I will visit her on her feast day every year, as long as my physical abilities permit. That moment was really a milestone for me. One of my firsts for my 20th year of life. I continue to thank God and Mary for this point in my life when I was able to visit a childhood mother of my dreams. I keep on praying to her for me and for everyone and everything that is dear to me. I will really never forget this moment in my life.