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. 

BAGONG BAHAY... BAGONG BUHAY!!!

I have moved to a new home! After spending my childhood and teenage years inside this room, it's time to go out and move to a space I can really call my own.

Actually, my new house is just beside my old room, and some of my things are still there. I moved because, aside from the need to feel some independence, the space is not enough anymore for my stuff. Since my sister left their house a few days ago, my mom decided to give it to me. I moved there yesterday.

This is my new home, still messy since I just moved in yesterday. This would be my new home to the same experiences and I am optimistic that positive things are in store at this simple space. 

BINONDO CHURCH: Santo Cristo de Longos and Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro

When one comes to speak about Binondo, you would remember it as Chinatown, or as the hometown of San Lorenzo Ruiz, or simply a place where you can eat tikoy or hopia everyday. But there's more we should know than all these. Each part of Binondo speaks of a certain legacy, a history that we should know more. 

The images of Santo Cristo de Longos and Ina ng Biglang Awa (Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro) are among the many treasures of Binondo, and testimonies of the faith of the Chinese, through the efforts of the Dominican Friars. There are lots of literature written about these venerated images of Jesus and Mary inside the Binondo Church posted everywhere in the internet, but then a photo speaks more than just words, right?

Summer Vacation and... boredom. xD

How's life for me? Oh well...

Three weeks of facing my laptop, chatting with FB friends, doing some Photoshop lay-outing, and so much blah. Three weeks of no pay, making me really deprived of going around.

Three weeks.

Well, that's so much for me taking a rest. When can I get out of here? :(

Valentines' Date: APO BAKET!

February 14, Valentines Day. For most, it is a time of love, relationship and affection. People set up dates, go with their bf's or gf's, and... nah! For others, it is Independence Day, thanks to their single status. Others? Well, they like eating Ampalaya on this day, brought about by their bitterness.

Over the past month, I experienced a very terrible heartbreak. I felt like it was the end for me. Thankfully, it wasn't. Instead of throwing myself away in depression, I decided to go somewhere more comfortable, and visit one of the most beautiful women I ever encountered.

One place: MANAOAG, PANGASINAN. One Lady: OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY

It's been two years since I last visited her Shrine, now to be declared a Minor Basilica. A lot of changes happened, making the place a lot more beautiful. Regardless, the feeling of beholding her once again is worth all the waiting and longing. More of the story below...

Unlike before, when vendors were the welcome sight in front of the
Shrine, the pathway going to the Basilica is paved and surrounded
with images of different Saints - Dominican as well as others.
It is now a better way of saying welcome to the Basilica!

The Bora Life

Over the past week, we celebrated Catholic Teachers' Day at Boracay Island. It's three days' worth of sand, sun and surf, on top of other things one could possibly do there. Everything was exciting and wonderful, though it took some pains on my body. For a first timer, you can simply do anything you want.

Of course, I have my camera with me, so I took some shots while we were there. Story continues with each caption.

This is the second time I would ride a plane. I need to endure much headache and
tipsy-turvy for a week after our trip, but there was really
some excitement in the air which overpowered my physical weakness.

Blurred Shots and Papal Memories

It was the early morning of January 16, 2015, roughly a week after I was declared healed from my sickness. Despite a very stern warning not to sleep less than 6 hours, I woke up early for a very important encounter with someone dear to me and millions of Catholics. He's no-less than the Holy Father, Pope Francis. He will say Mass at the Manila Cathedral, for bishops, priests and religious in our country.

The Holy Father arrived at Manila last night, for a state and pastoral visit to our country. For most of us who can't go to Rome to see him, this is a very wonderful opportunity to be close to our leader and father. As Vicar (representative) of Christ in this world, we are always assured that we will see Jesus himself when he visits us, and true enough, this is what we felt.

Pagbabagong-puso (Munting Pagninilay sa Pista ng Nazareno 2015)

(I'll write this in my own language...)

Maraming nangyari sa Traslacion ng Poong Nazareno kahapon. May namatay, may nagprotesta, may nawala at nakita, at may dumungaw. Lahat ito at iba pa, na naganap sa loob ng halos 19 na oras sa gitna ng animo'y dagat ng tao.

OWY's New Face

One more year and OWY is Ten years old! So, to prepare for next year's event, there will be some significant changes in the blog. 

We will start with the Header. Formerly, the Header is a montage of who I was during that time as an English Instructor-cum-Radio Announcer. It also featured a special artwork made by Ardie Aquino.

But on Dec. 31, 2014, minutes before the New Year, I changed it into a simple yet expressive header. The photo was taken during a simple photoshoot at Intramuros with Eldrick Nolasco.

The result? This. :)

Surely, there will be more in store for the coming year, until 2016 when One With You will be celebrating its Tenth Year. So better watch out for it!

For now, just stay tuned for more posts and more of me in 2015! :D

2015: SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

Sa biyaya ng buhay at lakas.

Binigyan kami ng panibagong sigasig

upang harapin ang pagsubok ng panahon.

SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

Sa taóng tunay na lilipas

Sa mga taong darating at dumaan

naging bahagi ng buhay naming aba.

SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

Sa mga pagsubok na aming hinarap.

Pinatatag kami at inyong pinatunayan

na hindi ninyo kami pinababayaan.

SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

Sa mga biyaya na aming natanggap.

Kami man ay tao, nagkakasala't hamak

minamahal pa rin kami, inaampon at pinagpapapala.

Sa taóng darating, aming hiling

Patuloy na biyaya'y aming makamit.

Sa panahong nakalipas, sa panahong darating pa,

SALAMAT SA DIYOS! SALAMAT MARIA!

#Happy2015