Pinapanuod ko sa ngayon ang Extra-Challenge sa internet hindi ko alam kung kelan ito pinalabas sa Pinas. Ang episode ay "Promdi" ang mga challengers ay sina Ruffa, Donita at Jasmine Trias. Ang ganda ng setting, iba't-ibang farm sa Batangas; palaisdaan, bukohan, bibehan, pinitak, atbp. Kanina pa ako tawa ng tawa kay Booba okay pala siya eh. Isa pang nakakatawa ay si Jasmine Trias; matagal na siyang sikat pero ngayon ko lang siya napanuod at napakinggan na di kumakanta. Kanina pa siya tili ng tili at cute siyang magtagalog ("konti excited, pero mas takot").
Pero ito talaga ang kwento ko.
Pagkasimba ko kaninang hapon ay inayaya ko ang kaibigan ko na mamasyal sa Federation Square nabalitaan ko kasi naa nagshooting duon kanina ang cast ng OK Fine. Pagkababa ko ng tram may nakita ko isang grupo ng mga asians na nagkokodakan. Pamilyar sa akin yung isang babaeng maliit iyun pala si Nicky Valdez. Si Edu Manzano nandun din. Pero si Bayani ang nilapitan ko sabay mano, kumustahan at picture taking (buti may camera na ang mobile phone). Tapos sabi ko, "Sa'n si Papa Aga?" Yun pala katabi ko lang. Habang kausap ko si Aga, isa lang ang naconfirm ko: lahat pala tayo may ka-look-a-like! O pano ina-antok na ako.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Senti
I went to St. Francis Church in the city to hear Mass this afternoon. After the service I went to Our Lady's chapel to pray. And then I saw a group of Asian teenage girls who were also there praying. I noticed that one of them looks like her -- the object of my affection in highschool. It's been long years now but her memory is still haunting me...(or perhaps entertaining me).
She gave me the greatest happiness as well as the sadness during my highschool life. Looking back, I realised that though it sometimes felt like a wound in my heart, but it didn't matter, because I loved her anyway. Mine was a disordered love because she didn't love me in return.
I discovered in my young life that love wounds us and the wound does not simply disappear. It forms a scar and such scars are lasting signs that can hurt again, but they allow us to go on living a humanly fulfilled life that may be all the more mature because of suffering. So I thank her and am still praying for her, inspite of everything I became a better person and forever be indebted to her for teaching me how to love.
She gave me the greatest happiness as well as the sadness during my highschool life. Looking back, I realised that though it sometimes felt like a wound in my heart, but it didn't matter, because I loved her anyway. Mine was a disordered love because she didn't love me in return.
I discovered in my young life that love wounds us and the wound does not simply disappear. It forms a scar and such scars are lasting signs that can hurt again, but they allow us to go on living a humanly fulfilled life that may be all the more mature because of suffering. So I thank her and am still praying for her, inspite of everything I became a better person and forever be indebted to her for teaching me how to love.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Paalam Kakosa
Paalam kakosa Franzen akala ko ikaw ang mananalo sa Pinoy Big Brother. Maraming natuwa sa iyo at lalo na siguro ang ABS-CBN dahil kumita sila sa iyo. Isang simpleng pasasalamat lang ito sa pag-entertain sa amin sa gitna ng kahirapan ng buhay (at dahil kamukha mo ang isang classmate kong pari na ngayon:). Simple ka at natural. Pasok MTV girls! :)
My First Wedding Homily
Readings: 1 Cor 13:4-7,13 Ps 34,2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9; Mk 10: 6-9
Mystery of Love
Last Wednesday, we came here to this church to have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a rehearsal that night because the Church was double-booked. There was a funeral rosary at that time. I think no one would dare to have a wedding rehearsal with a coffin inside the church. Anyway, I was really glad that evening because I had a chance to have a brief interview with Matthew and Holly.
I learnt that they’ve known each other for more than twelve years now. I asked them, “When you first met each other did you fall in love straight away?” They both answered “no”. I thought they would say “yes”.
You know, it really struck me as I drove back home to Carlton, I started to wonder “how love develops between two people?” If Matthew and Holly didn’t feel anything on their first meeting, I wondered what made their love grow deeper. With so many people around why did they choose each other? Why they love each other? Why are they getting married today? Isn’t it a big decision to make a lifetime commitment?
But when I looked at the wedding booklet yesterday I found the answer. There is a quotation from Elizabeth Browning, it says, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you….
For me these words speak of confidence, contentment, happiness, peace and love. I’m sure this is what Holly and Matthew have found from each other. They both found confidence, contentment, happiness, peace; they found love towards each other. So that today, in this church, they choose freely to publicly declare their love and fidelity firstly before God and second to their loved ones and friends.
Christian marriage
It’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness a significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. We have here a lovely Christian couple, Holly and Matthew, who will pledge themselves before God as husband and wife, who will live the rest of their lives as one. As Jesus says, the two shall become one flesh.
Christian marriage is special because couples recognise the important role of God in their relationship. Holly and Matthew are both aware that human love isn’t enough if they don’t reserve a place for God in their lives, God who is the source of love.
Matthew and Holly’s faith in Jesus Christ will be manifested before us as they promise each other their love and fidelity in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By these words, they fulfill the words of Jesus in the Gospel, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
So, I invite you my dear friends to join Matthew and Holly, in being aware of the presence of God today in this sacred ceremony, in this beautiful church. The beautiful music and flowers, the presence of our bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, and our cute flower girl, Olivia; they all make us aware not only of the solemnity of Christian marriage, but also the goodness of God’s creation. As we all responded to the Psalm read to us by Annalise: The earth is full of goodness of the Lord.
Mystery of Love
Last Wednesday, we came here to this church to have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a rehearsal that night because the Church was double-booked. There was a funeral rosary at that time. I think no one would dare to have a wedding rehearsal with a coffin inside the church. Anyway, I was really glad that evening because I had a chance to have a brief interview with Matthew and Holly.
I learnt that they’ve known each other for more than twelve years now. I asked them, “When you first met each other did you fall in love straight away?” They both answered “no”. I thought they would say “yes”.
You know, it really struck me as I drove back home to Carlton, I started to wonder “how love develops between two people?” If Matthew and Holly didn’t feel anything on their first meeting, I wondered what made their love grow deeper. With so many people around why did they choose each other? Why they love each other? Why are they getting married today? Isn’t it a big decision to make a lifetime commitment?
But when I looked at the wedding booklet yesterday I found the answer. There is a quotation from Elizabeth Browning, it says, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you….
For me these words speak of confidence, contentment, happiness, peace and love. I’m sure this is what Holly and Matthew have found from each other. They both found confidence, contentment, happiness, peace; they found love towards each other. So that today, in this church, they choose freely to publicly declare their love and fidelity firstly before God and second to their loved ones and friends.
Christian marriage
It’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness a significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. We have here a lovely Christian couple, Holly and Matthew, who will pledge themselves before God as husband and wife, who will live the rest of their lives as one. As Jesus says, the two shall become one flesh.
Christian marriage is special because couples recognise the important role of God in their relationship. Holly and Matthew are both aware that human love isn’t enough if they don’t reserve a place for God in their lives, God who is the source of love.
Matthew and Holly’s faith in Jesus Christ will be manifested before us as they promise each other their love and fidelity in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By these words, they fulfill the words of Jesus in the Gospel, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
So, I invite you my dear friends to join Matthew and Holly, in being aware of the presence of God today in this sacred ceremony, in this beautiful church. The beautiful music and flowers, the presence of our bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, and our cute flower girl, Olivia; they all make us aware not only of the solemnity of Christian marriage, but also the goodness of God’s creation. As we all responded to the Psalm read to us by Annalise: The earth is full of goodness of the Lord.
Christian Love
Sarah read the famous passage about love from First Corinthians. St. Paul was saying to the early Christian community that the most fundamental part of being a Christian is love. His description of love is patient and kind, never jealous, never boastful, not self-seeking. No doubt many couples see this passage as a description of the love they have for each other, but Paul is encouraging them to have this love for everyone.
This passage is very appropriate for Matthew and Holly who love each other, to love each other’s families, to love their co-workers at the Police Force and at the Alfred Hospital, and to love the people who live in their neighborhood.
Prayers
Matthew and Holly, all your love comes first from God, who loved you even before you discovered love. My prayer for you today, is that you return that love you both received. Don’t refuse the opportunities to share it. May it benefit you, your family, your friends and your loved ones. Always remember that Love never fails.
**I can't wait for the photos!
Parang kelan lang ringbearer ako sa kasal ngayon ako na ang nagkakasal. Natatandaan ko pa nung pangalawang beses na nag-ringbearer ako nalate kami ng Ina ko sa kasal. Hindi na kami umabot sa simbahan kaya sa reception na lang. Natatandaan ko pa din nung araw na iyon sa loob ng jeep ako pinalitan ng damit pang-abay ng Ina ko. Nilagyan p niya ako ng polbo ang likod ko mainit kasi. Ito'y habang nanunuod sa akin ang mga pasahero.
Friday, November 11, 2005
May Isang Studyante
Parang natanggalan ako ngayon ng tinik sa dibdib ( o sa talampakan?). Limang minuto lang ang nakakalilipas nang matapos ang oral exams ko sa Canon Law. Labinlimang minuto akong "i-ninterogate" ni Judicial Vicar, at sa loob ng maikling sandali ay kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya na may "alam" ako kahit papaano sa Canon Law. Masaya ako dahil sigurado akong naipasa ko naman ang orals exam na worth 50%, kaya lang e may essay pa na worth 50% din (di ko pa nasisimulan).
Ala-ala mula sa klase ko sa Canon Law...
Tuwing first period ng klase, oras na magsimula ang lecture automatic bumibigat ang mga mata ko at kusa silang pumipikit. Kasabay nito ang pag-lipad ng aking diwa sa mundo ng panaginip. Mararamdaman ko na parang humihinto ang daloy ng dugo sa utak ko. Nag-iiba ang kulay ng ceiling, lamesa, silya at mukha ng katabi ko. Sa madalit salita, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang makatulog.
Pero gifted yata ako dahil kahit nakakatulog ako sa klase ay nakakapagsulat pa rin ang kamay ko. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulat ko kahit ang isip ko ay nasa Pilipinas at nagbabakasyon o nasa loob ng PBB. Kakaiba nga lang kinalalabasan ng sulat ko: shorthand na Arabic.
Nakakaguilty minsan.
Nakakahiya din naman minsan. Isang beses nang bumalik ang diwa ko sa klase ng Canon Law; namulat na lang ako na ang pinang-susulat ko na pala ay ang aking berdeng highlighter!
Ala-ala mula sa klase ko sa Canon Law...
Tuwing first period ng klase, oras na magsimula ang lecture automatic bumibigat ang mga mata ko at kusa silang pumipikit. Kasabay nito ang pag-lipad ng aking diwa sa mundo ng panaginip. Mararamdaman ko na parang humihinto ang daloy ng dugo sa utak ko. Nag-iiba ang kulay ng ceiling, lamesa, silya at mukha ng katabi ko. Sa madalit salita, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang makatulog.
Pero gifted yata ako dahil kahit nakakatulog ako sa klase ay nakakapagsulat pa rin ang kamay ko. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulat ko kahit ang isip ko ay nasa Pilipinas at nagbabakasyon o nasa loob ng PBB. Kakaiba nga lang kinalalabasan ng sulat ko: shorthand na Arabic.
Nakakaguilty minsan.
Nakakahiya din naman minsan. Isang beses nang bumalik ang diwa ko sa klase ng Canon Law; namulat na lang ako na ang pinang-susulat ko na pala ay ang aking berdeng highlighter!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
First Baptism
Cayden, I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Second Homily
Corpus Christi College
November 3, 2005
Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10
God’s mercy
We hear in the Gospel today two parables told by Jesus: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. They are actually followed immediately by the related parable of the Prodigal Son. These three parables in chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel are commonly called the ‘three parables of God’s mercy.’ However, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are short and simple compared to the parable of the prodigal Son.
Jesus spoke these parables as his response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his attitude toward the tax collectors and sinners “who were coming to listen to him.” The Pharisees, being righteous as they were, simply couldn’t accept the fact that offering hospitality and sharing meals with the social outcasts are acceptable in the eyes of God.
In the eyes of the Pharisees, associating with sinners is an irreligious and scandalous act. To serve as host at the table for tax collectors is beyond their imagination. They were grumbling because this is exactly what Jesus was doing.
Why is someone like Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah, making friends with sinners whose bad reputations are known to the public? Does he know what he’s doing?
The righteous contempt of the Pharisees shows how much they misunderstood the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.
The Pharisees’ grudging spirit prevents them from understanding that God’s love encompasses everyone, including the tax collectors and sinners. Their self-righteousness blinds them from realising we are all equal in the eyes of God. Since each one of us is a child of God, whether a person is holy or not, God’s mercy is available to them.
This links with St. Paul’s warning in the first reading, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
Joy in finding the lost
The joy of the shepherd and the woman is the description of God’s joy at the repentance of a sinner.
When Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, he didn’t intend his audience to look simply at the reaction of the shepherd and the woman when they lost a part of their property. What Jesus emphasized was the joy of finding what was lost.
The shepherd shouts out loud to his friends and neighbours: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Likewise, the joy of the woman after finding her lost coin outweighs her tireless efforts in searching and sweeping the entire house just to find it. She’s even willing to throw a party for her friends which would cost her a lot of money.
The woman cries out, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”
Challenge
The challenge of the Gospel for us today is the same challenge which Jesus gave to the Pharisees: Are we willing to celebrate with God and his angels who rejoice each time a repentant sinner comes to Jesus?
Those who find God’s mercy offensive can’t celebrate with the angels when a sinner repents.
“The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin expose the grudging spirit that prevents us from receiving God’s mercy.
Only those who can celebrate God’s grace to others can experience that mercy themselves.”
November 3, 2005
Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10
God’s mercy
We hear in the Gospel today two parables told by Jesus: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. They are actually followed immediately by the related parable of the Prodigal Son. These three parables in chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel are commonly called the ‘three parables of God’s mercy.’ However, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are short and simple compared to the parable of the prodigal Son.
Jesus spoke these parables as his response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his attitude toward the tax collectors and sinners “who were coming to listen to him.” The Pharisees, being righteous as they were, simply couldn’t accept the fact that offering hospitality and sharing meals with the social outcasts are acceptable in the eyes of God.
In the eyes of the Pharisees, associating with sinners is an irreligious and scandalous act. To serve as host at the table for tax collectors is beyond their imagination. They were grumbling because this is exactly what Jesus was doing.
Why is someone like Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah, making friends with sinners whose bad reputations are known to the public? Does he know what he’s doing?
The righteous contempt of the Pharisees shows how much they misunderstood the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.
The Pharisees’ grudging spirit prevents them from understanding that God’s love encompasses everyone, including the tax collectors and sinners. Their self-righteousness blinds them from realising we are all equal in the eyes of God. Since each one of us is a child of God, whether a person is holy or not, God’s mercy is available to them.
This links with St. Paul’s warning in the first reading, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
Joy in finding the lost
The joy of the shepherd and the woman is the description of God’s joy at the repentance of a sinner.
When Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, he didn’t intend his audience to look simply at the reaction of the shepherd and the woman when they lost a part of their property. What Jesus emphasized was the joy of finding what was lost.
The shepherd shouts out loud to his friends and neighbours: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Likewise, the joy of the woman after finding her lost coin outweighs her tireless efforts in searching and sweeping the entire house just to find it. She’s even willing to throw a party for her friends which would cost her a lot of money.
The woman cries out, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”
Challenge
The challenge of the Gospel for us today is the same challenge which Jesus gave to the Pharisees: Are we willing to celebrate with God and his angels who rejoice each time a repentant sinner comes to Jesus?
Those who find God’s mercy offensive can’t celebrate with the angels when a sinner repents.
“The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin expose the grudging spirit that prevents us from receiving God’s mercy.
Only those who can celebrate God’s grace to others can experience that mercy themselves.”
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