Blessed Birthday

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

You've done so much for me - both in good and not-so-good times. Your infinite love and compassion has guided me for so many years, and I'm a better person because of of that.

Continue to cover us with your blue mantle of protection and love.

Rise and Rejoice

Today, we celebrate the most profound and happiest day of the Holy Week celebration.

Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Happy Easter!

St. Pio's power

To the Saint who has been my guide, strength and saving grace, a blessed Feast Day to you.

Happy Feast Day, St. Pio de Pietrelcina!

Habemus Papam!

After much anticipation, we have a new Pope.

By God's guidance and grace, we now have Pope Leo XIV.

Apparently, he's visited the Philippines several times before as a Cardinal. And I'm certain the Filipinos are all anticipating when we'll visit again. This time as Pope.

That's something to look forward to.

Shower of Blessings

During the last visit of Pope Francis in MNL, we waited outside Manila Yacht Club to catch a glimpse of him. And we were rewarded by this sight of him.

Aside from this experience. I also went to Quirino Grandstand where Pope Francis held a mass. 

The day started a bit overcast, then it rained all of a sudden. The rains grew stronger, but the people in the area - myself included - were unfazed and stood there amidst the strong rain showers. No weather disturbance could keep us from hearing his words and homily.

After the mass, I was drenched. As in, dripping wet. 

Went to Robinsons Place Manila - Bench, in particular - and bought a new change of clothes. Initially, was planning to check in to take a shower and change, but it turns out that a lot of the hotels in the area were fully booked - mainly because of the Pope's visit.

This experience was literally a shower of blessings for me.

Pope of Hope

It was a huge shock when I saw Dean Charlie's message regarding the passing away of Pope Francis.

Although he's been sick for quite sometime, and he's been in and out of the hospital, we constantly and continuously prayed that he'd bounce back to his usual, healthy self. And the fact that he was able to make an appearance during Easter Sunday at the Vatican added to that feeling of hope that he could.

But on Easter Monday, he was called back by the Father. The Pope who broke norms, always had a big and welcoming smile, and stood as a beacon of hope, has gone back to heaven.

I've had the pleasure and honour of seeing him during his 2015 visit in MNL, and that was an experience that I'll cherish in my heart. 

Vaya con Dios, Papa Francesco.

Let the joy rise

Today is one of the most joyous days for the Catholic world.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Whenever we hear Easter Sunday mass, you can feel the happiness and excitement of the congregation. From the priest to the servers to the choir to the mass goers, everyone is excited to meet the resurrected Christ. 

Happy Easter, everyone!

Let this be our prayer

Nope, this isn't a post about that super popular song - "The Prayer."

But it's still about a prayer.

When we were kids, I'd often read the classified ads and look for the printed prayers. 

Seeing this reminded me of those times.

Nowadays, classified pages are a rarity, so venues for printing prayers like this are rare as well.

Hope they bring it back.

Immaculate!

Yesterday was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. But since it fell on a Sunday, it's celebrated the day after, which is today!

Until now, the Immaculate Mother song is still one of my all-time favourite songs. From grade school to high school to college to the present day, when they play this and we sing it, there's a well of joy and hope in my heart.

Happy Feast Day, Mama Mary!

And so it begins...

Today is the first Sunday of advent. Thus, the Advent wreath is up at Sagrada Familia. And the congregation is ready and happy to begin the new Liturgical Calendar.

To quote a famous Christmas carol:

"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

Sab-baptism

Today, we welcomed Baby Sab to the Catholic faith.

Congratulations, Kevin & Yrish! Knowing how wonderful you are as Catholics, I'm sure Baby Sab will grow up to be an exemplary person of faith.

The perfect channel

As a student of a Franciscan school, one of the prayers we'd always say is the Prayer of St. Francis.

As a member of the school choir, this was also a song we'd memorise by heart.

And since it was the Feast of St. Francis yesterday, it's only but fitting to play this song:

This song still gets to me.

Happy Feast Day St. Francis of Assisi!

Hopeful Day

Today is the feast day of St. Pio de Pietrelcina!

Thank you for the miracles and hope that you brought to my life and the lives of countless others. In this ever changing world, your words remain true:

Pray, Hope and Don't Worry.

Happy Feast Day!

Subtle grandeur

While waiting for Mark to finish his presentation last Wednesday, I took the time to drop by Greenbelt Chapel.

It's been around 3 years since my last visit inside the chapel. While I've been there and heard mass there the past year or so, I'd always stay outside the chapel. After all, social distancing and avoiding crowds were the norm.

So, imagine my pleasant surprise to see what the chapel looks like now.

They renovated! 

The renovations were very subtle. They added the ceiling treatment, and they changed the altar. And while the changes were subtle, it added a sense of grandeur to Greenbelt Chapel. The gold details were glorious, and the altar, especially the Mother & Child statue, was divine.

Time to hear mass here more often.

Gospel truth

Last week, we shot a commercial at this building called the Communication Foundation for Asia.

It's a super rustic and beautiful brown shone building with that strong medieval feel. During breaks, I'd roam around and check out the building. At least the parts that were open to the public.

While reading about the history of the building, a factoid presented itself. It was a factoid that got me so giddy and excited! It turns out that this building used to house the printing press where they would print Gospel Komiks.

(Found this photo on the internet. Wish I kept my old copies, too.)

Yes! The same comic book that was a required reading material for us when we were in grade school and high school! Par to four tuition went to the subscription of this magazine, and I'd look forward to - and enjoy reading - my copy.

Oh the joys of discovery!

Birth and rebirth

Our dear Adriana is now baptized!

Ate Lissa sent snaps from her double celebration - her birthday, and her baptismal day. It’s so providential that the day of her birth is also the day of her rebirth in the Catholic Faith.

Welcome to the Christian world, Adri!

Can you Handel this?

Happy Resurrection Day!

As the Bible scripture says: "He is Risen. Alleluia!"

And it's that time of the year again. Time to bring our Handel's "Messiah" and celebrate our risen Lord.

A glorious day deserves a glorious hymn.

Always Hopeful

Yesterday was the Feast Day of St. Padre Pio.

His immortal words: "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry," has been a guide and a source of strength. St. Padre Pio was there when I needed him most, and for that, I'm truly grateful.

Happy Feast Day, St. Padre Pio!

FMM: Anticipating His Coming

One thing that I always look forward to during Christmas Masses are the Christmas songs that they play as Communion and Recessional Hymns. 

Today, at the online Anticipated Simbang Gabi, they played a song that's a personal fave even as an elementary school kid.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is true-blue Friday Magic Madness worthy song. Its history dates back to the 1800s, and its still played until today. Talk about longevity, and a timeless classic! That's why as a kid, and until now, I eagerly anticipate whenever they play this song.

Just as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ this Christmas Day.

Cross, My heart

While looking for Mexican folk crosses on-line, I found these wooden, hand painted crosses.

Just like the ones in Mexico which are hand-made works of art, these crosses are lovingly handmade by a Filipino artist's hands with different patterns, including one that's inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Although this wasn't exactly what I was looking for, my heart leapt with joy after seeing them. Thus, I got this pair.

But I'll still be on the lookout for those Mexican-style crosses.