Sunday, July 28, 2013

Teen Saint Pedro in Iligan City

The Musical: Teen Saint Pedro
Since The Musical - Teen Saint Pedro was sponsored by the Couples for Christ, everyone in the community was encouraged to watch it. I wasn't actually sure if I was going to. So I didn't bother responding to text reminders about the play. I just simply forwarded it anyway. My household members didn't reply to me as well until siz Shiloh did. She said, she was interested to watch it. I thought "Great! We could watch it together as it may serve as our fellowship at the same time". So came July 27, 2013, even though I was sleepy, still out I went barging through the rain, off to Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology Gymnasium (MSU-IIT Gym) together with all the others. I was glad to see that the rain didn't stop the people from really showing up for the event. 

The curtain opened and the show started around 7:30 in the evening. Teen Pedro was portrayed by Makisig Morales while Bubi Camus played the role of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, a Jesuit Priest. Singing together with them is the 29AD Musicionaries of Couples for Christ.

A detailed story here: The Musical: Teen Saint Pedro

After the show, I was glad to see siz Doruthee along with other St. Michael's Chapter members. I saw a couple of familiar faces from different chapters as well. Then of course, most of the people rushed to take pictures of the casts as their souvenir for the night. 

It was not only a very entertaining and talent-filled event but more so, it was a moving sight. As you see, not everyone can have that conviction to really live for God. It may be easy to say but it's a very very tough choice. Then again, it is a commitment which at his young age despite the many hindrances, he faithfully joyfully chose. He made his stand. Indeed, it is true that "No martyr ever dies in vain!"

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Visit

Sometimes evil pays me a visit when I sleep, upon waking up today, I just realized he paid me another visit. Of course when you’re dreaming, you never realize that you’re in one, instead, you’re only left wondering what’s happening and why. The series of events are so fast. There are parts you will remember and some you will forget.  I will be describing the events as far as I recall. It was a two-part story. I don’t think they are related by some sort but I wonder what it is implying or better yet its meaning. It goes like this.

I believe the setting was in Iligan but the place looked odd. Anyway, people gathered at the traffic light area crossing. It was like a politicians’ rally except that it wasn't some kind of a political agenda. After a while, we were told that we have to pray. We have to pray because earthquakes, typhoons and other calamities are coming and that it might be the end of the world. I thought we were praying the entire rosary but we only prayed, if I remember correctly, it was only 1 Hail Mary in Cebuano. After which, the people dispersed quickly. And at that time, I recall Honey was with me, which was weird because I didn't realize whether she was with me or not when I got there. Just beside the stage, there was a tarp or some kind of a sculptor or whatever where there stood two ladies in their red ethnic costumes much like in street dancing. Upon seeing it, Honey and I went there and took a picture of ourselves smiling with that as our back drop. We also had a picture taken together with those ladies.

Since, Honey and I didn’t bring any clothes with us so we had to go back to our house to pack our stuffs. People were in panic. They hurriedly gathered with their families bringing their packed bags all ready to go somewhere. But I wondered where? When I looked around, I saw Punky with Tito, Tita and the rest of their entire family ready to hop into their cars. So I thought “nah, let’s just ditch the packing idea lets go with them”. As we approached them, I saw some of my extended family as well. There was Auntie Celia, Ate Jecelle R. and Ate Jecyl S.; I can’t vividly remember who else was there at that moment. After paying respect and a brief “Hi” and “Hellos”, we went into the car with Punky’s family since they were only 4 of them, so there was an extra room for 2 more. Then, I woke up half asleep around 9am, still sleepy, I went back to sleep.

Here is the second part which is an entirely different story. I was going home surprisingly with my high school classmate Fritz, we were on a trisikad. I told the sikad driver “Kuya dini ra ko mo nanaog, dini ra amo” but he kept on driving until we reached Fritz place. He got off the sikad and walked further to his home. The sikad driver drove and turned right at the intersection, and then he just stopped upon reaching the corner where there were table and chairs. It was like an open canteen or food area. The people were busy eating and chatting. I thought he stopped to buy something to eat but he just suspiciously stood there. So I got off the sikad and watched him. He was standing still playing around with stones, levitating them and switching them from one place to another. I thought “This guy seems weird. He must be doing some black magic”.

I just watched him for a while, after which, I approached and told him that I’ll just find someone else to drive me home. He said “No, ako ra”. I said “it is okay ngita rako lain masakyan”. I was waiting for a vehicle to pass by when he said “ako rai hatud sa imo”. Then, he stuffed me at the back of a red van and it drove away. When I looked back to find out who was driving, I saw some guy who was furiously driving it and a kid at the passenger seat right next to him. I went there to try to stop the driver but he wouldn’t let me. It was like he was under some kind of a spell.  I was praising, casting and speaking in tongues I did everything I could possibly do to break the spell. It seemed to be “The ride of my life” or should I say The ride to my death”. 

The next thing, I knew I was in a house. The house was empty but there was something inside there that the guy or the evil spirit wanted to get his hands on. I am not sure whether someone was with me, helping me to fight him. I closed all the entrances and windows so he couldn’t get in. I prayed and asked that the house be protected so he can’t get in. I had difficulty defeating him because he was just so strong and powerful. I tried to focus and kept on praying in tongues.

That was the last thing I remembered. Then, I woke up. When I looked at the time, I saw that it was already 11am. Whew! That was a 2-hour struggle! But that was all that I could recall. Hmm… What could it mean?

I haven’t really been religiously having my prayer time these past months. Perhaps, it’s a reminder for me to revive a good habit. It might have been a wake up call that I or “we” should never be too complacent because evil is working very hard to get us, to destroy us. We may not notice it because we are busy with other things but we should always pray every time and everywhere. These trying times we see all sorts of poverty, calamities, and crimes happening around us each day nonstop. We just hope everything will get better but we fail to fervently pray about it. I am reminded again and again that “There is more of what God can do, than what we can do for ourselves, even if we spend our lifetime trying”. Prayers can move mountains. More so, it can help us climb the right mountain to conquer.

Praise be to God and may His spirit be upon you today! Amen.


What do you think is the meaning of the dream?
Feel free to comment.
Thanks again for dropping by! ;p



Rice up against hunger

Monday, July 15, 2013

Our 2nd Household

This post is actually long overdue. I was waiting for our household pictures to be uploaded in Facebook so I can include it together with this post. Oh well better post this now. I'll just add some pictures when it’s available.

I am glad that our second household finally pushed through especially after being postponed for so long, since Febuary when we last held one, and from being cancelled just this Sunday June 30, 2013 supposedly at Sis Shiloh's place. Again, it was at my place which was very good because it favored us in prepping up for a surprise belated birthday celebration for sis Shiloh who just turned 29. There were only four of us present though Siz Dorothy, Maet, Shiloh and myself. Unfortunately Siz Sheila was not able to make it because she had to run some errands at home since her mom wasn’t around. As for Siz B, Emilou, Kat I haven’t heard from them.

Since the household venue was at my place, I had some general cleaning going on earlier that day. Siz Dor and I were wondering how we should go about having the surprise thing. Our call time was 5:30pm. She was out from work by then so we met at SBG Gold and decided to buy some cupcakes, kremstix and nips mini just to be innovative and deviate from the usual red ribbon cake.


After taking siz Dor to the boarding house, I went out again to buy some food for dinner and luckily on my way home I bump into siz Shiloh. We walked home together. I was able to warn Siz Dor that Shiloh was with me by then. I was apparently shouting "WE have arrived", so she can hide whatever she is still doing for the surprise. Haha!

As always, our household took more than 3 hours even though there were only 4 of us. At that rate, we already simultaneously uttered our thanksgiving. However, what took so long was the petitions part - so many prayers for other people, healing, other concerns, family, and, of course, one's self; then, followed the scripture readings for each one, the gospel for that day and the sharing while eating part. Hehe!

These household meetings are very important for spiritual growth. It somehow provides us support and encouragement to be more patient, loving and caring. It serves as a reminder of what "ought to be". That is the reason, it is always emphasized by SFC teachings to attend as much as possible not just to these household meetings but to many other activities as well. We are teaching ourselves to become more compassionate and be "a person for others" by making friends and building relationships with one another through these various activities. So I hope, by God's grace, if you are one of us, an SFC, you will be able to attend your next household meeting despite the many hindrances of not being able to. But if you're not, then, I hope you'll be in the next round of our "Christian Life Program" better known as CLP. We usually have it twice a year. 

I already gave them their assignments. Our next stop is at siz Sheila's place. Hmm.. We have to schedule the next round of household. I hope our schedules meet so we can all be available for it. Again, I forgot to give them my “pasalubong" from Manila during the ICON in Feb. The gift was so overdue because I kept on forgetting. I hope I’d be able to remember to finally give it to them the next time we meet.

God is so great! Bless you! ;p


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Concentrix Job Fair Caravan - Iligan City

Upon waking up earlier today, I read a text from an unregistered number which turns out to be Tonet who apparently is a Human Resource employee of Concentrix Cagayan de Oro. The message indicated that I was referred by my cousin Christine who works there. She invited me to be there at their office in Pueblo de Oro, IT Park for an interview tomorrow at 9 in the morning. I am currently in Iligan and I still have a class on Tuesday, when I happen to be the next reporter. Oh well, it is really quite far to say the least. I haven't thought much of joining the same industry again but who knows I haven't entirely close out that option also. 

Later, I went to St. Michael's Cathedral church to attend the 5 o'clock mass since it is Sunday. There was a boy standing at the entrance gate giving away fliers. At first, I ignored it but then he was persistent so I just took it anyway. Who would ever guess, it was the same company again. I just might have that funny feeling it has been following me around the whole day. lol. ;p



But this time, they are coming to Iligan for their Job Fair Caravan to be held next week on July 19-20, 2013 at McDonald's Tibanga. They are eagerly looking for 200 Call Center Professionals and Other Professionals to fill up their vacancies. When I texted my cousin, she told me they are having an expansion. I see why they are looking to hire so many people.

So there, anyone looking for a job you just might want to try this job opportunity. Who knows it just might be for you! Oh by the way, there are giving away free Cheese Burger meal to the first 100 applicants.

You may call them at (088) 853-2218 or visit them at Block 2, Lot 3 Trade Street, Pueblo de Oro, IT Park, Cagayan de Oro City. You may also drop your resumes to their email address at recruitment_cdo@concentrix.com.

Check out their website: http://www.concentrix.com/careers/philippines

P.S.
Credit goes to my cousin Christine Carl Go. You may mention her name during the application if you like. Thanks!

Enjoy your job hunt and God bless! ;p




Monday, July 8, 2013

The 12th - Dedication Day

        As they say time flies, it was the 12th talk of the "Christian Life Program" held at sis Jane's beach house in Tag Ibo, Iligan City. We had a flower and beach attire theme since we were on the beach just like the sample picture shown below. Hehe! ;p




          Earlier today there were twelve participants who were able to see it through the end. Twelve who dedicated themselves to be in the community. After the many Sundays that they spent with the SFC St. Michael's Chapter, they are now finally one of us. They are officially Singles for Christ members! This is how God works. Simply amazing!

The gospel today was taken from Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.

"Pray the Lord to send out laborers into his harvest"
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. 2 And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."


        Being able to organize and run the program is no joke. It is hard work. I'm sure you'd agree with me on that one. (That is why I honor my brothers and sisters in Christ for a job well done! You know who you are.) 

         Nowadays, no one would commit to work for free. Only very few people would be willing to commit their time and effort in doing something for others, especially to strangers. It requires a servant's heart. I believe that whatever it is that drives a person to do mission work, no matter how big or small it may be, is divine intervention. When we do good to others, when we do good things, small things without expecting anything in return, we become selfless. A genuine service to others, is a genuine love for them. It is divine intervention. Why? Simply because human as we are, we naturally are selfish. We more often than not think of "how will it benefit me?" or in other words, "what's in it for me?" That is why being able to offer free service is God's work in us. He is changing us, molding us, to be the best person that he wants us to be. He wants us to be more like Jesus everyday. Sometimes we just won't notice but "change" is happening to us each day. Just as long as, we stay connected to Him. We are assured of a bright, beautiful future. There is no reason why He will not grant our sincerest prayers. After all, He is a Great God! He is calling all of us to be His laborer. All we need to do is say "YES!" and He will do the rest.

"May we stand on solid ground to be His faithful servants to bring in more harvest. May we never get tired of doing more for others. May we set our eyes on the prize more than the riches this world can offer. There is no other work that will fill us with so much joy and fulfillment than His work done through us. May our work please Him and honor His mighty name forever. Amen.


Saturday, July 6, 2013

Think Good. Think God.

            Today, I thought I'll be having just the usual rainy day bum mode. However, an FB post and a text message reminded me to attend mass since it is the first Friday of the month. It will then be followed by the Alliance of Two Hearts. I don't even remember when the last time I attended the first Friday mass nor had I ever had a novena at the church. Oh well, I didn't bother much nor did I really commit myself to go because the usual temptation of not going together with all its possible reasons just keeps on knocking at my door telling me that it's still raining hard. Lol. But at the back of my mind, I thought I'll try and see if I can still make it since it is already 5:30 pm.

            True enough, I was late. I arrived during the priest's homily. And now while I try to recall what it was about, such a shame I can't seem to remember. Hmmm.. Bad Cheetah! So much for attending mass. After the mass, I saw some SFC friends most are my upper household sisters. We witnessed the priest exposing the Blessed Sacrament. Then after a while, we joined Ate Pops as she led the novena. Although we are always invited, it was my first time to attend the first Friday mass at St. Michael's Cathedral.


            Later on, I was made aware that there was also an ongoing confession that was simultaneously done. So I took it as an opportunity to ask forgiveness. The priest told me three things that I need to remember: 1) Think Good 2) Think God 3) Pray and the ask intercession of Mama Mary. Think good to drive out the negativity that makes me weak. The cross, as it is shaped, is a constant reminder that we should think positively. It is Jesus on the cross and we should think of Him. When we think of Him, we are guided so we will never neglect or put Him aside. And if we do, the evil one is just waiting and he will do everything in his power to tear us apart then we easily fall to his trap whatever it may be. Pray! But even as we pray, we can still sin. Therefore, we should ask for Mama Mary's intercession and follow her example how she lived her life. So, we too can be an example to others.

            Those and one thing more got stuck in my head during the novena and that is "Waiting is loving". Really? To wait is to love. Hmmm... I remember my print shirt that reads "Real love waits". Oh right! It is not easy to wait and just be patient. It is never easy at all. Nor is it easy to love because love entails hurt. They say "you have never loved if you were never hurt" - just like Christ suffering and hurting because He loved us so. It's like the buy 1 take 1 burger we see on the streets. Although, we could just wish it was just as easy as having a burger! But it doesn't work like that.

            I was really sad earlier which maybe the reason I am not able to remember the homily. I can't focus on listening because I just learned that my close friend and his long term boyfriend broke up. Somehow it kept on haunting my thoughts that moment. I thought of the years, all the memories, and everything else they had. It breaks my heart to hear what happened and it is a sad reality that some things really never work out. Whatever the differences we have or the circumstances we face, our life is a result of how we live it. It is shaped by our personality and the choices we make. It is important to discern well what we say, do and not do because we cannot turn back time. Time is too precious to waste. One cannot afford to dwell regretting on what happened in the past because before we know it our time might be up. Thus, it is essential to reflect on the purpose of this life because life only happens once.

"I pray that you may be blessed more than you deserve, be strengthened in your weakest moments and protected from evil at all times. May you live in the light and love of God our Father that in his mercy and grace, grant the desires of your heart according to His will in his perfect time. May you please Him in all you say, think and do, that you may love Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul, every bit of your being. In Jesus name. Amen."

It was all worth it. I am glad to be reminded as often as I needed to be. God never fails to remind me. He never fails to show His undying, unconditional love every day of my life.

Praise be to God forever!!! ;p

P.S. 
Thank you for the wonderful fellowship over dinner my dear sisters, Ate Pops, sis Jinky, Lalaine,  Abby, Grace and brothers Junjie, Maxi. Abby, we continue to pray for you. Smile God is Great!

Friday, July 5, 2013

SFC Regional Conference 2013 Details

As we take on the second half of this year, we anticipate the SFC Regional Conference 2013. Here are a few details for the event. Please pay to your respective PCCs or provincial secretariat in-charge.



North Central Mindanao (Thanks Sis Tet Salarza for the info)

When: September 20-22, 2013
Where: Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Payment deadlines:
Php 700.00 - August 8 - Early Bird
Php 800.00 - September 3 - Regular
Php 900.00 - Sept 4-20 - Walk-in

Note: No dinner on Friday night. Kits are first come, first serve, until supplies last only.


Central Visayas (Thanks Ate Jo Retuntar for the info)

When: August 30 - September 1, 2013
Where: JAD Cultural Center, Loboc, Bohol


Payment deadlines:
Php 700.00 - Today until July 15, 2013
Php 750.00 - July 16 until the end of July
Php 850.00 - August 1 until August 15, 2013
Php 1200.00 - August 16 until August 28, 12NN ONLY!!! (Complete ID, Kits and meals)
Php 1200.00 - Onsite Registrants (ID and Kits not assured-until supply lasts only, NO first meal)