Reminiscing 2010

1. What did you do in 2010 that you've never done before?
- Perform in front of hundreds of people to sing and dance! But its all worth it, WE WON FIRST PLACE! LOL

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
- I don’t have a new year’s resolution for 2010 but I tried making one for this year. Though I would bet all my savings that I’m not able to do it anyway! Ahahahahahaha!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
- Ate Thess Coldas!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
- Yeah, my friends' brother, Jojo. :(

5. What countries did you visit?
- None yet, but I'll be in Spain this 29th. :D

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
- A new dog, a digital (or dslr) camera and a new phone!

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
-September, cause I took part in the Tercentenary Celebration of INA. :D

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- I survived another year at my work!

9. What was your biggest failure?
- Financial Management

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
- NOPE!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
-BUBU

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My Family, the Peers, my Workmates!

13. Whose behavior appalled you and made you depressed?
- AVENITA BARAYOGA!

14. Where did most of your money go?
- Cell phone load, internet surfing, Liit’s medication and food and some few luxuries! Ahehehehe!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- Tercentenary Celebration of INA and HAPPY POTTER 7: PART 1. :D

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
- Where are you? By Natalie

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? I’m 200% sure, thinner. [How I wish na fatter! Asa pah!]
iii. richer or poorer? Richer!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- more alone time with God and INA.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- watching TV and internet surfing!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
- Sleeping in my bed till afternoon. Then went to SB for some Praline Mocha Frap. :D

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
- YUP!

23. How many one-night stands?
- Ahmmmmm. . . can’t remember! But its more than 10! Just being honest! Nyahahahahaha!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
- AVATAR: The Last Airbender

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
- My answer in Number 13!

26. What was the best book you read?
- The Fallen Books 1-4, though Harry Potter is still the best for me.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
- That I can sing? JOKE!

28. What did you want and get?
- A Motorcycle!

29. What did you want and not get?
- can't remember

30. Favorite film of this year?
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, The Last Airbender and Megamind

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
-Turned 23, and spent it with my Peer Family

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
- travelling in and out the country.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
- Jologs pa rin!

34. What kept you sane?
- Blogging and conversations with God, my family and ‘true’ friends

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
- none

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
-RH BILL!

37. Who did you miss?
- bebe ko and JSL.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
- Rem

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
- God answers your prayers the best way He knows how. He’ll give it to you even before you ask for it.
- Never, ever, give your full trust to your friends, even if you consider them the best ones!

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

-Thw whole song in Number 16. :D

AUXILIARY ROCKS

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

We won First Place during the Christmas Party Presentation!

Hehehehehehe!

Members:

1. Me

2. Sir EU

3. Sir Rick

4. Kuya Rolly

5. Kuya Rowel

6. Kuya Amar

7. Adrian

8. Ma'am Ileen

9. Ate Rose

10. Ate Amy

with the special participation of:

1. Dr. Valerie

2. Ate Vic

3. Kuya Bernard

4. Kuya Awe

We received a round of applause before, during and after our presentation, only shows that they really enjoyed it! Yey! Hehehehehehehe!

Prize? Well, at first it was announced that Php 5,000.00 will be given to the First Place winner, and you know what? We received more than that! we received a USB Flashdrive and A box of pizza! Wohooooooo! Oh, we didn't received the cash prize, but at least I enjoyed the pizza! :P

AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 14, 2010

The Division had our Christmas Party at Spring Valley.

Yey! Maugmahun na maray si party mi, we started around 9:00 in the morning and ended around 6 in the evening.

We had so much fun singing, dancing and swimming... Oh have I mentioned we also enjoyed eating! Weeeeeeeeeeee! Lalo pa't may Cardiacs Delight kami na foods! Yum yum si Lechon (courtesy of Sir Eu)! Then si Salad (courtesy of the Infirmary Group)! Yumminess!

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

Present during that day was, majority of the Staff, except Kuya Awe and Kuya Bernard who had some appointment (naks, eh may work man lang gusto ko sabihon?! LOL). Of course, I wont include the "other" lady cause she's an outcast from the group, to start with. :P We also have some special guest from the Motorpool Group, Maricel Domasig and Maddame Bernales. :D

Anyway, activities? Swimming, Eating, Drinking, Singing and EXCHANGE GIFT! Yahooo! Thanks Ma'am Rose for the wonderful towel! I really like it! :)

And lastly, Sir EU gave us Productivity Incentives! (yahoo)

Cartoon Invasion

Cartoons invades FB!

I saw a request from my friend saying:

Change your Facebook profile picture to a cartoon from your childhood and invite your friends to do the same. Until Monday (Dec. 6) there should be no human faces on Facebook, but an invasion of memories. This is for violence against children.

After reading it, I immediately think kung anong Cartoon Character ang ilalaag ko...

Madami ako naisip, "Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe", Zenki, TMNT, BT' X, Samurai X and a few more!

Then I decided na Cedie na lang, since it was one of my all time favorite when I was just a kid.

But then again, I remember one character that I really, really like! LI SYAORAN from "Card Captor Sakura"!

So there it is, I AM LI SYAORAN until December 6, 2010!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Just want to greet Mr. Jeffrey Vitalicio Trinidad, a happy birthday!

Even though its been one hell of a ride between the two of us, still, we can't deny the fact that we've became best of friends then. So on your special day, I'd like to greet you a happy birthday.

:)

FORGIVE AND FORGET

I guess its time for me to forgive and forget. Let go of the grudge I am feeling right now and start patching things up with them - okay, not with all of them, but it would be a good start.

Whether I admit or not, I miss their company. The laugh I use to have when I'm with them. The fun and excitement of our escapades. No matter how big or small it may be, we enjoyed every second or minute of it.

I guess I was too shallow back then. I was so childish and hard-headed. But time and experiences helped me grow more mature. To be mature enough to admit my faults. To be mature enough to say how sorry I am for those mistakes I've done in the past, and also to forgive their shortcomings and also their faults. Today's not the time to point fingers as to who started it, but rather, its the time to forgive one another and forget everything about it. Its time for us to move on and hopefully, continue the friendship that we once lost.

If its impossible to continue the friendship, then maybe, just maybe, we can start anew.

J5

Confused

Okay, dapat kahapon pa ako nag blog about this one. Pero wala akong time.

I am really, really, really confused right now. I really don't know if I am falling in-love or just welcome the idea na gusto ko na (or better yet, READY) magka GF ulit.

I dont know, pero super nag eenjoy ako pag siya ang kasama ko. Pero may bumabagabag sa akin, hindi ako dapat main-love sa kanya kasi kaibigan ko siya. And I think wala naman siya nararamdaman sa akin.

Hays, buhay nga naman!

Quotable Quote

For a long time, I've been really worried about what I could possibly do to show how grateful I am to you. And I realize that I want to say I LOVE YOU. But since I don't have the courage to say that, I wrote this instead. Because just like the way you make me feel, I want to see your heart flutter because of me as tomorrow becomes uncertain.

Quotable Quote

For a long time, I've been really worried about what I could possibly do to show how grateful I am to you. And I realize that I want to say I LOVE YOU. But since I don't have the courage to say that, I wrote this instead. Because just like the way you make me feel, I want to see your heart flutter because of me as tomorrow becomes uncertain.

Quotable Quote

I'll take care of my own feelings... You just take care of your own...

3rd Part of the Pastoral Letter in re: RH BILL

Let us live not as fools but wise men! (Cf. Eph. 5: 15)

3rd of the Series of Pastoral Letter of His Grace, the Most Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD, Archbishop of Caceres, On the Issues Contained in the Reproductive Health Billand the Church’s Response

Introduction

“So you must live like people who belong to the light, for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and the truth.”[1] Impelled by these words of the Apostle Paul, I feel there are things to be clarified in the RH bill, so that the continuing dialogue, between the Church and the government on the issue, may truly be the common concern of all of us, who are called to live not us unwise but wise men.

The Heart of the RH BillThe defenders of the RH bill[2] want it passed into law for it shall guarantee the health of all, particularly maternal and infant health, even as it will help prevent infant and maternal deaths. The heart of the bill is the right of informed choice of couples over all the methods of family planning, both natural and artificial that shall: 1) promote responsible parenthood 2) ensure the reduction of population growth 3) uplift the quality of life 4) assure sustainable human development.

Special Concerns on the RH Bill

1. Reproductive Health, Population Control and Development

2. Methods of Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood

3. Mandatory Age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education

4. Contraceptives as “Essential Medicines”

5. No distinction between Contraceptives and Abortifacients

6. Abortion as a Crime

7. Prohibited Acts and Penalties that violate Freedom of Conscience and Religious Freedom

The Church’s Response to the Reproductive Health IssuesReproductive Health, Population Control and DevelopmentThe Church recognizes that population is a concern of the government.[3] Yet it is also the Church’s, especially because of its moral aspect. She maintains that the real issue on population is not primarily one of numbers, but of the care of persons, and the improvement of the quality of human life.[4]The RH defenders claim that decreasing the population growth rate is a key to economic recovery. They insist that there is a direct relationship between population growth and poverty. But, there are studies which debunk this theory.[5] Obviously, the problem is a confluence of many factors like poor governance and badly implemented economic policies.[6]The Church states that “the key to the problem is not in external means of control through mechanical and chemical contraceptives, but rather in the development and maturation of inner mastery of one’s sexual behavior-in the chastity and self-control demanded by the stable commitment of marriage.”[7]Methods of Family Planning and Responsible ParenthoodThe Church praises the bill because it promotes natural family planning methods but rejects the promotion of the use of artificial methods, for this is contrary to the true meaning of Christian responsible parenthood. Moreover, it must be made known that these methods cause more sickness and even death.[8]Mandatory Age-appropriate Reproductive Health EducationWhile the bill acknowledges the primary right of parents in rearing and educating their children, it mandates an age-appropriate reproductive health education that shall be taught to private and public schools, starting from Grade 5 to 4th Year High School. The curriculum includes among others, the topic on the use and application of all methods of family planning. The Church is concerned with this, because it would compel Catholic educators to teach sections of the curriculum that may be unacceptable for them as Catholics. Besides, it might also usurp the original and irreplaceable role of parents to educate their children on sexual matters according to their beliefs.Contraceptives as essential medicinesWhy do the RH Bill proponents call these methods and devices as “essential medicines” if they in fact cause sickness or death? How can they reconcile that the use of contraceptives is “safe and effective” at preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, with the growing cases of the same?[9] And why are they pushing for its free access and availability to all, as “essential medicines” if there is a great lack of vital medicines for ordinary illnesses for ordinary citizens? Why call them “essential medicines” in the first place when it would imply that pregnancy is a disease to be treated?Moral distinction between contraceptives and abortifacientsThe Church morally qualifies methods of family planning that are contraceptives (that which prevent pregnancy) or abortifacients (that which terminate pregnancy) but in the bill, contraceptives are not distinguished from abortifacients. The bill considers the pill, IUD (intra-uterine device), injectables, condom, ligation and vasectomy as contraceptives. But, the Church considers the pill and IUD not as contraceptives but abortifacients. This assertion is attested to by scientific studies.[10]Abortion and the Determination of the Beginning of Human LifeThe bill states that abortion is prohibited and is a crime, punishable by law. But, it does not determine when abortion does take place: at fertilization or implantation? When does one commit the crime of abortion, at the expulsion of the fertilized ovum or the expulsion of the embryo from the uterus of the mother? Prohibited Acts and Penalties that violate Freedom of Conscience and Religious FreedomThe RH bill prohibits the refusal of health care services and information based on patient’s marital status, gender or sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances and nature of work. It also requires that employers should provide reproductive health care services to their employees, as well as public officials to their constituents.Can a Catholic reproductive health care service provider knowingly perform a legal yet immoral act in good conscience?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church replies: “The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or to the teaching of the Gospel.”[11] Can a Catholic health care service provider refuse to take part in information dissemination and execution of acts against life, even if permitted by civil legislation? John Paul II answers: “Christians, like all people of good will, are called upon under grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God’s law. To refuse to take part… is not only a moral duty [but] also a basic human right.”[12]

Conclusion

Why does the Church oppose the RH bill? Because what is at stake is the dignity of the human person, whose defense and promotion have been entrusted to us by the Creator.[13] Respect for the dignity of persons is inseparable from the respect for the universal right to life, which is fundamental of all rights and from which all other rights are derived, including the women’s reproductive rights. The concern for life is not only a duty of the Church but of all of us Filipinos, Christians and non-Christians alike, for service to, and promotion of life, is everyone’s task and responsibility.[14]

Endnotes:

[1] Ephesians 5: 8-9.[2] HB 5043 is the substitute bill that consolidates the four bills on Reproductive Health, namely, HB 17 (An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development, and for Other Purposes), HB 812 (An Act Providing for Reproductive Health Care Structures and Appropriating Funds), HB 2753 (An Act To Protect the Right of the People to Information About Reproductive Health Care Services) and HB 3970 (An Act Providing for Reproductive Health Structures and Appropriating Funds).[3] Cfr. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2372.[4] Cfr. CBCP’s Pastoral Letter on the Population Problem and Family Life, 1973.[5] Economic studies do not support the assertion that higher population growth causes underdevelopment. See, the findings of Simon Kuznets, the 1986 US National Research Council; the 1992 UN Population Fund Consultative Meeting of economists.[6] See, Dr. Roberto de Vera, Economic Issues (The Consolidated Reproductive Health Bill in the House of Representatives; Population Growth and Poverty, J. Sison, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Feb. 7, 2005.[7] Catechism for Filipino Catholics, no. 1109.[8] On top of numerous studies which show the adverse effects of contraceptives, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization announced on July 29, 2005 that combined estrogen-progesteron oral contraceptives are carcinogenic to humans.[9] Look at the report Contraception Counts (2006) from the Guttmacher Institute.[10] Dr. Jerome Lejuene, expert on Fundamental Genetics, University of Paris; The Reproductive System, Principle of Anatomy and Physiology, Tortora and Grabowski (9th Edition copyright 2000, chap. 28, p. 1009).[11] Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2242; See also, Dignitatis Humanae, no. 3 paragraph 2, no. 2; CCC, nos. 1782, 1787, 2108.[12] John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 74, no. 91.[13] John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, no. 47.[14] John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 91.

2nd Pastoral Letter in re: RH BILL

Let the Church preach the Gospel, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power! (Cfr. 1 Cor. 1: 17, 23-24)2nd of the Series of Pastoral Letter of His Grace, the Most Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, On the Guiding Principles for Discernment of the Issues contained in the Reproductive Health Proposals

Introduction

I have stated in my first pastoral letter the reason why the Church has the right and duty to speak about socio-political issues. The Church has the right to speak because she has been entrusted by Christ with the sacred duty to lead the faithful to truth, so that illumined by it, they may live in freedom by the Truth. “You will know the truth, and the truth that will set you free.” (Jn. 8: 32)Objective of the Pastoral LetterIn this second pastoral letter, I wish to state the moral principles, on the basis of which, the Church grounds her right to proclaim the Truth and her duty to lead the faithful to true freedom in the truth.

These are also the guiding principles that may help us in our discernment of the issues contained in the Reproductive health proposals.[1]

Guiding Moral Principles

1. Respect should be given to the sacredness of human life in all its stages from natural conception to natural death.The Church teaches that from the moment the ovum is fertilized (fertilization), human life starts, which is neither that of the father nor of the mother. Right from fertilization the adventure of human life begins.[2]

2. Marriage and the marital act have two aspects: the unitive and procreative, which can never be separated through man’s initiative.[3] Though it is not forbidden for couples to engage in the marital act during infertile periods of the wife.

3. Directly willed abortion, the use of abortifacients (use of means or methods that lead to abortion), sterilization and contraception are wrong in themselves.[4] They are wrong not because the Church forbids them but rather, the Church forbids them because they are morally wrong. Since they are intrinsically immoral, “no circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can make licit an act which is instrinsically illicit, since this is contrary to the Law of God, which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself, and proclaimed by the Church.”[5]

4. Because the Church regards artificial contraception as wrong in itself, the Church will object to their dissemination and use. Further, Church personnel and institutions cannot be expected to cooperate with the dissemination and use of contraceptives.

5. The Church teaches the need for responsible parenthood. This means, among other things, the couples should bring into the world generously only the children whom they can raise up as good human beings.[6]

6. The Church advocates natural family planning as the only morally acceptable way of practicing responsible procreation. Because only the natural family planning ensures that the procreation, nurturing and education of the children are achieved in a truly human and Christian way.[7]

7. The Church rejects contraceptive mentality, i.e. the attitude that selfishly avoids the procreation of offspring solely because the couples do not want to bear the responsibility that comes with having a child. It is wrong to use even natural family planning methods in pursuit of such contraceptive mentality.

8. The Church teaches that the decision on the number of children lies solely on the parents.No one not even the bishops or the government can make the decision for them. But the parents are to make the decision responsibly to each other, to the children already born, to their children, still to be born, to society, and to God.

9. The population growth, according to circumstances, provided this is achieved within the parameters of freedom of conscience and the observance of the principles of sexual and family morality, is the responsible decision of couples.

10. The Church respects religious freedom and freedom of conscience. But she has the duty to announce and promote the moral law regarding the regulation of population and the integral development of men, women as well as children.

Conclusion

Called to share in the prophetic mission of Christ, the Church has to preach the Gospel of Truth and Life, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. The preaching of the Gospel may be a “stumbling block” to the passage of the RH bill and “folly” to those who support it. Or it may also be a transforming power and energy to those who walk in the light of Truth. But the Church cannot and will never renounce her charge to proclaim the Truth. As Jesus before Pilate proclaimed “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (Jn. 18: 37) so will also the Church do faithfully before the society and the world.Given this 13th of October, 2010 in the Year of Our Lord, from the Office of the Archbishop, Naga City.

+Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D.

Archbishop of Caceres

[1] Cfr. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD, Guiding Principles of the CBCP on Population Control (10 July 1990)[2] See, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Declaration on Procured Abortion (18 November 1974), nos. 12-13; John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no.60; Gaudium et Spes, no. 51.[3] See, Paul VI, Humane Vitae, nos. 12, 16; Catechism for Filipino Catholics, nos. 1066-1088; EV, no. 97.[4] See, John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, nos. 80-81, Gaudium et Spes, no. 27.[5] John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 62; Cfr. John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, no. 96.[6] See, Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2201-2206; Gaudium et Spes, no. 50; Catechism for Filipino Catholics, nos. 1011, 1026[7] Cfr. Catechism for Filipino Catholics, no. 1108.

1st Part of the Pastoral Letter of Arch Legaspi on RH BILL

Let the stones shout!

Pastoral Letter of His Grace, the Most Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., On the Right of the Church to Proclaim the Truth and her Duty to lead the Faithful to True Freedom in and for the Truth

Introduction

The tercentenary of the gift of devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, has brought us together to celebrate as a community and as a Church. The celebration has offered us great joy to remember with gratitude the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us through Ina; and has given us hope to share this gift of devotion with loving concern to those in need especially the poor.

Recently, however, when the issue on Reproductive health bill sprung up, it scattered along with it the seeds of division, cynicism and animosity among us. Malicious and tasteless name-calling and criticism hounded the Church’s stand on responsible parenthood. The prophetic role of priests and bishops were challenged on the basis of their “inexperience” on matters like family planning. Some politicians even argue that the Church does not have the right to intervene in political affairs since this is not her field of competence. Likewise, they say that the right of the Church should only concern the saving of souls rather than meddling in the affairs of the state. If the Church truly has the concern for the poor, why does she oppose the seemingly noble and well-meaning RH bill, which according its proponents, is a potent solution to poverty?

My brothers and sisters, are all these: division, animosity, wavering faith, vague understanding of the mission of the Church, the fruits of the three hundred years of the gift of devotion to our Ina, here in Caceres?

Objective of the Pastoral Letter

It is obvious that the issue at hand is complicated. A thorough discussion of the specific issues cannot be carried out by a homily. It requires a series of “feeding the lamb.” I intend to develop the different themes but for this Sunday, I wish to clarify the following:

1. The Right of the Church, through her ministers: the Bishops together with the priests, to proclaim the Gospel of Life and Truth and thus permeate the socio-political arena with the Gospel values.

2. The Duty of the Church to lead the faithful to true freedom in and for the truth that leads to integral salvation.

3. Reproductive Health as a Constitutional and Moral Issue

The Right of the Church to Proclaim the Truth

Why does the Church have the right to speak about social, economic or political issues? First of all, the Church is a mother and teacher. As a mother, she has the heart of Christ, who calls her to preach with fidelity the Gospel of Life and Truth![1] As the Church proclaims this Gospel, which she has lovingly received from Christ, to the people, who are constantly barraged by social, economic and political problems,[2] her preaching serves as:

1) a light that illumines,

2) a spiritual force that needs to critique the social and political affairs, [3]

3) the leaven that renews and empowers[4] the society and

4) the good news to the people of every age and culture.[5] Since the Church has been entrusted by the Lord with the mission to proclaim the Truth and abide by the Truth, she speaks and must always speak about it with clarity, firmness and consistency, whereby she can never agree to call good evil and evil good.[6]

The Duty of the Church to lead the Faithful towards True Freedom

Every right has a corresponding duty or responsibility. What then is the sacred duty of the Church, which impels her to address the problems of our society? The Church as a herald of the Gospel of Truth aims to bring the Filipino Catholics to their true destiny.[7] And what do we desire as a nation?

The Preamble of our Constitution expresses this national aspiration:

“We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”

This reinforces even more the duty of the Church to remind the government of her constitutional mandate to protect this aspiration. And what does the Church desire for us?The Church desires that all of us may have life, that we would be able to establish a free nation: where human dignity and solidarity are respected and promoted; where moral principles prevail in socio-economic life and structures; where justice, love and solidarity are the inner driving forces of development.”[8] Is this not the same aspiration written in our Constitution?The Church envisions that we don’t just have life but eternal life.[9] This desire of the Church regarding life urges her to remind the faithful through her teachings that real concern for our fellowmen, most especially for the poor, begins with the respect for human life,[10] respect for human dignity and freedom.[11]The journey to eternal life begins with the encounter with Christ.

The Church helps the person encounter Christ who will accompany him in this journey of life.[12] As the “pillar and bulwark of truth”[13] the Church helps us to walk in truth and freedom by forming our conscience through the moral principles that she proclaims.[14] In the midst of growing voices that call for absolute freedom or right of choice, let us not harden our hearts so as to also hear the voice of truth coming from the Church: “The freedom of man is the acceptance of Truth which leads the human person to his true good: to live in Truth and to live for Truth.”[15] This duty of the Church to lead the people to genuine freedom in and for the truth is her faithful obedience to the Word of God, “which must be free of intellectual conformism or facile accommodation to the spirit of the age.”[16]

The Reproductive Health Bill as an Issue

Why does the Church oppose the passing of the RH bill into law?1. The RH bill is not just a legislative but a constitutional issue.We have cited above the Preamble of the Constitution that enshrines our aspiration as a people desiring to live under the providence and aid of God, in a nation where the regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace reign. Does the RH bill respect or violate this spiritual aspiration of the people?Only in an environment of dialogue are we able to uphold this constitutional aspiration. It was along this same line that our bishops before sought to clarify the same concern with the cabinet members of then President Corazon Aquino on the issue of Population Control.[17]2. The RH bill is a moral issue.As a moral issue, RH bill engages all of us to know the issues contained therein. RH bill is not just about family planning. It includes among others the issues on development, sexual health, rights of women and children. These issues require a thorough study and careful analysis.

Conclusion

The teachings of the Church concerning prevailing social issues that affect people are not merely limited to renunciation of immoral acts, but in a more positive light, these teachings seek to form and illumine our conscience to enable us to choose the good and to genuinely decide in accordance with what is true.[18] In this sense, the Church is a vital contributor in the political debate, a transformative resource[19] insofar as she helps in purifying and shedding light upon the application of reason to the discovery of objective moral principles.[20] Ultimately, the right and duty of the Church to speak about the Truth and to form conscience in the Truth is rooted not so much in her doctrinal statements and pastoral letters but in her fidelity in following Jesus.[21]Let the stones shout! Let the Church built upon the solid rock of faith of the Apostles, fulfill its task of proclaiming the Truth for it is the truth, which sets us free! The truth will bring us freedom if this truth is founded on the Rock of Truth, who is Christ!Given this 9th day of October 2010 in the year of Our Lord from the Office of the Archbishop, City of Naga.

+Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. Archbishop of Caceres

What's with age anyway?

I realized that when I’m being asked about my age, it takes quite a while before I could accurately recall it… really, no kidding! And most of the time, the automatic response is “late 20’s.” I’m stuck! Am I refusing to move on? Or am I just too afraid to accept that I’ve “matured” (ahehehe, it’s a more graceful term for OLD) and still haven’t matched what society typically expects from someone my age.

It saddens me to realize that Christ left the world at age 33 and so did Jose Rizal. It's crazy, but sometimes I even dare think how I pale in comparison to these guys. I haven't even done a 100,000th fraction of what they accomplished! But then again, who says we were born equal? Some guys were meant to matter to the whole world; others barely have enough talent and resources that they could only matter to themselves.

And then there's the classic excuse of “I don't have enough time...” There are so many things I want to accomplish. There are so many paths I want to try out, but alas... I got only one life to live. But even then, I refuse to say that “I don't have enough time!” And each time this excuse tries to creep up in my mind, I would think of something I read many years back...

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein."

Anyway, tomorrow is another day added to my age!

Sigh!

Nearly Xmas

Its nearly Christmas... Approximately fifty-seven days to go before Christmas, and here I am, trying my best to prepare my simple house for the Holidays...

Plans?

I already set-up my Mini Christmas Tree with the Christmas Angel Beside it. I also placed an improvised Christmas Tree outside, for a start. On my door, I already placed my Christmas Wreath, made by me of course.

Now, I'm planning to put some Lanterns on our trees, with some lights of course so that the lanterns will be appreciated even at night. By mid-November, I'll be placing my own Nativity Scene, minus Joseph and Mary (still contemplating to retain Mary). Then I'll be setting-up some speakers outside the house so that I'll be having some mellow Christmas music playing. I'll be arranging my lawn so perfectly that it will be one of the best Christmas Season ever!

Rowling's commentary and supplement (HARRY POTTER 7)

In an interview,^[10] online chat,^[11][12][13] the Wizard of the Month section of her website, and during her 2007 U.S. Open Book Tour, Rowling revealed additional character information that she chose not to include in the book. The first bits of information were about the trio and their families, starting with Harry.

She said that Harry became an Auror for the Ministry of Magic, and was later appointed head of the department. He also kept Sirius Black's motorcycle, which Arthur Weasley repaired for him, but he can no longer speak Parseltongue after the destruction of Voldemort's soul fragment within him. She revealed that Ginny Weasley played for the Holyhead Harpies Quidditch team for a time, leaving to establish a family with Harry. She later became the lead Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet. Ron Weasley worked at George's store for a time, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, then joined Harry as an Auror. Hermione found her parents in Australia, and removed the memory modification charm she had put on them for safety. Initially, she worked for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, greatly improving life for house elves. She later moved to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and assisted in eradicating oppressive, pro-pureblood laws. She was also the only member of the trio to go back and complete her seventh year at Hogwarts. Rowling also explained that Dumbledore's relationship with Gellert Grindelwald extended beyond mere friendship; indeed, Rowling has revealed that "Dumbledore is gay, actually",^[14] and harboured romantic feelings for Grindelwald.^[15] Voldemort, she said, was forced to exist in the stunted form Harry witnessed in the King's Cross limbo after his death, as his crimes were too severe for him to become a ghost.

Rowling also explained the fates of several secondary characters. George Weasley continued his successful joke shop and married fellow Quidditch player Angelina Johnson. The couple had two children: a son named Fred, in memory of his late twin brother, and a daughter, Roxanne. Luna Lovegood searched the world for odd and unique creatures, eventually marrying Rolf, a grandson of the famed naturalist Newt Scamander,^[13] writer of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. The couple had twins called Lorcan and Lysander. Her father's publication, The Quibbler, returned to its usual condition of "advanced lunacy" and is "appreciated for its unintentional humour."

Other character histories revealed by Rowling included that of Draco Malfoy, who married Astoria Greengrass and had a son named Scorpius.Percy Weasley married a woman named Audrey and had two daughters, named Molly and Lucy. Firenze was welcomed back into his herd, who finally acknowledged the virtue of his pro-human leanings. Dolores Umbridge was arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned for crimes against Muggle-borns. Cho Chang went on to marry a Muggle.^[16] Neville Longbottom became professor of Herbology at Hogwarts and married Hannah Abbott, who became the landlady of the Leaky Cauldron.^[17] Bill and Fleur Weasley had a total of three children, a younger son named Louis, and two daughters, named Dominique and Victoire.

In the wider wizarding world other changes included: Kingsley Shacklebolt became the permanent Minister of Magic, with Percy Weasley working under him as a high official. Among the reforms introduced by Shacklebolt, was the removal of Dementors from the wizard prisonAzkaban. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were also instrumental in reforming the Ministry.^[11] At Hogwarts, Slytherin House became more diluted and no longer held the title as the pure-blood bastion it once was, although its dark reputation lingered.^[11] Voldemort's jinx on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position was broken with his death, and there was a permanent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher appointed. Harry also is said to come to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class to lecture several times a year.^[10] Lastly, Rowling revealed that a portrait of Severus Snape, who briefly served as Hogwarts Headmaster, had not appeared in the headmaster's office, as he had abandoned his post. Harry later ensured the addition of Snape's portrait, and publicly revealed Snape's true allegiance to Dumbledore.^[11]

^source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows

Confession of a Harry Potter Addict

Okay, I am soooooooooo excited for the upcoming two-part finale of the Harry Potter series this coming November 18, 2010!

I really can't wait. And I am planning not to attend school and work on that day just for me to be one of those who can watch the MOVIE first! LOL

Here's some of the Book Cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Dumating Ka Lang, NAGULO Mundo Namin

Amputek naman!

Dumating ka lang sa buhay namin, ginulo mo na kami!

Okay ang relationship namin, pero nung pumasok ka na sa eksena, wala na, nagkagulo na! Pero ito lang ang gusto kong sabihin sayo, hindi ka magtatagumpay sa ginagawa mo! We will be strong enough to surpass the trials that you're giving us. Magkampihan pa kayo ng Ninong mo!

AMPUTEK KA!

Our Division is RICH!

Weeeeeeee!

As of today, October 22, 2010 (inclusive of October 22, 2010 NIGP Collection and October 18, 2010), our Division generated Gross Income of Php 3,798,797.80.

Thats a lot of money.

Last year, we generated Gross Income of P3.7 Million from January to December.

Cool!

I just hope this time we get our Incentives and productivity bonus! (argh)

KAIBIGAN

KAIBIGAN, yan ang hinahanap natin di ba?

well, I've been looking for this song over the www and at long last, I found one. :)

Ladies and gentlemen, KAIBIGAN!

Sino pa ang tutulong sa iyo

Kung di ang katulad ko

Kaibigan mo ako

Sa akin mo sabihin ang problema mo

At mag tiwala kang di ka mabibigo

Kasama mo ako sa hirap at ginhawa

At may kasama ka sa iyong pagdurusa

Kapag nasaktan ka ay huwag kang susuko

Kahit may takot ka ay huwag ka magtago

Di ka nagiisa, kasama mo ako

Tawagin mo lamang, di ka mabibigo

REFRAIN:

Kaibigan Kita

Kaibigang tuwina

Sino pa ang tutulong sa iyo

Kung di ang katulad ko

Kaibigan mo ako

Ngayon nalaman mo na may kasama ka

Hinding hindi kailan paman magiisa

Kasama mo ako

Sa hirap at ginhawa

At may karamay ka sa iyong pagdurusa

Refrain

Sino pa ang tutulong sa iyo

Kung di ang katulad ko

Kaibigan mo ako....

This song goes out to:

1. Mami A

2. Mami B

3. Madam

4. Manoy

5. Onin

6. Jhord

7. Angelica Bigay

8. Jiji

9. Heidz

10. Ate Joan

11. Ate Julz

12. Ate Lhei

13. Shee

14. A-Jay D :)

15. Jaja

16. Jem

17. Cy

18. Pat

19. Ate Kat

20. Ate Quel

21. Jessa

22. Jaye

23. My cousing (madami kung iisa-isahin ko pa! LOL)

NO FUNDS AVAILABLE!

I really hate my Employer!

Sige sila sabi na wala na raw pondo ang school! Na kesyo ubos na funds for MOOE, na walang fund allocated sa mga constructions/improvements ng mga facilities. Na kailangan na mag lay-off or magbawas ng suweldo ng mga employees kasi wala nang pangpasuweldo sa kanila!

Pero What The F! As of now, on process na ang isang Cash Advance amounting to more or less 100,000.00 para sa catering services this coming Foundation Anniversary!

What the crap, magastos sinda ning arug kayan kadakulang kwarta para sa mga luho ninda! LINTEK! Bako lang ngunyan ninda ini ginibuh, pero makapirang beses na!

Mga yudipo*a sinda!

Brand New Shoes

Naga City today is GREEN! Today's color is GREEN!

Not because I'm a Peer Counselor, or my mind is GREEN (lol), but because today marks the 34th Milo Marathon!

It was fun, running for a cause! I run for 5 kilometers with one aim, not to finish the race as one of the ten finalist, but to help in giving 4000 brand new shoes for the less fortunate kids!

The race consist of 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K.

I joined the 5K run (cause obviously, thats the least that I can possibly run), along with Patrick and Cyrel and I'm runner number 505594!

The race started around 6:00 a.m and I was able to finish the race 46.07 minutes later. It was total fun! I'm looking forward to the 35th Milo Marathon. Gonna try my luck for the 10K league.

I joined and encourage some of my friends to join because of the cause. Milo Philippines is willing to give 4,000 pair of shoes to those less fortunate kids around the country. At least, I have a sure contribution for them.

See the Map below and some of my souvenirs. :)

Can't Cry Hard Enough

Sabi ko, ready na ako to move on and let go!Pero mala, uya na naman ako! Lintek! Pasaway na playlist ko ni, sunod sunod! Inot si And I love you so, then yung Can't cry hard enough (both by Jed Madela), then yung Stay (by Carol Banawa) taz now, Only Reminds me of you (MYMP)!

Napahibi ako pag puon kan Can't cry hard enough! Uyam!

I'm gonna live my life
Like every day's the last
Without a simple goodbye
It all goes by so fast

And now that you've gone
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now

Gonna open my eyes
And see for the first time
I let go of you like
A child letting go of his kite

There it goes, up in the sky
There it goes, beyond the clouds
For no reason why
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now

Gonna look back in vain
And see you standing there
When all that remains
Is an empty chair

And now that you've gone
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now

There it goes, up in the sky
There it goes, beyond the clouds
For no reason why
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now

And now that you've gone
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now

Greetings

Happy Birthday Grace!

I miss you so much. I know I have told you this a lot of time already, but I'm doing this for you to know that I really do miss you. That I really do LOVE you.

I have said many sweet love messages and wishes already. I cannot ask for more, except that you continue to be my Guardian Angel.

But this time, everything will be different.

For the past five years, I have been mourning for your loss. I know I should have done this a long time ago, but I just regained my composure and confidence just now.

I guess, I have to move on. I have to let go.

I have to move on for me to let go. I know I'd be facing the future without you here by my side. I have to move on cause everyone has already do so. I have to move on.

I have to let go in order for me to move on. Let go of the love, the pain and the loss. I have to let everything go.

But how can I let go if letting go requires me to move on, and moving on requires me to let go?

I am confused.

Hunted

I don't want to sleep, cause I know that sleeping would mean waking up for yet another day. Another day closing to that special day.

Today's the 26th day of September. Its already 9:30 in the evening and yet, here I am, facing my laptop and listening to some mellow music, which, i hate to say this one, makes me miss you more.

"And I love you so

The people ask me how,

how I lived till now.

I tell them I don't know."

Yes, I think I really am still in-love with you. Always had been. Its so hard for me to enter into another relationship knowing that my feelings for you had NEVER subsided.

"And yes

I know how loveless life can be

The shadows follow me

and the night won't set me free"

Today, I guess, would be the start of my sleepless nights. On the 28th, that would be the start of another year without you here by my side. God knows I'm afraid. I am afraid to go to sleep. Cause I might not see you in my dreams. The shadows of you follow me, and the cold night simply won't set me free. Cold. Without you here beside me, I feel so empty. Empty as a bottle, being swept away by the ocean, waiting for someone keep me.

"And now that you're gone

I can't cry hard enough

No, I can't cry hard enough

For you to hear me now"

Here I am. Alone. About to lay on my bed, tears about to fall. Thinking of you. Missing you. Loving you.

In the emptiness I wait.

In the shadows I long secretly.

For your touch, for your caress.

Cause I know that I am in existence.

But without you here by my side, I know that my existence would mean nothing more than dust.

Virgen de la Negra

Novena a la Virgen de Peña de Francia

Salamanca, España

ORACIÓN PRIMERA PARA TODOS LOS DÍAS:

Virgen de la Peña de Francia, Madre de los creyentes, que encuentran en Ti acogida: te consagramos, Señora y Madre nuestra, con un corazón sincero, junto con todo nuestro ser, el fruto de nuestros trabajos y la grandeza de las almas y los campos que se extienden a los pies de tu montaña. Te sentimos como estrella que iluminas nuestro camino. Te invocamos como defensora en los peligros. Acudimos a ti en todas nuestras necesidades. Concédenos que, a ejemplo tuyo, vivamos con fidelidad el evangelio de Jesucristo y seamos dignos hijos tuyos y así participar, como Tú, de la alegría y felicidad que se ofrece a los seguidores de tu Hijo Jesucristo, que vive y reina por los siglos de los siglos. AMÉN.

ORACIÓN FINAL PARA TODOS LOS DÍAS:

Santa María de la Peña de Francia, fuente de luz y de vida para cuantos buscan consuelo en Ti: bendice nuestros hogares, tierras, trabajos y vida toda. Concédenos que, protegidos por tu manto de Madre, tantas veces besado, conservemos, íntegra la fe, vivamos con fuerza la caridad y aumentemos nuestra esperanza hasta que, acompañados por Ti, merezcamos vivir para siempre en la Casa del Padre. Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. AMÉN.

Día 1º

Madre Inmaculada, que llevaste en tus entrañas al Salvador del mundo: concédenos ser dóciles a la inspiración del Espíritu Santo para poder llevar a Cristo a los hermanos y manifestar tu grandeza con nuestras alabanzas y con la santidad de nuestras costumbres.

Día 2º

María, esposa y madre que, unida a San José con un amor sincero, alabaste al Señor con cánticos, lo adoraste en silencio y lo proclamaste con tu trabajo: otórganos conocer y adorar cada vez más profundamente el misterio de tu Hijo Jesucristo.

Día 3º

Madre de Jesús, que te presentas ante todos ante todos os creyentes como modelo de virtudes, y animas y consuelas a los que acuden a Ti: intercede ante tu Hijo en favor nuestro, para que conforte a los débiles, ilumine a los que dudan, convierta a los desorientados y a todos nos ayude a caminar al encuentro de Jesús Resucitado.

Día 4º

Madre del Salvador, que aceptaste la muerte de tu Hijo en la Cruz: haz que, siguiendo tu ejemplo, sepamos vivir nuestros dolores y sufrimientos colaborando así a la salvación de todos los hombres mediante la participación en la Eucaristía.

Día 5º

Madre dolorosa que permaneciste con serena fortaleza junto a tu Hijo agonizante, dándonos un ejemplo de suprema entereza: ayúdanos a ser fieles a las promesas de nuestro bautismo sin temer la incomprensión , sin doblegarnos ante las dificultades y sin dejarnos cautivar por los espejismos que surgen en nuestro camino.

Día 6º

Madre del Redentor que fuiste proclamada desde la Cruz como Madre de todos nosotros: aumenta en nosotros el amor filial hacia Ti, la confianza en tu protección y la fortaleza espiritual para compartir con serenidad los padecimientos de tu Hijo Jesucristo.

Día 7º

Maestra nuestra que viviste con sencillez los sufrimientos y esperanzas del pueblo: acompaña a los enfermos, concede fortaleza a los que sufren, aliento y consuelo a los afectados por el hastío de la vida y devuelve la confianza a quienes han olvidado la presencia de Dios en sus vidas.

Día 8º

Madre nuestra, que presentas a tu Hijo las necesidades de todos los hombres: acuérdate especialmente de los emigrantes y de los marginados, de los que carecen de alimento y de los que sufren a causa de la guerra, la violencia y el odio para que, desterrados el rencor, la injusticia y el hambre, puedan vivir en paz, libertad y alegría.

Día 9º

Madre de Cristo resucitado, que animaste la fe de la primera comunidad: intercede por nosotros para que disfrutemos de salud de alma y de cuerpo, vivamos eficazmente el espíritu de la unidad, de la caridad y del gozo, y para que, terminado el tiempo de la vida presente, participemos de tu misma gloria.

Why is the Philippine Peñafrancia Image Conical?

Close up of the Image enthroned during the Fluvial Mass last September 18, 2010*

Why is the Philippine Penafrancia image conical, with the head of the Divine Child sticking out from the body of the Blessed Mother?


Notice the discreet passageways behind the image of the Virgen de Pena de Francia venerated in Spain in the picture I included in my previous post.) Almost all venerated Marian images in the country, including the Penafrancia, also have a similar passageway behind their altars to allow devotees to kiss the mantle and touch the image. This tradition is called thebesa manto or kissing of the mantle. It is no coincidence that this devotional term rhymes with besa mano, or kissing of the hand, which is a sign of respect accorded to parents. One also recalls the piety and faith of the woman with hemorrhage in the Gospel, who touched the fringes of Christ's garment and obtained her cure.


As a result of this custom of the besa manto, the base of a venerated image often becomes so worn that precautionary measures have to be taken. Glass (now bullet-proof!) and grilles usually provide security and protection. A unique and curious example can be seen in Macau's Igreja de Sao Agostinho where the foot of the miraculous image of the Nazarene is enclosed in plastic boots.


Sometimes other more ingenious but very practical measures need to be taken. In some place such as in Antipolo, the veil of the Virgin is simply extended so that only this can be touched by the devotees. Ribbons of lace are also attached to the image, like in the Spanish Pena de Francia, which the devotees can touch instead of the image itself. In the present case of the Penafrancia in Naga, a second veil of more inexpensive material is attached to her precious mantle, to lessen wear and tear.


Originally, the image of our Lady now venerated in Bikol was commissioned by Don MIguel Robles de Covarubias, a secular priest of the diocese Nueva Caceres. He had a local craftsman copy it from a picture he brought with him from his native place of San Martin de Castanar where the devotion to Nuestra Senora de Pena de Francia first started. As was the custom then, a dog was slaughtered to provide blood that was mixed with brown paint to achieve the "mulato" hue of the image, made of santol wood. The dog's carcass was reportedly thrown into the Bikol River but the same dog was soom found alive and well again, a clear miracle which ignited the devotion to the Virgin among the natives.


Devotion can sometimes become superstitious. Not content with wiping the image with their handkerchiefs and touching their rosaries and other sacramentals to it, as is the custom we have inherited from the Spaniards, some of the people even began chipping off small pieces of wood from the image, all contributing to the rapid deterioration of the image.


It was therefore decided, in the interest of conserving the venerated image, to enclose it in a metal "bastidor", which functions very much like an armor plate, showing only the faces of the Mother and her Child. The image was henceforth clothed with a "manto" or mantle of cloth in place of the de tallado (carved) clothing now enclosed in the bastidor. Thus, we have the present image of our Ina.

*photo by: Vic Nierva

Fluvial Procession

I got a message from a friend telling that he has something to show me. An aerial shot of the Basilica Minore during the high mass.

when I clicked on the link, this is what I saw!



Just looking at the pictures bring me into a trance. This is how the Bicolano's love their INA. OUR INA!

In our commemoration of the 300 years of our devotion and love to INA, I can say that I am very proud to be part of this occasion.