Great BULLY that is CHINA

For the past few months (years if you will include the issue on Spratly Island), local and even some international news channel reports about the Philippines and China's claim against Scarborough Shoal.

Chinese Government raises claim of the said island with reason's I personally don't know. The Philippines on the other hand raises its own claim of the said island reasoning that it still form part of the Philippine Territory based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Both claiming exclusive use of the shoal's economic zone.

Based on the said law it defines Exclusive Economic Zones as follows:

These extend from the edge of the territorial sea out to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres; 230 miles) from the baseline. Within this area, the coastal nation has sole exploitation rights over all natural resources. In casual use, the term may include the territorial sea and even the continental shelf. The EEZs were introduced to halt the increasingly heated clashes over fishing rights, although oil was also becoming important. The success of an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 1947 was soon repeated elsewhere in the world, and by 1970 it was technically feasible to operate in waters 4000 metres deep. Foreign nations have the freedom of navigation and overflight, subject to the regulation of the coastal states. Foreign states may also lay submarine pipes and cables.(click here for source) 

With that, here's the picture of the Shoal in question:

Meanwhile, two Democratic senators—John Kerry and Barbara Boxer—also criticized China’s claim in  the West Philippine Sea at last week’s hearing of the US Senate committee on foreign relations.

Kerry, the panel chair, said “China and other countries are staking out illegal claims to the South China Sea and elsewhere.”

Boxer produced a map that  showed that China’s claims exceeded far beyond its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone provided for in Unclos and amounted to a “significant territorial grab that comes very close to the land borders of countries in the region.”

China, which is among the 160-plus nations that are party to Unclos that was concluded in 1982 and has been in force since 1994, has made expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea based mainly on ancient maps.

A map that China submitted to the UN in 2009 virtually claimed the entire West Philippine Sea. However, it failed to clarify the exact extent of its claims that overlap those of Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines. (click here for source)

But hey, China did't just stop there, here's the latest story of bullying of the Great China! Senkaku Island of Japan was now on a threat from China's wide invasion of the Pacific! Read the article here.

I personally don't get the Chinese Government, and some of its people. They seem to think that everything in the Pacific is theirs and that they should have full control over it. There's this one newscaster, He Jia,  from the China Central Television (CCTV) that say's: “We all know that the Philippines is China’s inherent territory and the Philippines belongs to Chinese sovereignty, this is an indisputable fact,” she said in the broadcast, which has since disappeared from the CCTV website. (click here for video)

Oh come on! I have Chinese friends, but they are not as stupid as their government! Even them agree's that the Chinese Government was already way beyond their limitations.

The Philippines offered that the dispute be submitted to international court, but the Chinese Government takes distance about this matter. Might they be afraid that the Philippines contention was right all along and that they knew they will lose the shoal if the case be submitted for decision?

For me, I think this should be settled legally by the international court to avoid conflict of nations. The US Government already voiced their support to their long ally. If this dispute worsen, well, shall we expect World War III?!?!?!?!

Featured Blog: Ex Gratia

Blog Name: Ex Gratia

Blog Address: http://samahangwalangkatulad.blogspot.com/

Theme: Friendship

Blog Author: Arnel A. Tolete, Jr. (http://www.facebook.com/iArnelTolete)

Rating: 9/10

Remarks: If you are looking for something to read about a funny, cool, noisy and friendship that really rocks, read this blog! This will prove to you that TRUE FRIENDSHIP do exist! Just like the mini-series, F.R.I.E.N.D.S!

Sample Post:

BARKADZ - Feliz Cumpleaños Manoy Arvin!

May 8, 2012 - Arvin's birthday! Something we BRKDZ were looking forward to as soon as the month of May hit our calendars. Personally, I and Arvs have been sticking around together since the glory days of our Senior Year in High School when I joined CAT. Tinatamad akong mag-kwento kaya kung gusto nyo, i-browse nyo nalang ang friendship namin ni Arvs sa Facebook by clicking here. But I gotta tell you, that's just less than half of our story. Haha :P

Anyway, ayun. Sabi ng BRKDZ hintayin nalang daw ang text ni Arvin kung anong magiging sistema sa araw ng birthday niya at 'yun naman talaga ang ginawa ko - buong magdamag akong naka-nganga sa bahay, naghihintay ng text. Ehh sa nagtext sila nasa SM na pala sila kaya dali-dali akong nag-asikaso -______-

(click here for the complete blog)

Queen of Spain Adopts Shelter Dog

Known for her philanthropic efforts, Spain’s Queen Sofia has turned her focus to animals, or more specifically, one very lucky dog.

Over the weekend, the Queen visited Madrid’s Companion Animal Fair. She was in attendance to receive an award from the College of Veterinarians, but somewhere along the way she became sidetracked. While touring the facilities she became distracted by a dog. She stopped to pet it…and fell in love.

The 3 year old dog is a mutt. He was left for dead on the street by a group of vagrants in April. Now his new, very different life begins at Zarzuela Palace – Queen Sofia adopted him, and this fortunate former street dog is now royalty.

The Palace press liaison has not yet released the new name of the dog.

Source: http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/05/queen-of-spain-adopts-shelter-dog/

Mastubation is SAFE! Cool! :)

Okay, its 6:43 in the morning right now but as soon as I open my Facebook account, this article catches my attention, thus, I read it and decided to post it all here.

Given our busy schedules, perhaps the time has come to enjoy solo sex. Remember, 94% men and 89% women still masturbate on a regular basis. Masturbation doesn't cause any harm to your body until and unless you over do it.

Here, we give you five reasons why you should masturbate.

Masturbation is healthy: Masturbation is one of the best ways to stay healthy and has many health benefits. It can cure diseases like insomnia, stress, anxiety, menstrual cramp, depression, and it can even stimulate your immune system. Some researches say it's also a form of exercise; it can burn a few calories even though it can't match up to gym workout.

It feels really good: Fantasies make masturbating so much fun. So, fantasize about having sex with celebrities, porn stars, strangers and what have you. By masturbating, you can have one of the greatest orgasms of your life.

Masturbation is safe: What's the only 100% safe form of sex? It's masturbation. You don't need to worry about getting pregnant or getting an STD. Unlike sex, masturbation is free of cost. It's your own body, do whatever you want.

Masturbation is natural: Masturbation is normal, and it's a natural act. It is a common form of autoeroticism. Forget the myths and misconceptions regarding masturbation. It will never lead to infertility, sexual weakness or loss of libido. Even animals like monkeys, dogs, and cats masturbate.

Masturbation improves sexual relationship: You can learn many things from masturbation. It can improve your sexual relationships with your partner. Women can explore their own body through masturbation; they can determine what is erotically pleasing to them and can share this with their partners.

It's a fun experience.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/5-Reasons-why-you-should-masturbate/articleshow/11217935.cms

For some obvious reason, I won't be posting a picture in support of this Article. Just let your imagination play for itself. Ha ha ha!

Carlos Aureus: The Naga I Know (abridged)

While listening/watching the video of Carlos Aureus, it made me realize and compare the Naga of his generation and the Naga of my generation. You might say it is completely different, but I would say, its still the same. It still is the Ciudad de Naga la Virgen de Penafrancia. It is, and forever will be, The City of Naga of the Virgin of Penafrancia!

Realization of a Life Long Dream

Its a common knowlegde of those who personally knew me that I am a Marian devotee. I have been (and will always be) a  Marian Devotee ever since I was a child. I've been attending Processions, collecting Images of Mary and dream to be on board the Pagoda of INA. Boarding the Pagoda is a privilege given to a select few and remains a dream for me. Not until May 2012. :)


Remembering the past. It must be remembered that for years since the early 80's when the Image of INA was being brought to the then Naga City Public Market for veneration and She stay's there overnight. It was already called Penafrancia de Mayo back then. I remember growing up on this scenario. I remember those time that I, along with my childhood friends, patiently awaits the arrival of INA at the Old Chapel of NCPM (Our Lady of Fatima Chapel) and watch her as she leaves NCPM with a sigh. This continue until such time that I was able to join the procession myself. If I can remember it correctly, the last time that such "visit" was made by INA was more or less ten years ago. It stopped during the time that the Basilica sponsored the May Penafrancia Fiesta, of which I am proud to say that I actively participated!

Renewing the Tradition. 2012, after almost ten years, the tradition of INA's visit to the Naga City Public Market (Now Naga City People's Mall) continue. Her visit forms part of the activities in connection with the first year anniversary of the newly renovated Public Market and was scheduled May 22-25, 2012. 

My Personal Poster

I was supposed to have this printed in a tarpaulin to be hanged outside our store but wasn't able to. 

So instead, I shared such pic in my Facebook account and was posted in NagaCityDeck website.

May 22, 2012

Traslacion Procession

Procession in all Levels of the NCPM

May 24, 2012

During the procession at the NCPM, I assisted the carriers of INA as to when the palanquin should stop, walk, needs to be lowered or even needs to be moved from left or right to avoid hitting either a signage or stalls. I yelled! (FYI, just so the carriers can hear me. :]) I laughed! (for the bloopers) I instructed. Got tired. Even got sick on the same night. But it was all worth it. All for the Glory of God and INA.

Fluvial Procession

May 25, 2012

Isn't it obvious, my mom and I are soooooooooooo excited! Well, all of us are! We are at the Dalhogan by 4:00 in the afternoon as scheduled, but waited for almost three hours since the water level was still not enough for the Pagoda.

By around 5:30 in the afternoon, the Pagoda managed sail towards the Dalhogan.

By 7:00 in the evening, the GO signal was given by Fr. Louie Occiano to start the Procession from the NCPM Chapel to the dalhogan. He gave a last minute instruction, advising us that upon the arrival of INA, children from the Holy Cross Parish (Tabuc, Naga City) will offer songs for INA and that a decade of the Holy Rosary will be recited while waiting for the water level to increase.

By around 7:10 pm, all the devotees wearing the Green T-shirt one-by-one boarded the Pagoda and shortly thereafter, the Fluvial Procession started.

At first, the idea of me on board the Pagoda didn't sink in to me. I even managed to capture the moments!

And as the Pagoda started sailing, and noticed that we are ACTUALLY moving already, there, unknowingly, I started crying (tears still about to fall even while I'm writing this blog). Not because I'm afraid, but because I am overwhelmed by the realization of a life-long childhood dream. I AM FINALLY ON BOARD THE PAGODA WITH INA, I said to myself.

The Fluvial Procession ended at around 8:15 in the evening. Despite the almost three hours of waiting at the Dalhogan, it was all worth it. The experience was something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Thanks to the newly appointed Pastoral President of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Mr. Gener Compuesto, I was able to realize my life-long dream! I will be forever be grateful to him.

Not withstanding the fact that other religion questions the Bicolano's love and devotion to the Holy Mother of Jesus, I am proud to say that I AM A MARIAN DEVOTEE! I honor and venerate Our Lady of Penafrancia for two reasons:

1. She manifest a loving mother to Her children; and
2. By honoring Her, you honor the child She's carrying. Glorifying the bearer of the Son of God, true Man and true God.

With this, May 2012 is a month to remember. It will always have a special part of my life. Truly unforgettable.

Viva la Virgen! Viva El Divino Rostro! Viva El Nino Jesus!

"Minsan" a Miki Mortel Original Music

Here's the Official Music by Miki Mortel (@mikimortel)

Minsan by Miki Mortel

Alam kong ikaw ay nahihirapan
Alam kong ikaw ay nasasaktan
Nalilito at di alam ang gagawin
Kung pagpapatuloy pa ba natin

Gusto ko lang na malaman mo
Na naiintindihan ko
At kung masaktan man ako
Huwag kang mag-alala at kaya ko to

Minsan talaga sa buhay
May mga bagay na hindi dapat
Ipilit man o ipaglaban
Di pa din sapat

At kung ikaw man ay sumuko
Ito ay aking tatanggapin
Labag man ito sa damdamin
Ito ay aking gagawin

Tanging hiling ko lang
Sana'y mahalin ka niya
Katulad ng pagmamahal ko
Na handa ibigay ang kalayaan mo

Minsan talaga sa buhay
May mga bagay na hindi dapat
Ipilit man o ipaglaban
Hindi pa din sapat

Ang ating nakaraan ang tangi kong babalikan
Pagkat sayo ko lamang ito naramdaman
Masakit mang isiping ikaw ay di na sa akin

Minsan talaga sa buhay
May mga bagay na hindi dapat
Ipilit man o ipaglaban
Hindi pa din ito sapat

Forever

Forever
by The Ambassadors


I may burn out like a candle and
I may pass away 
I may fall just like a shooting star 
my heart will stay 
I’ll be yours until forever, 
forever I’ll be true to the promise 
I have made from the day that 
I found you 
forever your in my heart 
even if were apart 

I say, forever I’ll be yours 
forever I love you 
I say, forever I’ll be yours 
forever I love you 
my love will never fade away 
even if I’ll die and 
I will love you until the end of time 
even without your smile 

So help me please I beg you 
don’t walk away I need you 
just stay with me and be by my side 
take my hand and will work it out 

Unti,l forever I’ll be yours 
forever I love you 
I say, forever I’ll be yours 
forever I’ll be true
my love will never fade away 
even if I’ll die and 
I will love you until the end of time 
even without your smile 

So help me please I beg you 
to stay....

Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko

This is my favorite version of Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko. . . Orignal by Ms. Sharon Cuneta, cover by Mike Mortel (http://www.youtube.com/user/miki2526)

Enjoy guys!

Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko

Kung tayo'y matanda na
Sana'y di tayo magbago
Kailan man nasaan ma'y
Ito ang pangarap ko
Makuha mo pa kayang
Ako'y hagkan at yakapin ooooooh
Hanggang pagtanda natin
Nagtatanong lang sa `yo
Ako pa kaya'y ibigin mo
Kung maputi na ang buhok ko

Pagdating ng araw
Ang `yong buhok
Ay puputi na rin
Sabay tayong mangangarap
Nang nakaraan sa `tin

Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin ooooooh
Ipapaalala ko sa `yo
Ang aking pangako
Na ang pag-ibig ko'y laging sa `yo
Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko

Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin hmmmmmm
Ipapaalala ko sa `yo
Ang aking pangako
Na ang pag-ibig ko'y laging sa `yo
Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko
Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko

MAGIC TEMPLE and MAGIC KINGDOM

Okay, during my childhood days, I have this favorite movie titled: MAGIC TEMPLE starring Jason Salcedo, Junnel Hernando and Jun Urbano.

Of course, who will forget the epic character of Ms. Gina Pareno (Telang Bayawak) who had been hangged a hundred times but won't even die?! Or Ms. Jackie Lou Blanco's role of the antagonist of the movie. I forgot her name in the movie.

And of course, I'm pretty sure you are familiar with this lines. . .

Buto kalansay. . . 

Tabi-tabi po sa bangkay. . .

Lulubog. . . Lilitaw. . .

Sa saradon hukay. . .

Anyway, right now, May 15, 2012, ABS-CBN is showing a movie titled MAGIC KINGDOM... Which, according to my friend Jhon Parks (http://www.facebook.com/jhon.parks), the movie is a sequel to Magic Temple... Now that you've mentioned it, should have watched it from the very beginning...

Anyhow. . . My cousin, Eugene Ferrer (http://www.facebook.com/jastinejea) posted this on my wall in re: Ang Magic Kingdom ba, continuation ng Magic Temple? "Is Magic Kingdom a continution of Magic Temple?"


My cousin said: magic flakes....magic splash..... magic sarap.... and magic sing..... sunod sunod na yan......

Hahahahahahaha!

Novena Prayer

*Photo courtesy of Marta Maria Triana

I. THE HOLY ROSARY

II. LITANY

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Response: PRAY FOR US

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Holy Virgin of virgins,

Mother of the Crucified,

Sorrowful Mother

Mournful Mother

Sighing Mother

Afflicted Mother

Forsaken Mother.

Desolate Mother

Mother most sad

Mother set around with anguish

Mother overwhelmed by grief

Mother transfixed by a sword

Mother crucified in thy heart

Mother bereaved of thy Son

Sighing Dove

Mother of Dolors

Fount of tears

Sea of bitterness

Field of tribulation

Mass of suffering

Mirror of patience

Rock of constancy

Remedy in perplexity

Joy of the afflicted

Ark of the desolate

Refuge of the abandoned

Shield of the oppressed

Conqueror of the incredulous

Solace of the wretched

Medicine of the sick

Help of the faint

Strength of the weak

Protectress of those who fight

Haven of the shipwrecked

Calmer of tempests

Companion of the sorrowful

Retreat of those who groan

Terror of the treacherous

Standard-bearer of the Martyrs

Treasure of the Faithful

Pearl of Virgins

Comfort of Widows

Joy of all Saints

Queen of thy Servants

Light of Confessors

Holy Mary, who alone art unexampled

Pray for us, Oh Holy Mother of God,

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O God, in whose Passion and Death a sword of grief pierced through the sweetest soul of Your glorious blessed Virgin Mother Mary: Grant that we, who celebrate the memory of Her Seven Sorrows, may obtain the happy effect of Your Passion, and with His Glorious Resurrection rejoice with unending hymn of praise, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns the world without end. Amen.

III. NOVENA PRAYER

MOST HOLY and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, You stood beneath the Cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Look down with a mother’s tenderness and have pity on me, who kneels before you to venerate your sufferings and to place my request with filial confidence in the sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them, I beseech you, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the merits of his own most sacred Passion and Death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the Cross; and through the united efficacy of both, obtain the grant of my present petition. To whom shall I have recourse in my wants and miseries if not to you, O Mother of Mercy, who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of your Son, and console with the sorrows of those who still sigh in the land of exile?

O Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the Passion of your Divine Son, intercede for me and obtain for me from Jesus (mention the request) if it be for His Honor and Glory and the good of my soul. Amen.

IV. ACT OF CONSECRATION

Most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, Mary, would that I could be in Heaven, there to contemplate. The honors rendered to you by the Most Holy Trinity and by the whole Heavenly Court!

But since I am still a pilgrim in this vale of tears, receive from me, your unworthy servant and a poor sinner, the most sincere homage and the most perfect act of vassalage a human creature can offer you.

In your Immaculate Heart, pierced with so many swords of sorrow, I place today my poor soul forever; receive me as a partaker in thy Sorrows, and never suffer that I should depart from that Cross on which Thy only begotten Son expired for me. With thee, O Mary, I will endure all the sufferings, contradictions, infirmities, with which it will please thy Divine Son to visit me in this life. All of them I offer to thee, in memory of the Sorrows which you did suffer during thy life, that every thought of my mind, every beating of my heart may henceforward be an act of compassion to thy Sorrows, and of complacency for the glory thou now enjoys in Heaven.

Since then, O Dear Mother, I now compassionate thy Dolors, and rejoice in seeing thee glorified. Do thou also have compassion on me, and reconcile me to thy Son Jesus, that I may become thy true and loyal child. Come on my last day and assist me in my last agony. Even as thou wert present at the Agony of thy Divine Son Jesus, that from this painful exile I may go to Heaven, there to be made partaker of thy glory. Amen.

V. PRAYER TO NSTRA. SRA. DE LA AURORA

Mary, most Holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as a companion on Thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the redemption of the world. With Thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I gladly suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please Our Lord to send me. I offer them all to Thee in memory of Thy sorrows, so that every thought of my mind and every beat of my heart may be an act of compassion and of love for Thee. And thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me. Reconcile me to Thy Devine Son, Jesus; keep me in His grace and assist me in my last agony, so that I may be able to meet Thee in Heaven and sing Thy Glory.

Most Holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword in the Passion of Thy Divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection was filled with never ending joy at His triumph, obtain for us who call upon Thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of the Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolation for which we pray, in the charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

VI. SALVE REGINA

Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae, ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte; et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

Ora pro nobis sancta Dei Genetrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosae Virginis Matris Mariae corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu Sancto cooperante praeparasti: da, ut cuius commemoratione laetamur; eius pia intercessione, ab instantibus malis, et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

HEART

The HEART…

How can I forget you? The usual question of a heart that was once been a victim of sadness, pain and disregard. Exactly why is it that its so hard to forget the person we once loved, or maybe we still love?

Our heart doesn't easily forget and it doesn't easily remove a certain feelings once it falls, that even if it knew that he's not being loved anymore, still he continue to hope that one day, something will return and that love will once again knock in his heart even if that person would mean the same person who gave a scar in his heart.

We often say that our heart is: "Baliw!" , "Hibang!" , "Bulag!" , "Manhid!" , what else . . . hmmm. . . "TANGA!" and often times, even though we want to break free from the past, we still continue to fight for our love!

And during those time, a new love comes. But have we noticed it? It is more often than not, we chose not to fall in-love again because we still want our previous beloved! Even if it doesn't bring us joy, but rather more pain! And maybe because its there the heart can find longing for a once loved for another heart.

With this, who are we going to chose? The one who used to stay in our heart or to the one who promises a new love? Its frightening when our heart is in this situation when the previous loved wins. Why is it that the heart still chooses to get hurt rather than hoping for another promises? Maybe because the heart were fed up of these kind of promises and that it doesn't easily forget? And how many more pain does it need just to say the words: "Tama na. . ." , "Sobra na. . .", "Ayaw ko na. . ." ? Its still confusing cause other still doesn't want to fall in-love because they still love their previous relationship who, mind you, often are already in-love with another?!

Oftentimes also, the heart is in a different situation. Our heart is already in-love but still managed to find a new heart to love! The typical Filipino Song that goes: "Sana dalawa ang puso ko..." and in this situation, how can a heart choose between the two? The new found love or the current love? Maybe our heart undergo this kind of dilemma because we often did not find the qualities of a perfect love in just one person. That's why, we mistook the feelings as LOVE because in the end, there's this more greater love. "If only you have just waited a little more, my dear heart." Tell me, which among the two should the heart chose? A heart that can love or a heart that can give you hope?

There are also this heart that are called "cheaters" because of the so many hearts he loved, not a single one lasted long! Choosy! With this kind, a lot of heart got broken. But does the heart really want to broke another heart? Or he just didn't find the right heart he wanted to give his whole being?

Whats hard about this is that our heart isn't the one who's responsible of giving the qualification of what, who and when! Its just a matter of "Take it of Leave it". Anyway, only the heart knows the real answer to that! Because our heart never fails because what our heart only know how to love. Its just that the situation doesn't fit in with our decision, thus, resulting to heartaches.

Remember, the rule about love is just to love without asking anything in return. That's what the heart know and nothing more!

HOW ABOUT YOU? ARE YOU READY TO LOVE AND BE HURT?

ARE YOU READY TO GET HURT JUST TO LOVE?

Exquisite manto drapes Our Lady of Peñafrancia

MOST PRECIOUS. Tercentenary vest is the most precious among the vests worn by the original 300-year-old image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. It was donated by business tycoon Manny Pangilinan and Atty. Paul Guico.

The 300-year-old image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia or Ina radiates in its exquisitely handcrafted vest like a queen mounted on a peach and gold-colored altar decorated with two fancy columns on each side.

Ina is the Patroness of Bicolandia to Catholics celebrating its 9-day religious feast starting on second Friday and culminating third Sunday of September in a fluvial procession at the Naga River.

Hidden from the eyes of the public, in a restricted prayer room within the compound of the Basilica Minore here, the original image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia wears precious vest made of special fabrics stitched with real silver and gold threads and patched with two ivory plates carved with tiny bas relief of the iconic image and the Divino Rostro (Holy Face).

A little more than a foot in height, Our Lady of Peñafrancia or Ina draws every year, from September to mid-October, millions of pilgrims and devotees who believe in her miraculous power and the power of protection of her vests called manto.

Radiant in its glittering vest donned last year until now, Ina earned the devotion of business tycoon Manny Pangilinan and Atty. Paul Guico, who donated the tercentenary vest, the most precious among the vests it had worn so far for the past 300 years.

Msgr. Romulo Vergara, rector of the Basilica Minore, the permanent home of the image, said the vests of Our Lady of Peñafrancia which come in plain designs to intricate fractal designs symbolize the protection it gives to devotees.

“It’s akin to the protection of a mother hen to its chicks. In times of difficulties, we attribute so many things for protection and intercession to Ina, even those who are not in Bicol,” he revealed.

Vergara said the original image is not subject to public viewing since it was stolen on Aug. 16, 1981 and returned to Basilica on Sept. 17, 1982 just in time for the culmination of the religious feast. “For security and to protect the delicate Santol wood, the original image has to be kept safe in this restricted prayer room.”

He disclosed that when Ina was stolen, it was chopped into six pieces, placed in a sack and buried which brought irreversible damage to the image, destroying the face of the Child Jesus which required the service of an expert restorer. Vergara narrated that an antique dealer who was offered the stolen image brought it to Msgr. Florencio Yllana, former chaplain of the Peñafrancia Shrine where it was stolen, upon learning that it’s Our Lady of Peñafrancia of Naga City.

“We use replicas of the original image for different intentions and the one used during the Peñafrancia fiesta processions in September is garbed with vest coated with fiberglass to withstand wiping with the handkerchiefs of devotees. But the original one was used last year as it passed the Porta Mariae to mark the 300-year devotion,” he said.

Vergara, tasked for 10 years now as the primary trustee of the image of Ina, said that it was only during his term as rector that the vests worn by the original image were listed, properly accounted and kept.

Sr. Eppie B. Cantuba, the caretaker of Ina’s vests, said she has some 30 vests with intricate design intended as museum pieces under her care and she has several other plain vests borrowed by devotees who wrap them around persons suffering from illnesses.

Cantuba said at least 10 plain vests are borrowed every week which are returned to her after two or three weeks or even more depending on the kind of illness, if not, she said the vest is substituted.

On the other side of Naga River, across Basilica Minore, the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum houses some more vests Ina had worn on several important occasions including a ripped-off vest, a vest worn during the coronation in 1924 and another vest worn in 1999 during the 75th year of its coronation.

The museum is maintained and supervised by Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association and Our Lady of Peñafrancia Pilgrimage who also pay for its bills and operational and administrative expenses, respectively.

The image, whose story tells of a miracle of a sacrificed dog resurrected after its blood was used to darken the color of the image, and devotion to it was introduced here in 1710 by Padre Miguel Robles de Covarrubias. De Covarrubias was a Spanish seminarian who became the first Dominican priest ordained in the old parish of Naga City.

More than two hundred years later, Msgr. Guglielmo Piani, Apostolic Delegate of Pope Pius XI to the Philippines, performed on Sept. 20 1924 the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as Queen of Bicolandia.

A century earlier in 1895, Pope Leo XII proclaimed Our Lady of Peñafrancia as Patroness of Nueva Caceres (old Naga City).

Fast forward, President Benigno Aquino III declared Naga City and Province of Camarines Sur as Pilgrimage Capitals of the Bicol Region with the issuance of Executive Order No. 33 on Sept. 10, 2010. It recognized the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as the only regional feast for centuries which had become “an historical epic” and “part of cultural heritage.”

By: Juan Escandor, Jr.

Bicol Mail

Photo of INA in Her new Vest

Feel Like Quitting on my Third Year

Okay, today, 02 May 2012, I celebrate my Third Year here in Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. I am thankful that I was able to contribute in one way or the other as an Accounting Staff of the Auxiliary Services Division.

I've been in a rough but enjoyable years here, and it's something that I will treasure.

But lately, I've been contemplating and quitting was an option that I currently consider. I'm tired.

[mental block. Too many things on my mind. Will update this soon. XD ]