Simbang Gabi 2018

If the topic is about pregnancy, we can hear many stories about it. Stories such as when a husband learns his wife is pregnant, he is happy. If it is his querida, it is a problem. If a teenager son brings home a pregnant girl, it is ok but if it is a teenager daughter who gets pregnant, it is a big no –no! If it is the awaited firstborn, the husband is excited, but if it is the tenth child already, he is disappointed. If it is his first baby boy he cuddles him, but if his children are all boys, then he looks for a daughter. If a wife is naglilihi, the husband should give his attention to her. If she likes balut, it will produce a hairy child. If she likes dinuguan dish, it will cause one’s baby to be dark. If she likes lanzones, it will bring a fair and smooth-skinned baby. Members of the family also would watch the shape of a woman’s stomach; for a pointed tummy it means it is a boy. But if it is rounded then it is a girl. If the mother is pretty during pregnancy, she will have a daughter. If the mother looks gross and her armpits dark, she will most definitely produce a son.

My dear friends in Christ, in talking about pregnancy, Joseph and Mary had their own story. We know from the Bible that Joseph was about to abandon Mary in secret upon knowing she was already pregnant before their marriage. Mary’s life was exposed to dangers when she accepted God’s will to bear His only Son Jesus and was about to be left alone by Joseph. In addition, Jesus, the son of God who became man was born in a place where animals lived. Yet, the drama of pregnancy finally closed with a happy ending. Mary and Joseph found happiness after all. First, happiness for Mary and Joseph could be found in ordinary things like in giving birth to a child. One does not need to look for some spectacular events in order to be happy. It is enough to see God in ordinary things and be happy with His presence. Next, Mary and Joseph found happiness for being a family –a father and mother with their child. It is by living in harmony with his or her family that one can be happy. No doubt it is still true until this day that there is no place like home. Lastly, happiness was found by Mary and Joseph not so much in doing something but in being there for each other. Our “belen” expresses this feeling as we can see the image of shepherds, the magi and the couple, Mary and Joseph are all there for Jesus as Jesus, the son of God is there for them too. Today, we pray for all the men and women who are expecting for their baby to come, for all the fathers and mothers who have given birth to their children, and for all the parents who at present raise their children. We pray that they can all find happiness especially in promoting and protecting life this Christmas season.

Simbang Gabi 2018

A doctor told a pregnant woman that it was too risky for her to deliver her baby given her health condition. It was found out that she had a kidney problem. The doctor advised her to go for abortion because he could not guarantee whether he could save both the lives of the mother or of the baby during the delivery. The mother insisted that if ever the doctor would make a choice, he should save the baby rather than her. She would rather face death to let her child live. Fortunately, both lives were saved. It was all attributed to the hands of God and to the skills employed by the doctor.

My dear friends, this story tells us about what a mother is. First, a mother is a life-sharer. A mother has to risk her life just to give life to her child. Mama Mary did the same. Even if she knew she would be stoned to death because she got pregnant before the time she would be taken by Joseph as his wife, she said yes to God. She accepted the will of God to be the mother of His only son. Second, a mother is a love-giver. No matter how a child behaves towards his/her mother, the latter cannot but just respond with love. Mama Mary always loved Jesus even during the time she could not understand why Jesus decided to stay in the temple for three days. Lastly, a mother is the Lord’s messenger. If a mother is prayerful and she teaches her child to pray with her, the child will grow up cautious of the feeling of his/her mother. As the child loves his/her mother, he/she will not give any reason to make his/her mother sad. Just like Mama Mary and St. Joseph who brought Jesus to the temple before God, any good mother will lead her child to the path of righteousness.

We pray then during this Christmas season, for all the mothers who sacrificed their personal ambitions and comfort for the sake of bearing and rearing their children. We pray and thank God for giving as our mothers who give us life and let us live. May all the mothers learn the way of Mama Mary in raising her son Jesus. Amen.

Simbang Gabi 2018

A husband comes home drunk and breaks some crockery; vomits and falls down on the floor. His wife pulls him up and cleans everything. On the next day when he gets up he expects her to be really angry with him. He prays that they should not have a fight. He finds a note near the table… “Honey, your favorite breakfast is ready on the table, I had to leave early to buy grocery. I’ll come running back to you, my love. I love you. … ” He gets surprised and asks his son, “What happened last night..?” His son told him, “When mom pulled you to bed and tried removing your boots and shirt you were dead drunk and you said ‘Hey Lady! Leave me alone… I am married !!!’”

My dear friends in Christ, how many fathers are there who make their family happy? Being a father is not just about fulfilling one’s social or personal role but it is by embracing the vocation which God has given him. By so doing, he makes his family happy.

Being a father means being chosen by God. Not all can become a father unless God chooses him to be one. In our Gospel, (Matthew 1:18-25), Joseph wanted to leave Mary upon knowing that she bears in her womb the son of God. But God himself did not allow Joseph to leave Mary. God through his messenger revealed the vocation of Joseph to be the human father of Jesus.

Being a father means to be consecrated, i.e., separated from among others. Once a man becomes a father, he is called to leave behind his bachelor’s life and take his responsibility over his family. A father should embrace his vocation like what Joseph did even at the point of risking his life. It is nice to see some fathers who spend their Christmas vacation with their families rather than with anybody else.

Being a father means to be committed. Fathers who are committed recognize their essential role in loving their families. They make their house a home where as fathers they protect and take care of their household members. They live and die as good fathers of their families.

We pray then during this Christmas season, all fathers would lead their families in praying to God. May all the fathers learn the way of St. Joseph in loving their families.

Department of Trade and Industry 2018 On Values

Values are something desirable. This could mean one may not value what is undesirable. This could also mean that there are no negative values but only wrong usage/uses of them. How about the one you love? Is there anything desirable from him or her that you value him or her? Well, we can understand this if we understand the nature of values. Moreover, it is said that we, Filipinos, reason more with our hearts than with our minds.

A person with values positively believes that certain patterns of behaviour or modes of conduct are personally and socially preferable to other patterns or modes of conduct. Such preference serves as a guide for making decisions or choices. Values are best expressed in the actions we do and understood in the events we experience. In the case, Aowa Electronic Philippines, Inc. vs DTI-NCR, G.R. NO. 189655, 2011 one may see two different values in the seller and in the buyer/consumer as the ponente of the case wrote: “In these trying times, when fly-by-night establishments and syndicates proliferate all over the country, lurking and waiting to prey on innocent consumers, and ganging up on them like a pack of wolves with their sugar-coated sales talk and false representations disguised as overzealous marketing strategies, it is the mandated duty of the Government, through its various agencies like the DTI, to be wary and ready to protect each and every consumer. To allow or even tolerate the marketing schemes such as these, under the pretext of promotional sales in contravention of the law and its existing rules and regulations, would result in consumers being robbed in broad daylight of their hard earned money. This court shall not countenance these pernicious acts at the expense of consumers.” Aowas’ representatives just wanted the money of their customers while the buyers/consumers wanted the giveaways or gifts. Nevertheless, both choices of action have value components.

The most common Filipino term for value is halaga. Halaga refers to the worth we give to something or someone. But there are competent authorities who scholarly used the term pamantayan instead of the term halaga. Why? Value is a “standard” on the basis of which one recognizes, expresses and evaluates behaviour as right or wrong, correct or incorrect, etc., Pamantayan is then the most appropriate term for value being a “standard”. Pamantayan comes from the root word pantay which means at the “same level or aligned”. It is walang labis, walang kulang. Behaving in line with what is acceptable is much preferred to deviating from it. Thus, we can say nasa tamang katayuan tayo as we stand for what is true, beautiful, good and right. Without a standard, it would be difficult to decide what is important and what is not, what is right and what is wrong, what we ought to do and what we ought not to do in certain situations.

Pamantayan is composed of three elements or value systems: halaga, asal and diwa. Halaga (price) is more of extrinsic in its nature; it is evaluative. It creates an image of relevance, importance, and significance in the things we do. This is why we consider certain objects valuables and others not; we uphold certain principles but not others. Here we say tama or mali (right or wrong) in our decisions and actions. Look at the case of Emmanuel B. Moran, Jr. vs Office of the President of the Philippines, as represented by the Honorable Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita and PGA Cars, Inc., G.R. No. 192957. The case itself outlived the original complainant/petitioner. He was substituted by his widow, Concordia who raised the issue before the Supreme Court. The court eventually upheld a DTI ruling holding a car dealer liable for the defects of a brand new vehicle a consumer bought for 3.3 million in 2003. The court’s decision was made only in 2014. The length of time spent by both parties for this case especially by the petitioner reveals the halaga of what her deceased husband was fighting for.

Asal (character) is intrinsic in its nature; it is expressive. It serves as the fundamental basis of our way of valuing –be it interpersonal, emotional, or moral. It is a standard for recognizing and expressing proper behaviour. Here we say there is mabuti or masama (good or bad) in one’s character or manners or right conduct. People are rejected or accepted according to their asal (kabubut-on or kulay). Asal as one of the three elements is applicable only to human behaviour. It is limited to the expressive nature of character. In the case of Autozentrum Alabang, Inc., vs Spouses Miamar A. Bernardo and Genaro F. Bernardo, Jr., DTI, Asian Carmakers Corporation, and Bayerishe Motoren Werke (BMW) A.G., GR No. 214122, 2016, Autozentrum, the petitioner claimed that the spouses Bernardo failed to prove the elements of deceit or misrepresentation under Article 50, and injury under Article 97 of RA 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) but the Supreme Court noted that DTI and the Court of Appeals both found that it sold to the couple a defective and used car, instead of a brand new one. The Court was convinced there was clearly a fraud on the part of the seller. This case does not just dwell on the halaga (price) of the vehicle but also of the asal (character) of the seller.

Diwa is psychic in nature; it is spiritual. When it is mentioned that diwa is spiritual, it refers to those contexts and meanings in cultural values and practices that are believed to be true and accepted as correct such that they do not need any explanation at all. These include beliefs in the influence of natural and supernatural powers over human affairs. It provides inner strength and meaning to life. Without which, life becomes meaningless and all the things we do lose their significance. Here we say malinis or makasalanan (virtuous/good or evil). With diwa, one is strengthened and made capable to deal patiently with all kinds of problems in life. It is the soul of the people.

Major reference:

Jocano, F. Landa, Anthropology of the Filipino People IV: Filipino Value System (A Cultural Definition), Quezon City: PUNLAD Research House, Inc., 1997.

IN-SET District of Banga 2018

Teaching is a noble profession.  Yet some teachers seem do not care about its dignity. In the Philippines, there have been complaints against teachers on how they behave or conduct themselves whether inside or outside their classrooms. There are also some teachers who view the teaching profession as a job to earn some money forgetting what they really profess. Moreover, we have many teachers today as many have passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers. Among those are potentially good teachers who are presently working in a low-skilled or low-wage job. There are also among them who have no ethical standard though they have met all the requirements to teach. Even if there is the so-called ranking method or a merit system where one has to present all his or her credentials to avail a teaching post, at times it is the padrino system that works in the Philippines. Padrino system is part of Filipino politics where one gains favor through family affiliation or friendship rather than through one’s merit. Because of this, we sacrifice those men and women who have a heartfelt desire to promote quality education and those who value the dignity of the teaching profession.

Although the professional life of a teacher depends on his or her sense of moral responsibility towards the teaching profession in particular and towards the community in general; teaching as a profession has its own worth and importance aside from how a teacher puts value on it. A teacher should make himself/herself “fit” to embrace the said profession. He/she should not take the Oath of Professionals if he/she is not sincere to closely adhere at all times and in all places to the ethical standards and professional roles of teachers in the Philippines. He/she should not also take the Oath as a mere formality for practicing the teaching profession. Rather, it should be his/her personal duty to always evaluate his/her actions according to his/her sworn promise. It is his or her duty to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession by observing the Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers. Article XI, Section 3 of the Code states that a teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as a model worthy of emulation by learners, peers, and others.

The Dignity of the Teaching Profession is highly acknowledged in our country. The Revised Penal Code, in the third paragraph of Article 152, states that “in applying the provisions of Articles 148 and 151 of this Code,” teachers, professors, etc. are persons in authority. What is the significance of teachers being considered as persons in authority? Well, Article 148 deals with the crime of Direct Assault while Article 151 deals with the crime of Resistance and Disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person. This means that it is not a simple misdemeanor for one to attack or go against any teacher who fulfills his or her duty. It is a serious crime.

In People vs. Ceprioso, C.A., 52 O.G. 2609, it was held that the spirit and purpose of the law is to give teachers protection, dignity and respect while in the performance of their official duties. This protection extends not only against pupils or relatives of pupils, but against all persons who knowingly attack a teacher while engaged in the performance of his official duties. Respect for a teacher is required of all persons, whether pupils, parents of pupils, or otherwise, if we are to uphold and enhance the dignity of the teaching profession which the law similarly enjoins upon all persons for the sake of the pupils and the profession itself.

To highlight the dignity of the teaching profession, those who were already teaching before the Family Code of the Philippines took effect in 1987, are familiar with the Doctrine of In Loco Parentis (in the place of a parent) which was applied to them as teachers. When parents send their children to school, they pass on their parental authority over the latter with the school, its administrators and teachers temporarily. Teachers therefore do not just teach but they too have to look after their pupils or students as if they were their own kids. They substitute or take the place of the parents of those children while in school. They become liable for any damages caused by or caused to their pupils or students while in school.

Now, with the Family Code of the Philippines, Article 218 states that teachers can legally exercise their parental authority and responsibility over the children in school simultaneously with the natural parents. It is no longer a substitute parental authority but a special parental authority. The parents do not “pass on” their parental authority over their children, rather they “share” it with the teachers. Yet, if we take a look at Article 219 of the same code, it states that teachers with their special parental authority are principally and solidarily liable for any damages caused by or to their pupils or students. It means that teachers can only be relieved from their liabilities if it is proven that they exercised the proper diligence required under the particular circumstances. In essence, the authority and responsibility of a teacher remains the same under the code and under the doctrine of In Loco Parentis. In the case School of the Holy Spirit vs Taguiam, GR No. 165565, the court held that “As a teacher who stands in loco parentis to her pupils, respondent should have made sure that the children were protected from all harm while in her company. Respondent should have known that leaving the pupils in the swimming pool area all by themselves may result in an accident. A simple reminder “not to go to the deepest part of the pool” was insufficient to cast away all the serious dangers that the situation presented to the children, especially when respondent knew that Chiara Mae cannot swim. Dismally, respondent created an unsafe situation which exposed the lives of all the pupils concerned to real danger. This is a clear violation not only of the trust and confidence reposed on her by the parents of the pupils but also of the school.” Related to this, The Civil Code of the Philippines, under Article 2180 states the same regarding the liabilities of teachers though the case of Palisoc vs Brillantes, et al. brings forth the doctrine that teachers are responsible for the acts of their students, not only minors but those emancipated as well.

In stating all these, we can say that teachers have great responsibility. Great responsibility implies there exists a great power. Such great power of a teacher comes from the profession itself, separate and distinct from the person who engages in teaching activities. To use the words of Justice Reyes, “While in the case of parents and guardians, their authority and supervision over the children and wards end by law upon the latter reaching majority age, the authority and custodial supervision over pupils exist regardless of the age of the latter. A student over twenty-one, by enrolling and attending a school, places himself under the custodial supervision and disciplinary authority of the school authorities, which is the basis of the latter’s correlative responsibility for his torts, committed while under such authority.”

Truly, teaching profession is worthy of honor among all other professions. Teachers must be careful on how they conduct themselves as they would create bad impressions which could be harmful to the teaching profession itself. In the case of Rene Puse vs Ligaya Puse, GR No. 183678, March 15, 2010, the court said, “In the practice of his profession, he, as a licensed professional teacher, is required to strictly adhere to, observe and practice the set of ethical and moral principles, standards and values laid down in the aforesaid code. It is of no moment that he was not yet a teacher when he contracted his second marriage. His good moral character is a continuing requirement which he must possess if he wants to continue practicing his noble profession. In the instant case, he failed to abide by the tenets of morality. Consequently, it is but stating the obvious to assert that teachers must adhere to the exacting standards of morality and decency. There is no dichotomy of morality. A teacher, both in his official and personal conduct, must display exemplary behavior. He must freely and willingly accept restrictions on his conduct that might be viewed irksome by ordinary citizens. In other words, the personal behavior of teachers, in and outside the classroom, must be beyond reproach.”

But what standard of morality is expected from teachers to preserve the dignity of the teaching profession? The case of Cheryll Santos Leus vs St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove, GR No. 187226 has this to say: “When the law refers to morality, it necessarily pertains to public and secular morality and not religious morality.”

There is no question that Teaching Profession is still the most attractive profession in the country. In fact, it is said that teaching is the mother of all professions. This is true in the sense that without a teacher; there can be no doctors, lawyers, priests, etc. Likewise, there are now new public or private schools and universities which are established and we know that there can be no schools or universities which can survive without any teachers. No doubt, teaching as a profession is inherently good and it is good for teachers to uphold its dignity by maintaining a dignified personality which could serve as a model worthy of emulation by learners, peers, and others. “A teacher is, above all, a human being endowed with life for which it is the highest obligation to live with dignity at all times whether in school, in the home, or elsewhere” (Section 1, Article XI Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers).

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

A poor man approached a rabbi and told him how miserable things were at home with him and his family eating and sleeping in one room-house. The rabbi then asked the poor man a strange question. “Do you own any animals?” “Yes, I have one cow, one goat and some chickens,” he said. The rabbi said, “When you get home, take all the animals into your house to live with you.” So he went home and took all the farm animals into the tiny one-room house.

The next day the poor man ran back to see the rabbi. He cried, “It’s awful. I did what you told me and the animals are all over the house! Help me.” The rabbi listened and said calmly, “Now go home and take the chickens back outside.” The poor man did as the rabbi said, but hurried back again the next day. He moaned, “The chickens are gone but the goat is smashing all the furniture and eating everything in sight!” The rabbi said, “Go home and remove the goat.” So the poor man went home and took the goat outside. But he ran back again to see the rabbi crying. “With the cow, it is like living in a stable.” The rabbi said, “Go home now and take the cow out of your house.” The next day he came running back to the rabbi again. “O rabbi,” he said smiling, “we have such a good life now. The animals are all out of the house. The house is so quiet and we’ve got room to spare. What a joy!”

My dear friends, the poor man in the story never noticed that he just reverted to his former state which he used to complain about. His constant whining and complaining made him blind to see the beauty in his situation. In order to see the beauty in his life, the poor man had to change the way he looked at things until the things he looked at changed.

My dear friends, it is not only what we see, but also the way we see things matters in life. This is the problem of the people in our Gospel for today (John 6: 41-51). They murmured at Jesus. They complained. To accept Jesus as the Bread of Life, as the one who came down from heaven, they must stop murmuring first which they never did. Eventually, they rejected Jesus. They just looked at Jesus as a son of a carpenter. So they failed to see the Divinity of Jesus because they refused to change the way they looked at Him.

My dear friends, today we are called to see things the way God wants us to see them. The moment we murmur or complain, we eventually forget how God has become good to us. When we relentlessly complain about our bills and daily expenses, we forget thanking God for helping us meet our needs. Instead of seeing the goodness of God, we focus on our problems. Today, before we ask something from God, let us recall first how God works in our life. Let us learn how to listen first to Jesus before we begin to speak to Him. If we murmur or complain, and such is left unchecked, we only displease God. Thus, let us be aware of this attitude. Amen.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. John Marie Vianney wanted to become a priest. However, he encountered difficulties in studying Latin and failed to pass the entrance exam the first time, and was required to take it a second time. Only by the recommendation of Abbey Balley, his mentor, that he was eventually ordained priest. After the death of Abbey Balley, he was appointed the Curé of a small town called Ars. The people there had little faith. Yet, for ten years or more, he transformed Ars for the better. How did he do it? What was his method? What pastoral plans did he create? None. He just lived as a priest, an alter Christus. People saw how he prayed and spent time in fasting and penance. He changed their hearts through his preaching and most especially through hearing confessions. He truly was another Christ to them.

My dear friends in Christ, today is Vianney Sunday. This is the day that we spend our time praying for all the parish priests and celebrate with them this feast. We call this day Vianney Sunday because St. John Marie Vianney is the patron saint of all the parish priests as he gave them a model of what it means to be in their office. Although St. John Marie Vianney serves as an inspiration for all the parish priests, we should not forget that the real model of the priesthood is Jesus. Only Jesus is the perfect priest; all other priests are not including St. John Marie Vianney. It is by this reason that parishioners should pray for their priests. They should pray for them that they may not forget to be an Alter Christus day by day. They should pray for them because the first target of the devil is always the priests. If there is no priest, there is no celebration of the Holy Mass. If there is no Mass, then where can we receive the Body and drink the Blood of Christ? If we cannot receive the Body and drink the Blood of Christ, then how can we have eternal life? John 6: 53 states. “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you.” My dear friends, I invite you then to pray for us priests and make a particular prayer this Vianney Sunday for all the parish priests. Amen.

Solemnity of the Corpus Christi

Flaviano Yengko was one of the youngest generals during the Philippine Revolution. In the beginning, he did not want to take part in the fight (revolution). However, the father of the young woman he loved was inclined toward Yengko’s rival, who had distinguished himself with his serenity and energy in several battles. Yengko decided then to show that he was man enough to fight for a great cause too. He joined Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army and he bravely fought in the Battle of Binakayan. But in the Battle of Salitran, he was fatally wounded. He was immediately brought to a hospital where he was nursed by his sweetheart. At that point, he finally earned the respect of the girl’s father. Yet, his love for the girl was not able to save him from imminent death. He was the youngest general who died in combat being at the age of 22.

The story of Yengko is not just about patriotism, but also how he loved a woman. In love, it is not just about sharing one’s life with the other but taking all the risks too for the sake of the other. In love, one says to the other that he or she is willing to give his or her blood for the latter. This kind of love and even far better than this kind is found in God. From the Bible, we learn that Jesus poured out His blood as a sacrifice for our sins. Not only that, Jesus also offered His body to establish the covenant between God and His people. Even before all these actually took place while Jesus was on the cross, He already offered His body and blood during the last supper. In Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26, it is said, “While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” The said covenant is a covenant of love. God has showed us that His love is greater than the greatest sin of man. His love for us can save us from death as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we are reminded that the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a celebration of love. It reminds us that God does not only want to share His life with us but He is also willing to take the risks to love us. God offers His love for us through giving us the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. The risk lies in our decision whether to receive or to reject His offer. If we can appreciate the tragic love story of Yengko and of others, then why should we ignore the love that God has offered to us?  

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2018

The mystery of the Holy Trinity, the three Divine Persons but one God, has a very little biblical support and most often, the Gospel of Matthew 28: 16-20 is used to provide a biblical foundation for this. In order to grasp the meaning and understanding of this mystery, early Christians developed the creed which shows the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The creed reveals how the early Christians understood that Jesus is not a secondary god because the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit “is not” separate gods; but three different persons in One God. But there are those who reject the creed and insist that they could not find the word “trinity” in the Bible. They do not understand that though the term “trinity” is not explicitly mentioned anywhere in the Bible, the creed is based on the understanding of the Bible such as in 1 John 5:7 which states, “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”

What is significant in the creed when it shows the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is its aim to guide us Christians to take part in the oneness of God. If we are indeed believers of the “trinity”, then we know that we can be one and united with one another. But what can make us united and one? It is neither idealism nor realism which can keep us one and united like the trinity. It is neither communism nor despotism nor socialism but love. Love is what the trinity reveals in their unity. Without love, there can still be unity between and among diverse personalities but such unity is not what the creed aims us to inculcate in our way of life. 

Love which expresses the unity of the trinity is what can make us one and united with one another. It means that where one goes, there goes the other too. This Trinitarian love should be our model in the Church, in the community, in the family and in all relationships. Such love is possible in real life when I listened to the story of a wife whose husband met an accident while on board a ship as a seaman. The husband was declared inutile by the doctor and the owner of the ship sent him back home. The wife took care of him with their two small children. But as the days passed by, she felt the burden of taking care of the whole family emotionally, financially and physically. She wanted to escape from her inescapable situation. At this point, she had nowhere to go but to attend a mass. After the mass, she talked to the priest and asked for his blessing. Beginning on that day, she found strength to face her life’s challenges. She never lose hope that her husband would recover his health despite the doctor said it would be impossible. She never gave up to take care of their two little children too. Years after, she visited the priest and informed how God has been good to them. Her husband miraculously regained his health and their life together as a family seemed to be better. She realized what she would have missed in life when she had turned her back on her husband and children during the time she felt exhausted. She said, it is her love for her husband and their kids which makes her stay. It is love that makes them one and united as a family.

Love indeed like the love of the trinity is full of mysteries.

Aron and Charise's Wedding 2-8-2018

“What is meant to be will always find a way” (Trisha Yearwood). Aron and Charise, that seems to be the theme of your wedding. Your mothers, Gina and Vivien, have been the best of friends. Yet, you show them that the two of you can be more than friends. You have known each other since your childhood days. You were even batch mates I supposed. Then circumstances have brought the two of you to fall in love with each other. Aron, could you still remember that day you took the chance to get the cell phone number of Charise from your mother? Charise, could you still remember the days when Aron tried to make you happy during the times you felt blue? In your relationship, Aron and Charise, you have experienced life’s ups and downs. You have eventually allowed the circumstances to separate you from each other for almost two years. But then again, circumstances have brought the two of you to carry on with your love for each other. Aron and Charise, does this wedding mean that you are really meant to be for each other?

If “meant to be” means you just allow circumstances to dictate your relationship, this is dangerous because your relationship is like a ship that sails without a captain. A ship without a captain may go to any direction but it does not know which port it is sailing. The winds and the waves may bring it to the seashore but never to its destination. Aron, you are familiar with what I have been saying being a third mate or a deck officer of a ship. This cannot be the meaning of “meant to be” for the two of you.

Aron and Charise, you know that your relationship is not just a product of your circumstances. Neither the winds nor the waves bring you together today in this church. Rather it is your love. You have made a choice in favor of love. You have made a commitment in favor of your love. Your relationship is like a ship with a captain which can reach its destination even if it means it shall sail against the direction of the winds and the waves. This is what it means to say “meant to be”. Both of you decide to spend your lifetime with each other with love. Without your decision to be together, there shall be no “meant to be for each other”.

Aron and Charise, as I end my homily, I remind you to always pray together. And if ever Aron and Charise you will be in a long-distance marriage due to the nature of your work, you can still pray for each other if you cannot pray together. Prayer is the key to a marriage labelled as “meant to be”. Though the future of you married life is remained to be seen, your prayer can assure you of God’s blessing and protection on your marriage. This wedding is really “meant to be”, if both of you will remain one and united in love until death.

Aron and Charise, does this wedding mean that you are really meant to be for each other? Let me answer this for you in the language of the Bible. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

God bless you and may your love forever grow. Amen.

Erwin and Lalaine's Wedding 2-8-2018

My dear friends, the opening statement in the decision made in the case of People of the Philippines vs. Ruben Takbobo, GR No. 102984, June 30, 1993, is worth mentioning to any couple who wishes to get married. It stated, and I quote, “The nuptial vows which solemnly intone the matrimonial promise of love for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part,’ are sometimes easier said than done, for many a marital union figuratively ends on the reefs of matrimonial shoals.”

Erwin and Lalaine, let this statement makes you aware that a meaningful married life is built on true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. With true love, man and woman do not just make promises rather they do fulfil what they have promised to each other.

Erwin and Lalaine, you know this from your experience. When Erwin asked you Lalaine if you have any boyfriend, you said no despite that you had many suitors. Lalaine, you even tried to discourage Erwin by advising him not to court you. But Erwin was determined and persistent. He sent you flowers by surprise. He befriended your family especially your parents. He cooked the food you loved most. All these are acts of love though he never said a single word that he loves you. Truly, actions speak louder than words when the time came for you Lalaine to decide whether to accept Erwin’s love or not. Though you had not given him any clue, you said it best when you told him to stop courting you. Erwin felt nervous when he heard this from you. He only felt relieved when you told him to stop courting you because you already accepted him as your boyfriend for you love him too.

Now, here you are in this church. Both of you know that the period for courtship has ended. The engagement period has also ended. But your love story does not end during those periods. This is why we are here on your wedding day to witness your public declaration of love. Your wedding marks the beginning of another period in your love story. This time however, your love for each other is measured to a great extent if indeed it is true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. As an action word, the love you have shown to each other from the time you, Erwin started courting Lalaine until you Lalaine accepted the marriage proposal of Erwin must not deteriorate. It is true love if you love each other until death. It is true love if you will never think of divorce or separation because you believe that in marriage your love unites you. It is true love when you say your wedding vows seriously and you mean every word you say. It is true love if you hold the belief that your marriage is willed by God. If you believe that both of you is a gift from God for each other, then no one can stand against your love. In Acts of the Apostles 5:39, it is said, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Erwin and Lalaine, you have a beautiful love story. After this wedding, it is up to you with the grace of God how you continue to tell the beauty of your love story. Hopefully, we who are here today can listen again to both of you if the love you have expressed today before God will be the same love you will have in your old age. Erwin and Lalaine, you choose each other among the millions, may you love each other until death. Amen.    

Dawn and Jina's Wedding 1-11-2018

No matter how far the distance between a man and a w0man is, as long as they love each other, it (distance) does not matter. Distance, especially physical distance, is oftentimes considered a problem in a relationship. But for a man and woman who love each other, they know there are also good things that come with distance. One of the good things distance can do to two people who are in love is to show their commitment to their relationship.

Dawn and Jina, now that you are here in front of the altar of the Lord to take each other as husband and wife, whether near or far, be committed to each other. You learn from your experience what it takes to commit oneself for the good of your relationship. Dawn, you work here in the province, while Gina, you are in the Big City. You both know that what makes a relationship difficult is not just about being separated by distance but being separated yet you keep assuring each other how your love does not change. Your long distance relationship has not prospered if you have not been committed to each other.

Dawn and Jina, commitment means to be consistent in showing the love you used to share with each other. Even when everything seems to be difficult, you overcome all the obstacles in your relationship. It is a consistent choice to remind yourself how blessed you are to have someone who loves you and your only option is to love him or her in return.

Dawn and Jina, there are many relationships that end due to distance. They cannot sustain or maintain the love they have for each other. It is difficult for them to remain committed in their relationships. They find their excuse by saying that they are only human. Being human, they have their limitations and imperfections. Their limitations or imperfections affect their expression of love. Their limitations or imperfections affect also their commitment. If there is love, and there is commitment too, what is still lacking why their relationships failed to work? Well, let us go back to the Bible, particularly in 1 John 4: 16-17 that says, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment.”

Dawn and Jina, the secret of a lasting relationship is your love of God. If you truly love each other, then you present each other before God not only on this day of your wedding but at least every Sunday. If this can’t be possible because you are separated by distance, then you can agree to pray together at the same time though both of you are at different places. No matter how far away you are from each other in distance, when you go to the church to pray, you can both find the same God who binds you today in your wedding. When you go to the church to pray, both of you can pray for your beautiful daughter whom God has blessed you. There is no substitute for prayer. It is the Bible that says God is love. So, if you really love each other, you must have a place for God in your relationship. When you stop praying together, you also put an end to your commitment. When you put an end to your commitment, then there is no reason to expect for love anymore.

Dawn and Jina, may your love be strong enough to stand with your commitment to take each other as husband and wife before God today. Amen. 

Sr. Sto. Niño de Kalibo

In the editorial column of Madyaas Pen, Panay’s Reliable Newsweekly, written by Mr. Ernesto T. Solidum, dated June 14, 2013, he asked, “What is the truth about Sto. Niño Festival and Datu Kalantiao?” He started with a very heart-breaking introduction for the Aklanons especially for the Kalibonhons. To quote in verbatim, he stated, “Pres. Ambeth Ocampo of the National Historical Commission six years ago said that based on their exhaustive study, investigation and documentation, the existence of the Barter of Panay and the Kalantiao Code are hoaxes.”

A relative and a neighbour at Rizal Street Kalibo, Aklan, the late Tay Roman A. dela Cruz, who happened to be our local historian and author, of course, came to defend what we used to believe as historic and historical. I could also recall that one of the defenders of our local history at that time was my professor in the College of Law, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, Hon. Plaridel Morania. But in their defence, they had no available evidence in their hands. Even the written account about the baptism of the one thousand natives which some Aklanons believe as the origin of the Ati-Atihan festival was put in question.

Now, how are we affected by this historical controversy or controversy about our local history? How are we affected particularly as Kalibonhon? How are we affected also as a Catholic Kalibonhon?

As Kalibonhon, we have lost our contact with our historic past. This culture which we believe we inherited from the past generations, which we maintain in the present and which we shall hand over to the future generation is not true. It is considered a deliberately made-fiction presented as facts. If we follow the National Historical Commission’s discovery and conclusion, it means it is not true that the Barter of Panay is the origin of Kalibo Ati-Atihan. It is fake news!

But as a Catholic Kalibonhon, it does not change anything. Rather, it even boosts our faith. If Kalibo Ati-Atihan did not originate from the Barter of Panay, the direct, natural and logical conclusion is that what we celebrate every third Sunday of January is not a festival but a feast. It is not about the ati but it is all about Jesus, our dear Sto. Niño. It is not just a merry-making and street-dancing, but also a joyful procession because Jesus, our dear Sto. Niño holds our world in His hand. It is not just a cultural heritage because above all, it is a devotion to the Sto. Niño.

This devotion to the Sto. Niño is the origin of our celebration. What is my evidence in saying this? Our devotion to the Sto. Niño is handed to us by our forefathers and foremothers. For my generation and contemporary generations, we used to hear these before: “musyon ma-Sto. Niño kita sa Kalibo and masadsad panaad kita sa Kalibo.” We also heard people shouting, “Viva kay Sr. Sto. Niño!” These are expressions of our devotion to the Sto. Niño. Devotion is a form of worship. It is an expression of faith. Well, this is enough when presented as evidence for those who seek to believe.

Therefore, being a devotion, we should not say our celebration is better than the celebration in Ibajay, in Makato, in Batan, in Altavas, in Malinao and in Naile. Rather, we rejoice that the devotion to our dear Sto. Niño spreads all over our province. Being a devotion, we should not try to compete against the celebration in Cebu or in Iloilo. Rather we rejoice because they too are our co-workers in spreading this devotion to the Sto. Niño. We should not accuse or ask “who copied from whom”, because in Tondo and even outside the Philippines, Aklanons started to share this devotion to the Sto. Niño with the beat of their drums. So we must rejoice because of this development. 

Finally, being a devotion, let us be careful in saying, “this is OUR Sto. Niño". There is now a danger when we put emphasis on the word OUR. Because Sto. Niño is OURS, we tend to celebrate the feast on OUR own way even if it means OUR way is not pleasing to God. Instead of just saying "this is OUR Sto. Niño,"  why not say, "Sto. Niño, let us be Yours". By this, we mean to listen to Sto. Niño telling us WE ARE ALL HIS as He holds our world in the palm of His hand. Because Sto. Niño claims us as His own then we celebrate His feast according to God's way and not on our own way. 

To end, let us rejoice and be merry because Sr. Sto. Niño blesses us!” 

Viva kay Sr. Sto. Niño!