Feed my Sheep – Help Our Fellowmen Being Drowned In Poverty

“A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.” - John 21:17 NIV

What if one day while walking you will see an old beggar suffering for hunger and asking for your help, would you give him something to eat? Or would you just pass by and let the other people help him? Yes, it is not our fault why some of our fellowmen suffering from this situation. But have you ever realized how very blessed you are not even a second you have experienced their life?

It is true that “prayers can move mountains” but sometimes giving a helping hand makes different. John 21:17 is a very inspiring verse that gives me one of the great challenges in my life – to help poor fellowmen in my simple ways.  It is a great reminder to every one of us that if we love and have Jesus Christ in our hearts we must also love each other the way He loves us.

That’s why I am blessed to know that there is Himakas Binuligay Uswag Association Inc, a Non-Profit Organization, that mission’s to help the poor by means of livelihood projects. By this simple way it lessens the poverty problem in our country because it teaches and helps every family to earn and sustain their livelihood in a very simple way.

Like what Jesus Christ had teaches to Peter, let’s feed our poor fellowmen with love and be the hope for these people. Let’s give them smile and make them realized that even they are poor they are very blessed because we are sent by God to answer their prayers.

GODBLESS!

Visit this link for more info of Himakas Binuligay Uswag Association Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Himakas-Binuligay-Uswag-HBU-Association-Inc/228868147145881

My First Mountain Climb – Mt. Samat in Bataan

On May, 14, 2012, the first day of our trek at Mt. Samat in Bataan, our party was divided into groups of six to seven members. We were told by our leader that those would be our group throughout the camping. There were a series of activities and games lined up and prepared by our coordinators. Everyone was enthusiastic and were having lots of fun running round, laughing and screaming as we did various tasks.  The most challenging event we had was treasure hunting. All the tasks involved were really difficult as you need to accomplish each one before proceeding to the next.

Every morning, each group must have their devotion. After that, we will proceed to the preaching of our Pastor Bantay with the theme of "Come, follow me," Jesus said," and I will make you fishers of men" - Matthew 4:19. The message was divided into two parts since we were going to spend two days at the camping site.

On our third day, we first went to the “Dambana ng Kagitingan” where formal rites were held. We first visited the museum which featured an astonishing collection of items and memorbilia commemorating the struggles of Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Although I was strarting to feel the fatigue from the past few days, all of it was blown away, when I finally reached the top of the Memorial Cross. The view was so stunning and all I can feel was the fresh breeze. Though it is quite scary for me because I was afraid of heights, by God’s grace I made it to the top and felt that it was all worth it.

My three-day camping trip to Bataan is indeed one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I love coming back to that place over and over again. The shared moments with my churchmates, the challenges of the hike and the most important was the inspirational message of our pastor during our two days at the camp, all of these taught me a simple message that no matter how hard and tough the situation, you have to stand firm because God is always with you.

My New Year’s Eve Celebration

As the year 2012 has drawn to a close, allow me to share with you the amazing details of how I spent my New Year’s Eve.  For me, it was one of the best and truly memorable celebrations I have ever had because of one thing – my family.

I woke up as early as 5am in the morning, as I was probably too excited to prepare for New Year’s Eve. I started my day with a smile and kisses from my niece. This day is very special to us not only because of the usual merriment but also for the first time all of my family are there and complete to celebrate the New Year. My brother and his family decided to celebrate the New Year with us and it was one of the many great things that happened to me for the New Year.

At exactly 1pm, we went to Sampol Market to buy the necessary things for the preparation. Since there were only 10 of us, just a modest preparation will do. We had spaghetti, pata ng baboy, inihaw na tilapia, round fruits, salad, and we bought drinks plus some Goldilocks products and some Dunkin' Donuts. After the preparation, we all ate together and prepare ourselves for the upcoming event.
As early as the afternoon, our neighbors were already showing how most Filipinos celebrate New Year’s Eve. Some wish to welcome the New Year with fireworks display and firecrackers. Others started their night-long merrymaking involving food, drinks and loud music. Our neighbor assembled the speakers and mobile and then the party started. I spent four hours of happiness and bonding with my family and neighbors while waiting for midnight to come. 

Five, four, three, two, one…Happy New Year! And then came the highlight of the celebration. Children blew their torotots, firecrackers were lit up, people banged on pots and pans, the sound system boomed noisily,  and what I saw were happy people dancing and greeting each other “Happy New Year!” I jumped high in the belief that it will increase my height. Ha ha! Also, I put 700 pesos in my bag because my brother said that it will bring me good luck in 2013.

I received messages from my closest friends and cousins greeting me a merrier and nore prosperous new year. After the fireworks display, I had Media Noche together with my family and some close neighbors. We spent almost an hour of talking with each other, and after that we ended the celebration with smiles and happiness in our hearts.

During the best moments, we must accept that time really passes by too quickly. All we can do is to treasure every second and be better. Another year had passed and another year of chances to change and live life to the fullest. I certainly hope everyone experienced one of the best New Year’s Eves in their lives. Happy 2013!

Vigattin at Manila Hotel

Billed as the “One of the grandest hotels in the orient,” Manila Hotel stands among the structures of the finest architectural and social creations of its time. Last year, I’ve made an article about Manila Hotel – its structure, as an institution, landmark, and as a well-preserved heritage. To my surprise, I didn’t expect that this year I will have the opportunity to visit the famous hotel with my Vigattin family. Let me share a simple story what happened during our visit in this heavenly place.

December 29 was the last day of work for us for the year 2012 and all of us were excited not only because of the long vacation, but also for the gathering this day.  We had little clue as to what our boss had in mind for the said gathering, but we had in our minds being in Manila Hotel.

We first went to Cabalen Restaurant at Robinsons Place, Manila, and after being treated to a wonderful dinner, our boss announced that we will proceed to Manila Hotel for another treat. We got so excited.

A great night at Manila Hotel

The perfect ambiance, warm greetings from their staff, the loveliness of the place, plus the serenade in the background – all of these welcome you upon entering Manila Hotel. One thing that I’ve noticed is that the staff is really hospitable and their only desire is to give us the best service to make our dining experience blissful, memorable and worthy of telling others about.

After the picture taking, we were served bibingka together with salted egg, kesong puti, and grated coconut. Then we had a little time to chat with each other. After an hour, we had decided to go home but before we left, we had our group picture at the entrance of the hotel.

I really had fun with our great night out with my Vigattin Family. I had hoped it didn't have to end so soon, but I'm pretty sure we'll have more fond memories in the coming year.

Here are some of the pictures during our stay at Manila Hotel.

Vigattin at Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves

Last August 25, 2012, the Vigattin Team got the chance to visit Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves in Pandi, Bulacan. Monday that week, it was a big surprise for us when our boss announced that we were going to visit the resort this coming Saturday. We got so excited because this would be the Vigattin family's first out-of-town get-together.

As early as 9am we left the office with all the things we needed. Before we went to the resort, we passed by Walter Mart Sta. Maria to buy foods and drinks. After that we proceeded to the resort that was almost an hour away from Walter Mart.

Pandi is one of the towns in Bulacan that is filled with fascinating attractions. Since it was my first time to go to Pandi, I was not familiar with the place and always asked my officemate questions as to the name of that particular place and attraction. Actually, I was really amazed upon seeing the place because of its serene and relaxing environment. If one wants a different commune with nature, then Pandi is one of the perfect places to visit.

And finally we arrived at Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves. I’ve heard is that, waves here are really wild and intense – perfect for a thrilling adventure. When we arrived, we first took our lunch, and after that we changed to our swimming attire. The deepest part of the pool at 6ft, and if you are together with kids, there are also available pools for them. We really had a great day at Villa Concepcion, particularly when the waves were opened to the public. It was the best part of the trip. The waves were really cool and wild! Because of this, I found myself coming back to the place over and over again.

We left the resort at 5pm and went home with happiness in our hearts. We need to thank our Vig boss Sir Elison for this treat. I will recommend this place to my friends and plan our next outing here at Villa Concepcion in Pandi.

Here are some of the pictures during our stay at Vigattin at Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves.

In the Cradle of Quiapo Church

The Day before the Black Nazarene Feast

The continous mass in Quaipo Church before the Black Nazarene Feast

Through the years, thousands of faithful frequented Quaipo church to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene. And this year celebration, I’ve become part of the research team to explore the picture of Quaipo before the said feast. Come with us as we discovered this one of the most notable events in our country that continues touching the heart of many Filipinos.

Millions of the devotees are expected to join the January 9 procession of the religious image. And since it is harder for us to cover the feast on the exact day, we decided to set it the day before the feast (January 8).  Me with my co-writer Jp are excited with a little bit of nervous because aside from many people that we are going to encounter, it is our first time to do the job. We left in the office at 3pm and arrived in Quiapo past 4pm. Here, it starts our first journey to the said miraculous Nazarene.

As we walk through the church, I saw lots of people with different faces of lives and story. Though it is not my first time to visit Quiapo, it is my first time to see stories in the eyes of the faithful. They go to Quiapo church with hopes and believe that the miraculous Black Nazarene will grant their wishes and heal them from their illness. I noticed people praying in different ways. Some are raising their hands while the others are bending their knees just like asking for forgiveness.  And one thing that really breaks my heart is when I see people crying and sincerely praying.

Because we are not permitted to take pictures inside the church because of the continuous mass ceremony, we stayed and spend most of our time outside the church. Here we noticed lots of people including the devotees, media from different networks, security group, and vendors of different souvenirs and memorabilia of the Nazarene. Here, we interviewed some of the vendors on their point of view about the Black Nazarene and how it touches their lives.

Outside  the Quiapo Church during the mass ceremony

One man that catches my attention is Cesar Barro, a 43-year-old crippled and a vendor of Santo Niño in Quiapo church.  He lives at Home for the Disabled in Our Lady St. Quaipo, Metro Manila and considered himself as an independent man. I asked him some of the questions regarding on his faith and Cesar said that the Black Nazarene is a miraculous Saint that once heal him from his illness. The Nazarene is his guide and inspiration to go through lives and he added that whenever he does some unkind things that the Nazarene won't approve of, he will most likely get sick suddenly.

Cesar Barro, a devotee of the Black Nazarene

It’s an honor to meet one of the Philippine Journalists, Mr. Abner Mercado. He is a reporter, director and producer of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs since 1999. Photo taken yesterday at Quiapo Church.

Before we leave the Quiapo Church, we attended the 5pm mass and though I’m not a Roman Catholic, I still feel the spirit inside the church and give myself time to pray and give thanks for the blessings I’ve had every day. 

After the church mass, we proceed to Quirino Grandstand to get some of the information. It is past 7pm when we arrived and it is a surprise for me to see hundreds of people falling in line for the “Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno”. The line stretches all the way from Museo Pambata on Roxas Boulevard to the Quirino Grandstand. They are all waiting for the chance to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

Tomorrow is another history for many Filipinos where millions of devotees are expected for the translation or transfer of the Black Nazarene statue at the church. This famous feast has become a modern tradition that is now entrenched in the Philippine culture. It only reflects that we, Filipinos are all heart when it comes to religion and faith.  We will do anything for faith because it is a way of life that gives purpose and inspiration to us.

VIVA Senor Nazareno!