St. John Bosco's Relic to visit Philippines

 

December 5, 2010 Sunday: The Relic of St. John Bosco will arrive in the Philippines inline to the tradition of pilgrim journey through 130 nations which first began last January 31, 2009 during the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Congregation. It prepares us for the 2015 celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Don Bosco’s birth near Turin, Italy.

The Priest of Young People: A brief biography

He was popularly called “i Becchi”, born on the 16 August 1815 in the small village townland of Castelnuovo d’Asti, in Piedmont. John Bosco is an Italian Catholic priest, educator and writer of the 19th century, who put into practice the convictions of his religion, dedicating his life to the betterment and education of poor youngsters and employing teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method that is known as the preventive system. 

St. John Bosco's relic tour in the Philippines will start in Bacolod, head to Mambucal, Victorias, Kabankalan and Dumaguete. On December 12 to 23, the relic and the pilgrimage will stay in Cebu. December 23, it will head to Metro Manila in Makati and Tondo,  to Southern Luzon and Legazpi, Albay,  to Alabang, Sta. Rosa and Canlubang.  Going to Mandaluyong, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pampanga. And lastly, it will end at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at the Better Living Subdivision in Paranaque on January 15th 2011.

Infographics - Visit of St John Bosco to the Philippines

So why am I looking forward to St. John Bosco's relic?
As a Roman Catholic this would be a great opportunity to see the relic of  the saint who quoted:  “Da mihi animas, ceatera tolle,” which translates to, “Give me souls, take away the rest,”  one of his many quotes that guided his ministry from its earliest stages through today. A saint who also quoted: "Run, Jump, Shout and do whatever you like as long as you avoid sin", a straight forward quote which can serve as a guide to everyone.  This world tour of St. John Bosco's relic is a once in a lifetime event that I don't wanna miss.

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There's time for everything

In life, I learned that you can't always get what you want. However, if something is meant for you, then you will have that something in the right place at the right time. But, is there really such a thing as right time?  When can you say it is already the right time? Sometimes, I hear people asking from one another when exactly is the right time.  Some even argue about it.  As far as I'm concern, it depends on the what kind of situation, desire your heart is longing.

Let's take "love" as an example.  I once read a story way back in high school and this line caught my attention: "Only time is capable of understanding such a great love."  If you want to know why, read the story below.

A Great Love

Author Unknown

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Vanity, Knowledge, Richness and Love.


Theirs was a contented existence until one day to everyone's dismay it was discovered that the island was sinking. Everyone was told they must leave. So the feelings all prepared their boats and started leaving their beloved island.


Love was the only one who stayed, behind. Love so cared for the island home that he wanted to stay until they were sure the island was really sinking.


When Love realized that the island was finally sinking, he decided to ask for help.


Richness was passing by Love in a beautiful boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There are a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no room in here for you."


Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by, "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you Love. You are all wet and will damage my boat," Vanity answered.


Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I can't help anyone. I prefer to go alone!"


Happiness passed by Love too. She was too happy to notice when Love called her!


Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elderly man.


Love became very happy that he even forgot to ask the name of the elder. When they arrived to safe grounds, Love asked Knowledge who was the elderly man.


"It was Time." "Time? But why did Time help me?"


"Because only Time is capable of understanding such a great Love."


Remember that when things may look the bleakest, and when all appears abandoned, Time is capable of solving anything.

And so, I realized that you need not to hurry.  You might not be able to find an answer to your question today, but surely you will have it tomorrow.  Keep believing, believe that your life is not bound to the slaughter house of failure. Just remember that in every decision you make in life make sure that you know the consequences. Don't rush on things, for there's time for everything.

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How I spent my November 1

So it was All Saints Day, I went to the place where I was born - Aloguinsan, Cebu. Some of you for sure are not familiar with the place. Well, it's located somewhere in the southwest part of Cebu. Anyhow, I am not going to talk much about the place, but rather the wonderful encounter with old folks. Yes, all of the sudden memories of my elementary years came back. I was 7 years old then.

After I went at the cemetery, I met Jonathan aka Athan, my best friend since grade 3. Then we had lunch at a certain carenderia, and also met some old folks there - they were Aning and Majid. After we ate lunch, we headed to Bojo River then I remembered Meshiel, my classmate since grade 1 told me she'll catch up with us. And so I told Athan, and we changed direction to - Esperanza a place where we thought Meshiel is currently staying. While on our way and just entered the barangay, I received her reply telling me that she's at her aunt's house in Bliss. It was an adventure though. Sort of an Off Road adventure! It was my first time to see the beautiful place in Aloguinsan - we passed barangay Tampa-an and reached barangay Esperanza - where I saw virgin forests. Yes, a beautiful virgin forest amidst the municipality. But then, we have to return.

And so, we went to Bliss cemetery and waited Meshiel there since she was attending a mass with her relatives. While waiting, Athan and I were still chatting about random stuffs since elementary, reminiscing our childhood years and the likes. After the mass, we went to Mesheil's place and then went to Athan's place and then decided to go to Pinamungajan and have some snacks - which turned out to be a heavy snacks, for we ate barbecue and puso^ - it was yummy! It was Athan's treat. Then, Athan decided to drive me home w/ Meshiel at Toledo since it's just few kilometers away from Pinamungajan. The 3 of us continue chatting while on the road until we reached my place. Then I let them watched the short film - Papil sa Panganduy.

Time flies very fast. We had a lot of things to talk about, but too little time. Anyhow, we all still had fun! That day was really unplanned and unexpected. I explored new places, met old good friends, cemetery trips, food trips and a bit of road trip!

Hope to see you folks this coming December!

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Tang Pick and Go: The search of the missing lunchbox is over

September 12, 2010 - The search for the missing lunchbox of Xyriel (aka Momay) is over, Tang introduces the newest baon for each lunchbox of every Filipino child–Tang Pick & Go.

With some of the Cebu bloggers, we joined the celebration at the same time the unveiling of Momay's missing lunchbox with Tang Pick and Go inside. No wonder, why little Xyriel was so urgently searching for this one in particular – the refreshing baon surprise inside for kids to enjoy in school everyday.

“Tang Pick & Go not only makes nutritious refreshment more accessible, this newest easy-to-prepare Tang variant empowers kids to do things independently like deciding what flavor to drink and preparing it on their own” says Cyn Icasas, Category Marketing Manager for Beverages of Kraft Foods Philippines.

“Whatever flavor they like – whether they prefer the classic Orange taste or love the more tropical Pineapple and Mangga delights – these kids will no doubt have a blast with the Tang Pick & Go” enthuses Mark de Joya, Brand Manager of Tang added.



Tang Pick & Go is now available at supermarkets, groceries and sari-sari stores. The search may have come to an end, but a refreshing beginning greets Xyriel and kids everywhere, with Tang Pick & Go.

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Friday the 13th

I don't really know what's with Friday the 13th. When I was a kid, I was told that this day is prone to bad lucks? If it really is, so be it. As you might have noticed, not all days are lucky for us. We always have a bad days for at least once in a week and not all of them fall on Friday the 13th. If my memory serves me right, during my high school days - 4th year level way back in 2004, Wednesday was my bad day. Yes all through out the school year, I hated Wednesdays. Anyhow, this year's Friday the 13th was just amazing. I mean, everything was unplanned except for the UP Cookout.

I woke up 10AM, went online to check emails and updates, at the same time thinking that it would be an unproductive lazy Friday. I was on leave, got no direction on the early noon. Then a text message came through my inbox. And realized that I need to drop by at Ayala to give my donations (used clothings) for the recent T.Padilla Fire Victims. I was a bit late with the schedule, that wasn't planned properly - last minute syndrome as I call it. It was exciting - adrenaline rush took over.

I took a bath, rushed to the office to get my camera, headed to Ayala to meet Iggy for the donations, I got caught in the traffic, the weather is hot, I forgot to bring a hanky and I was sweating a lot *pfffft*. After I met and gave my donations, I rode a cab and went straight to Parkmall for the "CAMS Got Talent" an affair conducted by the Masscom students in Cebu. When I arrived at the venue, CIT-U was already done with their presentation. Why CIT-U? Because Clads, invited me there and I wasn't able to take photos of them. Anyhow, what we did is basically camwhorings - as always.

UP Cookout 2010
Unlike last year's cookout, this year is kinda different. I mean there was lesser number of people who attended the event, the crowd is not the same as last year's. And one unexpected thing, a certain person suddenly asked me if I'm from UP, and did a bit of interview about the cookout- it was just uhmmm shocking? I don't know. But I wasn't prepared enough. The camera man was already rolling the camera facing me. I was like uhmm got caught again in stage fright. Anyhow, they're from MagTV Cebu. And I think some folks saw it when it was aired last Sunday (August 15, 2010). Just sharing. :P

So how was the cookout? Just like last year, only 5 of the group survived - Mikyu, Jessa, Tiannex, Brian and yours truly. The same set up as last year - we conquered the night of Friday the 13th and went home on the next morning!

Photos will follow.

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Thank God It's Friday

August 06, 2010 Friday - I managed to swap duty schedule, thanks to Joyce for the offer, instead of 4PM to 1AM shift, I was on 1oPM to 7AM shift yesterday.

Yesterday, I attended the SM City Eco Bag Launching 2010 and witnessed the unveiling of their new Eco Bags. Unlike the typical SM GREEN BAG they previously had, SM City had released new designs with colors signifying the 4 elements: air, earth, fire and water

• Flow – represents the element of Water
• Spark – represents the element of Fire
• Renew – represents the element of Earth
• Breathe – represents the element of Air

After the main affair (unveiling of the eco bags), foods were served. And while everyone were busy eating, the UC Chorus at the same time entertained everyone in the activity center. They played several songs. The group sung very well.



INCEPTION: with Z and Doris
After the SM City Eco Bag Launching, I waited Doris to arrive. With her was Z (her friend) and we met at Coffebean then went straight to Cinema 3, and watched Inception 2D.

Inception: A review
Inception is a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind - inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com. I like how inception is being done. I mean, the process of planting an idea and entering the dreams of others to obtain information is pretty cool. I like the part wherein one can create things/projections in their subconscious. But in the case of Dom Cobb (Leonardo de Caprio) who is a skilled thief, he steals valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. How do you wish you have that skill? Oh well, it's complicated really. Alright then let me give my rating, uhmm 4 out of 5, where 5 is the highest. Not that bad, eh?

After we watched the movie, we had a bit of camwhorings, ate at KFC, sat at Coffeedream, went to National Bookstore, and then headed straight to Jolibee near JY where D met her friend.

It was indeed a great Friday! I think I am starting to love Friday. (LOLs). Thank God it was a wonderful Friday!

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