SENIOR CITIZENS BADGET

 “Senior citizens in the Philippines have traditionally received due care and concern from the family and the state. To stress this national attitude towards senior citizens, Article XV, Section IV, of the Philippine  Constitution states that, “It is the duty of the family to take care of its older person members while the State may design program of social security for them.” Moreover, Article XIII, Section II, provides that “The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost.”   

There are now at least twenty-one Enabling Philippine Laws on Senior Citizens but there is hardly any EXCEPTIONAL support given to Senior Citizens at the Municipalities level.   Instead, the Spirit of these Laws are put on hold annually by two budgetary worms, namely: 

1).  LACK OF FUNDS

2).  STREAMLINING

The Dark Side of Mainstreaming

The first is a mild worm  since Municipalities are always known to  be Lacking of funds although never short of ways to put loose ends together to realize a surplus at the end of the year.   It is this second worm Mainstreaming that is crippling the senior citizens.  Mainstreaming  is a certificate of immunity in the budget that  protects especially the low-income municipalities to do away with  social reform laws by splitting mandatory and allied expenses and yet gain compliance.  It is like legalizing splitting of contracts.  It is repugnant to reason and inhuman because the direct support and care for the needy is being jeopardized. 

A friend of mine once said he has difficulty understanding why budget appropriation for senior citizens in the first class municipality of Minglanilla has not left ground.  Although his figures may be unofficial, it shows the dark side of mainstreaming.  At 150M pesos (approxi. 2012 annual municipal budget),  Senior Citizens appropriation is seen only at P300,000.00 because the 1.2M pesos (to make up for the 1%) is deemed “inserted” or “included” or “attached” to repairs,  maintenance, etc.  This is the evil of mainstreaming which is exactly like deducting an amount from children’s allowances to help pay for the house water bill.  But why let the children pay for domestic obligations of parents!

Is There True Love in Minglanilla

About ninety-nine percent of the administrative and legislative teams of the municipality are relatives to senior citizens and altogether they are the Minglanillans known for their spirit of charity and love.   But why the darkness?

Personally, I am seeing this as lack of proper planning and coordination, poor feedback, and lack of representation of those concerned - the lead agencies of government, the senior citizens federation, the working committees, and the watch teams in the administrative and legislative offices.  

In the coming season of change where new christs and messiahs could be anointed somehow,  I hope that the Spirit of Love of the Enabling Laws on Senior Citizens for Minglanilla would be restored! 

BLACK SATURDAY ELECTION

April 7 was a rigorous Black Saturday for 11 newly elected members of the Board of Directors of MIMUFESCAP.   No one suspected there would be an overflow of fooling and joking around.

The meeting started without the usual prayer presumably because Jesus died and was still in the bosom of the earth.  So my first reaction was to watch out and look around for the devil.  The agenda was two fold.  The first was the discussion of matters of importance to the outgoing officers and the second was the holding of the election where the 11 would be voting for themselves for a post.

The Meeting

After the hymn, the president and presiding officer made the introduction and uttered a word that was heard for the first time in a board meeting the word DE FACTO (I misheard it as impacto). Obviously it meant the board of directors who have not taken their oaths may attend the meeting however they cannot participate in the deliberation.   The three newcomers were helpless and the magical word de facto  zipped their lips.  Whether or not the disallowance was lifted in the process, my attention was all for the surveillance of the paranormal presence, as I waited for the moment to cast my vote.

After the short speeches of gratitude by the officers who didn’t make for re-election, the discussions turned rather off the normal course.  The outgoing president was pressing for the discussion of when, where, and how the oath taking ceremony must take place and who  shall be the administering official.  Everyone seem to agree that the matter is not of concerned by the outgoing officers but by the incoming new set who are yet to be elected by the body.   But again the voley of the DE FACTO was heard and this time the Speaker's face turned light purple  the approximate color of Friday the 13^th.

The Election

In the first round of balloting, the Elecom could not proceed counting the votes since only 9 bond paper ballots were counted INSIDE the ballot box instead of 10 (1 of the 11 did not make it that day).  And despite repeated pleas, the missing ballot disappeared forever so that balloting Round No. 2 was called for giving way for a tie.

In the second balloting two BODs tied for the Presidential race.   The first (the popular BOD-elect) declared that he was not in favor of being elected to the president’s post but without really making a categorical statement that he should be excluded in the election for the presidency. The other one, was ready to accept any favor for the post he held since 2006.  And the BIG SURPRISE happened!  The popular candidate simply bundled-up all his votes, made the declaration and proposal that he would just support the other candidate (his friend) along with all his garnered votes like pouring beer into one's mouth. He volunteered to become the vice-president instead, And so his friend moved quickly and proclaimed himself the duly elected Federation President.  Both gentlemen refused the toss of coin solution prayed for by those present stating they aren’t used to the game.

Blest with the day’s un-blessedness, the President-elect immediately proceeded to handpick the rest of the officers from Secretary through PRO.  I could not even tell if this was a violation of the federation CBL.  I have not got a copy of the CBL myself.  He also appointed 2 PROs and ended up creating the position of SERGEANT AT ARMS.  Later I learned that the CBL mandated only 1 PRO and zero Sgt-at-arms.  THE PARANORMAL PRESENCE  MUST HAVE POSSESSED EVERYBODY IN THE ROOM!  NO ONE DARED TO COUNTER THE ECSTASY!

Hope was of course just six days away in the general assembly meeting, the Mecca for the distraught.  And since nothing good really happens on a Friday the 13^th,  the results of the Black Saturday, 7^th of April 2012 election of officers was nullified and a new election was called again sometime in the fragrant Month of May.  And WOW, both gentlemen got the same posts anyhow! 

THE MIMUFESCAP MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ELECTION

The election of new federation officers of Minglanilla Municipal Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (MIMUFESCAP) is finally over.  It was the first election in many years and is unique in election history.  

It started with a sales talk by 2 groups of people selling ‘health products’ to senior citizens who gathered for the election of officers from a pool of candidates nominated ON THE SPOT, without the nominal filing of certificates of candidacy.

It was also a race of endurance of the elderly voters who had to wait long for their turns to vote because of the limited supply of ball point pens despite the oversupply of unnumbered and unmarked bond paper ballots, pre-cut to size 3-1/2” x 4-1/2”.

Registration of attendees could not be made by those who are supposed to do attendance.  And the composition of the ELECOM was voluntary and constituted RIGHT WHERE THEY WERE SEATED ON LOCATION.

Naturally the voters got wearied waiting so that some of them had to limit their choices down to 2 or 6 from the required number of 11 names among the 20 nominees.  Others had to contend themselves to what names are dictated unto them because they are too far away from the tally board and could not read the inscriptions.

Counting of votes took until after 5pm when most of the senior citizens have gone out for the station of the cross and attended mass.   And the winners of this election in alpha-order are:

Adlawan, Nena           (re-electionist)

Besanez, Diorelina      (re-electionist)

Caballero, Prima         (re-electionist)

Delgra, Cesaria           (re-electionist)

Engbino, Eddie           (new)

Herbias, Benjamin      (re-electionist)

Cimafranca, Roy         (new)

Moscoso, Lorenzo       (re-electionist)

Obiso, Hilario              (re-electionist)

Paraiso, Lucita            (new)

Penascoza, Mercedes  (re-electionist)

The NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD will determine the next year’s Federation Officers being the official candidates and voters anytime soon and before the next federation meeting on April 13.

Their tasks of course aren’t easy but they are all aware of the challenges coming up their way.  They know that until today MIMUFESCAP has not done nor delivered enough to convince the Senior Citizens of Minglanilla that THERE IS LIFE beyond mere possession of the I.D. Card and Purchase Slip Book.

THE MATTER OF COURSE IS NOT JUST WHO WILL LEAD THEM, HOW, AND TO WHAT DIRECTION.   THEY NEEDED THE HEART AND SUPPORT OF THE BARANGAY AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS WHO LIKEWISE HAVE NOT SHOWN AMBITIOUS SUPPORT TO BENEFIT THE SENIOR CITIZENS OF THIS TOWN.   

IN ALL THESE, NOBODY SEEM TO HAVE THE RIGHT MIND TO TALK ABOUT ANYTHING THAT FATEFUL DAY OF MARCH 9, 2012

HEAT IS HEALTH

The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is the hottest pepper in the world, according to Guinness World Records. A laboratory test conducted in March, 2011 measured a specimen of Trinidad Scorpion Butch T at 1,463,700 Scoville heat units, making it hotter than the Naga Viper's 1,382,118 Scoville heat units. (C. chinense) - (from www.mrchilli.co)



Capsicums or chili peppers (such as birds eye (labuyo, kulikot), cayenne, habanero, pimento, jalapeno, thai, etc. including zero-heat bell peppers) have amazingly high levels of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants than many other fruits.  A 100g provides the following (in % of RDA):

240% of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid)  39% of vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

32% of vitamin A  13% of iron  14% of copper  7% of potassium

and no cholesterol.

Value of Nutrients (USDA National Nutrient Data Base)

          (principle-value-%of RDA)

        Energy 40 Kcal-2%  Carbohydrates-8.81g-7%  Protein-1.87g-3%

Total Fat-0.44g-2%  Cholesterol-0 mg-0%  Dietary Fiber-1.5g-3%

Folates-23mcg-6%  Niacin-1.244mg-8%  Pantothenic acid-0.201mg-4%

          Pyridoxine-0.506mg-39%  Riboflavin-0.086mg-6.5%  Thiamin-0.72mg-6%

          Vitamin A-952IU-32%  Vitamin C-143.7mg-240%  Vitamin E-0.69mg-4.5%

          Vitamin K-14mcg-11.5%  Sodium-9mg-0.5%  Potassium-322mg-7%

          Calcium-14mg-1.5 %  Copper-0.129mg-14%  Iron-1.03mg-13%

          Magnesium-23mg-6%  Manganese-0.187mg-8%  Phosphorus-43mg-6%

          Selenium-0.5mcg-1% Zinc-0.26mg-2% Carotene-ß-534mcg
          Carotene-α-36mcg Cryptoxanthin-ß-40mcg Lutein-zeaxanthin-709mcg

The Heat in Chilis

Chili has a chemical called Capsaicin, which is responsible for the intense heat and has been known to aid, relieve and prevent health related problems. 

Red fresh chilis are 2-3 times hotter than green; dried pods are up to 10 times hotter than fresh pods.  The smaller the chili, the hotter it will be.  The white pith and seeds in chili are the hottest.  It contains a pungent oil that causes burning sensation to eyes and skin.  

Added to vinegar, Chili heat is mix-reduced to food for flavor and health.

Types of Chili

(Listed are only 6 variety of known chilis for home cuisine and for natural cure)

Bird's Eye Chili Peppers

50,000-100,000 Scovilles.  Originally from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Philippines; small and round in shape, usually red in maturity.

Cayenne Chili Peppers

30,000 - 50,000 Scovilles.  Thin, 2-5 inches long and green to red in color in maturity.  Originally from French Guiana.

Habanero Chili Pepper a.k.a. Chinese pepper

80,000 - 600,000 Scovilles.  Grown in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and some parts in USA.  Ripe habaneros measures 0.8 to 2.4 inches.

Jalapeno Peppers

2,500 - 8,000 Scovilles. The world's most popular chili pepper! Harvested when they are green or red if allowed to ripen, about 4-6 inches long.

Super Chili Pepper

40,000-50,000 Scovilles.  2-1/2 inches  long x an inch wide and grows in an upright position.  Maybe grown in a garden where climate is hot and humid.

Take Chili Everyday for Health

Daily consumption of 2 super chili (or cayenne*) or 1 habanero as part of the meal is ideal.

OR alternatively, you can take 3 birds eye chilis after meals.  Make a small slit on the chilis and swallow all with a glass of water. Wherever practical other varieties with scouville heat units 50-100 thousand maybe used.

        *Cayenne pepper has a good local anesthetic effect.

          Taking chili may have adverse effect on persons with GER

          but capsicums are not known to cause ulcers.

          A study suggests that consuming 3-8 Habanero peppers

          three times weekly deters growth of prostate cancer cells.


         In the Philippines, we add chilis to our local wine.  Habanero 
         or cayenne cold tea are served in restaurants in other parts
         of the world.
         
         Take note of what Dr. John Christopher (famous master herbalist)

         says with confidence:  “In 35 years of Practice, I have never lost

         one heart-attack patient.  If they are still breathing, I [give]

         them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot

        Water), and within minutes they are up and around.”

Except for the Capsaicin in the yellow, red, orange, and purple bell peppers, the fruit provides phytochemicals and nutrients. It has a high content of Vitamins A,C,E that protects the body from carcinogenic and toxic substances.  It has vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9 and minerals such as like  potassium, manganese, thiamine, molybdenum, trytophan, copper, cobalt and zinc.

Bell peppers may be taken as a drink by JUICING plus a squeeze of lemon to make it flavorful for purposes of cure.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Capsicum

(Verbatim from www.juicing-for-health.com)

“Capsicums have been used for its medicinal values since ancient times but have only recently been documented by medical science.  And what research has found are remarkable healing virtues.

Bell pepper, or capsicum, is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available.  By itself, capsicum has so many healing properties, but when taken together with other herbs, fruits and vegetables, the nutrients absorption are multiplied hundredfold.

Here are only some of the benefits of taking capsicum, and we have only scratched the surface:

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal:  The anti-septic properties in capsicum makes it effective in fighting food poisoning.  Coupled with a good supply of probiotics, yeast and fungal infection problems, like ring-worm, shingles, athlete's foot, etc. can be easily eliminated.

Anti-aging:  We all know that anti-oxidant is highly effective in helping to protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Blood clots, prevent:  The very high content of vitamin C in capsicum makes it very effective in preventing blood clot, thus preventing strokes.

Cancer:  All the colored capsicums contain very high anti-oxidant and phytonutrients that are especially helpful in preventing cancers of the bladder, cervix, pancreas and prostate.

Cholesterol:  These colorful juices can significantly help to reduce cholesterol.  The concentrated anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.  In the process, it also retards the development of   atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and lower blood pressure.

Cold feet:  During the winter when you have cold feet, cut up capsicum and put them in the socks.  The mild "hot" will help keep your feet nicely warm.

Digestive system:  Capsicum is a stimulant herb.  It helps relieve gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, stomach ulcers,        colic, dyspepsia, diarrhea and even help reduce excessive flatulence.

Immune system:        The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

Metabolism, enhanced:  Increases our body metabolism by lowering triglycerides which are stored in our body fats.  This helps to burn calories more effectively.

Nose bleeding:  The rich vitamin C helps to heal, repair, build/strengthen the lining of the mucous membranes to prevent nose bleeds. Mix capsicum juice with lotus root juice for better effect.

Optical system:  The high vitamin C and beta-carotene makes capsicums especially beneficial in preventing eye problems like astigmatism, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Pain relief:  Capsaicin in capsicum blocks transmission of pain, so it can help relieve pain to a certain degree.  It is also effective for eliminating headaches and      migraines.

Respiratory problems:  The high level of vitamin C coupled with flavonoids make capsicum a very good food that helps prevent respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, wheezing, lung infections, etc.

Sore throat:  Gargle some capsicum juice to help eliminate a sore throat.  The anti-septic properties does the work super well.”

From materials I read at

nutrition-and-you.com

chilipeppermadness.com

iloveindia.com

(Dok Alternatibo seminar)

For sites mentioning research and studies you may visit:

whfoods.com

wiki.org

livestrong.com

curezone.com

naturalnews.com

bbcnews.com health
bastis.org/cayenne

UNCLEAN SPIRITS ABOUND IN THE CHURCH – Father Joey Belcina

Minglanilla 1/29/12:  4^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Relating what he has seen in the movie, ANGELI E DEMONI, Father Joey says that the Devil has been in and out in houses of worship and that it is not afraid of the Cross as believed.  He relates that the unclean spirit in Verse 24 of Mark 1 was in fact inside a Jewish Synagogue and shouting at Jesus it said:

24  What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who are you:  the Holy One of God. (NJB)

Father Joey says that the commotion was an indirect introduction of the Messiah which in this case was a confession only of Knowledge but not in Faith.  The unclean must have known Jesus long before the Angelic Revolt and it could be one of the Fallen Angels (angeli caduti) or a new recruit, a frequent visitor of the Synagogue who got agitated by the presence of Jesus. 

And how did Jesus disposed of the unclean?  He did so in this manner:  

25  But Jesus rebuked it saying, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!'

26  And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.  (NJB)

Then Father Joey recalls a parallel incident in the gospel of Matthew in Chapter 16 (herewith detailed for emphasis):

13  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of man is?'”

14 And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'”

15 But you,' He said, 'who do you say I am?'”

16 Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”   (NJB)

Father Joey emphasizes that although the event was an earlier case of indirect introduction of the Mesiah, it was by far of a different light.  The declaration of Simon Peter is one of Faith –  of the Knowledge revealed to him by the Father in Heaven.

Knowing Jesus, we accept Him by Faith and by accepting Him, we follow Him in Obedience that we may become One in Him as He is with the Father.  This is blessedness!

Father Joey ended his homily by enjoining everybody at the pew to be watchful of unclean spirits who are working very hard to snatch us from Jesus.

I believe he was also referring to those who continue to create divisiveness in the Parish; those who claim to be champions of truth but are becoming impertinent as if the world is ended today beyond the reach of understanding and love.

THE FULL GOSPEL OF ST. MARK

Chapter One (New Jerusalem Bible)

21 They went as far as Capernaum, and at once on the Sabbath he went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22 And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.

23 And at once in their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he shouted,

24 'What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.'

25 But Jesus rebuked it saying, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!'

26 And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.

27 The people were so astonished that they started asking one another what it all meant, saying, 'Here is a teaching that is new, and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.'

28 And his reputation at once spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

29 And at once on leaving the synagogue, he went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew.

DIALOGUE ON THE AIR: A COMMENTARY

Lloyd Suarez for Bobbytrap Nalzaro

Bro Rito, Francisco,Mario, Vic, other LMs and Leaders

Sakristan 1,2,3,4,5

Bro Sho, Gentleman from Calajo-an, a CFD,

Texters, Students, Others

Jan. 21 after 5pm–  I did listen to the above radio program which was broadcasted live from Minglanilla and participated in by personalities mentioned above.  The matter under discussion is still the Sacred Scandal of Our Town.

The case has not really moved forward since it was whispered to the ears of the Lay Ministers last Nov. 2011.   Just 2 weeks ago the LMs have initiated a signature campaign for the purpose to URGE-PUSH the Archbishop to replace the remaining members of the Team of Pastors which  solution, they say, would bring PAX AETERNA to Minglanilla.  To my knowledge this paper is now being challenged by another signature campaign initiated by parish-based organizations, LGU leaders, entrepreneurs, a legal counsel, concerned citizens, et.al. and yours truly is a signatory of the counter-campaign.  This is now the Battle of LMs and TM (lay ministers and team moderator).

In the deliberation, at least 2 of the speakers claimed that a palace-dialogue on the matter has been scheduled coming February to re-connect the loose ends.   The LMs are pressing for a limited attendance on this, not to include especially legal counsels and officers of the parish-based organizations.  Desired attendees will only be:

1.  The Lay Ministers who have tendered resignations

2.  The Sakristans who saw the dramatic interlude

3.  The 4 Priests whose past sins are now resurrected

4.  Those who were with the LMs when the case was presented before the archbishop

5.  Bishop’s staff

GMA radio may sneak in.

The LMs reiterated that they bore no grudges with the priests and that they all love them and that they are praying for them but that they have to GET OUT.   They are ready to take the next step F-N-WEN Bishop Palma won’t heed their demand of which Lloyd Suarez quickly stated mosulat mo ana sa Santo Papa.   A listener with me was quick to suggest other conventions like hunger strike, a picket line on Sundays, or a rally 3 times a week.   But am very pleased on the Christian manifestations of Bro Sho –  PAKIG-SINABUT – PAKIGHI-ULI.

It is WICKED to bring the  Church onto its knees so that moving them out into a new team or distributing the priests individually to other parishes at the Bishop's call is always the solution with grace.   For the pros and cons of the 2 signature campaigns and those who remain neutral or offered prayers instead,  I am proposing this table of demerits as a way to peace:

TABLE OF DEMERITS

Name of Priest	Initial Demerit On Assignment	Repetition of Offense or Commission of New Offense	Action taken in favor or against	Total Number of Demerits Todate	My Recommended Action
Father Oscar	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Joey	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Nanie	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Ladie	1	1	1	3	For replacement
Father Jojo	1	0	2	3	For replacement

CAN THE CHAPELS DO THE SUGAT ?

It was unexpected and a shocking proposal followed by a wallop of discouragement.  But despite the disabling blow, the spirit of cooperation remained tucked with loyalty.   This is my observation of the first two meetings that I attended for the purpose of organizing the Committees of the Piyesta sa Minglanilla 2011, with the critical tasks relegated to the Officers and Members of the fifty-two chapel organizations of Minglanilla for the first time.   The man behind the scene is a determined minister!

I came in almost late and was hurriedly hoisted up into a bamboo platform at the SUGATAN where four-year-old ‘angels’ like me are stationed for the rite.   Looking up, I recognized the great AGILA at rest.  From where I was, I had this good view of the thousands that gathered to celebrate the traditional SUGAT SA MINGLANILLA.

If there has to be somebody to be given a certificate of award for a job well-done for the Fiesta 2011, this man is the Rev. Father Oscar Ornopia.  It was Father Oscar who provided the magic that awakened the officers and members of the 52-Chapel organizations of the Parish into accepting hook-line-sinker the challenge to manage the religious aspects of the town fiesta.

At 4 in the morning, the bells at the KAMPANARIO are tolled continuously and the carozas bearing the images of the Tres Marias and San Pedro are moved into the crowd with a ‘flying Angel’ leading the way from the PATIO to the SUGATAN, a distance of several yards..   Taking the position at Vito Road on the southwest is the caroza of the Delgra Family bearing the image of the Resurrected Christ, awaiting its beaming entry.

Father Oscar’s practical appeal ultimately erased the fears of the inexperienced officials.  He assured them that the fiesta can be celebrated even better using just the resources the Chapels can raise over a limited period of time.  His guidance overshadowed the unfulfilled promises, meager donations and budget cuts and made history that ‘loose change’ can make miracles too.  The success of the event has also shown that good ideas are not exclusive to the leaders but to the ranks and files as well. 

As the carozas of the Sorrowful Mother and the Resurrected Christ met at midcenter, just below the AGILA’s claws, the  MUSIKEROS of Barrio Tulay moved to play their piece bringing the AGILA to life,  becking ‘angels’ into its mighty wings, dropping them to its tail and claws, and into the four corners of the SUGATAN.   Then the ‘Angel of Sorrow and Joy’ makes the final descent closer to the caroza of the Sorrowful Mother to fetch its dark robe, revealing the majestic cape of joy and jubilation underneath it a peculiar scene that somehow never failed to alter Our Lady’s facial expressions from sorrow into  RADIANT JOY AND MAJESTY FIT FOR THE  QUEEN OF HEAVEN.   At this point, our mentor Noy Kyanong Bas would raise his hands to signal all ‘Angels’ to sing the Regina Caeli in one accord:

REGINA, caeli, laetare, alleluia:

Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,

Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia.

Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.     

After the OREMUS, the LUTHANG are fired making two thunderous roars announcing the tragic end of Judas Iscariote, burning an effigy of him hanged by a tree. 

Can the future experience the past?  Can the Chapels do the Sugat?  Can we once more relive the spirit of the SUGAT SA MINGLANILLA away from the KABANHAWAN?   Can we have the Sugat back even just for once, perhaps this year 2012 on the 24^th of December, at dawn at the same Plaza Maria after the ‘Midnight Mass?’   

I am optimistic that with Father Oscar on the lead and with the same degree of loyalty and cooperation among Chapel Officers and members, and  with support of the religious, the traditional SUGAT SA MINGLANILLA  can be relived – more spiritually than pompous – more Christian than Catholic.

ATONEMENT: Finally Father Jojo Deligero Spilled the Beans

It took sometime for Father Jojo to go public (Sunstar Sunday 1/15/12).   As moderator of the Team of Five, he holds the first key that would have given us guided information of the scandal that refuses to die.   Yes, he has some rules to obey and some of us may not have understood all his actions.  So we blame him of omissions.  We can forgive Father Jojo for this but sad to say, now, only if he forgives those who had done him harm.

Yes, we can say it would have been better for Father Jojo to settle the matter within the Convent’s walls with the involved parties in attendance and do a public apology sooner within the hallowed walls of the Church.  In this way, negative public opinions (from Day One to Jan. 19) could have been de-accelerated or corrected.  Thursday 1/19 was another fatal day where a kind of a signature campaign is floated to counter the petition (perhaps) already submitted.

Before proceeding further on, I hereby confess that everything I express here are personal convictions.   Also, I wish everyone to know that I am signing up for the retention of the Four Pastors including Father Jojo.  Father Ladie is no longer with us and is now under Bishop Palma’s care.

I am taking this side for I still believe that whatever further mistakes and misunderstandings between the complainants, witnesses, respondents and those caught in the crossfire that added fuel to the fire of inconsistencies and disappointments can still be amicably settled –  BUT PLEASE LET US SETTLE THIS NOW!

The crime is a vicious one and it is by now inviting more EVIL to Minglanilla, opening up more roads to perdition not anymore to the violator but to US PARISHIONERS and our PASTORS.

Let us not divide this Parish into who are good, who are evil; who are pro-Jojo who are not; who are ours and who are theirs.  We are a forgiving people, members of one community, and professing the same Faith.   We are our neighbors and our friends.  Let us stop the political game on line now.   Only one re-did a crime.  So why blame and club each other for another crime and more criminals?   Let us not INVITE SATAN to overburden us and our community. 

God is Mighty and Just and in time He will take HIS REVENGE – And as members of this community, we ought to FEAR THIS DAY for it will come to us together or to us in private and for extended days of difficulties and hardships.

REGINA CAELI

Russian Icon of the Queen of Heaven

Sixty years ago this year, I was already singing the Regina Caeli.  I don’t know what it was exactly but I do know why I was singing it with the other children.  At age 4, I was an ANGEL of the traditional SUGAT SA MINGLANILLA which is now cinematically blotted out by a bogus sword duel to the death between Archangels Lucifer and Gabriel in Easter.

But the Regina Caeli, our song of praise, in the tune as was taught to us by maestro-cantor Kianong Bas of Tulay stays fresh in my memory.  Although no longer complete as I sung it with the junior angels, it is still my marching song, a captivating melody that never failed to refresh my soul for the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.

Who Wrote the Regina Caeli

(from Preces-Latinae.org)

“The author of Regina Caeli is unknown, but by virtue of its presence (or absence) in manuscripts, it had to have been composed sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries. One possible author in that time period is Pope Gregory V (+998). Its original use appears to have been in Rome where it was used as an Antiphon for Vespers at Easter. Today the Regina Caeli is used as hymn of joy during the Easter Season (Easter Sunday until Trinity Sunday) when it is used in place of the Angelus and prescribed to be recited at Compline.

This is one of four Marian antiphons, with following versicles and prayers, traditionally said or sung after night prayer, immediately before going to sleep. It is said throughout Eastertide. (That is, from Easter Day through Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter.  The Regina caeli is also said in place of the Angelus during Eastertide.”

The Legend of the Song

“Perhaps the most interesting legend surrounding the prayer has it being composed, in part, by St. Gregory the Great. The legend has it that in the year 596, during Easter time, a pestilence was ravaging Rome. St. Gregory the Great requested a procession be held to pray that the pestilence be stopped. On the appointed day of the procession he assembled with his clergy at dawn at the church of Ara Coeli. Holding in his hand the icon of our Lady that was said to have been painted by St. Luke, he and his clergy started out in procession to St. Peter's. As he passed the Castle of Hadrian, as it was called in those days, voices were heard from above singing the Regina Caeli. The astonished Pope, enraptured with the angelic singing, replied in a loud voice: "Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia!" At that moment an angel appeared in a glorious light, sheathed the sword of pestilence in its scabbard, and from that day the pestilence ceased. In honor of this miraculous event, the name of the castle was then changed to Sant' Angelo and the words of the angelic hymn were inscribed upon the roof of the Church of Ara Coeli.”

The Regina Caeli Prayer

(from ETWN.com)

V.  Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.             Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

R.  Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.   For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.

V.  Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.           Has risen, as he said, alleluia.

R.  Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.              Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V.  Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

R.  Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.    For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Father Jack Sapa, Very Briefly

Father Jack Sapa is walking tall since the issue on sexual misconduct hit  Minglanilla.  He goes around his assignments in the Parish like a lamb having to say nothing about the details of the case and the steps being taken by Team Moderator Father Jojo Deligero.

I have not much info about Father Jack except those that I gather from personal observation each time he offers mass in our Ward Chapel.

If Archbishop Palma decides to re-organize the Team of Pastors, I should want Father Jack to stay and continue his services to the community.  If I may have to make more choices, my next would be Father Oscar Ornopia then Father Joey Belcina.  But if His Excellency wants the Team changed, I could only pray that Father Jack will be made part of it, finally.

Father Jack is of a Napoleonic stature, not as robust as Romulo, not as popular as Mickey Rooney or our own Berting Labra.  To assign an animal to him, I would give Father Jack, the Jackal minus its quarrelsome trait.

A Jackal is an animal that is heavily persecuted by farmers and persecution is a daily bread of men in robes.  It is monogamous, social, resourceful and fearless.  Father Jack may have exercised these traits with reserve due to his position but he is married only to the Church. 

He is a few of those who show consistency to Church Regulations such as the wearing of appropriate dress for church goers and communicants.   He checks them out fatherly so to speak although I have yet to hear him say something about the compulsory wearing of veils and the superiority of receiving communion by the tongue.

His fiery speeches would never fail to illuminate one’s thoughts, even exposes one’s hidden craze.  He draws the attention of the church goers by trumpeting ideas using simple expressions.  He is perhaps the only cohen in Minglanilla that is inexpensive to keep which means he has but simple needs. 

Father Jack would always want to leave home after Mass in he Chapels not because he is acting indifferently but he has yet to prepare for his next duty and needed more relaxation and a good rest.  Of course there are other things I ought to know about him and this would probably happen when our agendas come together for a good cause or if someone true shares me the information.

Let us pray for our Priests.