Lenten Reflections...

I have actually been looking forward to my Holy week  vacation for me to write my reflections of the Passion Narrative of Christ.

GROUNDBREAKING OF AETAHANAN FOR THE “KAPATADS”

By:  Maria Fe B. Gonzales

    The groundbreaking ceremony of the Aetahan for the katutubo brothers and sisters was held last March 14, 2013 at 9:00 o’ clock in the morning in Pipitk, Dila-dila, Sta Rita, Pampanga.

     The ceremony started with the call to gather by Sr. Evangeline Madayag, OSB of Holy Family Academy and Rev. Fr. Regnel C. Fuetez, Apostolate Director, Archdiocesan Desk for Indigenous People, followed by the opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Francis Dizon, Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) Executive Director and Volunteers for Catholic Action (VOCA) Convenor.

     In the introduction of Mrs. Edna Manlapaz, VOCA, Angeles University Foundation, she said that the Aetahanan is a project which was conceptualized and initiated by Fr. Regnel Fuertez and which is supported by SACOP in partnership with the VOCA, an organization composed of Catholic Schools and Universities in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga. She mentioned that, Aetahanan is a step by which VOCA recognizes and actively take part in the plight of the Aetas.  In addition, she said, “It is our hope that by providing nearer and decent place to live for the aeta students, we will be able to bridge the gap of time and space that hinders our indigenous people to take an active part in the development and progress our society.” 

      Before the ground breaking and the capsule laying ceremonies.  the Aeta Scholars rendered a ritual dance number, which was their form of prayer. Lorna, one of the Aeta scholars, said a prayer about thanksgiving in the aeta way, afterwhich was the performance of their ethnic  dance.

     The capsule was laid by Honorable Catalina C. Bagasina, Congresswoman, Province of Pampanga.  Hon. Condralito B. Dela Cruz, Mayor of Porac, Hon. Yolanda M. Pineda, Mayor of Sta. Rita, Miss Norilyn M. Pineda, Director of OCES in Holy Angel Univesity, Mrs. Elizabeth V. Pusung, Integral Formation Head of Mary the Queen College, Hon. Punong Barangay Edwin Abuque of the Aetas in Camias.

     During the event, Mrs. Edna S. Manlapaz  gave the donation of Angeles University Foundation as its response to the call of loving and serving the Aetas.

     In the ceremony, a very touching song number from the Aeta scholars “SALAMAT PO” which expressed the Aeta students’ dreams and sense of gratitude was rendered by them.  The song was originally composed by one of them.  

     The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Most. Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, gave his final message and expressed: “…napakaganda ng coincidence na to na nagsisimula yung ating pagka partnership, di natin tinutulungan yung mga kapatid natin, we are partnering with them.  They have their own culture, dignity, their values, their aspirations, their dreams for their fullness for life. We have to support them and we have to partner with them, our dear Aeta children.”

     The event was graced by different people from the different sectors.  Present in the occasion were the SACOP staff headed by Rev. Fr. Kenneth D. Alde, Miss Edna L. Gueco and VOCA representatives and Heads of the Outreach and Extension Offices namely:  Mr. Aaron Bolus (Chevalier School), Mrs. Rowena D. Cabigting (Holy Angel University), Mrs. Jennifer V. Montemayor (University of the Assumption), Mrs. Chit A. Manlapaz (Assumpta Technical High School), Mrs. Mia M. Bognot (Don Bosco Academy), Sr. Evangeline A. Madayag, OSB (Holy Family Academy), Ms. Lyvette P. Macarandang (St. Scholastica’s Academy), Mrs. Teresita S. Pastores (Arayat Holy Child Educational Foundation, Inc.),  Edna M. Manlapaz (Angeles University Foundation) and yours truly, Mrs. Maria Fe B. Gonzales ( Mary the Queen College Pampanga).

     The ceremony ended with the bishop’s final blessing. 

    

" Darkness In My Journey..."

Life's journey is not always of happiness, joy and success...Sometimes we experience sadness, failures and sufferings in life...

We are given the freedom to choose our destiny...For as long as we are happy in our decision and with our choices in life, then we are responsible for whatever consequences we will have....

Father God, I know that you are a loving Father...I know that you will always be with me in times when I have worries, cares and troubles in life.  Thanks for the gift of wisdom and thanks for directing my thoughts and my actions to reach my goals and to serve my purpose in life. Embrace me with your LOVE and COMPASSION as I continue my journey.

VILLA ESCUDERO ADVENTURE WITH HUBBY...

I have heard of Villa Escudero from my friends.  So hubby and I decided to explore it.  We went there for an overnight stay...

                                    

                                                    

                                                                @ the waterfalls...
                                                 

                                                     SANGGUMAY ACCOMMODATION

                                                       Waterfalls Restaurant

                                                     A pose at Carabao Cart...

                                                                        Bamboo Rafting...

Carabao Cart Ride...

     Rural Village tour....

PLETHORA OF BLESSINGS FOR 2012

Wow...I am late with this...well, better late than never...I still would want to share some of the   graces and blessings I had last year.

GRATITUDE has always been the language of my HEART and  expressing my gratitude and my appreciation  in life is my way of THANKSGIVING.

Counting my blessings...here are the BLESSINGS I am grateful for...
   

1.  I am blessed with the gift of NICHOLE in our family.  She is a precious angel.  I love watching her grow...every moment is precious...I am delighted with her presence in my life and in our family.  She is amazing because she is able to connect all the members of the family through her pictures in Facebook.  She is truly a blessing because she brings JOY to all of us.  Thank God for the gift of Nichole.

2.  The travels I had this year have made my journey in life exciting.  I love to explore places and I am just thankful for I was able to visit GenSan for our reunion.  I was also with my sisters in Davao, with my IFG family in Bato Spring in San Pablo City and in Palawan's 7th wonder of the world, the Underground River. How will I foget in the list Disneyland in Hong Kong during my golden birthday?  Hmm...I had fun with my only daughter, Gizelle.  Of course, not to forget Boracay as the year ends.  


3.My Work

Mansgold Children Embrace PaCEF's Values Education...

One of the challenging tasks I had last year in my professional life was to organize the Values Education program for Pampanga Children's Education Fund (PaCEF) in Mansgold Elementary School in Sta. Lucia, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Well, I can't believe that the PaCEF scholars have two remaining months before the academic year ends. How time flies indeed.

As I try to recall how we started, I can say that it was not easy at all to develop and implement a program that nurtures the values we have as Filipinos. There was a need to network and collaborate with DepEd, Mansgold Elementary School and Mary the Queen College.  After some arrangements were made by the PaCEF President Dr. Roque with these institutions, Values Ed in Mansgold finally evolved.

Thanks to PaCEF  for its endeavor in inculcating value system to the school children that includes virtues like self-reliance, integrity, moral sensitivity, respect, creativity, discipline, love of country, love for truth (honesty) and commitment to serve God and humanity. These values have to thrive and should not be eroded as time passes.

Absolutely, with the implementation of the  project, a challenge was posted to the PaCEF group...to support and address a gamut of problems that results from misconduct and misbehavior of the schoolchildren nowadays. Well, PaCEF has responded to this call to action and challenge.  I believe that somehow through the project, it has impacted the lives of the children in Mansgold Elementary School.

I have thought of sharing some pictures that have captured some moments.

Coordination of the program with the School Principal, Ms. Alice Santos.

During the Seminar-Workshop

Awarding of Certificates to PaCEF scholars and Mansgold teachers.

CLTV's interview with the PaCEF President, Dr. Rouel S. Roque

A certificate of Achievement...

PaCEF Scholars with Dr. Rouel S. Roque

Mansgold Children during their Values Education class

Mansgold Kids fall in line for an activity...

The scholars do not only teach Values...they also feed them. 

Teaching the non-readers how to read.

Through a game the values of camaraderie and sportsmanship are developed.

                                     

                   Kids enthusiastically raise their hands for a reading activity.
 They just need to be motivated in order to be interested to learn how to read.

             The scholars and some of the kids after their class...so happy together.

It was a challenge for Che to work towards building positive relationships with the kids.

 PaCEF receives DepEd's Certificate of Appreciation...Many thanks to all the scholars for the hard work     and commitment to Values Education...A huge thanks also to PaCEF and to all the benefactors and sponsors.

                                Just being cool with the Girls after the meeting...


I can say that the year was a success and with the remaining months, I know in my heart that the PaCEF scholars have made a difference in the lives of the children. I am certainly humbled of this achievement and proud to be a part of the Values Education program.

As I end, I express my sincerest gratitude to PaCEF, to the supporters and sponsors of PaCEF, to DepEd, Mansgold Elementary School faculty and employees, Ma'am Alice, the Principal, all the pupils and of course, to the PaCEF scholars for their commitment and effort.  THANKS everyone and GOD bless us all for this noble endeavor!


“Your beliefs become your thoughts, 
 Your thoughts become your words, 
 Your words become your actions, 
 Your actions become your habits, 
 Your habits become your values, 
 Your values become your destiny.” 
                    ― Mahatma Gandhi

NAKAKA...

MGA NAKAKA…

Malalim na ang gabi pero di pa ako dinadalaw ng antok, kaya naisipan kong magsulat….hmmm…ano nga ba ang magandang topic? Hmmm...I want something light...Para maiba naman, naisip ko lang ang tungkol sa mga NAKAKA…

NAKAKAGULAT

Ito ang mararamdaman mo kapag ikaw ay down na down or down spirited, tapos biglang me surprise kang darating….kagaya ng…biglang darating ang pinsan mo na matagal mo ng di nakikita, biglang me  perang darating na di mo inaasahan, or biglang may magbigigay sa iyo ng pera...hehe...Isa pa ay yung biglang me mag aabot sa iyo ng regalo na di mo naman expect o biglang me dadalaw sa iskul mo at bibigyan ka ng pasalubong na di mo naman expect.  Kakagulat din kapag  me tumatawag sa iyo at paglingon mo ay wala naman….Ayyys....at lalong nakakagulat yung tulog ka tapos mananaginip ka na nahuhulog ka sa kama…nakakagulat din pag tinanggap mo ang pay slip mo tapos sobrang dami ang pay mo, o puedeng bakit wala kang sinahod….waahhh…Hmmm..

NAKAKAINIS

Hmmmph…Kainis Talaga!  Anong nakakainis? Ayyys…eh di kapag isang oras ka ng naghihintay tapos di pa dumarating ang kausap mo, tapos sasabihin….nakatulog kasi ako or nakalimutan ko…waahhh….Kainis din kapag sarap na ng tulog mo tapos maririnig mo ang beep ng cel mo…at pag binasa mo, wrong sent lang pala…huhu….hirap na kayang bumalik sa sleep kapag ganon.  Kainis din kapag me mga taong sumisira ng araw mo…like umagang umaga,may  mag te text at hihiram lang pala ng pera...Isa pa, kapag nasa mall ka, tapos me gusto kang bilhin, only to find out na wala ka na palang pera…ahaha….so punta ka sa ATM, tapos offline…waahh….di ba uuwi kang luhaan…isa pa ay yung sisingilin ka sa utang mo lalo na kung wala kang pambayad, or the other way around, sisingilin mo ang may utang sa iyo at sasabihin n’yang wala s’yang pera… pero panay naman ang bili ng kung ano ano at pasyal kung saan saan…o dib a po, nakakainis talaga…kalokaaa....bakit nga ba ganyan?

NAKAKATAWA

Ahaha….Kalokaaa….Kakatawa kapag nasa mall ka, tapos lalapitan ka at hahawakan, kasi akala ikaw yung kasama nya…waahh…Eh di syempre funny talaga kapag nagkamali ka dahil akala mo kilala mo yun pala hindi naman…Nakakatawa lalo kapag tawa ka ng tawa at nakikitawa kahit di mo alam kung bakit sila tumatawa…nyahaha…Isa pang nakakatawa ay kapag baliktad ang suot mong damit….wahaha…nakapag malling ka na at lahat at nakapagsimba…hehe…Kakatawa din kapag pipi ang kausap mo tapos di kayo magkaintindihan so wala ka naman choice kung hindi mag sign language pero dahil di ka alam…mali pa rin ang intindi ng kausap mo…so tatawa ka nalang ng tatawa. Nyahaha….

NAKAKAIYAK

Huhuhu…Syempre pag may pumanaw na mahal mo sa buhay…alangan naman pong tatawa ka….Tapos, kapag nawalan ka ng malaking halaga ng pera….waaahhhh….nasaan na yung wallet ko? Bakit nyo tinangay? Nakakaiyak din kapag yung movie na pinapanood mo  ay tungkol sa confrontation ng mag ina o mag ama na heavy drama ang dating…tipong yung me sumbatan at yakapan in the end.  Kakaiyak din kapag nalulungkot ka dahil miss mo mga anak at asawa mo na nasa malayo.  At lalong nakakaiyak kapag ikaw ay sinaktan sa puso kagaya ng, waahhh…nalaman mong may iba na palang kinakasama ang asawa mo…or may anak na pala sya sa iba….waaahhhhhh….huhuhu…