Thanks and Giving: A Gloriously Joyful Christmas Celebration and Epiphany!

By: Rudy de Ocampo*

In the midst of preparations for a traditional Christmas celebration for more than 300 members of Tahanan ng Panginoon (TNP) at Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (OLPP), Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, Typhoon Sendong devastated Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.   Heart-wrenching media images of the massive destruction to lives and property created a somber mood among the TNP elders and leaders as they expressed deep concern and sympathy for the typhoon victims.   At first I thought of cancelling the Christmas celebration, and donating whatever amount would  be spent for the party to the typhoon victims. I felt that the Holy Spirit was leading me to this decision. This was confirmed by Tony Umali’s discernment regarding the event, based on Mt 1:18-25, which  he said should make us  realize and appreciate that the Holy Spirit extended to us the great privilege of hearing, listening, discerning and obeying God’s mighty Word.

The proposed change of plan was discussed among the TNP leaders and elders during a meeting. Initially there was a slight degree of disappointment since there prevailed an overwhelming desire to celebrate with gratitude the many blessings they have received from the Lord.  Finally, a suggestion was made that the occasion be a “Thanks and Giving “celebration, to THANK the Lord and to ask the members to GIVE whatever they could for the typhoon victims.

In  fact, the area servant, Ricky Masirag,  commented that: “Napakabait ng Diyos sa atin, marami tayong biyaya na natatanggap sa kanya, kung kaya napapanahon na na  tayo naman ang magbigay sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa Cagayan De Oro and Iligan.”  It was also suggested that the children be included in this undertaking to expose them to a community life of sharing.

By sheer coincidence, the TNP OLPP Thanks and Giving celebration took place on January 8, 2012, the Feast of the Epiphany, when the glory of Jesus was revealed to the Magi who “saw something special enough to make them want to offer him valuable gifts” (The Word Among Us, January 2012, 28).  The gifts offered by the TNP members and their children to Jesus through the typhoon victims must have been more precious in his eyes than the Magi’s gold, frankincense and myhrr, just as the widow’s two  small coins (Lk 21:2-4) were.  This was also a manifestation of what Melmarx Marcojos shared, that “No one is poor enough that he cannot give”.

There were around 250 adults and 200 children from five marginalized areas in the parish  ( Daan Tubo, Jocson, Marytown,  Park 7 and Rona’s Garden ) who attended the event.  The households volunteered to bring boiled banana (saba), toron, pan de coco, Spanish bread and juice, while the elders shared pancit bihon. Inday Arellano brought candies for the children.  To minimize costs, they even brought their own utensils.  Small prizes were bought using rebates realized from the sale of bingo cards during the TNP anniversary celebration 2 years ago. The prizes and other gifts were donated by the guests and raffled off while, others were given to the winners of the games and to those who performed the dance numbers.

The program started with a short prayer meeting led by Melchor Ferrer, a unit head.

Thereafter, dance numbers were presented , one of which was Kadayawan  ( Davao dance festival) choreographed by Elena Masirag, who with her husband Ricky, had just attended the Community Weekend Retreat. The performace was observed to be of professional quality in spite of the limited time and place for rehearsals.   After the presentations, the members came forward bringing along their donations such as used clothes, blankets, toys, etc, contained in big plastic bags and balikbayan boxes. The children dropped coins in two large plastic mineral water gallons. The scene was very touching.  Everyone watching the event felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was an expression of the incredible and amazing charity of TNP members, who shared their precious possessions to the homeless and hungry out of their own need.  No one expected that they would respond so generously.   At the end of the giving, there was not a dry eye in the place, especially after watching the small children running to drop their coins in the plastic gallons.  A young man in a wheelchair also struggled to put in his own donation.

It is said that God loves a cheerful giver. It reminded me  of Lk 21:3-4: “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest, for those others have all made offerings from the surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood’’.  

Definitely, it was all the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord revealed His love, compassion and generosity to the needy through the TNP members and their children, as well as the guests.

The occasion was highlighted by the presence of Melmarx Marcojos, Central Sector Coordinator, Theo Sandico, Central District E Coordinator, Ric Lazatin, Ministry of Compassion Coordinator, and Tony Umali, Central Sector Ministry of Compassion Coordinator. After the event, they all expressed positive feedback.

Theo said, “It was a pleasure for me to be part of the celebration. I thank you for the opportunity and we will look forward this year to greater support to Pentecost from our brothers and sisters.’’

Ric Lazatin texted this message : ” I was delighted and  touched yesterday with what I witnessed at your  Pentecost Thanks and Giving party . I believe it is a first in TNP history. I thank God for making His presence felt through the generous giving of our TNP brethren amidst their want. Kudos to your brand of servant leadership and to your dedicated team.  Serving in TNP becomes truly inspiring with people like you and your team walking side by side.  Ang galing ninyo mag respond  kay Lord . To Him be the glory.’’  

Meanwhile, Tony mentioned that it was overwhelming to contain what transpired in the Thanks and Giving Celebration. The TNP-Pentecost members’ generous sharing of things and money, which they also needed, for the benefit of the typhoon victims was really beyond human expectation as that was never done before.  He believes it was made possible by the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and conversion.

In full attendance during the event were CDE Frat Group members Jake and Inday Arellano, Eli and Nena Lademora, Badong and Robie Laguda, and Alan and Marie Lee.  Butch and Dinah Maningat, who had earlier expressed their willingness to serve in TNP, were also present.

TNP-Pentecost leaders greatly helped make the affair successful. I would like to express my gratitude to the elders namely Manny and Cora Bernal, who are Couples for Christ members,  Ineng  Castillo, the Barangay Kagawad who made arrangements for the use of the barangay basketball court, and Rita Gallardo .

The Thanks and Giving celebration was more than just fun.   It was a gloriously joyful Christmas celebration -- An Epiphany!

*About the Author: Papa Ru, as he is fondly called, was a military officer for 20 years before retiring as colonel.  He has a security agency and is a member of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Road Board under Secretary Rogie Singson.  He is presently an active member of the Pentecost Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion.  He is married to Mama Lou, with whom he energetically serves with in Tahanan ng Panginoon-OLPP for seven years now. They have two single children, Alex (34) and Michelle (27).  They have been with Ligaya ng Panginoon for almost 20 years. From being a military forces service officer, he is simply happy to be a foot soldier of God!  

He Said, She Said: "Called to be LIGAYA, 36 years of Fruitfulness!"



From 1975 to 2011: 36 years of Fruitfulness!
Photo courtesy of Aly S. Capote  

 

 HE SAID: by Gary Bogarin

Early this year when we had our day of prayer as a MWG, I found myself reflecting on how God answered my prayers last year when I laid to him my plans and dreams for 2010.

Indeed, God worked mysteriously last year as he delivered my family and I through our most exhilarating experience yet and found ourselves living in our very own house. What I never thought I could provide my family is now a reality! So as I continued our day of prayer, I went through my meditations and asked the Lord for a special favor for this year and the Lord’s words to me were:  “I shall bless you and you will be fruitful, you just need to be faithful”.

I held on to the Lord’s promise to me and I tried hard to live up to my end of the bargain.

Then came April of 2011. Our MWG was tasked to come up with a theme for the 36^th anniversary of Ligaya so our PL asked us to individually pray about it and then, after a week, share our thoughts and reflections to the group. I found myself gravitating towards the Lord’s words for me early this year but, this time with a slight difference. If for me it was “I shall bless you and you will be fruitful, you just need to be faithful” for Ligaya, I sensed the Lord instead telling us “Because of your faithfulness, you shall be fruitful!”

After 36 years of faithfulness to its covenant with God, Ligaya is definitely bearing fruit. But the Lord didn’t just promise Ligaya to bear fruit, His promise is for Ligaya to be abundantly fruitful. So, we must expect even  more!

Personally I experienced Him powerfully during this time of the anniversary because what He promised to me earlier this year in our day of prayer came true. My wife could not even believe it. We never thought that she could get pregnant without the help of fertility pills and acupuncture - just like during her first two pregnancies, because she had polycystic ovaries which made it difficult for her to produce egg cells. But thanks be to God, MM is now on her fourth month of pregnancy!  Truly, fruitfulness from faithfulness!

Indeed, God has blessed me and made me fruitful not because I was faithful but, more so because He is faithful!



MM and Gary with their daughters, Biancci and Maxine



SHE SAID: by MM Bogarin

When I learned that our MWG was put in-charge of the 36^th anniversary, my jaw dropped at the daunting task ahead.  It was close to Holy Week already and only about 2 1/2 months left before the event.  I asked myself, “How do we begin organizing an LNP anniversary?”  Many of us were clueless and overwhelmed at the thought.  So we just waited for our PL’s instructions. 

Our first task as an MWG was to discern the theme of the anniversary.  We met to share our reflections or leadings that we might have had in the past few weeks.  The words fruitfulness and faithfulness came up, and Boots and Kerry mentioned “being called by name.”  We still were not confident with our reflections, so our PLs gave us until the end of the week to listen more to God’s leadings.  We were to have our Lord’s Day that Saturday and decided to collate all our reflections on that day.  Incidentally, it was my sister’s birthday and  I had to tell Boots, my PL, in advance that I would just text to her my reflections since I wouldn’t be able to attend our MWG Lord’s Day.

As I was reflecting on the theme during my prayer time, the words ‘called by name’ struck me most and didn’t leave my thoughts.  It reminded me of how personal God is, how He has “saved me from the pit” several times, and how He knows me inside and out.  His love for me is unique and personal to me, and I claim that I have a relationship with Him that is unique from others’.  Then the words, “I have called you by name and you are mine,” came to me.  There was a sense of peace and awe whenever God speaks, and this was one of those occasions.  Though I could not remember exactly at that time what Bible verse it was, I was confident that those words were God’s leading for me and proceeded to text Boots after my prayer time.

About two weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant with our third child.  I called this my miracle baby because my first two daughters were conceived out of fertility pills, months of acupuncture, and several ultrasounds.  My third pregnancy came as a shocking surprise since I could not conceive easily.  But, this miracle came with a price: it was to be my most difficult first trimester ever.  For the next 2 1/2 months, I had to stay in our house with severe nausea and vomiting.   I would oftentimes just cry as I lay down in bed not knowing how to relieve myself of the difficulty.  I went thru a roller coaster of emotions from self pity to blind faith that one day I would feel better.  I told God,” You’re the only one I can count on for healing.  Without you, I have nothing else to hold on to.” My husband, Gary, was very supportive and diligently looked for the food I would crave for even late at night.  I found solace in texting my family, MWG and other friends in community for prayers.  I was very confident that if many of us would pray with me, God would hear my request.  I would cry whenever I received messages of concern or prayers for me from my family and friends.  I knew that God would hear those prayers too.

By that time, I was already out of touch regarding anniversary updates.  I would only get to know of updates that Boots would send us from time to time.  I then learned that the anniversary theme came to be “Called to be Ligaya, 36 years of fruitfulness.”  We were all in awe at how things fell into place and how the members came together to organize the anniversary.  I was near the end of my first trimester and also about to end my novenas to St. Raymond Nonato and St. Gerard Majella.  They were the saints suggested by my mom and my PL, Boots. On the 9^th day of my novenas, I started feeling better and,  after a long absence from community activities, the anniversary celebration became my first time to be with Ligaya again!.

I was truly filled with joy to see again the faces of the brothers and sisters during the 36^th Ligaya anniversary celebration at Ateneo last July 17, 2011.  Many of them asked how I was doing and even a sister whom I don’t often see from another district told me that she was praying for me.  It was like a homecoming for me, and I was grateful for the energy that I experienced.  When Melmarx was sharing his exhortation on Isaiah 43: 1-2, Boots, my PL, reminded me of the verse, “I have called you by name and you are mine.”  I had already forgotten God’s words to me during the discernment because I became consumed with all my pregnancy difficulties.  I was reminded once again that God is indeed my personal God and He is triumphant as always.  I rejoiced at the thought that He has called me personally to love Him and to be loved by Him.  And my Ligaya brothers and sisters enrich this calling to be faithful and fruitful even in my difficult times.   

I am very grateful to be called in this community that, even with its ups and downs, weaknesses and strengths, I find God’s faithfulness not only in me, but also in each of the lives of my brothers and sisters. 

Here’s to 36 years and beyond!

About the Authors:

Gary is a Marketing Manager for a multinational construction supplier while, MM manages her own business as a fashion designer, dabbling in singing and sketching on the side. They have been married for six (6) years and blessed with two lovely daughters - Biancci, 4 years old, and Maxine, 1 1/2 years old, plus a 4-month old miracle baby on the way.  They both started in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon before they became part of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon in 2005.  Both of them are currently serving in the Pathways Ministry. 

The First 100 Days

By: Mae Ann A. Hilario



The Family CEO, Mae Ann Hilario,
with her loving husband, Cris, and two kids - CJ and Jem.


Date: July 9, 2011

Today marks my 100th day as a full time Family CEO, from the day I finally bid goodbye to the so called corporate world.

It started at the onset of summer... Oh I could vividly remember how I enjoyed embracing my new role! From organizing special family times at home or out of town, taking each of my kids out for exclusive dates (Yes, I go out on a date with them, not just with their dad!), preparing fancy-crazy meals at home, and more. It's all exhausting as I found my schedules busier than ever, but very fulfilling in the truest sense of the word.

My full presence and attention to our household has allowed me to catch each and every learning opportunity of our two preschoolers, CJ and Jem. I remembered during Lent, they watched the original movie version of “The 10 Commandments” for the first time. That gave a lasting imprint and significant leap to our kids' faith. How do I know? Our 4-year old Jem would always remember the parting of the Red Sea and other equally moving scenes, then would say “Wow, what an awesome God we have!” Our 6-year old CJ, on the other hand, had 'theologically inferred' that there are 11 commandments, the eleventh being Jesus' new commandment – love one another as I have loved you.

The learning opportunities of our kids continue on, even through trivial experiences. Last summer, CJ and Jem joined the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Program. They learned not only what work or service is all about, but more importantly, they learned of the joy in working to serve others.

My learning continued to new heights too! Through my day-in-day-out experiences with our kids, I get to understand that --
It is always good to share, without expecting any in return.
It is good to have fleeting memory, like kids. It leaves you with no grudges.
We have a lot of energy, more than we could imagine. Just use it and you'll know!
There is value in patience.
It is very important to have fun :)
To really love is to love unconditionally.

During my 'first 100 days' my husband and I celebrated some milestones – our 9th wedding anniversary, our 38th birthdays, etc. As we see more gray hairs on our head, we continue to dream the dreams that God has planted in our hearts. We take joy when we hear our son telling us that he'd like to be a priest someday -- even when he changes his mind on other days and say “Oh, I want to be an altar brother”, or pretend to be a prayer leader. We continue to be amazed with how our little princess could be so persistent and determined to get what she wants, to please and charm those around her. We delight when our kids would ask and wonder “What does Jesus want me to be?”
And so, my story continues.... confident that at this time of my life, God has called me to 'being' a full-time parent and wife, to fulfill the vocation He has gifted me with nine years ago. The decision to drop a promising career didn't leave us empty-handed, both literally and figuratively. God is so good that two months after my resignation from work, my husband got promoted, with a compensation that covers more than the salary I used to bring in. Indeed, God blesses and takes care of His flock!

Just recently, I received a text message from my husband that says “Mahal, thanks for making the radical decision to become a full time mom. Even if you freak out :)...” Oh yes, I freak out at times! At least, I know that I'm human, that I'm still a work-in-progress. It's comforting enough to know that my husband and my kids love me unconditionally! More comforting to realize that God loves me! Through my imperfections, God's love is magnified all the more.

Tomorrow, my 101th day, and the days after, will continue to be a testament of God's love and faithfulness. There would be rains, strong rains at times.... Yet, with God, there's no reason to worry. There would only be more reasons for us, as a family, to see God's glory... and for us to glorify Him even more!

About the Author: Mae Ann joined the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community right after she got married to Cris in April 2002.  She became a covenanted member in 2005.  She was looking forward to a promising career with a multinational business information company when the Lord called her to become a full-time housewife and mom. On her 10th year with the company, she finally said "yes" to the Lord.  She is now the CEO of the Hilario household and a hands-on mom to two (2) very active Community kids - CJ and Jem.

Celebrating Sisterhood in Honor of a Father’s Love!

By: Rina R. Manuel

 

It was women power on display that night. 

    Last June 17, 2011, CDE sisters trooped to Shangri-la Finest Chinese Cuisine Restaurant in West Avenue to celebrate Women’s Night with the theme: “Celebrating a Father’s Love.”  What a fun, bonding night it turned out to be for all the 27 sisters, who braved the rain and the traffic across the metropolis just to be with one another!

Food was great, especially with the generous upgrade of hot prawn salad from Ate Inday Arellano, who opened the night with a prayer blessing before the meal.

While dinner was being served, sister Cor Marcojos shared with the sisters how she got inspiration for the theme, especially since Father’s Day was approaching that Sunday. More than celebrating fatherhood, however, it was meant to honor and thank our great Father in heaven for all the love, goodness and faithfulness He had shown to us so far this year.  It was a special time for the sisters to remember all those wonderful blessings they had received!  It was also good to just have fun and say to one another, without any guilt, that “It’s good to be out!”

After the meal, sister Christine Bradshaw took on the centerstage to host the program.  She called on each of the PLs, who took turns introducing the sisters under their care.  It was a good opportunity to see the sisters together with their respective women’s group.

After which, the sisters were divided into two (2) groups to play the group charades game prepared by the Aganon women’s group and hosted by sister Hazel Misa.  It was really entertaining to see the sisters in their best acting performances just so that sisters Vi dela Cruz and Macy Oquendo could guess the title of the movie! It was a real close fight with the final round being won by sister Macy's group, which received Starbucks gift certificates as prizes.

 

The night beautifully ended with sharings by two (2) sisters in honor of their beloved spouses.  Ate Robie Laguda and sister Mau Viterbo shared the joys of courtship and the kind of man, husband and father that Kuya Badong and brother Jun are to their families.  They also shared how truly blessed they are to be given such strong, principled and loving spouses by the Lord.

The sisters could have gone on and on that night but, the brothers (who also had their men’s night in the other function room) were waiting and the restaurant was about to close.  The evening ended with a prayer led by sister Fely Leonardo.

Definitely, the sisters are looking forward to the next CDE Women’s Night!

District Lord's Day: It's Good to Give Thanks!

By: Rina R. Manuel

District Lord's Day led by Kuya Badong & Ate Robie Laguda

Last February 26, 2011, the District gathered once again as one big family to celebrate Lord’s Day as a community.  This time, it was held at the Chancery Building of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Cubao, Quezon City. 

It was good to see many of our brothers and sisters, together with their children in tow.  The function room was simply overflowing with CDE families!

Kuya Badong and Ate Robie Laguda graciously led the Lord’s Day Celebration with the theme “It’s Good to Give Thanks!” while,  Brother Bobby Quitain powerfully led the worship.  

At dinner time, the mood turned very festive as everybody shared their potluck fare, with brothers and sisters hopping from table to table to taste the various offerings that night – pancit canton, adobo flakes, laing, lumpiang shanghai, KFC fried chicken, menudo, and home-roasted chicken, among others.

To celebrate the Lord’s Day theme, Brother Eric Bayron, who arrived from London for a few weeks here in Manila, shared about his new life as a Filipino migrant in the United Kingdom (U.K.) – his extreme loneliness away from family and community, and even from the Lord.  He was then ever grateful to the Lord for giving him a wonderful, surprising chance to come home this February, even if he just flew there last January.  As soon as he came home, the Lord enabled him to attend his MWG meeting, the Sectoral Assembly, the Community Conference and even the District Lord’s Day.  Those opportunities to be with community were indeed wonderful blessings from the Lord! 

Given this chance to share about the Lord’s faithfulness and goodness, Eric requested for prayers for the following three (3) “S” from brothers and sisters on behalf of his family so that they may live as bulwarks for God:

1) Safety – that while he’s away from home, his family is kept safe from harm;

2) Steadfastness – that is, to live the life of Community even while in a foreign land;

3) to Seek - that is, to know and follow God's plan for the family while in the U.K.

Eric Bayron sharing about his life in U.K.

The entire district then prayed over him, sister Kerry and their children. 

Bayron Family being prayed over by the entire District
as they embark on a journey to a new land.

Afterwhich, the district also prayed for the end-February birthday celebrants.





A District Lord’s Day would not be complete without playing games.  This time around, the district had lots of fun and excitement with “The Price is Right!” game, which was hosted by Jun and Mau Viterbo. 

Who would forget the product intro voice-over by Monching dela Cruz with his lovely wife, Vi, as product model?  The couple would definitely give Bob Barker and his bevy of models a run for their money. 

Who would also forget the either very high or very low bids on grocery items (such as Century Corned Tuna, Kikkoman soy sauce, Lysol, Goya raisin chocolates, Head & Shoulders shampoo and mini-puzzle cards) from Save More, by the contestants coming from the various men’s and women’s group, the YAs, the JYAs and even the FOJs?  

Truly, after such a memorable night of celebration, prayer, thanksgiving, and games, everybody saw how good it was to give thanks to the Lord! 

Here’s looking forward to the next District Lord’s Day!