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!