6/04/2018 Monday

Joy and Sadness at the Olive Garden.

Why do we come to the Olive Garden? We will tell you why but we want you to
first, see the light, feel the experience, the joy of summer, and witness the green
leafy vegetables in your  backyards, of the flowers in bloom welcoming
the excitement of life while fascinating people were on the move for a mission in
the intricate pattern of life.

We will tell you who we are and why we came. We came because we found joy in the garden of our lives, where hope awaits, where opportunity opens, where love blossoms, where peace beckons; where the tranquility of balmy nights brings solace to aching hearts.

We came to humbly tell you that in the Land of Uncle Sam, we serviced homers,
the offices, the churches, the hospitals. We took care of those that need tender loving care, of the sick, the aged and for those who must just have partners. We walked miles,  We drove, Wwe dined. We sang. We danced. We laughed. We cried. We are your friends and neighbors; your brothers and sisters. But sadness crept in the inner recess of our mortality, in the sanctum of our being because you will soon depart to spread the carpet of the genius of Catholicism to the communities who were not really engaged in their religious practices. Your homilies and reflections manifested your untiring personality on the profound poring of the Words of God only to ponder the meaning of being a leader of a diverse flock and the miracle of your transformation.

By the way, Fr. Peter Fernandes belongs to the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (sfx). He is from Goa, India whose religious life revolves around  prose and poetry. His first book of poem, "A Soul in Flight: Path to Contemplation", indirectly leads one on a path less traveled in this world fraught with distractions, The second is "Lead me on... Path to contemplation".  Reading this book will direct one to the classroom of silence to submerge one's self to deep reflective thoughts.  Fr. Fernandes has also written several articles for newspapers and magazines, on socio-political commentary to spiritual reflections". He is a prolific writer of prose and poetry and a great pastor.

And he came with his stirring youthful portrait of a missionary, "from India's coastal Konkan region on the bank of the Arabian Sea on the western coast. He left the much-loved tourist place with its famous beaches, astounding monuments, and churches, and bustling nightlife of Goa, the smallest Indian State" to Oregon, the Beaver State on the west coast of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave for 4 years.

Finally, he found himself drifted to the prairie land of the Midwest on the Windy City, Chicago, that is. He stayed for 13 years. Those were trying years in a new frontier and he was welcomed with open arms. He cloaked himself with the mettle that was acceptable and loved at St. Timothy parish whose Sunday attendance was dwindling. Slowly but surely, a revival came. Attendance shifted to high gear and excitement was around the corner. St. Timothy got a facelift,  new paint for the rusted fence, a tall white cross at the northern entrance signifying that the 3-story rectangular building at Washtenaw Ave. is a Catholic church. And there were tall images of Saints besides the church.

The renovated interior has a chapel for daily Mass and a Mother of Perpetual Help novena every Wednesday, a haven for weary souls. And yes, Fr. Peter, as a pastor of St. Timothy was on the right course and the sailing went well in the fullness of time but farewell was inevitable.

We love you Fr. Peter because you trust and love us. The reason why we came to the Olive Garden was for a memorable moment with you. Wherever you will be: this is just a reminder note for you to read.  Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. please remember us with our flaws and foibles in the endless flow of time, in the Breaking of the Bread. And, we will never forget those shared memories, the trust, the love, and the lessons we both learned.

We are Strangers. Opportunity Seekers. Immigrants.  Parishioners of St. Timothy Church. Americans.

(Greg In. Trabanca)

 

5/10/18

The President That Plays No Favorites

Gleaning from his previous undertakings and the past presidential performances, it's time to say that this leader who wants to be introduced as the president, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte plays no favorites; all are Filipinos who catapulted him to power. He loves them and the country.

The choice of his cabinet members and other positions in his administration was not because of favoritism but to disclose the best for his great love of the country and its people. He distributed his infrastructure programs to sections of the country that were in dire need of them irrespective of political affiliations. It's a manifestation of what he vowed to do to the best iota of his capability as a leader. He nipped in the bud the flowering of illegal drugs, the growing corruption and the rising criminality to the ire of his constituents and the opposition yet was acceptable as a panacea to the country's ills. He was able to thwart the Marawi siege that lasted for months and convinced some rebellious elements to surrender for a peaceful life and be assets of the government.

To be chosen to fill up the position is not a privilege but a responsibility to labor more on what the task is asked for. Should one fail to his/her commitment he/she knows the eventual consequence as seen already in the dismissal and the replacement of the involved personnel? It is not that the chosen person to fill a position is favored over the others but he/she has entrusted a job to be performed with dedication and honesty for the betterment of the government. With this gesture, the country is more favored than the individual person chosen to perform the task as he says, " We are only employees of the government who pays for us."

This president wants his performance not to be lauded with earthly status but for the ardent love of his people and country. In a speaking engagement, he always says," Thank you for your courtesy; you may sit down". He said that he is done with accolades and clapping of the hands. That he is even willing, by means of a lottery, to give up his portion of the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. He is just contented to be beside his parents'  resting place.

The Filipinos hope to look forward to the day when the Philippines will be having a new form of government,  a scenario of diverse people enjoying economic prosperity on more than 7,000 islands with less corruption, less criminality,  and maybe the absence of illegal drugs.

Today, the Philippines has finally emerged from its long-time dream to become a nation worthy of world attention. This credit is due to the Filipino people's trust and confidence in their new-found president who truly leads and loves the country to progress and not to perdition.

We can now feel and see the closeness of the people in this time of distancing due to the pandemic Covit-19. Because of this, we can now unearth the hidden treasures that could only be found in the Philippines. Is it not a fact, that the Philippines has rich natural resources buried deep in its soil waiting to be tapped. Is it not that Filipino employments are in demand in areas of health care, medicine, engineering, science, etc. All because Filipinos are hardworking, honest, friendly, adaptable, and have no language barrier.

And lastly, the Philippines has a strategic location on the map between the East and the West.

The Protector

Dubbed as The Punisher, he has manifested himself, contrary to what the opposing camps said of him when he rode high on his track record of popularity, his being an employee and leader of the country he vowed to preserve and the people he promised to protect.  Now, he has earned the merit of The Protector.

The issue is beyond a moot point about this Paradigm Shift. By vox populi, he won to lead the country named after the King of Spain. And Spain colonized it for over 300 years leaving on its wake the marks of Catholic Christianity through its cathedrals, churches, friars, haciendas, mestizos, respect for elders, and close family ties. But Spain was unsuccessful in converting the island of Mindanao in the South. However, the islands of Luzon in the North and the Visayas in the center were practicing Christians.

Some portions of Mindanao had been introduced into the Islam religion before the coming of Magellan on March 16, 1521. There were three groups that were converted into the Islam Religion. The first group to embrace Islam were the Tausogs ( people of the current) of the Sulu archipelago.  The second to welcome Islam were the Maguindanaos (people of the flooded plains) of Cotabato province and the last to accept Islam were the Maranaos (people of the lake) of Lanao province and where recently the Marawi siege took place that lead to the Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

With that scenario, emerged from the South a dedicated, humble person devoid of hubris to occupy the highest post of the country which politically should have been from the North. He is with mixed blood. His father is from the Visayas while his mother is from Mindanao of a Maranao ancestry. However at this point, the people need a Southern leadership, a breath of fresh air, a dream of a shall we say, a total freedom ride. They want a strong leader whose heart pulsates with a passion for the love of change for the country ravaged with corruption, criminality, illegal drugs, and a hampered economy. They want a recovered  " Eden and Pearl of the Orient Sea."

Flashback:  Spain colonized the Philippines for over 300 years and America for 50 years.

After the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the American Naval forces under the command of Commodore George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay, the American flag with its stars and stripes proudly waved on the Philippines skies. With that was the torch of Education, the emergence of Protestantism, a glimpse of Hollywood, and the gnawing memory of the Battle of Bud Dajo or the Moro Crater Massacre in Bud Dajo, Patikul, Sulu, Philippines (of the Sulu Archipelago) and the Balangiga Massacre in Eastern Samar, Philippines.

Proven that a pen is mightier than a sword, the writings of Jose' Protacio Realonda Mercado y Rizal and other illustrious Filipinos opened the American mind that leads to the declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Manila was signed on July 4, 1946, that granted the Philippines full independence from the United States of America. From that year until 1962, Independence Day was on the 4th of July until President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28 moving the Independence Day celebration to the 12th of June. The 4th of July is now  Filipino-American Friendship Day.

The Philippines' Declaration of Independence was signed on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. This was the document in which the Filipino revolutionary forces under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain.

The President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte !

He came. He dined. He sang. He talked with them. He befriended them through his love of the Flag and the population- the common people who have big dreams and big hopes. These are the locals, the peasants, the less educated, the poor, the common masses, the vulnerable. Yet the growing fire of dissent continues on burning as Groups rebelled against the odious practices of the elected and appointed people of the Palace. These elected and chosen people failed to listen to the wailing concerns of the people but continued their business as usual that paved their way to prosperity while the people were disgruntled, dismayed, and divided.

And he came...

His words enlighten. His valor and the strength of his Armed Forces defend. His achievements mirrored in the Build, Build, Build deliver. He epitomized the Filipino soul. His amazing love of his country and people protects him.

He is the Protector!

(05-02-2018)

Verbom Dei Retreat

(03/10/2018) St. Eugene Parish Rectory Bible Class of Sr. Roselle Ruperto, V.D.
7958 W. Foster, Chicago, IL)

A Prayer
By: Greg In. Trabanca

Dear God what can I ask from you
When all I need you have given
With your Words so honest and true.
Thank you and let me be your friend.

Thanks for health in the family,
For the firm roof over the head,
For dear life and for being free,
For friends, neighbors, and daily bread.

Dear Lord attains to my succor.
I was reckless and I was wrong
Now I come to you to implore
Amidst the diversified throng.

Without you Lord I am nothing;
Your Words: my Will and Testament
Of my love with your true Being;
Your presence in the Sacrament.

I witness your real presence;
Through the glass window, the ray
Streams the truth of your pure essence.
Lord never forsake me today.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(N.B.) An addendum on the subject of prayer. We wrestle
in our own little world about how to pray. How about this:
Prayer is directing our affections towards God; it is a devout
and friendly talk with Him. It is the tranquility of a mind
illumined from above.

Prayer is also a plea for temporal goods that are necessary
for earthly life. But those who pray ask the Lord with a true
Christian spirit to subordinate their own wills to His; only the
heavenly Father knows what one really needs in the temporal order.

Finally, prayer is thanksgiving, that is, an acknowledgment
of benefits received, and an offering of all our undertakings
to God so that our prayer may be a lasting one.

(From the Sermons of St. Anthony)

EVANGELINE:

                              A      TALE



                                             


                                          OF     
                                                     


                                                             FAITH
                                                     
                                                                 



                                                                       HOPE,                               




                                                                                AND 



                                                                                               LOVE







                     

DEDICATION

TO OUR RESPECTIVE PARENTS :

GREG                                                                    EVE/VANGIE

PLACIDO  CAPONONG TRABANCA              TEODORICO MAGALLANES 

                                                                                    CAERMARE

ANATALIA  ALCALA  INTAS TRABANCA       AGAPITA  BAJAO  RUELES                                                                                          CAERMARE       

TO OUR SONS:

NEIL                                                                          TED                                   

NATHANIEL CAERMARE TRABANCA               THEODORE CAERMARE

                                                                                    TRABANCA

To:

 MSGR. FELIX S, ZAFRA , 1st Bishop of Dipolog City, Diocese of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

 MSGR. SALVADOR MORA,  former Parish Priest of Dapitan City, Philippines

                                                         Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

 
 MSGR. SEVERO  C.  CAERMARE,  Bishop of  Dipolog City, Diocese of         Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

To: ALL ZAMNAI MEMBERS, LABASONIANS, TEACHERS,  FRIENDS, and RELATIVES

Thoughts (9/20/2017)

It is God's law. Remember it
In your still chamber as you sit
With thoughts, you would not dare have known
And yet make comrades when alone.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

With my brother and a friend, the pre-used Honda CR-V took us to Lone Tree Manor banquet hall on Milwaukee Avenue for a memorial mass by Fr. Nelson Garcia, a diocesan priest. It was for the 10th death anniversary of a friend's father who was a friend and contemporary.

However, as I was driving, I remembered my wife whose burial place was just a few miles away on the same avenue. And one of the three places to know to understand the beauty of living is in the cemetery because the ground that we walk today will be our roof tomorrow. The second place to see is the Hospital for happiness is the result of good health and the third place to consider is the Prison because of the most precious thing - the freedom which everybody seeks together with the fountain of youth.

I met acquaintances. followed by handshakes, how do you dos and cheek rubbings- the usual sign of greetings and courtesy. Taking things all equal, life is what we make it.

La Vida

The Beauty of Living

".... full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness in the desert air."

It's never too late to unravel the essence that was not noticed. At this point in my life, I came to the realization that life is actually like reciting the Rosary. We commence our existence in the name of the Eternal Father, then He sent His beloved Son to save us and of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and console us.

Then, we start our journey by knowing, loving and serving our Father who art in heaven. We acknowledge the presence of the Mother who gave birth to the Savior of the world. We followed it by our full belief on the limitless power of the Creator of heaven and earth.

In our travel through Life we undergo four chapters of mysteries: 

Chapter 1 - The joy of living

Chapter 11 - The sorrows of life

Chapter 111 = The glow of the journey

Chapter 1V - The glory which is the reward of our toil.

There is truly the genius and beauty of Catholicism. And by the way, it doesn't hurt to say the Rosary every day. 

A Leader is Born

The Emergence of a Leader

"There was a prediction in his family that one day a son is promised for greatness."

Filipinos are people consecrated to God. Out of Europe, came men of God, who venerated Saints to lead them out of harm's way. Magellan landed on one of the unknown groups of islands ( Philippines) on March 16, 1521, and offered the natives the Cross of Christianity and met also his demise.

The Philippines, the 12th largest country in the world is predominantly Christian. 90% are Christians (80% specifically Roman Catholic) It has 333 years of Spanish colonial rule and 42 years of American rule.

Muslim is estimated to make up 5.5 % of the total population of 5.5 million Filipinos." If not for the "interlude of 375 years of Spanish and American colonial rule",  the Philippines would likely be a Muslim country.

Introduced by Tuan Masha'ika, an Arab religious leader/missionary in the mid 13th century Jolo now Province of Sulu, Southern Philippines, Islam was actually introduced much earlier as early as the 10th century through the Arab Traders who married local inhabitants. In the 15th century, Islam was accepted as their religion leading to the establishment of the Islamic State referred to as the Sultanate of Sulu around 1450.

Sayyid Al-Hashim Abu Bakr, an Arab religious leader born in Mecca, married to Jolo's ruling family Raja Baguinda and established a political organization adopting the formal title of Paduka Mahasari Maulana Al-Sultan Sharif-ul-Hashim.

Christianity's Cross was planted on the shore of the Philippines amidst the wranglings and murmurs of the  Southern locals' hearts. And the legacy from Cain and Abel can't be forgotten. Rebellion and opposition were flagrantly displayed in the name of Democracy. The sea teems with seafood abundance, the land green with the bountiful harvest, the forest with enviable timbers. the government with political luminaries but tainted with personal agenda.

Filipinos witnessed the nation's political, social, and economic developments. Meanwhile, politics has its rise and fall. The scenario of the country was ripe for the emergence of a leader to ameliorate the common masses.

Out of these abundances and progress loom clouds of deceit, dishonesty, and personal ambition. The gap grew bigger each passing day. The poor got poorer while the rich became richer.

Criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs were rampant. They were at full speed as they contaminated the highest officials to the lowest servants of the government. These things were avenues for prolific business as the " unwise use of money is the root of all evils."

In the developing political field, a leader has a vision of a mission of solving these problems of criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs that plagued the country. In fact, his plan was already tested and the performance was great from a thriving city south of Manila. 

Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the former Mayor of Davao city led his governance of the city with justice, not with money. He avoided publicity but for the love of his people and country. He forwarded his gaze to the metropolitan and to the cosmopolitan. In his travel from the South to the North, while on the air, he saw the view below, and a voice from within said that he has to help especially the poor and the marginalized.

Maybe providential, he won to lead his country. But the problems that he was going to solve were miscalculated. Yet he plodded on to face the pervading problems for his intense love of the country and people he is serving.

But what is happening right now is the constant political bickering and hullabaloo that produce further anguish and confusion that deepen division rather than accomplish healing, restoration, and unity.

We should emulate and support the vision and mission of this President who sometimes spews foul words for the love of the country and people in his firm determination to clean the "Augean stables" in the government that stinks with criminality and corruption due to the flourishing business of illegal drugs prevalent among the officials of the land. DU30 uses the Armed Forces: the police and the army to do the task.  In Greek Mythology, the mythical Hercules cleaned out the stables of the mythical King Augeas of Elis, (who kept great stables that held 3,000 oxen and had not been cleaned for 30 years), by diverting the course of two rivers  (Alpheus and Peneus) so they flowed through them.

There must be a paradigm shift in the life of the people who were accustomed to the political scenario. And political leaders did try as they may in addressing the prevailing atmosphere only to be suffocated by their own greed and ambition.

What he needs now is the participation, cooperation, and unity of the Filipino people, local and abroad, and/or with his country's roots to make his regime progressive, productive, and peaceful.

This president, who likes to be called Mayor, saw this in the dorm:" I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it,  for I shall not  pass this way again." (William Penn.) With his term of six years, and over the age of seventy. he tried his level best to deliver what he had promised. He meant no monkey business and nipped in the bud those who failed to follow the rule of law as they are employees of the government like himself.

And he has this from Ecclesiastes chapter 3: " There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build...a  time to love, and a time to hate, a time of war, and a time of peace."

Is it now ripe in the Duterte era for a noble change? Changes have been made before but still, there must be another one to fit the shoes of all Filipinos from Aparri to Jolo.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte has unleashed his solid determination to map out a plan of unity, understanding, cooperation, and peace for the cosmopolitan Philippines. 

6/24/2017 Sat           THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.

Back home, this is wet or bathday- San Juan. Water just flow in every corner of the land. All accept it with pride and joy as this happens only once a year.

This Saturday (06/24/2017) will be St. Timothy Parish's Feast of the Novena of the Mother of Perpetual Help. Note of appreciation and thanks to the pastor, Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx and to the devotees.

Where was Jesus Baptized ?

If you are a pilgrim traveling to the Holy Land, you will be taken to the spot where John the baptist was said to have baptized Jesus.

But is that an accurate location ?  Not even tour guides necessarily agree

All four evangelists note that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river. John narrows the area to "Bethany beyond the Jordan." Mark and Matthews's description of the event has lead to a tradition that the baptism occurred at a spot near the river, just east of Jericho. Even then , no one knows if the baptism, took place near the east or the west of the river.

Adding to the difficulty of determining the exact place of Jesus' baptism, the Jordan River itself has altered course over the past 2,000 years.In order to meet Israel's and Jordan's growing need for water, the river has also gotten smaller in modern times.

In May 2012, a site close to the border between Israel and Jordan was reopened  to pilgrims as the place where Jesus was baptized.It had been closed to tourists because the location in only 330 feet across the river from Jordan, and because of the danger of land mines that may have been left by terrorists.

Three Popes

Three Popes have visited the eastern bank of the Jordan River: POPE JOHN PAUL 11 in March 2000, POPE BENEDICT XV1 in May 2009, and POPE FRANCIS in May 2014.

3:00 PM- Wed 6/21/2017         SUMMER BEGINS!

I love Life! I love America. I love Jesus Christ who died to save humanity. I love the Blessed Virgin Mary. I believe in the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday of the week is the Novena of the Mother of Perpetual Help in my calendar. It is a part of my weekly devotion. And the Novena starts always with a Rosary which paves to lighten our way.

The Franciscan Way.

The Franciscan Mission Associates' say that Franciscan friars the world over carry the Rosary of our Lady suspended from the cords they wear around their waists. The Rosary is their constant companion and their spiritual protection as they journey through life.

In the remote sections of the world, where the friars go by horseback or muleback to reach their people, they are able to shorten the journey with the prayers to our Lady of the Rosary, through the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. Prayer always makes the road go faster.

The Rosary, centered on the biblical prayers of the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is also a handy aid for Friars to teach the truths of our Faith to their people. All over the world, both religious and laypeople say it daily as their special prayer.

"The Rosary is like an abridged version of the Gospel," said Pope Pius 1X. "It provides "rivers of peace" to those who say it well. By far, it is the richest devotion and the one most abundant in graces. It certainly is the most pleasing to the heart of Mary."

We Franciscans count on you for the continued help with your prayers, good example, and sacrifice. Be assured that God will surely reward you for all you do in His name.

(Franciscan Mission Associates  P. O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, New York 10551-0598)

The Phoenicians

The Power of  Words

"and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14)

When I came across this- about words,  I remembered along this vein about the origin of the alphabet. During my time, there was a textbook, The Modern Times and the Living Past and Prose and Poetry. Later these were taken out of the curriculum which I don't know the reason why.

The Modern Times and the Living Past talked about the "Phoenicians, the greatest traders of antiquity that brought the greatest gift to the Greeks which was the alphabet of 22 letters, and also invented money the currency system (which is still the basis of our monetary system). Meanwhile, the Greeks took over and elaborated it to 26 letters, and later the Romans took it over from the Greeks".

"So from the alphabet came the words that were written in ancient Babylon around 3100 B.C. done on clay tablets which were not most portable of formats for written literature. However, the Egyptians made a leap forward with the papyrus, thin sheets made from the papyrus plant. Knowledge could be preserved on scrolls which is easier to transport, but still bulky. Paper itself was invented in China around the end of the first century A.D. but didn't reach Europe until after the fall of the Roman empire."

"While at the same time paper was being invented in China, the Romans invented the codex. For the first time, sheets of uniform size were bound together along one edge, in between two larger, stronger protective covers.

The invention of the book enabled much easier the sharing of complex ideas, including everything from Christianity to annals about emperors." ( Jim Duducu, author of The Romans in 100 Facts)

  Life is a Journey
(03/17/2017)


As I prepared myself for the 12:00 o'clock Mass at St. Jude's chapel on the Women Center in Chicago, Illinois I was instinctively able to open my LG cell phone on which I found this very fascinating article sent by an FB loyal friend.  And here it is:

That Life is a Journey of which I have nothing to debate about it: but the journey is on a train with stops at stations, changes of routes, and the inevitable circumstances. That when we are born,  our parents paid for the tickets and boarded with us on a memorable Trip of Life on a train.

That all along the way, our parents may get off the station and we are left to travel on by ourselves. There's a little worry but we are with other passengers. We exchange hi's and hellos and smiles. As our eyes peer outside, we see beautiful scenery: buildings, vehicles, and people in the constant motion of life's survival.

Time flies. The train continues on its journey. And passengers come and go. Some of these passengers could be your family members- siblings, friends, children, and maybe your significant one. The seats are full and other times half empty as passengers just left unnoticed.

And the journey continues. It is unending. The journey is remarkable and fascinating. We meet new faces with different features and skins of different colors. We exchange stories of joy, struggles, and triumph. 

Then another day of the unending journey. 

2 days Before 2017

12/29/2016


Today I stand with gratefulness to God for health, richness, success. looking forward to the tunnel of the future, I feel the nostalgic yearning of yesterday...

Reflection

Evangeline to her brother, Luisito

(A Reflection)

Brother, it is a starless night;
Patawag river flows to the sea.
Dawn appears to stir the human might;
Carabao is waiting in the lea.

The friendly breeze whispers goodbye;
My heart oozes with forgiveness.
Waving cogon hums a lullaby;
The Family is filled with sadness.

If I hurt you, dearest brother,
It is because of my true love
So heed well as you meander
Not forgetting The One above.

You left yet with the fulfilled mission
Your children's goldmine to unleash
Forgiven for the commission.
Home to roost brother, rest in peace!

Note: After the demise of her only brother, this poem was
written on the humane quality of Evangeline that no
other has captured save this writer who was with
her as the best half and partner for over 42 years
in the calm and rough waters on the journey of togetherness.
Addendum: July 12, 2021, is the 7th Death  Anniversary of Brod Boy Caermare.

Rhapsody of Memories/Evangeline

Evangeline: The Belle of Labason

The sandy beach of Labason
Where her father's fishing boat moored
Now it's a nostalgic vision
Of seashells and seaweeds she adored.

She used to play and like to bath
While friendly waves rolled all day long
Life was carefree and without wrath
Until the deep sound of the gong.

These are memories on the shores:
The gentle kiss of waves; lone seagull
Making the sound  she adores,
A melody that leads her to lull.

She always stepped forward to help
She labored hard for dire duty sake,
With a love of family and self
Pondering whatever she can take.

That's the demure Evangeline
A poem of love and dignity
Her service charmed both foe and friend
And she loved anonymity.

In this life of laughter and tears
Of blessing and amazing grace
With God's pure love to vanish fears
On Mary Hill at rest in peace!


(N.B.)   Evangeline Rueles Magallanes Caermare Trabanca
Birthplace: Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
Born into Life: March 3, 1940  Philippines
Born into Eternal Life: Nov,.29, 2015  U,S,A.

Education: Labason Central Elementary School, Labason, ZDN, Phil
High School: Ferrer High School, Labason, ZDN, Phil (Valedictorian)
College: RN - San Pedro Hospital School of Nursing, Davao City, Phil
              BSN - Far Eastern University, Manila, Phil
Marital Status: Married to Gregory Intas Alcala Caponong Trabanca
Employment: Phil- District Nurse, ZDN Public Schools, Dipolog City, Phil
  US - Labor & Delivery Reg. Nurse, Norwegian American Hospital, Chicago, IL

Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist (10/18/16)

Luke, The Evangelist

Today, one of the most important figures of the Primitive Church is remembered - Luke the Evangelist. The following facts tell us why:

1. Luke singlehandedly wrote a quarter of the New Testament. The first  is a gospel about the story of Jesus and the second, on the Acts of the Apostle which is about the Infant Church as a distinct phase of salvation history.
2. Luke on his gospel emphasizes on how Jesus is caring and tender toward the poor and the lowly, the outcast, the sinner and the afflicted, those who recognize their dependence on God. No evangelist is more concerned with the mercy and compassion of Jesus  with the role of the  Spirit in the life of Jesus and of the Christian disciples, with the importance of prayer, with Jesus' concern for women.
3. Luke was at times a close and faithful collaborator of Paul, who calls him "the beloved physician" (Col 4:14)
4. Luke was highly literate both in the Old Testament and in Hellenistic Greek writings. He wrote mostly for Gentile Christians and the whole Church at large. ( The Bible Diary 2016)

The Beauty of Life

Memories

We always hear and read that Life is what we make it. That is the beauty of Life . You have the control on what you are going to do. You got the ball of decision in your hands.  Are you going to shoot that ball or pass it to the player that has the strategic position and the goal is a given?

The world is in chaos, in a mess because of selfishness and sharing is wanting. We are created to be loved and things are created to be used. But what is true is the contrary. People are being used and things are being loved. We become selfish. We love the things that money could buy. Competition is keen. Love of the Source of Life and its beauty is taken for granted. The race is on for fame, power and hubris.

Then, the blame ! We forget the Source of our very existence. We are no longer aware of the beauty of the night that turns into a blossoming dawn, of friends that turn into a family, of dreams that turn into reality

We should never blame anybody that crossed our path. We must know that the good ones showered us happiness to be grateful with, the bad ones offered us experiences to heed, the worst ones gave us lessons to bear, and the best ones gave us the memories to cherish and to share.

And memories are flowers that bloom in the garden of our today, permeating our hours with fragrance enveloping us with the joy of the beauty of living.

Balud sa Kapalaran (Wave of Fate)

Balud Sa Kapalaran (Wave of Fate )

A Visayan Song: Sung by Max Surban with his guitar.
(Lyric's English translation of Greg In. Trabanca)

Balud sa kapalaran hunong na, sa imo kanakong pagdagmal.
(Wave of fate please stop your torments upon me )

Nalisang ako nga ibanlas  sa baybayon sa mga timawa ug alaut.
(Horrified, I am that you'll thrash me to the shore, to the poor and miserable)

Pagkabangis gayud intawon sa akong gidangatan
(Fiercely harrowing is the fate I have encountered )

Laos na king paglaum, bun-og na king kalag.
(Archaic is my hope, injured is my soul.)

Wa' nay lain nga ako pang kadangpan
(No other place where I could take refuge )

O balud sa palad ko, hunong na intawon, o hunong na.
(O wave of my destiny, please just stop, o just stop. )

A Mayor Turns President

The Chosen One

The very short stay in the Seminary was very pivotal in the sense that those limited days were comparable to an Associate's degree. This was augmented by the readings of the life of Thomas Merton, an intelligent Trappist monk (priest) which caught my attention and struck me with fervor about being a genuine priest; who then, became instrumental to the reflection of my interior life and its meaning leading me to the path of contemplation. And at this juncture, was the so-called, unbridled freedom, outside the seminary.

I remembered when asked why I was going out of the seminary? I said, "many were called but few were chosen". This echoed in my mind as I watched the activities of the newly elected president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

This guy was chosen. Why? Imagine with no solid political party support, just enough campaign money, not accepting contributions from businessmen ( in order not to incur the debt of gratitude), he launched his candidacy on a platform of past performances as a lawyer, prosecutor, mayor of a city and his wisdom on the profound need of the moment - CHANGE. That is the elimination of illegal drugs, curbing criminality, and restraining corruption plus his sincere love of his country and countrymen.

These 3 words: drugs, criminality, and corruption were inculcated in the voters' minds and rang loudly in their ears. The voters got the picture. And Duterte seized the opportunity of the moment. Candidates of the opposing parties were bent on discussing issues on economics, making the country great, and so on and so forth...but how can you turn the wheel of progress to make the country great when users, sellers, and producers of illegal drugs are unrestrained and have penetrated the government and private offices, departments,  the prisons. Criminality is rampant. There's a problem of peace and order. People are slowly losing hope in the government. Then corruptions creep in every nook and cranny of departments.

Duterte's example of the city of Davao as a mayor is sufficient to convince the voters, with of course his sincerity, his humbleness, his down-to-earth charisma, his pedestrian lingo and street smart experience, his jokes buttressed with his fearlessness in the performance of his duties in consonance with the aegis and mandate of the constitution. That he is willing to give his life for the sake of his country and people. Meanwhile, the opposing candidates shoulder questionable issues. He has a formidable advantage.

Past presidents were not able to curb the rampant evil activities in the government but this 16th president like Abraham of the Bible, who pleaded with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah, listened to his countrymen for their clamor of change. The rest is history.  The election gave him an overwhelming victory, but even before his taking of Oath of Office, the losing candidates were busy burning their midnight candles to do research works to smear his popular name. They found nothing. The voters were with him to hell or high water.

Riding the rough ride, the tough-talking mayor, dubbed as The Punisher, The Dirty Harry of Davao City rode on his Harvey big bike with a smile as the sun rose on Mindanao's bald forests, south of imperial Manila singing his favorite in his native tongue, " Balud sa kapalaran hunong na sa imo kanakong pagdagmal. Nalisang ako nga ibanlas sa baybayon, sa mga timawa ug alaut. ( Wave of fate please stop your torments upon me. I'm horrified that you'll thrash me to the shore, to the poor and miserable )

Meanwhile, the mountains and the seas in unison permeated the air with his other favorite, Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up".

"When  I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary.  When troubles come, and my heart burdened be, Then, I am still and wait here in the silence, Until you come and sit awhile with me.
       You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains. You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
       I am strong when I am on your shoulders, You raise me up to more than I can be."

People of the Philippines from Aparri to Jolo and overseas, let's raise him up to more than he can be -  the 16th president of the Philippines, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, The Chosen One!

As the WAVES of CHANGE  are rolling upon the shores of our beloved country. Digong and Bato need your prayers that God will sit with them in the silence of their hearts to raise them up so they can valiantly stand on the mountain of hope with their promise of the elimination of illegal drugs, of maintaining peace & order, of improving health programs, of enhancing socio-economic prosperity through the curbing of corruptions, so they can walk without sinking on the stormy seas of criticisms despite the naysayers.

(Greg In Trabanca)
Schools attended:
Elementary:

Labason Central Elementary School (Honor student)

High School:
Ferrer High School, Labason, ZDN, Philippines ( 1st yr-3rd /Junior yr -Honor student)
Ateneo de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City, Phil (4th/senior yr/Night) Salutatorian)
College:
Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City, Philippines
Zamboanga AE Colleges, Zamboanga City, Philippines (AB/BSE, Major-History, Minor- English)