The Itinerant’s Path

Nope, I’m not really the new kid in town. I’ve been here in Kidapawan City many times, passing by the Marist Brothers’ community at Notre Dame of Kidapawan College. Since I was talking already about assignments few weeks ago, I have now the gut to confirm that I am officially sent by my Superior as one of the members of the school community here at NDKC, Kidapawan City.

While watching TV yesterday, I was told to come down and be ready to leave Gen. Santos City heading to Kidapawan City; I was excited, of course! I left Marist Aspirancy House after thanking the community animator, Br. Wency Calimpon; by the way, thanks also to Br. Lindley, Br. Larry, Br. Joe and the whole community where I stayed for the whole summer while facilitating the Vocation Workshop. So what’s with Kidapawan City? continue reading » » »

After the post-workshop activities, the staff agreed to have a two-day escapade; or rather, another short break. Going to Lake Agco in Kidapawan was our first plan but we changed it. We are here in Davao City, instead. The last time I’ve been here was to take care a hospitalized Brother. That was for three days at San Pedro Hospital. Though quite familiar with the different places like Victoria Mall, Gaisano and SM Mall when I was still working at the seaport in Sasa, it’s my first time to visit NCCC Mall now located at Matina. I find it spacious and organized, packed with the things people are mostly looking for. continue reading » » »

After three weeks of Summer Vocation Workshop, family visitation is another task to fulfill before the summer ends. Together with Brs. Larry and Joe, I’m here in Cotabato City to visit the families of those who expressed their desire to be Live-out Aspirants after being recommended by the workshop staff. This three-day visit aims to meet the parents before the incoming aspirants have to report on May 18 at Marist Aspirancy House in Lagao, Gen. Santos City.

Out of 24 workshoppers, 11 were recommended after evaluation, consultation and deliberation were made. Series of interviews, community building, letting them experience how Marist Brothers live in a community and exposing them to the Brothers’ apostolate at Marcellin’s Home in Katangawan, Notre Dame of Marbel University and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University became part of the workshop to help them see and experience the life of the Brothers, and eventually to discern whether they are still interested to join the formation this year. Most of them Applied for formation but only 11 of them were chosen to go on with the formation. continue reading » » »

Of course, after a week, the workshop staff and workshoppers need a break; a good break, at least. We had our overnight outing at Marist Beach in Bawing. We aimed to let the workshoppers experience community building by letting them organize the group during the outing. We had lots of fun; games, swimming and meals together.

The young ones were given a free-day today as part of their experiences here, for them to learn how to manage themselves in new places here in Gen. Santos City. After lunch at Mang Gorio, I spent my afternoon watching the movie at KCC Mall, “Forbidden Kingdom” by Jet Li and Jackie Chan. I usually reflect what I can get from a good movie like that. I learned how to breathe! I also felt tired during the whole week activities and I needed to breathe. The young actor ask Jet Li, “What if I freeze?” He replied, “Don’t forget to breathe.” A good Zen for me…

We are now on the second week of our Summer Vocation Workshop. At least we knew already the final number of our participants and where they came from. We have 24 workshoppers out of 54 expected young men who were interested to join the three-week workshop. Here is the list of the participants and the school where they came from: continue reading » » »

It’s summer time! Mainit! But… it’s another adventure for me after class days and graduation ceremony at NDMU. At least, yan na pangatlo, whew! It is always wise to have plans in life. I spent my vacation for a week with my family, taking care of my beloved nephew and also helping my mother in looking after for the “sari-sari” store. But not only that. I was invited to join with the GIA/Working Students’ leaders to join with them for an overnight outing in Banga. I was happy to be with them before I left Koronadal City.

Now that I am already here in Gen. Santos City for three-week Summer Vocation Workshop, it is an opportunity for me to meet other Brothers here in Marist Province Center. I met most of the Aspirants and Postulants during the Morning Mass and joining the Brothers for morning prayers; something I missed when I was in Marbel. Although I haven’t received my assignment for the next school year from my Brother Provincial, I’m already excited yet open to whatever possibility. I learned to be flexible and ever-ready wherever the Council would send me. Here’s what may happen… continue reading » » »

Bago ko nilisan ang akong komunidad, napansin ko ang magandang “Dome” ng University Library. Dito sa Notre Dame of Marbel University, naitayo ang isang bagong aklatan na naging bahagi nito ang isang “dome.” Nakunan ko ito ng larawan gamit ang VGA ng aking telepono. Di man mahusay ang pagkakuha nito, maipagmamalaki ko rin na magara ang “dome” na ito.

Litratong Pinoy entry number 1. The University Library Dome as part of it’s magnificent structure; located at Notre Dame of Marbel University, Alunan Avenue, Koronadal City.

Graduation programs are still being celebrated until these days of March and yet for me, I have still the feeling of gratefulness in me. It’s not only because I just finished my degree but to thank the people, who in many ways, inspired me to continue learning the lessons that life gives to us.

My mother would not be forgotten here; “ulirang ina,” I should say. Though I am far from her, I got chances to visit her and even invited her to attend to our graduation program. Thanks also to my young sister for taking care of our mother. To the community where I stayed for five months; thanks to our community animator, Br. Edgar for being supportive to us and encouraging us to be prudent in our students, to Br. Willy, our school President for being an inspiration to me that someday… (you know what I mean bro), to Brothers Brix, Danny and Cris, Brothers Mitch and Kim, thanks for journeying with me. To the whole NDMU community, thanks a lot. And I don’t want to forget my teacher, Mrs Ampodia.

The first batch of afternoon class whom I spent more of my practice-teaching, thanks a lot for being good learners, patient and understanding. I hope and pray that you will persevere in your studies; keep up the good work! May mga natutunan kaya kayo sa Values/Religion classes natin? hahaha! I’m very much hopeful.

To the people who remembered me by sending greeting cards, thanks a lot. To Br. Manny and Ma’am Joycee of Marist Asia-Pacific Center in Marikina, salamat po. I treasure the  years, months and days I spent there at the Scholasticate. The experiences, learnings molded me into at least a  “good boy” hahaha! To my ever-thoughtful Brother, Br. John McDonnel. You wrote, “Good memories of our MAPAC days…” And my response? Who could forget a good, wise and generous Spiritual Director like you? Not me, hehehe. Remember when everytime I enter your consultation room, I always make a comment or give a reflection about the picture frame hanged which is an image of a young man leaning forward to listen? “Obidare” as you always told me… Thanks a lot John for remembering me. Well, I should always ask for prayers, too.