Before I arrived few weeks ago, I had it it already on my mind how would things follow my plan. Visiting tourist spots were the least of my priorities (Lack of budget, perhaps? LOL!) while I was more enthusiastic in visiting classes, observing how they are being taught and how they learn. Either in English or Cantonese medium of instruction, it doesn’t matter to me. But many things changed according to my expectations. I did expect but I was flexible enough and easily agreed to whatever happens to my exposure. There was even a time when I got bored since nothing to do! Was it?

Welcome to Hong Kong

Again, thanks to the Brothers for allowing me to take the opportunity given by Mr. Joseph Iu, one of the Vice Principal who sponsored my two-days “exposure” to places other than inside the campus of Saint Francis Xavier’s College in Kowloon. He asked two graduates, Henry Yan and Steven Wong to accompany me to the places frequented by tourists. I became a tourist for two days! That’s for free!

Aside from those places mentioned at my previous entries, I was able to visit local interesting places around. One of the Brothers always accompanied me to places like computer centers, market places; the first was in Cheung Chua Island. If I’m going to enumerate the interesting places I’ve been, those are: The Victoria Peak/ Madam Tussauds, Ocean Park, Ladies Market, Temple Street, Ngong Ping 360. Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Tai O Fishing Village, Cheung Chau, lamma Island, Ma Wan Park Noah’s Ark, and also walked along Nathan Road, and even got lost along Mong Kok!

The Community

Maybe I can call it, exposure immersion since I accepted the challenge to experience the life of the Marist Brothers here in Hong Kong. We now belong to one East Asia Province, and sooner or later, most of us will be assigned to different places in Asia, living with different nationalities, temperaments and culture. The community of Brothers is very welcoming, and this what helped me adjust quickly in dealing with them and with other people outside the community.The house is consist of six Brothers and three ladies. Except for Br. John Chong, the youngest among the Brothers, most are now… let us say, retired brothers. Oh wait, one brother is the supervisor of the school and the superior of the community at the same time, while the other one is the bursar; and they are well-abled to do their every day tasks.  The three lay women are helping the brothers by cooking, doing the laundry and taking care of the elder brothers. Since I am with them for three weeks, I’m the youngest among everybody!  It’s indeed a family of brothers and sisters.

The Expats of Hong Kong

During my last Sunday, I asked for permission from the superior to go to Central, and I had to be alone! Crazy plan but I was eager to meet my high school classmate and a relative; both working around Hong Kong Island. Equipped with a map, umbrella and a mobile phone, I started walking to a nearby MTR station (In Manila, we call it MRT). From Prince Edward Station, I found my way out at Central Station Exit A. I really followed the directions given to me by my classmate and presto, they found me near the Exchange Square! I told them to look for me near the statue of the Carabao! I was there, LOL!

One thing that made the Sunday memorable? I was able to chat with other expats, all of them came from South Cotabato Province. The El SCOWA group members; as they call themselves, were practicing their presentation number for the forthcoming Philippine Independence Day. Being with them was already a presence for them, and I felt that. They bought three polo shirts for me as their gift when a Chinese vendor passed by! What were they asking? To pray for them! And so I promised them my prayers…

Their Final resting Place

My visit here in Hong Kong can’t be considered complete without visiting the last place I wanted to visit: visiting the burial ground for the deceased Marist Brothers in Hong Kong. This is what I believe. And so today, the Brother Superior accompanied me to the Catholic Cemetery where the deceased Marist Brothers were buried. It was drizzling yet a perfect timing to visit them. The gloomy weather was as if… basta! Dramatic… I just feel it like that… And so I asked in prayer that they too, may intercede for me while I live as a Marist Brother.

And so to conclude, few hours from now and I will be saying, “Bye Hong Kong, bye people of SFXC, by friends, bye my brothers, but see you again…

To Br. John Chong, I think I can say that it’s now my final speech, the one you were waiting for during our dinner, LOL!

This entry is all about my two-day adventure, an opportunity given to me by the generous people here at Saint Francis Xavier’s College in Kowloon. Thanks to Mr. Iu (Yo), the Vice Principal of the school, the Superior of the community and of course, the two SFXC boys who accompanied me for two days: Henry Yan and Steven Wong. Although I had my other exposures together with a Brother few days ago, this one is different.

I had no plan at all in which place to visit and when to visit; no itinerary at all. But thanks to Henry and Steven. They seemed to know where and when are the best time to visit the best places I actually wanted to see. If you want to visit Hong Kong for a tour, I can recommend them to you.

The SFXC is just few minutes away from Prince Edward MTR station, and from there, we planned to visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple located at the northern side of the Lion Rock in the North of Kowloon. It is a Taoist temple which is one of the famous shrines in Hong Kong. I have learned from my companions that it is famous because of answered prayers to those who seek for answers to their questions. Three of us, out of curiosity and maybe out of “fun” we tried to do the Kau Cim; done by shaking a bamboo cylinder containing numbered sticks which is to be exchanged with a piece of paper containing poems or stories and an interpreter would interpret it for the seeker. I was a little bit nervous doing it when four sticks fell at the same time! It was supposed to be only one. I returned them to the cylinder and shook it again until I got one. Henry and Steven did the same, and it was their first time, too! We stayed for w while and enjoyed the moment at the temple garden and before we left, we tried to know the meaning of the sticks we got from the soothsayers… We learned that we have things in common: Me, Henry and Steven were born on the same year of the Monkey and same element Water! What a coincidence?  Just for fun!

From Wong Tai Sin temple, we made a walk through the long and narrow street called Ladies Market. I thought it was all about ladies’ stuff. I was wrong! Ladies Market is just at Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok area. Here you can find a lot of stuff for “pasalubong.” Anything from clothing to bags and wallets, from gadget accessories to bling-bling or any ladies’ accessories, stuff toys and jade stones, all in cheaper price! You will find yourself enjoying listening to the Chinese vendors and buyers. Phrase of the day, “How much is your last price?” Always ask for discounts, LOL!It is a must-visit place for fashionistas.

After a long walk, a good cup of Jasmin Tea was a reliever for me. Henry ordered a delicacy which I forgot the name, LOL! Pero sa amin, ang tawag nito ay “Gulaman.” Tastes delicious, indeed.

It was a late tea time! Just by walking, we reached a place where food is served using a hotted clay pot. It is in fact, according to Henry and Steven, one of best claypot rice servings here in Hong Kong! Rice is served with savory toppings as it is cooked in a traditional way: heating the pot on a fire. if you come here in Hong Kong looking for this kind of food serving, don’t miss it near the Temple Street near Yau Ma Tei.

Talking about Temple Street, it is a night market famous for inexpensive stuff especially for men. If Ladies’ Market is famed for ladies’ accessories, Temple street is famed for it’s items like clothes, buckles, sunglasses, even toys for boys. Electronic gadgets and hardware are also being sold on that place.

From Temple Street Night Market, we never missed to visit the Clock Tower passing by Hong Kong Cultural Center located on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui near the Victoria harbor. It is also called Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. You can notice that it is made of bricks and granite which stands around 40 meters high and another few meters of lightning rod.

After that tiring yet enjoyable tour, we find our way back to SFXC and planned for the next day as a continuation of our Hong Kong adventure.

The Second Day

The second day of strolling started at Nam Cheong MTR Station to Tsing Yi. It was so far the biggest train station I’ve ever been to. It’s just near SFXC so we decided to walk. And just from walking I learned about the neighborhood and the housing system of Hong Kong from the accounts of my two companions. Henry and Steven were still with me.

From Tsing Yi, we took the bus to our first destination: the Noah’s Ark at Ma Wan Park in Tsuen Wan! From there, we can see the views of the spectacular Tsing Ma bridge and Ma Wan Channel. Noah’s ark, is the world’s first full-sized replica of the Ark mentioned in the Bible. It in-houses stimulating and inspiring displays, ala-museum rooms and even restos and a resort.  After an hour, we again went back to Tsing Yi MTR station and from there, we went straight to Tung Chung station in Lantau Island.

At Lantau Island, you can visit at least three interesting places: the Ngong Ping 360 Cable cars, the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha and the Tai O fishing village of the same Lantau Island. It was just a wise decision for us to take the cable car of Ngong Ping first in going to Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping. The sky was clear and though sunny, it wasn’t humid as I expected. For almost half an hour of enjoying the views from the heights, the thrills we experienced at the crystal cabin, we reached Ngong Ping, a village about 460 meters above sea-level at the western-central part of the Lantau Island. We passed by the village going to the famous Po Lin Monastery.

It was a blessing for us, the weather cooperated with us and most of all, it was a good timing to watch the different presentations of the Shaolin Kung Fu people of the monastery. For the first time of my life, I watched those monks with their moves that I have only seen on movies. We enjoyed and fascinated that we forgot to take lunch. At the monastery, I had the chance to give the little Buddha a bath, a practice of the Buddhist people as they prepare for the coming birthday of the Buddha on May 10. And also for the first time, I saw and touched the real lotus flower. It was indeed beautiful!

After the show, we took our late lunch at the Monastery’s refectory. It was half-past four already. They served hot tea and vegetables for us. They don’t serve any kind of meat, but I really like the way how they cooked their food! I instantly became an expert in using my chopstick for a while, LOL! My heart seems cannot contain all my experiences that time. I can still feel satisfied and glad with all my experiences.

Aside from the good food and tea, the next move was to climb the more or less 250 steps going to the shrine of the golden Buddha. It was just near the Po Lin Monastery. It was an experience of awe for me. In fact I was led into prayer when I asked for privacy for at least 15 minutes. I hid at the back of the Buddha and had my solitude. It was a religious experience for me. Was I being enlightened just like Buddha? LOL! Not really, except that I found something in me as I was struggling to attain serenity at that moment. My two companion knew what I have written in a piece of paper when we were ask to write our last message within 30 seconds when we were at Noah’s Ark. The day from Noah’s Ark up to the Buddha’s shrine was like a retreat for me. I’ll just keep what I have noticed, LOL!

The guard came and told me that it was about time for them to close the shrine, though a little bit disappointed, we started walking down again the same 250 steps. Tiring but memorable.

We took the bus going to our next destination: the Tai O fishing village located in Tai O, north-western coast of Lantau Island. We walked through the Chinese stilt-house community. They are famouse of dried fish and other exotic seafood! We didn’t miss eating in one of the local restaurant in that village. Delicious at cheaper price, I can say, I had a good supper at Tai O village.

At around eight in the evening, we decided to go home by taking another bus going back to Tung Chung station and the train brought us back to Nam Cheong. The day ended with so many memorable experiences by just visiting new places, meeting new people and learning from two-day tour, it was more than an exposure for me.

Thanks to Henry and Steven, to Mr. Io and to the Brothers of SFXC. I can say, I’m blest!

You may want also to check my Fb here, here and here… and another here…

Disclaimer: Some information about the places mentioned were taken from different sources; prints and online sites. This article is un-edited, nevermind the grammar.

Educational Exposure. This will be a 3-week educational exposure. Well, at least, I call it educational exposure since I am assigned Saint Francis Xavier’s College here in Kowloon as part of my preparation for final vows. If, during my missionary novice-ship, I was assigned for ACEP in Kasulutan, Jolo, Sulu. This time will be much farther, it’s outside the country. Though this is nothing compared to my elder brothers who were assigned to farther and dangerous countries as missionaries for a longer period of time.

The trip from General Santos City was alright yet I was little bit anxious. There were so many “if’s” in my mind. Fortunately, I brought a book with me by Henry Nouwen entitled, “Here and Now.” As I was reading it while waiting for boarding time, I was struck with the reflections about living at the present, being at the moment and letting go of the past and never worries about the future. Passing through the Immigration’s scrutiny was one of my anxiety. I was once listed on their hold order. I survived when I was already at the Departure Area of Ninoy International Airport waiting for the plane bound for Hong Kong.

The first funny (yet scary) thing that happened to me when I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport was when I was blocked by this lady Health Officer at one of the gates and asked me to check my temperature. I thought she was offering a taxi ride going to my destination until I noticed her nameplate. I felt embarrassed and so I just smiled and agreed with her to undergo a temperature check. Suddenly a thought that they might bring me to an infirmary and be quarantined popped up in my mind! Oh no! I almost told her that I am hot yet cool! hahaha! I didn’t. I was just alright after she advised me to drink a lot of liquid.

Thanks God I didn’t have much worries when I got out from the Arrival Area. the brother fetching me saw me immediately. Maybe he recognized my face from the link I gave him: the About page of this blog. I liked his idea of taking a bus going to Kowloon instead of the train. It was longer yet I saw more scenery. I took some pictures of the cable cars passing over the mountain, the skyscrapers and people. It was my first time to ride a bus with upper deck. It was great.

It was dinner time when I and the brother who fetch me arrived at the community. The house is at the fourth floor the the school building. I am thankful for their warm welcome as they offered me a good soup to take. And so I had a great time to rest after that…

More of this here and here… and soon here…

Pic grabbed from ate Nona… S’ya kasi ang may kuha nito…

Today, in 1817, in La Valla, France, Marcellin Champagnat founded the Institute of Teaching Brothers. He started with two young men, Brothers Jean Marie and Louis.

Marcellin’s inspiration in founding the congregation was rooted in the need of his contemporary time. He became aware of the extreme difficulty of the people especially the young in learning how to read and write, and the urgent need of creating a society to cope with those hardships. Moreover, His experience with the Montagne boy reinforced his desire to teach them in a Christian way of education. His dream, to send the Brothers to all dioceses in the world is now becoming a reality in our contemporary times.

With our theme in today’s commemoration, “Built Wisely, Living Today!” is the realization of our foundation as congregation of teaching Brothers. But indeed, “If the Lord does not build a house, in vain do the builders labour,” A wise man builds his house on the rock, so Champagnat too, our wise Father priest, inspired us to be here today to celebrate with him in thanking God for the graciousness in finding our own giftedness in the institute.

We pray for all the Brothers in the whole Institute, all those who have gone before us, and those who, in many ways, shared their lives as Marists in spirit.

With the spirit of Champagnat and with Mary our Good Mother, our first Superior, let us begin the celebration with joyful hearts and minds.

by Br. Vince, FMS

“Nadapa pa ako sa harap ng Jolibee sa Taguig dahil binigyan ako ng libreng 13 cups na kanin. Tanong ng manager, “Ilan ba kayong lalaki?” “Ha? 13 po kami…” hayun at nagbigay nga… kaduda-duda sya! Lol!”

Introduction lang po yun

It was not my first time to attend such activities. When I was in Mindanao, I joined as member of the Secretariat during the IRD initiated by the Association of Major Superiors in the Philippines, with the speaker, a Redemptorist Brother, Carl Gaspar, for me, a famous missionary in Mindanao where he lived most of his life. He came from Luzon area. That was two years ago, but memorable since it was joined by different groups of people, from Lumad to Moslem participants from Central Mindanao and Zamboanga, even those from basilan and Jolo. I can still remember that every individual’s biases creates the gap in every dialogue. The hesitance depends on the experiences of the participants yet, it was a very good opportunity to be reconciled, not only with every race and religion but with self… Self that created such fear for dialogue, might be failed or might be misunderstood.

Ang sa akin lang naman ay sana, naging masaya nga talaga dahil naaalala ko pa itong iginuhit kong illustration using pastel and black paper…. Masaya pa rin ang buhay na sa katunayan, ang hirap at pasakit, frustrations at pagkabagot, ay dala lang ng panahong nagsasabing may mga dapat baguhin sa aking pananaw paminsan-minsan…