Fr. Nonie D.'s Corner

More pics of our Tagaytay Trip

2008-12-05T20:10:00.003+08:00

Ermie, Mitch, May and Ate Coring at one of the verandas at La Salle Villa. The other photo below shows Inay, and the rest of the girls, walking down the sidewalk, going to La Salle Villa. We ate at Santi's!

Tagaytay Trip

2008-12-05T18:49:00.010+08:00

Last December 1, 2008 was a Monday. Because of our peculiar Philippine laws declaring Monday a holiday if the legal holiday falls on a Sunday, that Monday was a legal holiday, giving us all a long week-end furlough. This gave me an opportunity to fulfill Inay's complaint -- it has been ages that I have brought her to Tagaytay. I also took this opportunity to bring Ate Coring and her brood to this place for a change of scenery and weather. Unfortunately, Ana had to be in their office (after her long leave of absence since her Dad's death), so it was only Ate and May who were able to come with us.

In my brand new Avanza were May, Lonlon, Inay and Ate Coring, with me at the wheels. On the Honda car were Ermie, Eric, Mitch (Eric's girlfriend) and George at the wheels. After breakfast, we headed for Tagaytay, with me leading the way.

First stop over was Batangas' poor version of Disneyland, located at Lemery. We had picture taking with Fantasyland as our background. George and Lonlon were at their naughtiest during the pictorials. Find out why.

We then went to La Salle Villa, where Inay remembered. We went there several years ago. At that time, we brought our lunch and we stayed there almost the whole day. This time, we cannot stay longer for we had to go back after lunch for other commitments. At this picturesque villa, there were more picture taking. Again, Lon and George were at their elements. The "excursionists" enjoyed the cool La Salle Villa.

We then motored to Santi's where I treated them to a hearty lunch -- an advance blow-out for my 27th sacerdotal anniversary, which was to take place the following day, Dec. 2. Gee, I was a bit disappointed that the food tasted a little salty, not very much to everyone's liking. to think that the prices were quite costly. I choose that b

ecause I have tried Santi's several times when I was with the Brothers. I have also treated Didi, Mayet's husband, to a dinner there and he was gorgeously delighted. Gee, what a letdown this Santi!

On our way back, the ladies (Inay, Ate and Ermie) wanted to buy some decorative plants. After some bargaining -- as ladies are wont to do -- we then proceeded back home. It was easy driving as everyone wanted to have a clearer view of the Taal Lake cum Volcano. It was at this instance that Inay as

ked me where Lonlon was working. She remarked that it was really long way for George or Erick to fetch Lonlon (when he wasn't still renting an apartment in Lemery). all the while Inay thought that this part of Lemery was where Lonlon was working.

So we decided to pass by the poblacion of Lemery to show the bank (UCPB) where Lonlon works. After satisfying Inay's curiosity, we drove home peacefully! After catching some minutes of rest, I drove back Mitch to their house in Dizon Village, Lipa City. I proceeded to Pater Putativus Publishing House to get some important documents, which I gave to the Alumni seminarian-coordinator of UST Central Seminary (they were at the SFS Major for the Inter-College Seminary Meet that day).

I drove back to Bauan to go the wake of Mareng Lui Leynes, wife of Pareng Onnes Leynes. There I met mutual friends -- Beting Mauhay, and other parishioners. I promised Pareng Onnes to say Mass the following day. I did not tell him that would be my anniversary Mass as I wanted it to be a surprise for him. The Leynes couple are indeed part of my priesthood. I will write about that later.

Erick & Mitch at the viewdeck of La Salle Villa!

Ate Vi's birthday

2008-12-02T22:24:00.001+08:00

This picture was taken after the Mass offered in honor of Governor Vilma Santos Recto who turned 55 last November 3, 2008. The Mass was held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds and was sponsored by the Provincial employees.

Present during the Mass were various municipal officials and of course, the provincial officials led by Vice Governor Mark Levite and the Provincial Board members.

I was the one tasked to give the homily, where I revealed Ate Vi's age, to which she was vigorously objecting, insisting she was only 39. I got that from showbiz columnist Ricky Lo who his column for that day entitled "55 reasons why Ate Vi is happy" something like that. That was my jumping board. Later I shifted to what public thrust is all about. I remined them that all authority emanates from God and God wants this authority to be used for the good of His people. It is a privilege that has a lot of responsibility going with having this authority. Of course, I was referring not only to the lady governor but to all of the officials gathered for the occasion.

With me were: Fr. Sam Titular, Fr. Lito Malibiran, Fr. Gerald Macalinao (main celebrant as he is the assistant parish priest of Euphrasia, which embraces the Capitol grounds), Fr. Jonas Palmares and myself. This is the first time that I said mass for Ate Vi publicly!

This is one big loss

2008-11-20T07:13:00.002+08:00

I posted about Kua Leo's being hospitalized. Kuay Leo is Ate Coring's hubby and father of their two daughters, Ana Lea (now working) and May (graduating this school year at SBC taking up Education). I have also posted the two losses we incurred in our current league, the NBTC Developmental League.

Now I share with you this ONE BIG LOSS that I and my family suffered last Wednesday, November 19. It was also the birthday of my nephew Lawrence Elvena, the youngest of Ermie (my sister who comes after me).

Ate Coring joined the band of widows in our family (Inay, Ermie and now Ate Coring). Kuya Leo finally gave up his ghost to the Lord due to the Big C. We will miss Kuya Leo who was a big part of the fun that is our family, especially during the monthly gathering, many of which happened in their house at Bukal, Manghinao, Batangas.

We are gladdened by the thought that he passed to the Lord after receiving the last sacraments at the ICU of St. Patrick's Hospital. I know because I was the priest who annointed him with the oil for the sick. When I saw that he no longer had an reaction, I said, "this is it! Time for reckoning for Kuya!" Unconscious, I left it to the hands of God! That was Tuesday afternoon. It came to me as no surprise to hear Ate Coring's voice over her mobile, "Your Kuya Leo has gone!"

I'd like to thank all who have been part of Kuya Leo's battle with the Big C, which he rather foolishly tried to ignore. Thanks to Dra. Lou Ocampo for the Oriental medicine that extended Kuya Leo's life beyond what his doctors at Bauan Doctors Hospital had given him -- the four month deadline was extended beyond a year of seeming good health, which had also lulled him into that notion that hence everything is alright with him.

Thanks to his doctor at the Bauan Doctors who had been patient with our impatient patient (that's what it had ben for Kuya and his doctors), especially Dr. Villena. We thank Jojo, Erick's friend, for his availability in case Erick could not attend to his uncle-ninong. We thank Dr. Moy Rosales, who despite being sickly himself, went to Golden Gate Hospital to attend to him for a second opinion. Unfortunately, he had to be transfered to St. Patrick's because that was where they had a dialysis machine.

Lastly, we thank God for His guidance and mercy!

Two losses

2008-11-10T17:51:00.003+08:00

It's a bitter to swallow but we have to accept the fact were beaten in the last two games of our NBTC D-League, held at San Beda Alabang last Sunday, Nov. 9.

First, the games were supposed to be played on Saturday, Nov. 8 (as announced by the league officials: playdays are Saturdays). When they announced the sudden transfer, I knew it was coming. I CANNOT coach the team, since I still have to attend to the Masses for the people entrusted to me. That is my first priority on a Sunday, not basketball!

I already had to miss supervising the practices last Tuesday and Thursday (Nov. 4 & 6), as I was in Baguio attending the Social Action Assembly. I was instructed by the Archbishop to attend this as the assembly would tackle good governance as one of its main subjects. (I was given the mandate to plan for the formal launching of our "Task Force on Good Governance" in the Archdiocese/Province under the aegis of the Lipa Metropolitan Province chapter of the Bishop-Businessmen's Conference for Human Development.

Good that Laguna had only 20+ (21) point advantage over us. They beat Lucena by 33 and Cavite by 66 during the opening. This Laguna team which has 10 players from San Beda Alabang. they only had 12 players. The last time around they played with only 13 players. Gee, I smell something fishy here as each team has to have 15 players to play during one game and 18 players in the roster. Of course, there is a proviso that a team member can only play 2 full quarters. But we were made to understand that 15 players (5 per quarter) is the normal procedure. I had to bring this matter to the attention of Eric Altamirano. Otherwise the good intention of the Developmental League would be defeated. It would be winning as the goal and not teaching proper fundamentals to the kids.

Then, during the opening we were made to play our next game 25 minutes after we finished our game against Cavite. Lucena had a good two hour rest when they played against us. The understanding is that we would have been given one-hour rest.

This time, the organizers were the ones who insisted that Lucena be given the one-hour break. Fortunately for them, the last game ended early and they had more than one-hour rest. Goodness, ang babait ng mga taga-Batangas! Pumayag na rin.

We lost to Lucena. I wasn't around (as I had to go back. See story below). I was told that the referees did us in. It was a close game daw! We lost to them by 22 during the opening. I was told that we lost, because of bad officiating at the closing minutes of the game, by less than 10 points.

What is important is that we are following the guidelines and the modules of NBTC. What is important is that the kids are learning to play with the correct fundamentals. What is important is that we are molding the team from different schools, coming together only last October and made to play together as a team in a league which stated October 25, become a team of hard-working players.

Kuya Leo hospitalized

2008-11-10T17:37:00.002+08:00

November 10,2008 -- Kuya Leo, husband of Ate Coring, was rushed to Bauan Doctors' Hospital yesterday morning after severe vomiting. Ate called up Eric, George and Didi who rushed him to the hospital, where he was confined and given oxygen as he was gasping for air. Soon he was given intra-veneous liquid to prevent dehydration.

I received the text message from Ermie sometime 10:30 am. I was already on my way to San Beda Alabang to catch up with the BMeg - Batangas City team, which was scheduled to play two games that day. I have already missed the first as I still had to say the Sunday Mass for the people of Villa San Jose. I had just passed Brent School in Mamplasan, Binan when I got the text message.

I stopped over at the Shell station to take my brunch (had no breakfast yet and it was nearing lunch time). I told Ermie that I'd just take a bite and find an exit way back to Batangas. I did at the Carmona exit. By 12:30 pm, I was at Bauan Doctors.

Kuya Leo was in his elements, though he was hard of hearing already. He was spirited in narrating what happened to him (as he remembered the events, which for the most part was correct in their sequence). Present when I arrived were his two daughters, Ana and May, cousin Flor (daughter of Tio Efren and Tia Soledad) and Minda (Kuya's only sister).

The doctor came and told him his suggestion: CT scan and depending on what it reveals the necessary processes -- if early stage, surgery; if already late, then chemo/dialysis! I told Kuya it's his call. He had to put his life in the hands of God's instruments -- the doctors and the nurses, inlcuding Eric, who was already complaining of the his ninong's obstinacy.

Let's see what will come out of this!

Fresh Sports Commitments

2008-11-03T11:47:00.002+08:00

I'm presently pre-occupied with this team of 18 kids, aged 14-16, presently competing at the National Basketball Traning Center-Developmental League. I was chosen as the Head Coach of the Purefoods BMeg-owned team, which represents Batangas City in the four-team South Luzon leg of this Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SPB)-sanctioned tournament. The Aim is to find talents for future national youth teams.

We practice three times a week, after classes. We follow modules provided by the National Director of NBTC, Coach Eric Altamirano and National Training Director, Alex Compton. Together with my two assistant coaches, EN Aguba (of University of Batangas) and Onin Agoncillo (of De La Salle Lipa), we attended a coaches' workshop held at the ULTRA just before the official practices began. Official practices began on October 1. The first game was October 25, after a colorful opening at the ULTRA.

The team is composed of 6 players from the University of Batangas, 4 players from De La Salle Lipa, 3 players from Marian Learning Center and Science High School, 2 from St. Bridget College (High School Department), 2 from Batangas State University (High School department)and 1 from Sta. Teresa College (Bauan). We concentrate on teaching the fundamentals. One hour per practice is devoted to individual skills. The idea is not so much in winning games but how to play the game with correct fundamentals.

As of this date, we are 1-1; We played marvelously against Cavite which boasts of 4 players at 6'8". However, we were made to play twenty minutes after our win against a well-rested Lucena team, which clobbered us by 22 points. We were in the game only during the first quarter. The boys simply could not keep up with the taller and well-rested opponents. The way I looked at it, we are the shortest team. Our tallest is only 6'1.5". Laguna has more experienced players, heavy and tall, with three above 6'4". Lucena has at least 2 6'5" players. We'll see how we managed.

The boys are enjoying the learning experience!

Celebration for August Celebrants

2008-08-27T20:50:00.002+08:00

Last Saturday, August 23, at Ate Coring's residence

we held the "traditional" birthday celebration

for the August celebrants, namely: Ate Coring and

Vincent (Danny's son, who is in Virginia, USA).

Photo shows Ate Coring and Inay!

Eto yong buong cast. Wala lang si Danny at si Eric dahil nang kunan ko ng pictures sila, wala pa sila. Absent sina Camille, CJ, George at Fr. Lou. Sabi ni fr. Lou, nalimutan daw niya. Sabi ni George, di daw siya sinabihan. From left to right: Anna Asilo, Lonlon Elvena (in yellow shirt), Mom Ermie, Ate Coring, Inay, Mayet and Didi. At second row (back): Kuya Leo (Ate Coring's hubby), May Asilo, and Cena Dolor (El's wife).

San Roque Ladies: Ermie, Ate Coring, Inay & Mayet. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Ingat kayo sa sagot ninyo!

Siyempre, ang Mother, di ba? Saan ba makakakuha ang mga anak kundi sa Ina?
Ermie, Cena, Ate Coring, Inay and Mayet!

Rare picture ito. Bihira kong mapagsama-sama ang mga girls!

More photos at Tita Bel's place

2008-07-29T18:52:00.004+08:00

Here are some of the pictures taken during the gathering at Tita Bel's place last July 26. Topmost are Ate Coring's eldest, anna, accompanied by El's only son CJ.

Tita Aning had to helped to her room by tiyo Rodrigo, Erick (Ermie' son who is nurse), Ate Coring. Boss Didi (Mayet's hubby) looks on and ready to help, if needed.

Sino raw ang paboritong manugang ng Inay? Sino daw???

Obvious ba?

Tita receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Earlier, she made a tearful confession. she was very very happy and peaceful after the Eucharist. Always smiling and has stopped complaining of pain. That's the fruit of the Eucharist, the greatest medicine!

The six ladies of Noel, the second boy of Tita Aning! Being half-Pangasinenses, look at the "thumbs up" sign!

Ermie and "Pirit", daughter of our Tiyo Efren (Tatay's youngest brother). "Pirit" is the god-daughter of Tita Aning by baptism. Typical Dolor, she is a-look-a-like of Camille and some other cousins on the Dolor side.

Ate Edu (of the Tatlonghari side of the Castillos) is very animated in her stories. It was she who provides the comic relief to the occasion. Her audience: Cena (El's wife), one of Carmelo's boys, and another niece whom I cannot recognize from that angle.

George, Ermie's second boy, joins Anna and CJ in this picture taken just before the Mass started. Incidentally, the singing in the Mass was so alive, even if I got a very hoarse voice during that night.

The couple: Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo & Isabel Castillo

At Tita Bel's place

2008-07-29T18:37:00.003+08:00

Last July 26, Saturday evening, we all gathered at Tita Bel's palatial place. Tita Bel is Tita aning to most of us and Lola Bel to the young 'uns. She is the youngest of Inay's 5 siblings. And she is sickly -- her spinal column is damaged. She could no longer go to church and she has been confined to that house with only her husband, Tiyo Rodrigo, taking care of her.

Ate Coring was the one who thought and planned all this. She convinced Tita Bel that we wanted to see her but she harbor all sorts of grudges -- all figments of imagination -- against us who really care for her.

Ate Behing represented the Tatlonghari family, as Ate Bensing who was set to go got suddenly ill. Arthur and Pinky were the other Castillo (Pablo) family representatives. The Dolors were practically all present, except for Fr. Lou who was still tied up with his parish at that time, and El, who was of course abroad.

Unfortunately, none of Tita Aning's three boys were there. Carmelo's wife and kids, and Noel's wife and six girls were there.

After her confession, we had the Mass. I spoke of how beautiful it was to see relatives gathered around the altar and celebrating life, forgiving and understanding each other as the Lord Jesus commands. Of course, we partook of the the banquet that Ate Coring supervised to prepare.

Things that kept me busy these days!

2008-07-16T21:02:00.002+08:00

My last post was about two months ago. That's because . . . the Archbishop kept me busy attending meetings for the putting up of the Bishops-Businessmen Conference-Lipa Chapter. We had a series of meetings with lay people who have heart for helping the poor, without any vested interest. I was included in the ad-hoc committee that drew up the Constitution and By-Laws. Last June 3, the BBC-Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lipa Chapter was finally admitted by the BBC-National.

Then last July 4th, I was again with the Bishop attending the General Assembly and Annual Meeting of BBC at Asian Institute of Management. Our Executive Director, Mr. Willie Bleza, and I, were asked by the BBC National Co-chair, HOn. Vicente Paterno, to be there to attend the facilitators meeting. We were there the night before and we were billeted at the AIM Center. The following morning, we attended the General Assembly. There were archbishops and bishops in attendance and of course, prominent business and sectoral leaders. Archbishop Arguelles chaired the South Luzon workshop which we facilitated. It turned out that I was on-the-spot-unofficial photographer of this event.

Before that, June 26-27, saw me attend the anti-corruption workshop --- again at the instance of the Archbishop. Ms. Emy Castillo and Rev. Bubot Hernandez, newly designated assistant director of Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Center, joined the Archbishop at the Communications Foundation for Asia. There I met up with old friends from media and the academe, and made new ones, e.g. Atty. Simeon Marcelo, the former Ombusman, Mrs. Heidi Mendoza, a former COA auditor that made headlines as she was the one who audited Gen. Garcia, General Samuel Tucay of the PNP Training Academy, Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio (who remember me as we have previously met at the UST Central seminary Homecoming, when I was ALPA president). Again, this in view of our BBC in the Archdiocese as Good Governance is one of our concerns.

Have just finished our Catholic Media Network General Assembly at the National Office of Mass Media. Fr. Jim Reuter was so happy to see his old protege. In fact, he asked me to take the minutes of the meeting during the last day -- something he rarely does, and he does it only with me (that's what his staff also affirmed, saying that Fr. Jim knows I have mastered his style of minute taking). Fr. Ilde Dimaano was with me and that July 10 was his birthday. I treated him to dinner at Rockwell. Joining us were Ogie Fabie and DJ Raynuts and my driver Jun. I was briefed by Fr. Ilde and Ogie regarding the development in our project -- a new FM radio and we were already in the process of putting up the Tower at Sto. Domingo, Batangas City (a high place in the mountains, which I have visited already).

Yesterday, July 15, I was at UST to attend to the Alumni Board meeting. The meeting was so longgggg!

That's it, folks! And I still have to attend to the daily nitty-gritty of Pater Putativus Publishing House. Oh yeah, I have started to meet the homeowners officers at Villa San Jose for our community building.

These are all God's work not mine! I am only his instrument, truly unworthy servant who is trying hard to come up to the Master's expectation! This alone keeps me on my feet, alive and kicking!

If the Lord does not build the house . . . .

I Brought PBL Finals to Batangas City

2008-05-31T22:19:00.002+08:00

It all started when Chino Trinidad, the Commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Team, asked me to be their "spokesperson" to the the Batangas City officials, headed by Mayor Eddie Dimacuha. He wanted the first game of the 5-game championship series of the concluding conference of the league. At that time, we have not yet ascertained who will play whom for the championship.

Until it became evident that Harbor Center, the a team seeking to make history by winning the title five times in a row, will meet Hapee Toothpaste, bannered by the popular Fil-Am, Gbe Norwood.

The first game was record-breaker for the PBL as far as attendance is concerned. Manila sportswriters put it at around 6,000 spectators. Hapee took game one, on a come-from-behind-win. The Batanguenos rooted for them as they were the underdogs.

Chino and the team-owners were so thrilled that they asked me to set up game four (and a possible game five) in the same venue -- the newly opened Batangas City Sports Complex. And indeed game four was held there -- that game gave Harbor Center an unprecedented fifth straight championship.

I had to do a lot of leg work for the teams, especially for Harbor, as their team manager is a personal friend. Th staff of the coliseum kept calling me to ask for this and for that. The PBL office would ask me to talk to them on their behalf. I had to do a lot of press relations chores, e.g., introducing the PBL bigwigs to the Mayor, entertaining the Manila sports media, coordinating with the teams for interviews by the local media colleagues, calling some restaurants and hotels to make reservations, assuring the coliseum staff of the PBL's appreciation, etc.

I thought that this would help Batangas City to be recognized as a sports and tourism center, and possibly open some business opportunities. Who knows?

Ate Vi Fulfills Her Promise to her "Nanay"

2008-05-19T21:58:00.004+08:00

Ate Vi made Inay's birthday -- she calls her "Nanay" -- a very memorable one! She promised to drop by and visit her during her birthday . . . and she did!
Everyone was happy and eager to have their pictures taken with the Star for All Seasons. the Governor of Batangas Province. See how she posed with Inay, Mayet, george, Ate Coring, Fr. Lou and Ermie!
That's how charming and sweet the Lady Governor is. She gamely cradled Angel, Agnes' daughter as Ka Lucing and Baby and her grandson join the photo-ops. Of course, Inay is also there.
My angels -- they came to help in the preparation and serving of the food -- posed for a souvenir photo with Ate Vi!

Inay celebrates her 86th birthday

2008-05-19T21:38:00.003+08:00

May 19, 2008, Monday

San Roque Residence

THE 86th BIRTHDAY OF OUR DEAR MOTHER!

She started her day with a Mass at the Bauan Parish Church with Didi and Erick as her companions. That morning she felt sick as she contracted colds because of the changing weather.

However, as the afternoon approached, she was glowing. She put on that red dress, allowed herself to be made up by Mayet, and waited for her "special guest" as early as 2:00pm.

First to arrive are the Sisters of the Good Shepherd: Mother Amabilis, Sister Estelle, Sister Anya, Sister Flor (with her nephew), and a Burmese sister (her second time at home, so says Mother).

Then at past four, her "special guest" arrived with her retinue of security officers and other companions, including her own mother and sister. Mother was so elated, overwhelmed that she was crying as she embraced her!

Who's she? Take a look at the next blog!

Ate Vi's Tour de Taal

2008-05-17T16:34:00.004+08:00

Ate Vi's has had enough! She has to do something to stop Taal Lake and the fish in it from extinction. To drum up awareness of this immediate need, the Tour de Taal was held. the cycling event started at Laurel then proceeded to Talisay, Tanauan, Malvar, Lipa City, Mataas na Kahoy, Cuenca, Alitagtag, San Nicolas, Lemery, then had its finish line at historic Taal. During the awarding ceremonies, she firmly announced her resolve not to grant any more permits for additional fish cages in the endangered lake.

"Ayon sa latest report sa akin, ang mga maliputo at iba pang isdang sa Lawa ng Taal lamang matatagpuan, ang mga ito raw ay lasa nang putik," she told the throng who jostled and pushed each other just to catch a glimpse of the Star-for-all-Season-turned-public-servant.

"However, hindi po tayo magiging drastic. Dadahan-dahanin ko po dahil alam kong ito rin ang pinagkakabuhayan ng maraming tao," she motherly assured those people who would be affected adversely by this move of government.

The EU community was represented fairly. I learnt that the EU has backed the governor's project with a hefty funding.

You may be wondering why I am writing about this. Well, I was there as a media person to cover that event. In fact, these photos are from my camera. . . sa madali't sabi, ako rin ang photographer!

Villa San Jose

2008-05-17T16:06:00.002+08:00

This is Villa San Jose, a housing project of the Archdiocese of Lipa, initiated during the incumbency of the late Archbishop Mariano G. Gaviola during the late 80s. It was named after the patron saint of the local church, St. Joseph. Blessed by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin during his feastday, March 19, 1989, the original Villa San Jose Housing, has 143 houses. It was opened in four batches from 1989 to 1994.

Each parish, local communities and individuals were asked to donate an equivalent amount of the cost of a house. There were also foreign sponsors, mainly from Germany, United States, Canada, Australia and other countries. In most of the houses, the name of the sponsors (parish/communities/individuals) is still displayed by the beneficiaries.

When Archbishop Ramon Arguelles came in -- after Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales -- he got the CFC-Gawad Kalinga to put up housing projects adjacent to the original VSJ. There are presently five GK-housing clusters -- Modesto 1 , Modesto 2, Texas, Kabihasnan at San Lorenzo. They helped build their houses unlike in the original VSJ, and regularly attend the CFC sponsored formation during evenings.

This is one of the assignments I am involved now. I am tasked to build this is ONE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. I officiate at the Sunday Mass and I hold regular meetings with the different homeowners association. This is not an easy task, given the propensity of Filipino poor families to be very parochial as many of them are uneducated. They cannot grasp the idea of "unity in diversity" too readily and easily. Some original settlers, especially those who find it rather heavy to pay their monthly dues (so they could own the house), are envious of the GK-beneficiaries, who do not pay. They cannot grasp the difference: VSJ residents can own their homes once payment is full (there is a 25-years-to-pay scheme) while the GK residents have to move out if they are already financially-capable of owning their own house!

These little communities are in the Archdiocesan-owned land, also known as "Ranch Property". The Archbishop has named me as the Ranch Property Administrator. Please pray for me to be more patient, more understanding, more caring and more self-giving to these "blessed" of the Father.

More pics at Dra. Nora's place

2008-05-10T07:37:00.003+08:00

How Joey Mendoza looks like NOW!
Good old friends!
Posing for Posterity
Recalling the good old days at the Boys' High!
That the irrepressible Amor Q. aka Girlie at the center!
Group picture!
Dra. Nora, Cynthia and Encar
The genius, Cesar To
Still sporting the "gigolo" looks
Dr. Glen, Gary and Voltaire -- mirror, mirror on the wall, who's got the biggest tummy of them all?

Meeting my former"classmates" circa 76 at SBC

2008-05-10T06:51:00.004+08:00

These are the guys and gals that gathered at the sprawling industrial estate, Yazaki Torres, in Makiling, Calamba City last May 4, 2008, Sunday. The compound serves also as the love-nest of our classmates' ever-gracious host, Dra. Nora now surnamed TORRES. Need I say more about Nora!

As usual, the girls outnumbered the boys.

Actually this is a combined force of those who were classmates in the Grade School 72 and High School 76. I belong to the 76 Batch!

Many of them changed in size, due to age! However, in fairness, all remained charming and playful, though some are still playing demure!

Food flowed like we were in the Promised Land. Toti, Nora's doting hubby, even toured us in their backyard -- the swimming pools for their employees' kids, more picnic grounds and recreational facilities.

Lasal Basketball Clinic

2008-04-26T06:33:00.002+08:00

This clinic in De La Salle Lipa is really something! In the first place, The sports office of the school charged a higher fee from the campers. While at SBC we charged P1,500 (as we give the RGS P500) per camper, DLSL imposed a whooping P2,500 for this Monday thru Saturday caper.

The kids are also of varied type -- fat, reed-thin, some are shy, some are attention seekers. There were parents who really asked us their help, "My kid is a special child!" "I want my kid to have friends as he has none in our neighborhood!" "I want my so, who is already 5'7" and will be a freshman in high school to learn basketball so that he'd not be a laughing-stock during the school year!"

I really had to dig into my pockets of tricks to gain the confidence and catch their attention. For the first time in our clinics this summer, I used variety of "fun drills", and that did the trick! The kids were all cooperative and they had f-u-n!

Thanks to my very able and amiable team of coaches -- Coach Nino Ricci (NR) Aguba of the University of Batangas, Coach Nino Agoncillo, Coach Jrex Atienza, Coach Glenford Prospero and Coach Kennedy Macalintal, all from De La Salle Lipa! all of them are the core-members of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines- Batangas Chapter. This team has been with me for the past four years.

When I turned 57

2008-04-19T07:49:00.003+08:00

April 15, 2008, God gave me another lease of life! I turned 57. Here are some pictures at home during the merienda cena that Inay, Ate Coring, Ermie, Mayet, Lonlon and Ate Bensing prepared for my guests: my co-workers at Pater Putativus Publishing House, Mely Manalo and the guys at Veritas Media Center, and my team of coaches and trainers. Here are some pictures of my during that afternoon.

By the way they looked, they were satisfied with the food that my family prepared for them!

Our First Gas Power Corporation Basketball Camp

2008-04-19T07:01:00.003+08:00

For the third consecutive summer, First Gas Power Corporation in Sta. Rita, Batangas City has contracted us to do a summer basketball camp for the kids at the two barangays they are located -- Sta. Rita Kalsada (SRK) and Sta. Rita Aplaya (SRA). So, April 14 - 19 saw us (Coaches NR, Kenny, Onin, Glen, Jrex and myself) shuttling to these places: 8 - 11 am at the Batangas Sports Complex for the SRK clinic and 1 - 4pm at the gym built by FG at SRA. This year, we had advanced basketball, trying to keep together those whom we have guided for the past two summers. SRK proved to be hard most of them, though big boys already, were first timers and of course had already developed bad habits and poor in fundamentals. SRA, on the other hand, had most of those who have been with us come back for real advanced training. Indeed, the smaller yet fundamentally sound SRA dribblers demolished the much taller SRK kids.

My latest basketball camp

2008-04-13T22:44:00.003+08:00

Last April 7-11, my team (composed of Coaches Onin Agoncillo, Jrex Atienza, Clifford Prospero, Kenny Macalintal -- all of La Salle Lipa --, and Nino Ricci (NR) Aguba of the University of Batangas) conducted a basketball camp at St. Bridget College Auditorium in Batangas City. This is our third summer in this part of the province -- the first year at UB and for the past two summers at SBC.

We had 29 campers. Most of them are first timers to this kind of basketball camp. Only three have attended our previous camps. One of them, Raven Mendoza did not even know how to catch the ball. Now he was a star player of SBC. He just graduated from elementary and the high school varsity team is waiting for him.

For those interested to see more, kindly to UTube and look at "Fr. Nonie's Basketball Summer Camp '08". Happy viewing.

Inay

2008-03-25T07:15:00.002+08:00

Who would believe that this woman will be 86 this May 19? NOt if you see her going around the house, cleaning and ordering her apos -- Lonlon and George --- to do some errands for her. She even washes the clothes of those around, as she is left alone in the house during the day when all are out working. She cooks and for her entertainment, watches her favorite TV shows. At six in the evening, she hollers to call all those present to pray the Angelus plus the other prayers she inherited from her own mother.

She is happy just to see Fr. Lou come (usually on a Tuesday) and bring his regular pasalubong -- his dirty clothes which she personally washes or if she can't because of sudden rise of blood pressure she supervises very closely the lavandera -- and feed him with her menu for lunch or supper. "Ay luto ko yan!" she would brag to Fr. Lou, who'd give her whatever he has in his pocket for her allowance. The smile on her face!

If Fr. Lou won't come during the whole week, she would wonder, "Bakit kaya? Paano ang mga damit noon?" But actually, it is Fr. Lou she misses not the laundry! She'd get upset and really burst out in anger and frustration over Danny's coming home late or not coming home at all. She'd lecture at him the next morning because Danny kept her awake the whole night, or that she was awakened by his coming in the wee hours of the morning and she could not go back to sleep. And yet, she still washes Danny's clothes and even secretly setting some portion of the viand during supper -- knowing that Danny is fond of eating whatever time he comes in during the day! She would rue over El's fate, "kawawa naman si El!" And she shows her concern as she showers her grandmaternal affections to Camille and Cj when they come home to visit their lola.

That's Inay to us -- to Ate Coring and her family, to Ermie and her kids (the first grandchild, Erick, Inay publicly professes to be her favorite!), to Danny, to Fr. Lou, and to our intimate friends who also call her Inay! Incidentally, she's an avid Vilmanian! And that is why Ate Vi fondly calls her "Nanay"!

Wait, I forget to tell you, she is MY mother also!

The De La Salle Bros of the Phils. at Retreat 2008

2008-03-25T06:45:00.002+08:00

I have been chaplain to this band of religious brothers, whose main charism is the Christian education of the young, for since the summer of 1997. I was assigned chaplain to their school community and the Brothers at the Lipa Community in the summer of 1966. In a sense, since I have been accompanying them during their annual retreat as a district, I have become the District's unofficial chaplain. I preside over the liturgy, as this Institute has no priest-member.

It is not only during their annual retreat that I get to be invited. I presided over countless district rites, e.g., acceptance to postulancy or to the novitiate, most of the time in Greenhills and Lipa, where the Novitiate is located; jubilees of brothers in their silver or golden as religious brothers, beginning or ending of important occasions like assemblies, chapters, etc.; the annual memorial of the dead.

I have always described my 11 year stay at the Lipa community as my utopian stage. I have found much spiritual solace as I have a community to pray with, work with and grow with. I have been blessed even with material amenities that helped me grow as a person and a professional. For instance, this technology -- I never had so much access to it than when I was with the Brothers. The Lipa community gave me my first ever laptop!

As long as I can and it is officially permissible (e.g. not assigned to take care of a parish), I will continue to be at their service (for spiritual exercises). Of course, it will depend also -- and that is the deciding factor -- if the Brothers still appreciate my being with them during those moments!

My Holy Week

2008-03-24T18:19:00.002+08:00

I spent the Holy Week with the La Salle Brothers of the Philippines. I was their Chaplain in their annual retreat, held at PHINMA Training Center, which was given by the Del Rosarios to La Salle Philippines. I went there Tuesday afternoon (that morning I joined the Lipa Clergy, led by Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelless in renewing our priestly vows. I was annotator for Spirit-FM during the Mass -- what else is new?).

The retreat was facilitated by an American La Salle Brother, Br. James Zullo, FSC, a noted speaker and practitioner of counseling in the UNited States. The theme for this year's retreat was "The Paschal Mystery: An Invitation to Explore our Life Transitions". Gosh, this spoke to me a lot since I have experienced a radical transition since I left La Salle Lipa to live on my own at the Pater Putativus Publishing House at Marawoy, Lipa City. Definitely, Br. Jim's lectures and sharing spoke loud and clear to me. they helped me a lot in understanding and finding more meaning to my present ministry.

The stay at PHINMA also provided me some relief from the tensions and pressures of work at PPPH and even from the Ranch Property. (I talked to the couple, who are supposed to be the "tenants" in the ranch property of the ARchdiocese. They claimed innocence why there are a lot of dwellers there. I also was bombarded by requests related to rentals from the Villa San Jose dwellers.) The accommodations are excellent (this is my second time there). the Brothers are as usual very jolly and because of their present involvement in the current issues in the country, are every open to share the latest.

In fact, we had the Lozada family as guests during the Easter Vigil rites. I had the chance to talk to Jun and his wife. After the program that evening, I went home to Pater. I had a Mass on Easter Sunday at Villa San Jose.

More pictures:

More pics at BCAP Seminar

2008-03-04T08:28:00.003+08:00

Coaches Alfrancis Chua, now a very active in BCAP, and Alaska's Tim Cone pose with members of BCAP-Batangas Chapter. At right, Coach Ryan Gregorio lectures on defense. Note the players of Lyceum of the Philippines in the background. They served as "demo players".

Coaches Seminar-Training

2008-03-04T07:46:00.003+08:00

As Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP) - Batangas Chapter coordinator, I led several member-coaches from Batangas (and Laguna) to the recently concluded Coaches Seminar-Training held at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum last February 28 - March 1. Shown in the picture at right are the BCAP-Batangas Chapter coaches with legendary Korean shooting star, Shin Dong Pa, now in his early 60s He came with his coach Yoo Hee Hyung, in his late 60s, yet still able to demonstrate for filipino coaches the Korean-style of basketball.

Other prominent resource persons, who shared their God-given talents in coaching big-time basketball included Purefoods' head coach Ryan Gregorio (who lost the following Sunday to Sta. Lucia's Boyet Fernandez), Alaska's Tim Cone, my good friend Bingky Favis of Coca Cola, and the fiery (on court) but very gentle (off-court) Red Bull Coach Yeng Guiao. Mr. Lazaro, therapist of TNT lectured on sports medicine.

It was a time for fellowship with coaches coming from all over the Philippines -- Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, Bicol, and even Kalinga-Apayao, and of course, Metro Manila. Among old friends I met were ex-Blades Ralph Rivera and Dennis Madrid, Coaches Eric Gonzales and Nash Racela. Of course, Coach Chito Narvasa (BCAP President) and his able assistants Coaches Tanny Gonzales (Sec-Gen) and Alfrancis Chua were there to facilitate the whole procedure. I was asked to deliver the invocation at the first day. I also helped in moderating the Q & A with Coach Tim Cone, and read the citation for him.

2008-02-07T06:38:00.000+08:00

Pictures at our UST-Alumni Priests Homecoming

Here are some pictures taken during our successful homecoming last January 22-23 at the Central Seminary of the Royal and Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas. Priest-turned-Governor Ed "Among Ed" Panlilio of Pampanga was our guest-speaker on the first day.

The youngest Centralite Bishop, Most Rev. Ric Baccay of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, was there. He officiated at the opening Mass in our Seminary Chapel. Another Centralite Bishop, Most Rev. Julius Tonel of the Prelature of Ipil, was the Lauds' presider the next morning.

We played with the UST Tigers in the afternoon of the first day. The famed Salinggawi Dance Troupe gave the entertainment at half-time.

The Nuncio was our guest and presider at the closing Mass the next and last day. We had a grand time with him. The Jubilarians -- Batches 81 & 82 -- were feted in a glamorous ceremonies during lunch time.

UST Central Seminary Homecoming

2008-01-31T09:16:00.000+08:00

They came, they saw and they were conquered!

This year's UST-ALPA homecoming -- January 22-23 -- outdid last year's homecoming which was already a breakthrough in the annals of the Central Seminary's homecoming. Although the hosting batch started late, the diligence of the seminarian-coordinators saved the day for them. Of course, the close to P100,000.00 our batch left with them to start with was a big boost. Aside from that our batch (composed of 81 & 82) donated to the Central Seminary foundation almost the same amount.

The latest Thomasian Bishops -- Bishop Ric Baccay (auxiliary of Tuguegarao), Bishop Julius Tonel (of Ipil Prelature) and a Chinese-Taipei bishop (whose name escaped me) -- were special honorees.

As usual, the games with the UST Tigers were well attended. This time, we played at the University Gym. The electrifying Salinggawi Dance Troupe provided the half-time entertainment. I coached the white team, which won for the second consecutive year.

Priest-turned-governor, Ed "among Ed" Panlilio, was guest speaker in the first day. Again, this is the first time that the auditorium was filled with the alumni (they normally stay out and continue bonding with their classmates). His message which came out loud and clear: "Don't imitate me!"

Latest picture of Lonlon & Vince

2008-01-18T21:37:00.001+08:00

On the left is Vince, son of Danny. This intelligent young man is with his mom at Virginia.

On the right is Lonlon, the youngest of the three boys of my sister Ermie, who was widowed March last year! Lonlon is graduating from his course, B.S. Psychology, at the Lyceum of Batangas. A computer buff and a dancer, Lonlon is now taking up his OJT.

Some of my latest activities

2008-01-18T21:18:00.000+08:00

I visited the Home for the Aged in Bauan, Batangas. In this picture, Ms. Paulina Rosales, one of the Trustees of this Charitable foundation is talking to the visitors, some parishioners of St. Mary Euphrasia, Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City, who at that time of my visit, went there to feed the old people of the house. Among those who visited the aged was Ate Unding Arazola, whom I asked to pose behind Ka Isidro Marasigan.

New Year Exchange Gifts

2008-01-08T11:15:00.000+08:00

As usual, we decided to open the christmas gifts during the day when everyone would be available. It was decided that the evening of January 1 was the best time for this. So, even if this was my first day in my new residence, I made myself free. So with Fr. Lou, who was fortunate to have his masses all in the morning. After taking siesta to recover some lost strength (from the December grind of daily Masses/marriages/blessings), he arrived home shortly before six in the evening. It was only Dannie who was not around.

Ate Coring came with May, who gamely worked on the white hair on my head. When it was decided to ahve the exchange gifts, she called for Kuya Leo, who was so thin and haggard, who drove together with Ana Lea.

Ermie, who prepared the food, has only Eric who's not around.

El was there together with wife Cena and kids -- Camille and CJ. El was so profuse with his gratitude to God in seeing his family complete and his wife accepted by Inay.

Mayet and Didi were the usual gracious hosts to the exchange gift. It was around the Christmas tree in their house that we gathered in the evening, after supper.

Inay, the center of the event, was there ever radiant, wearing the earrings and necklace that Fr. Lou gave her for Christmas. Fe Aguila (whom we call chairman) was our special guest. Fe arrived shortly after lunch and exchanged stories with everyone, especially on her newly-married Kuya Ambo, who is also a family friend.

Inay gave her message and of course, I gave the more serious message. It is not only for Inay and her sons and daughters but I emphasized the "handling on a family tradition to the next generation", that exchange of gifts are really exchange of ourselves, a bonding in unity and love of brothers and sisters, of the members of God's family. It is the family that is the first church, the first temple of God.

We remember those who are not with us physically like Vince, Danny's son, who is in the United States with his mother.

After the exchanges of gifts, we departed: Ate Coring's family to their residence at Bukal, Manghinao; Fr. Lou to san isidro, Batangas City and myself to Lipa City. Fe rode with fr. Lou; while El's family I drove to their home at Balete, Batangas City.

That's how the Dolor Family started the New Year!

So Far, So Good

2007-12-03T21:31:00.000+08:00

I have written this mainly for my brother El, who is at Dubai. He has commented that I have forgotten to update this blogsite. I promised him I would.

Much have expired since my last posting. Just before the elections, I was given a new assignment by the ARchbishop. I was asked to be the General Manager of the printing press of the Archdiocese of Lipa -- Pater Putativus Publishing House. This completes my media assignment as Director of the Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media of the Archdiocese, which I asked to be retired in the year 2000.

Seeing that the printing press needs my fulltime attention, the Archbishop decided only last month to recall me from my current assignment as Chaplain of the FSC at Lipa and DeLa Salle Lipa. This did not surprise me at all. The Boss said that 11 years as chaplain is enough as the Archdiocese needs me to continue my rehabilitation work at the printing press.

So folks, I am moving out of De La Salle Lipa by the end of this month!

Kids' Basketball Clinics

2007-04-23T17:23:00.000+08:00

Basketball is still a passion to me. I have been conducting a summer camp for the kids here at De La Salle Lipa for the past eight years. Last year, due to insistent demands from friends in Batangas City, we opened our first summer camp at the gym of the University of Batangas. This year we transferred to St. Bridget College. It was also last summer that Mon Araneta of First Gas Power Corporation invited my team of coaches to conduct clinics for kids in the two barangays where they are located as part of their social out-reach. The pictures here are from the clinics we conducted for First Gas.

I believe that footwork is very important in basketball. The very first thing I concentrate on the kids' fundamentals is their feet -- correct running, pivoting, lateral moves, back-pedalling, correct defensive stance. This is do even before teaching them the rudiments of ballhandling. If you're wondering why I still look and feel young -- this is my secret: stay with young people!

UST ALPA Re-union

2007-02-23T21:58:00.000+08:00

January 23-24 is a day to remember. Close to one hundred and fifty registered alumni bishops and priests came to this homecoming, after missing one whole year of such activity. In the 2005 November homecoming, it was decided to bring back this gathering to its original date, i.e, the Tuesday and Wednesday nearest to the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of this one and only royal and pontifical university in the Philippines.

Batches 81 and 82 are hosts batches. We are to honor Batch 80 and the other jubilarians. Among our batch(81) present were Fr. Boyet Montalbo (Diocese of Paranaque), Msgr. Nestor Cerbo (Archdiocese of Manila, Fr. Ananias Merida (guest priest in Cubao), Fr. Bonifacio Alcantara (Diocese of Dipolog), Msgr. Ed Pangan (Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga). Msgr. Elmer Abacahin (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro), though our classmate for only a year, also showed up during the first day. Prominent among the Batch 82 were Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.P. (Rector Magnificus of UST), Fr. Antonio Aureada, O.P. (Dean of Theology), Msgr. Mario Martinez (Diocese of Paranaque), Fr. Rene Vigilia (Diocese of Cabanatuan), among others.

Leading the honorees (batch 80) were Bishop Antonietto Cabajog, Bishop Jose Rojas, Fr. Onette Mangahas, among others; while Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, Archbishop Pedro Dean, Bishop Cirilo Almario were among the golden jubilarians.

The UST Tigers, UAAP basketball champs, were guests during the sports spectacular. They were even divided and mixed with the alumni basketeers, who gamely mixed it up to the delight of a full-packed gallery at the Seminary Gym. The Hall of Fame awardee in cheer competitions, the renowned Salinggawi, provided the intermission number at half time. Msgr. Salve Quizon enjoyed the game so much.

Newly-ordained Bishop Beltran, a classmate of Fr. Dado Castillo and Fr. Edd Pagcaliuangan, was the main celebrant in the opening mass at the Sto. Rosario Parish. He was accompanied by another newly-installed prelate, Bishop Jack Jose of Urdaneta Diocese. Both of them are my good friends, as we often meet during alumni gatherings. Bishop Jack used to handle their mass media in Laoag city. He was the main celebrant during the closing Mass at the seminary chapel. It was he who addressed me during his homily as "Fr. Nonie Dolor, O.P. that is Outstanding President" to the applause of everyone.

This homecoming was sort of a record. We had the most number of attendees so far. The alumni bishops and priests who registered total to almost 150. the Central Seminary staff said this is the highest so far in any alumni homecoming. And as last year, this is the only second alumni homecoming that did not operate on deficit.

MOre on Christmas Merry Making

2007-01-03T07:12:00.000+08:00

This is El's family: Cena, his wife, and Camille Joy, his daughter, and Christian Jacob or simply CJ, his son. Camille stayed the longest in the house during this christmas break -- as she usually does during breaks from school. Cena and CJ stayed till the morning of the 27th.

This is also a longer time for Boss Didi to stay at San Roque. Here is a picture taken of the Ocampo couple -- Didi and Mayet -- at night when we had videoke to our hearts' delight. I hope the neighbors were understanding of our merry-making.

Who'd stop George and Lonlon from their "kabaklaan". They'd do anything to provide entertainment. Of course, Inay sometimes is not amused but she would also join the laughter and the sometimes would even give her funny anecdotes.

Fr. Lou, Mayet and Ate Coring join the kids in this picture. Ermie is usually the "Martha", together with Cena, in the kitchen. Of course, Kuya Leo, Didi and Danny would engage in "mens' talk" and sip a little spirit!

The Asilo Family

2007-01-03T07:05:00.000+08:00

This is the Asilo Family. Our eldest, Ate Coring, married retired-Coast Guard Commander Leonilo Asilo of Bulacan, Mabini, Batangas. They have two daughters: Ana and May, both teen-agers. ana is taking up Computer Science at STI, while the younger May is an Education student at St. Bridget College.

These photos are taken by Boss Didi.

Early Christmas at Home

2007-01-03T06:54:00.000+08:00

In a fit of humor and madness, the mother-sons tandem posed for photo ops after cleaning the house. "Sisa, Basilio at Crispin" could aptly be the caption of this. I wonder how Erick would re-act to this once he sees this.

Danny, in one of the rare working moods at home, puts an additional light. During the short vacation, we had out meals outside the house, along the end of the beautifully-paved driveway, which was done before my silver jubilee celebration last Dec. 2, 2006.

Photos taken by Boss Didi early morning of Christmas. Later, at noon, I arrived followed by Fr. Lou to spend the whole day celebrating Christmas.

Goodbye, Celine!

2007-01-03T06:40:00.000+08:00

This is Celine Aguila, the niece of "Chairman" Fe Aguila, of Bayanan, San Pascual. When I was assigned as parish priest of Bayanan, Celine was then a little pre-schooler who'd promptly answer the question "who's your crush?", with a straight "Si Fr. Nonie!" From then on, I always call her "Celine, my love!"

Now a fourth year high schooler at St. Bridget College, she would fly to USA to join her mother, who married an American in Oklahoma. We missed our usual lunch with the Aguilas during Christmas in favor of the despedida in her honor on January 1. Inay, Ermie, Boss Didi, Mayet, Lonlon, George and I hied off to Bayanan. I gave her a rosary, which I personally made, as a gift. Mayet has her own gift.

We wish Celine the best as she leaves Bayanan, where she grew up under her aunties and uncles, and of course her Lola. Knowing her as a good, intelligent and obedient child and teener, I believe that she'd be successful over at the States.

New Year Revelry

2007-01-03T06:26:00.000+08:00

Of course, not to be outdone, although this year's family revelry has been greatly reduced due to financial constraints and safety concerns, Boss Didi, Mayet, Ermie, Dannie, George and Lonlon still had the usual fireworks and noise-barrage to usher the New Year 2007. The cars were started and the horns sounded. The skies were lit up, especially over at neighboring Bukal where Ate Coring resides.

Inay skipped the usual ritual of incensing for her health reason. She just watched and prayed in the family altar. Our dog Honey was inside the house even much, much earlier in the day. She was afraid of all those loud bangings. When we went to Mass in Bolo, she stayed inside Inay's room but looking through the window. When the fireworks grew louder and wilder, she went to my room and hid underneath the bed, with head head propping out through the sheets.

I myself refrained from going out. After I said the Office of the Readings and the night prayers, put on the Ipod Nano that my classmate Chito sent me as gift and enjoyed the music. Earlier, I added music from the CDs I bought of Glen Campbell and Peter, Paul and Mary. Never mind the loud revelry, I rather enjoy the music from my new Ipod.

More Pics of the exchange gift-giving

2007-01-03T00:10:00.000+08:00

Inay (at the center) flanked by Fr. Lou (at left) and Mayet (at right)

The Asilo Family and the Ocampo couple

Fr. Lou with the Ocampo couple, and the kids hanging around to be in the picture. At the background is Ate Coring, the MC of the night!

Fr. Nonie (that's me), with George and Boss Didi. Notice that George is holding the picture of his elder brother Erick, who is at Saudi, working as a nurse. The gift that Fr. Nonie and Boss Didi are holding is actually for Erick!

Of course, the kids! Minus CJ and Vince! Vince of course is at Virginia with her mom Cora. CJ was out of the picture this time around. But he was there. At one instance, he even cried!

Our Traditional Exchange Gift-Giving

2007-01-02T23:44:00.000+08:00

This is where the our family's traditional exchange gift-giving is done for many, many years. We put all our gifts there during the Yuletide season. The date varies depending on the availability of Fr. Lou and myself. Before there were songs and poems by the kids. Then they'd be given cash gifts by Tita Mayet, Fr. Lou or myself. But since the kids are grown-ups already, there were less singing and no more poetry. Inay is asked to say something before hand. Usually, I am also asked to say something. This year however, we less gifts as I have given the kids cash beforehand so that they could buy what they needed and wanted.

Of course, we had our supper before the exchange gift. The youngest in the family, Christian Jacob, was asked to lead the prayers before meals. Tita Ermie, Mayet and Cena were the "waitresses" to us. We had toasts. George and Lonlon had their familiar antics . . . look at their apparel.

Ate Coring would always act as mistress of the ceremonies. She would read the name of the giver and the receiver of the gifts. This year's visitors included Ate Bensing, Ate Behing, Joy and her boyfriend, and Kuya Ben's daughter, whose name escaped my memory. The ceremonies included many photo ops. Fr. Lou would always see to it that he be included in every picture taking. Later, after the gift-giving is over, all were asked to open their gifts.

It is only then that those who would go home would start to leave.

This year, we missed Erick, who's at Saudi working as a nurse! Danny missed the gift-giving as he opted to be with his friends outside the house, where we did not know. El is in Dubai. However, they were with us in spirit -- plus the gifts allotted to them. In fact, even Honey, Erick's pet dog, got a gift from Ate Coring. Curiously, she wrote: "Dear Honey, happy new year! Sana, magbait ka sa akin!" This dog always barks at her every time she comes! Honey's gift from Ate? A piece of dog soap!

I will publish more pictures in another post.

The Long "Short Break"

2007-01-02T23:22:00.000+08:00

This was taken on Christmas night. During our get-together, Leeboy came with his wife and kids, including the younger Leeboy (my cousin's kid by his first wife, who is a Muslim. she divorced him several years ago). The kid is already in third year high school at a Notre Dame School in Jolo. He used to be around during the break.
Of course, at home were Cena and the kids -- Camille and CJ! Fr. Lou stayed and we had videoke the whole night through.
Ate Coring and Kuya Leo, plus Anna and May, stayed till everyone got tired and bid adeu! Fr. Lou went back to San Isidro, the Asilos to Bukal, Cena and the kids stayed at our house. George and Lonlon stayed on with Boss Didi and had a great night drinking red wine.

This other photo was taken at around 9:30 pm, Dec. 31,2006 while waiting for the New Year to come. We -- Inay, Ermie, Mayet, Boss Didi, George and Lonlon -- attended the 8:00pm Mass at Bolo. I concelebrated with Fr. Ariel Gonzales, parish priest, who asked me to deliver the homily.

After the Mass, we went home to eat supper. Ate Behing and Joy came and stayed with us till around 11:15pm. Joy is the daughter of Ate Adela, Ate Behing's youngest sister, who has been in Vienna since the mid-70s. Joy was 13, when she last visited the country. Now she is a beautiful 23-year-old Vienesse lass. We call her "po"-girl, as she had this penchant for using "po" (maybe, Ate Dela reminded her of this Tagalog virtue of being respectful), even during the middle of her sentence. The auntie-niece tandem came with the family of Carmelo Castillo, another first cousin, who invited them to go to Mass at Bauan Parish. When they learnt that we went to Bolo, they felt sorry to have missed me saying Mass and giving the homily, comparing the less lively liturgy in their attendance.

Who else came to celebrate with me? Look!

2006-12-16T06:47:00.000+08:00

Fr. Ernie Garcia, C.Ss.R., represented the Redemptorists. He is currently the Superior of the Lipa Community. The Novices were also there, together with their Novice Master. Unfortunately, our "old" Redemptorist professors and friends, like Fr. Ed Ryan, who recruited me, Fr. Regs Ahearn, to whom I was assistant in our Juvenate days, and others could not come -- they are all in Australia! Ernie is a close buddy, even during our Antipolo days.

Mr. Cayetano Gonzales, better known as "Coach Tanny", is the Secretary general of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), an organization of well-known amateur and professional coaches in the country. He came together with BCAP president, Coach Chito Narvasa, and presented me with an appointment letter from BCAP. Aside from congratulating me for this jubilee, I was told that BCAP is appointing me as Coordinator of BCAP in the province of Batangas. Gosh, this is another challenge. However, I am deep into sports as I see it as also a way to evangelize people, especially young kids.

My friends in the sporting world were not able to make it due to their hectic schedules of practices in the PBA. Coach Binky Favis phoned me that morning asking for apologies as they were deep into preparation for their next crucial games. Coach Eric Gonzales, his assistant at Coke Tigers' camp, naturally could make it as well. Coach Bong Ramos and Coach Nash Racela gave the same excuse. However, they promised to come and celebrate with me! It is only Coach Francis Rodriguez and his wife who was able to show up.

Of course, the Star for All Seasons, my friend, the Mayor of Lipa, Vilma Santos Recto. The evening before she called up saying she could not make it because of emergency meetings with her department heads that following Monday. Early Monday morning, she called up again profuse with apologies for having to skip this occasion which she had already previously committed to attend. But surprise, surprised, she just walked into the Sentrum when the Archbishop was giving the homily. She quietly sat down at the back and then later, after the homily, moved to a better place in the congregation.

People started to mill around her after the Mass, all asking for a photo-op. Vilma went to where Inay was and talked to her. She was introduced to my siblings and cousins. IN her short message, she mentioned of our personal friendship, not born of politics but indeed a genuine personal friendship which goes even during her The Sensation days.

Thank you, Ate Vi!

Deed of Benefaction from FSC

2006-12-16T06:31:00.000+08:00

This one took me by surprised and I was teary-eyed when the De La Salle Brothers, through the Visitor, Br. Dodo Fernandez, FSC, presented me with a "Deed of Benefaction" (a certificate and a medallion) for the services I have been rendering De La Salle Lipa for the past ten (10) years and the district, as well, as chaplain. I thought it would just be a simple "thank you for being chaplain for the past ten years", but this was not so.

I was all the more touched when Br. Dodo told me that it was Br. Rafael "Rafe" Donato who "engineered" all this. Br. Rafe was the one who personally lobbied for me to be assigned full-time chaplain from the Archbishop of Lipa, now Archbishop of Manila, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, in 1996. It was he who challenged me that "we will change the face of Lipa". To date, I have blessed more than 15 new edifices starting with the Sentrum in 1995 (and I was not yet the chaplain during that year)! Br. Rafe worked on this Deed of Benefaction early this year as he was aware that this is my silver jubilee year -- and his golden jubilee year, as well! I need not point out that he died a few weeks after October 16, Nov. 2 to be exact, of mysterious circumstances, which we can only accpet in faith. God bless Br. Rafe. God bless the Brothers of the Christian Schools!

The citation in the certificate is in French, the official language of the FSC. Br. Mawel Pajarillo, FSC, president of DLSL, and a multi-linguist scholar, read the text in the original, while Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC, Director of Novices, read the English translation.

I will treasure this forever!

Msgr. Fred made a "public confession"

2006-12-16T06:08:00.000+08:00

Msgr. Alfredo A. Madlangbayan, then simply Fr. Fred, was the one who invited me to help him start the radio station of the Archdiocese. It was my birthday -- April 15, 1972 -- when I joined him. I was already a budding radio announcer at another radio station (where I was recruited to join in December 1969). On hindsight, this is God's way of keeping track of me as I was downhearted by my Novitiate "rejection" in May 1969. In other words, Fr. Fred "pirated" me! My first reading during that silver jubilee Mass talks of Isaiah telling the Lord that He duped him and he allowed himself to be duped! Exactly!
I became his assistant director, station manager, janitor and secretary all rolled into one as we started from scratch! I used to joke around that at the time we started, I thought that the station's signal only reaches the mango tree that was locatred right in front of the station's gate. This is to show how antiquated the equipment was. I think Msgr. Fred was also duped into buying this. and he allowed himself to be duped also!
Gee, Msgr. Fred made the public confession of how "it was Nonie, who did all these for the radio station. It was he who is the culprit why people thought that DWAM stands for Alfredo Madlangbayan. It was he who initiated the establishment of our FM station, which people also said stands for Fred Madlangbayan!" The audience were delighted at his quips, of course! Of course, I was doing all the paper works and the follow-ups for the radio station. I applied for a change of call sign -- the original call sign was DZYQ, when we bought it from its former owner. When we transferred to the Basilica Site (again, at my behest), we not only changed the transmitter but also the call sign. The last one Fr. Fred had no inkling -- he just signs papers I present to him! I applied (and was approved by NTC) for the call sign: DWAM! I reckoned several things: Daily Works of Alfredo Madlangbayan, a fitting tribute to the man who has a vision to use media for evangelization! AM also stands for "morning". Inasmuch as we were practically beginning a new station, I thought that this is a "new hope, a new beginning, a new AM (morning) for the local church".
I did not mind (and still does not mind) playing second-fiddle to anyone, most especially Msgr. Fred. I don't seek for glory in this world. I did, and still do, things given me as God's will for me. But just the same, many thanks to Msgr. Fred Madlangbayan for the opportunity to serve God as a communicator!

"Tatang" Jim make my day!

2006-12-16T05:53:00.000+08:00

Fr. Jim Reuter, SJ, my mentor in Communications, spoke of the priest as a communicator. Amazing is this nonagenarian workhorse of the National Office of Mass Media. Since 1972, I have always looked up to him as my mentor. He has known me as a budding broadcaster and he has involved my in a lot of projects of the NOMM --- training seminars, translation of materials, not to mention our regular semi-annual meetings of the then Phil. Federation of Catholic Broadcasters (PFCB), the fore-runner of now Catholic Media Network (CMN). In many a meetings, I used to be his assistant and I love when he would ask, "Where's the body of Nonie? Nonie, my duck, there you are!" And he would start a litany of what he wants me to do, etc. During my 15th anniversary as priest, I asked him to give the homily. He told me then not to forget to invite him for my silver. That's why he was here! Though he was not the homilist this time around -- I asked the Archbishop, as our father here in the Archdiocese to be the one -- he, together with some other VIPs (very important persons to me!, gave a short message not only to me but to the congregation present.

Photos of my La Salle Celebration

2006-12-16T05:28:00.000+08:00

This is me during my silver jubilee celebration at De La Salle Lipa last December 4, 2006. I had with me at the altar (on stage) Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, Bishop Salvador Quizon, Msgr. Alfredo Madlangbayan, Frs. Mandy Panganiban (shown in picture), Ading Adan, Chito Andal, Richard Panganiban, Jun Quiambao and Edd Pagcaliuangan (master of ceremonies). All other priest-concelebrants were seated below the altar as we could not accomodate the more than 70 priests (diocesan and religious) that came.
The PSALTERION CHOIR of the UST Central Seminary (of which I am an alumnus) sang during the Mass. I requested that they sing the Latin Mass. The Centralites were accompanied by their new Rector, Fr. Gerard.
The seminarian-theologians of St. Francis de Sales Theological Seminary (where I teach Media for Evangelization) were altar servers. The Campus Ministers of the school -- mostly ex-seminarians -- assisted them. They were the "foot-soldiers" doing the dirty work during that event: altar decor, etc.
I could not thanks these people enough for making my celebration a-once-in-a-lifetime experience! They are God's blessing to me!

My "Stateside" Nephew

2006-12-10T06:10:00.000+08:00

Yes, you read it right. That No. 68 is VICENT IVAN M. DOLOR now in Virginia with her Mom Cora. And according to the mom, as he grows older, his mannerism, physical make up, are becoming more and more like his father . . . Danny, my brother, which makes VINCE (that's what we call him) my nephew.

We are all proud of Vince as he is not only good-looking but brillant as well. Cora would send us reports of his grades and accomplishments, which I normally print and put in display at home for everyone to see. I also wanted this to motivate my other nephews and nieces in their studies and activities in the school.

I have pictures of Vince when he was a kid. He would sing at our Christmas re-unions. How I wish he takes another vacation here and be with us.

This is VINCENT IVAN M. DOLOR!

More Photos of My San Roque SJ Celebration

2006-12-09T22:01:00.000+08:00

These are pictures taken from the celebration of my silver jubilee at San Roque.

It became a virtual reunion of the Dolor Family. We used to have thes re-unions since 1976 but they stopped sometime in the mid-80s. My cousins really wanted to resume this. My silver jubilee provided the occasion.

Of course, the Castillo side would not be left out. Somewhere here is a picture of Tita Sabel, the only other surviving Castillo-Hernandez sibling, aside from my mother. she is shown talking to Azucena, the wife of my brother El. Incidentally, one grace (gift) of the Biblical jubilee is reconciliation. This became very, very true with my Silver Jubilee. Promiment among the reconciliations effected was between Cena and Inay and my sisters Ate Coring and Ermie. I hope this is a lasting gift.

Fr. Lou, my brother, was also there to lend a hand. He arrived in the afternoon as he had other ministerial tasks to fulfill in his parish that Saturday morning till noon. Later in the evening, Fr. Larry Abante and Fr. Ariel Gonzales, two of his closest friends and classmates, came. These two are in the habit to just drop by the house . . . in other words, they belong to the family, really! I intentionally did not invite any other priests because I wanted them to be at De La Salle Lipa on Monday, December 4. That is supposed to be their day with me.

December 2, My Real Jubilee

2006-12-08T22:46:00.000+08:00

I decided to celebrate my silver jubilee as priest on Dec. 4 for two reasons: Dec. 2 was a Saturday, making it inconvenient for my fellow diocesan priests to be present; and secondly, the Christian Brothers had their district assembly and chapter from Dec. 1-3 at Greenhills, and i wanted the Brothers, not only of Lipa but of the District, to be there.

But my siblings, including Inay, would not hear of this. so, we had a celebration at San Roque. I celebrated a Mass at the barangay chapel. My "faithful" community from Bolo West were among the first to be present in the chapel. The Young Men's Choir of Aplaya, Bauan, sang during the Mass. Danny was responsible for inviting the group, handled by Bobet Manalo of STC. Bobet was a former choir-member of Ms. Angelina Conti in Bauan High School.

After the Mass, we headed home to entertain guests, mainly our relatives from my mother and my late father's side.

Thanks to our family friend, the sister-and-brother tandem of Joseph and Fe Aguila of Bayanan, San Pascual, who gifted me with two -- yes, two -- pigs! We had an overflow of food, from lunch to merienda to supper in the evening. Tita Sabel and Tio Rodrigo insisted that we take the goat they were offering. Danny had this killed and cooked the night before the big day itself. A cousin brought a lechon; another a big basket of tilapia. Others came with various gifts of rice cake, bread, sweets and other food.

I have this picture taken with my first cousin, Maryson, whom I seldom meet as she stays in Pasig most of the time. This is Eric Cristal's auntie, the sister of his Mom Tessie. Eric's blog is :kiwinoy.blogspot.com!

The Dec. 2 affair was a virtual family reunion of the Castillos and the Dolors. My nephews and nieces were able to re-acquiant themselves with their cousins. I also had the change to re-bond with our cousins. they were very, very happy! Even my estranged sister-in-law, Cena, was reconciled with Inay and Ate Coring, and with everybody! This was her first time to set foot in the house after the falling out with Inay and company. This, for me, is one of the greatest gift that God gave me - and the family - during this silver jubilee of my priesthood. It was really a time of grace!

Dec. 4, A special day for me!

2006-12-05T22:08:00.000+08:00

That's me with Fr. Edd Pagcaliuangan assisting me at my thanksgiving Mass at the Sentrum of De La Salle Lipa last Dec. 4, Monday. The occasion was my Silver Sacerdotal Jubilee. Actually, I was ordained priest in Bauan Parish church on Dec. 2, 1981; however, since this year's Dec. 2 fell on a Saturday (a busy day for parish priests and beside the Brothers are in their District Retreat), I settled for Dec. 4 which was a Monday. Of course, not all of the diocesan priests could come, but majority of them did.

The Archbishop, Most Rev. Ramon Arguelles, was there and gave a very long homily, almost a lecture on the theology of the Eucharist, centering on the theme I chose for my celebration: Blessed, Broken and Shared!

The people who mattered to me most were there. Of course, my own family led by my still beautiful and strong 85-year-old mother was there. Also present were my sisters Ate Coring, Ermie and Mayet with her hubby Boss Didi, my brothers Danny and Fr. Lou who was among the concelbrants in the Eucharist. My nephews George, Lonlon and CJ, my nieces May and Camille. George and Lonlon did the reading, while May did the prayers of the faithful. I will write a separate posting about my family's celebration of my silver jubilee at home during that Saturday. That in itself is another story!

My godfather, Monsignor Elias Poblete, travelled from his retirement in Pansol, Calamba to narrate how I got to be his godson. Again that is a story by itself. Fr. Jim Reuter, S.J., my mentor in Social communication and my idol and my spiritual father, gave a beautiful piece that only he could give. However, the people at the back complained they could not hear this over-ninety year old Jesuit communicator. Fr. Ernie Garcia, C.Ss.R., spoke on behalf of the Redemptorists -- present and past (as in the Juvenate in Antipolo). Msgr. Fred Madlangbayan, my long time boss at the Commission on Social Communication, finally declared in public that it was me who was mainly responsible for what the media in the Archdiocese is. He recounted how we struggled, especially during the Martial Law days to keep this afloat. He professed his innocence and pointed to me at what people thought was a self-serving name of DWAM (Daily Work of Alfredo Madlangbayan).

UST was also there. I requested the Psalterion choir to remind the people of the original language of the Church and the beauty of the Gregorian chant -- they sang in Latin (with one Responsorial psalm in Tagalog and two English songs for Communion). They were accompanied to Lipa by their yet-to-be-installed rector, Fr. Gerard Timoner, O.P. Sem. Noel Abalajon, our seminarian-coordinator to UST Alumni Priests Association (ALPA), was also there as with the other coordinators. Of the Board Members of ALPA, it was only Fr. Rene Vigilia of Cabanatuan who travelled to Lipa to concelebrate.

My colleagues in the local media, headed by our Dyaryo Veritas editor-in-chief, Joenald Rayos, who is also Batangas Press Club head, were among the crowd of around one thousand during the Mass. However, most of my basketball friends were not able to make it due to their practices. Bingky Favis called me early in the morning saying they could not re-schedule their morning practice to the afternoon as the venue has been reserved. He said he needed his assistant Eric Gonzales in the practice. Eddie Laure, now of Alaska, called up citing the same reason. Even Charlie Dy begged to be excused. Chino Trinidad called to say he was just given an assignment (to interview Boom Boom's family for GMA) and so he could not make it to Lasalipa. However, Coach Francis Rodriguez with his wife came. I introduced him to Br. Dodo Fernandez, president of Benilde, as Francis was applying to be head coach of the men's varsity team of that school. The big bosses of the Basketball Coaches of the Philippines Association (BCAP) -- President Chito Narvasa and Secretary-General Cayetano "Tanny" Gonzales -- announced my appointment as BCAP's Coordinator for Batangas Province. My appointment takes effect immediately till December 30, 2007. I am being tasked to organize the coaches in this province.

They were there -- the people whom I became friends because I ministered to them and their communities: my Hilltop family, led by the Mendoza sisters, of the Mission Area VI of Batangas City; my DWAM family, my Sunday TV Mass family, my ex-Juvenist family, my Ulat Batangan Family, and other individuals whom I had been associated with for one reason or another: former students at SBC High School, former students at St. Theresa's Academy, former teachers in elementary and college, and present co-workers at De La Salle Lipa.

The star-for-all-seasons, my friend, Mayor Vilma Santos-Recto, who had already asked to be excused because she had to preside over a meeting of her department heads to assess the damaged done by thypoon Reming during the week-end. But in the middle of Archbishop's Arguelles, she walked in. I had her called up to say something to the congregation. After the Mass, they had a heyday taking pictures of and with her. Happy na si Mother!

Of course, the biggest surprise and the greatest gift I recieved that day is the conferment of the Deed of Benefaction to me by the Brothers of the Christian Schools (FSC) in the Philippines. Br. Dodo Fernandez, FSC, Visitor, spoke on behalf of the Brothers; Br. Mawel read the original citation in French with Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC, translating it to English! I shed a tear when Br. Dodo whispered to me that this was mainly Br. Rafael "Rafe" Donato, FSC, who had this materialized. I cried at the thought of him passing away weeks after he celebrated his golden jubilee as religious (Oct. 16) and turned 69 (Oct. 12). It was Br. Rafe who personally asked Archbishop (now Cardinal) Dency for me to be the resident chaplain of the Brothers and the school here at Lipa. Indeed, he became my best friend, confidant, and older brother. I was his confessor!

I am 55 years old: 40 years as coach, 33 years as teacher, 37 as media person, and 25 years as priest. and let me be clear about this. I am a priest who is a coach, teacher, media person at the same time. I don't think it is right to take those from me and say that I am just a priest period. My being coach, teacher, media person is integral to my being priest. BELIEVE IT ... or DON'T!!!

National Pilgrimage

2006-09-14T15:07:00.000+08:00

September 12 is a red letter day for the Archdiocese of Lipa. All roads lead to Carmel, the site of the famous "shower of roses" during the late 40s, as Lipa hosted the Third National Pilgrimage for Peace, Reparation and Consecration. More than eight thousand pilgrims from all over the country -- delegations from Davao, Ilocos, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, Quezon, Marinduque, and of course, host province Batangas -- flocked to Carmel to listen to the conferences and then attend the Mass in the afternoon.

The above photo shows our interview with Sec. Cerge Remonde, a former KBP president with whom I was acquianted even during the martial law days as an actgive media person. Cerge hails from Cebu City. Fr. Ilde Dimaano has his baptism of fire in covering an outdoor activity like this. This is his first since he took reins of the FM radio of the Archdiocese. We were able to interview Ms. Tintin Versola Babao of ABS-CBN, who was also there as a devotee.

(These photos are courtesy of Bing Recio!)

Emceeing for Fr. JQ

2006-09-04T21:46:00.000+08:00

This was a photo taken when I emceed Fr. Jun's fund-raising concert at the cathedral. He'd be holding another one when he celebrates his ordination anniversary sometime this October. He asked me to again emcee the show. Of course, I'll do anything to help!

This is me and Fr. Hermogenes Quiambao a.k.a. Fr. Jun or Fr. JQ. (Fr. Jun and I are both godsons of Msgr. Elias Poblete, now a retired priest in Pansol, Calamba. Our ninong just celebrated his 65th sacerdotal anniversary this year at San Pablo Cathedral.) We are shown here comparing notes during our SOLTARE II in Queen Margaret Hotel in Lucena City. He is so excited to learn how to use his top-of-the-line mobile phone. I showed him some of its features -- as if I was an expert. The truth of the matter is that I still consult people like Fr. Ilde to teach me how to manipulate my own Treo 650 he he he.

SOLTARE II

2006-09-04T21:24:00.000+08:00

Last August 21-25, the Bishops and priests of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lipa (Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque and the Island of Mindoro) gathered at Lucena City for the Second Southern Luzon Tagalog Region Priests' Retreat and Congress. Stewardship is the main theme of the retreat. For the first time, we had a teleconference with a priest-speaker. Fr. Andrew Kimberely could not make it so from his St. Thomas More Parish at the Archdiocese of Denver, he talked to us for more than an hour. The power of modern technology at the service of the Gospel!
The two top prelates of the country, former Metropolitans of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lipa, were there: His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales of Manila, and His eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal of Cebu. There were around 320 Arch/bishops, priests and deacons who participated in this one-week retreat-congress in Lucena City.
Here are some pictures taken from that almost a week affair!

See if you can identify priests or bishops you know. If you want some updates on them, just post your requests in this blog. I am willing to provide you updates on your priest-friends, including tsimis (joke only).

Please pray for us, priests, so that we may not only be faithful but also holy priests. Pray that the apostolic zeal may continue to breath its consuming fire in this region of the country. Pray for more vocations to the priesthood -- and to the religious life as well. Pray that these servant-leaders may have the compassion of Christ, the High Priest. We need your prayers as we are also vessels of clay!

More Photos of My Sydney Vacation

2006-06-25T07:38:00.000+08:00

I was able to concelebrate with His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell of Sydney. He introduced me to the Sunday congregation. I read the Gospel and and old Aussie lady came to me later to say "you sound like a television announcer!" If only she knew! later, the Filipino community present came up and greeted me. This was taken at Blue Mountain, their version of "Tatlong Maria". It was wet and foggy when we visited the place. From there we proceeded to Jenolan Caves. This was taken by Didi.
We really enjoyed our walk at the park beneath Harbor Bridge, which is just a stone throw from Ricky's (Mayet's brother-in-law) flat. This was taken by Didi of Mayet and me with the Sydney Opera House at the background. Later, taking a walk at the bridge, we visited that famous landmark.
Inside the flat. This was taken shortly before we went out. As it was winter, it was very cold, even inside the house. We went out at daytime and come back late in the evening. Didi and Mayet would still go to Ricky's restaurant to fetch Dra. Lulu (who aside from studying Oriental Maedicine acts as Ricky's assistant in the restaurant).

Why the Long Hair and Beard

2006-05-27T21:29:00.000+08:00

The "vow" not to shave and not to have my haircut started as a political statement during the Marcosian days. Aside from vowing not to write for any paper (remember I was editor of Peoples' Courier and WPC's Westernian Advocate when ML descended quite unexpectedly, I decided to sport long-hair and beard during the duration of Lent.
However, I must admit that even as a kid, I hate haircut! Then the Beatles influenced me a lot during my adolescent years. I recall one incident that my father would offer me a bottle of orange if only to convince me to have a haircut. He was my barber. I shiver at the contact of that pair of scissors on my head. Of course, my father would have his way.

When I was in college, after graduating from the dreaded ROTC course, I had my long hair. However, during those days that we did not hear of "straightening" or "rebonding" or "relax", I hated my long hair curling. When I was at UST Central Seminary, my gosh, that's where I had my heyday with long hair.

When I went on vacation to Sydney, as it was winter, I had my hair long. In fact, I was "inspired" to see many clerics in Australia with long hair and beard. The Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney, His Eminence George Cardinal Pell, did not object to my long hair and beard when I concelebrated with him at St. Mary's Cathedral.

But know what? the longest hair I sported was during this year 2006. I really had it long for our R&R (Re-union and Re-juvenation) last February 17-19 and then Lent came.

And know what also? I take note of the cost of razor blades that would been bought had I shaved for the time of Lent. Why? That amount I would make as my "Alay Kapwa" share... since 1975. So from a political statement, it has evolved into a (folk) religious practice for me.

More photos

2006-05-27T21:17:00.000+08:00

Inay, Ate Coring, Ermie, Mayet and Didi (Mayet's hubby)

My Inay at 84 years old still strong and beautiful!

Fellow ex-Juvenists attending Fr. Ernie's Silver Jubilee last May 16, 2006

One of my many Faces!

2006-05-26T16:04:00.000+08:00

My RED Family

2006-02-20T17:00:00.000+08:00

Last February 17 - 19, I was re-united with and was re-juvenated by my RED family. RED, of course, is the Redemptorist Juvenate (Minor Seminary). After more than 40 years or so, we (at least close to sixty) finally met and re-lived the good old days at the hills of Antipolo, Rizal. It was really a trip in memory lane... and what a journey it was: nostalgic, touching and poignant!

We were among the first batch of First Year Latinists when Our Mother of Perpetual Help opened in June 1963. Among my classmates who showed up for this R & R were Chito Desuasido and Melchor Cruz (who just came here for the R & R as both are based now in the USA), Rodolfo Racoma (Rocky as we call him, who came late Saturday) and Capuchin priest and whom we just discovered weeks before the R & R, Fr. Dominic Abella, OFM Cap.. Anyway, some guys from the Special Latin class who eventually joined us in the Fifth Year were also there: Angelo Baybay (who was with me during the Novitiate days) and Stanley Lee (who is now a permanent deacon, working with the poor of Camarines. Among our seniors who showed up were Joe Vergara (who was the most senior, as he entered the Juvenate in baclaran way back 1961. Joe is now based in Melbourne, and has 10 kids, and is also a grandfather. Prolific!), Rey Culaba (now a Redemptorist based at the Formation House in Quezon City), Constantino Cruz (who's a retired US Army but has chosen to settle here), Augusto Evangelista (who has converted to Islam). Also my seniors were Oscar Tence (based now in the USA), Joselito Palapal (still the quiet one), Fr. Ernie Garcia (who is presently rector of Lipa -- that made our R&R easier to host), JOe de Mesa (yes, the lay theologian), Dodo Elefano (who was just widowed two weeks before this R&R, and Fr. Manny Thomas (who is now with Redemptorists of the Province of Cebu).

The rest of the REDs who came were my juniors: Bernie Justimbaste (now with DST), Jose Padilla (AVP of Insular Life), Robert Castro (fertilizer and insecticide magnate), Roberto Demegillo (now a lawyer but still his humble and simple self), Jack Dumaup (one of my favorite basketball players when I was coaching the midgets), Errol Collado (again, one of my favorites), Rouan Opeda (wow, he's got a Ford Expedition), Dr. Jorge Emmanuel (now a brillinat scientist and works for the UN-WHO, which means he travels a lot. He is BRILLIANT!), Anthony "Tom" Borja (now based in Canada), Gerry Luistro (kababayan from Lipa City), and Emmanuel "Basing" Basabas.

Those remaining were the REDs who entered the Juvenate when we were novices already or when we were no longer novices. The Juvenate in Antipolo started in 1963 and was phased out in 1975. After that it became the College, then Mission house, then was temporarily abandoned and then finally sold out in 1993(?). Now it is an exclusive subdivision.

Who could not be impressed with Ted James Mendoza? He was the one whom I left to coordinate all these things. Indeed he was the event manager: hosting, etc. He even came up with a Souvenir book, took care of the program, took a video of what was formerly our HOME (there was an eerie silence when the video was being shown. Did I see people misty-eyed afterwards?). DO-IT-ALL GUY! This is TJ. His sidekick (one who took care of the registration, running after those who forgot to pay, distributing the kits, the T-shirts) was balikbayan Edwin Guevarra!

We have to thank Tito Alcala for the ID with our pictures from way-back-when! The irrepressible Atty. Vic Verdadero, the silent, impish but very principled military Pompeo Limbo, the serious Tony Luistro, chubby Ching Uy(?), the silent Ricky Gonzales, The Katigbak cousins (Fr. Pete, Jing of the Hampas Lupa group and Elmo, who provided us with pan de sal and kalihim), the late (very much alive; he arrived Saturday) Resti Reyes, the ever dancing Henry Natundan (who was the sound master during the evening programs). I hope I did not miss any of these very much juniors to me.

Of our formators we had Fr. Regs Ahearn, who flew all the way from Sydney; Fr. Ron Murray (who is still very much around and part of the formation team), and Mr. Clemente Bautista (who was with us since 1963 till it was phased out, as a Pilipino teacher. I learnt later on he also taught Spanish.) We paid tribute to them.

This is one re-union that I would not exchange for anything. I hope we can come up with another one with a bigger attendance-- or probably much longer time spent together.

Surprise, Surprise

2006-02-04T09:08:00.000+08:00

I got the surprise of all surprises when I opened my blog and found this comment from Eric Cristal y Castillo. I remember this young teener during my stay at UST Central Seminary, when once in a while I would drop by their Sampaloc residence. I had lost contact with them ever since they migrated to the States.
Eric's mother Tessie is my first cousin. Tessie's father and my mother are siblings. Tio Abling (Pablo) was the only boy among my mother's six other siblings. We are the closest cousins, i.e., Tio Abling's children and we, my mother's offsprings. In fact, even though it was my Ate Coring and Tessie who were of the same age, it was Tessie and I who hit it off quiet well as we shared some common passion -- dancing and music! It was Tessie who taught me how to rock and roll, dance the boogie. It was Ermie and Marison, Danny and Ferdinand who were not only of the same age, but were quiet close. Of course, the "manong" of San Roque, Arthur was always around during occasions at our house. The younger ones like Junjun, Fatima, Abet and the rest of their brood would come and visit Inay when they happen to go to San Roque.
Tio Abling was a veteran of the Phil. Scouts. I recalled those days -- I was a kid of about three or four -- when he would show me off to his companions (barkadas). Even if I was already asleep, he would wake me up and make me stand on their drinking table. He would bark his commands: 'tenshun! (Attention!) I would then stand in attention even if I was hardly awake. then the next order, hand salute, or march time march 1-2, 1-2, etc. Of course, like a machine I would execute the commands to the delight of Tio abling and his visitors but to the consternation of my mother and Inang (grandmother).
When he got widowed, I was one of those who persuaded him to marry Tita Herminia, instead of just having her as his mere companion. We had a simple but very meaningful wedding at our barrio chapel. Tita Herminia took good care of Tio Abling till his last breath.
Back to Tessie and her kids. Ryan was my inaanak. I don't even remember the last time they were at San Roque. However, I think he was already a chubby teen-ager when they left for the States. I am looking forward to see Eric when he comes to visit the Philippines. I did not even know that he was in New Zealand.
To Eric, make good you're stay. I am glad that you have grown to be a good family man. Ipakilala mo ako sa iyong asawa at mga anak. I am still learning how to post pictures in my blog so that you could see how pogi your Tito is, even at 55 ... Beatles pa rin, kasi Beatles forever tayo!

2006-01-26T11:39:00.000+08:00

Fr. Lou

PRIESTLY CASTE?

Consider this: We are two priests in the family. Fr. Romulo “Lou” Dolor is my brother. He is presently assigned as pastor at San Isidro Labrador Parish at San Isidro, Batangas City. But my relatives abound in the ranks of Lipa Clergy. Fr. Juan Nepomuceno D. Fruto is my nephew. His mother is my second cousin. The D in his middle initial stands for “Dolor”. His maternal grandfather was a former seminarian – already in Theology, I believe. In Fr. Nepo’s family, another brother entered the SFS Minor. Among his first cousins (my nephews), the Medranos: Monching, Tadeo, Jojo and Double were former seminarians. Another of Fr. Nepo’s first cousin – Ariel Mercado – also finished at SFS Minor.
If you think, I am through with that list, you’re dead wrong. Fr. Conrado Castillo is a relative on my mother’s side, who is a Castillo. That is why many priests are curious if I am also related to Fr. Eyong C. Ramos, whose “C” also stands for Castillo. But I can’t quite establish the relations even after much research from my old folks – as San Roque and Inicbulan are really neighbors (if we use the backdoor and the short-cut trails). But I am digressing! Fr. Dado and I call each other “pinsan”.

Fr. Daks
One of the newly-ordained priests, Fr. Dakila Ramos – who graduated from the Minor Seminary during my short stint as its rector, one of the unfortunate ones he he he – has discovered from his sleuthing that we are related. I have known this for quite sometime already, although I did not tell him at that time. His mother’s grandmother is very closely related to my mother’s family. Fr. Daks’ mother comes from Talaga, Mabini where the Castillos are a dime a dozen.
That’s the Castillo side of the story. Let’s go back to the Dolor side, as it is this clan that produced a lot of would-have-been priests but the Lord’s call to be “in the world” dawned on them to be their calling.
The Dimalibot Brothers – Dodi and Rado – are my nephews in the same vein as Fr. Nepo. Their mother, Ate Nene Dolor, is my second cousin. Our fathers were first cousins. In fact, the relations were so close: my father’s godfather in baptism was the grandfather (Ate Nene’s father) of Dodi and Rado.
Another set of brothers (SFS Minor has a lot of these brothers and cousins entering its venerable gates) August and Claudio de Joya are also my relatives. Their maternal grandmother (our Kakang Maria Contreras) and my father are first cousins. I leave it to you to decide our close relationship, so close that even now, August lives just adjacent to our house in San Roque; so close that Claudie asked me to stand as one of his wedding sponsors when he got married in Davao City, with his classmates Fr. Mike Samaniego and Fr. Glen Cantos officiating at the wedding. Of couse, it was Fr. Totit, Fr. Eyong, his classmate Fr. Ilde, and I who concelebrated when August finally decided to settle down! Incidentally, I also stood as wedding sponsor or “ninong” to Double Medrano when he got hitched in St. Philip Neri Church in Mandaluyong City.
Let’s talk about relation by marriages.

Well, Fr. Jing Buensalida’s auntie married my uncle, the brother of my father! And once upon a time, both Fr. Jing and I used to visit the same seminarian at SFS Minor: Manuel B. Dolor -- his nephew (son of her sister) and also my nephew (son of my second cousin).

My second cousin (on my mother's side), who happens to be my baptismal godfather, married a Lopez, who had two of her nephews as former seminarians also. Their names: Louie and Larry Lopez. You see, I have not run out of relatives, he he he! #

My Family

2006-01-24T08:22:00.000+08:00

I was born to a couple named Genaro T. Dolor and Juana Castillo, of lower middle class. My father comes from a fishing and farming village of San Andres, Bauan, Batangas. My mother came from San Roque of the same municipality. It was from my father that we all took our love and dedication to education.
It was from my mother that we took our determination and love for household chores. It was indeed a very good combination. My father was honed in ecclesiastical chores, having been a household help/sacristan major/a jack-of-all-trades to some of his relatives who were priests. My mother comes from a very religious family.

We were eight siblings. However, the seventh died at the age of 3, of leukemia! Jim was born when I was at the Juvenate. He died when I was a Novice in the Redemptorists. Ate Coring is our eldest.
I came in second -- the oldest among the five boys, and by Filipino culture the "heir" to my father's patriarchal role in the family! After me came Ermie, then Danny, El, and Fr. Lou. Jim was in between him and Mayet, our youngest.
My father died on October 24, 1975. Of him, I will write later and much more! That left me, Ate Coring and Inay to fend for the others who at that time were not yet through with their formal education. It was providence that kept the boys and Mayet in school. Ermie finished in about a year and was soon employed as teacher at St. Bridget's where she is now the College registrar. It could be said that we were never been in want since Tatay's death and my eventual (re)entry to the Seminary. By the grace of God, Danny and El got through with their studies and landing on decent employments. Then Lou decided to leave his engineering course to enter the seminary. How we financed his priestly formation, that itself is another story.
All the girls are now married. Ate Coring has two girls; Ermie has three boys; Danny has a boy (out of wedlock but not necessarily without love); El has a boy and a girl. It is only Mayet who did not have her children -- however, she is mother and provider to our nieces and nephews that keep her company.

We still gather for a family get-together at least once a month. Together with Inay, we go out to eat, to take a sight-seeing tour, or simply to gather at the house to have informal programs and prayers. This is what that saying goes "the family that prays together stays together!" We are not materially rich; it is our sense of family that is our treasure!
I love my family!

My High School Days!

2006-01-24T08:06:00.000+08:00

MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS!

I spent my high school at the seminary of the Redemptorists -- Our Mother of Perpetual Help Juvenate -- at the boondocks of Antipolo, Rizal. this was during the 60s. I was barely 12 years old when I was admitted to the seminary. Fr. Edmund Ryan, a Redemptorist priest at Lipa City, recruited me from Bauan Central School. It turned out that they were opening the seminary at that year in Antipolo. I belong to the first batch of seminarians in the newly constructed building that became a landmark till it was demolished several years ago.
I was at Antipolo from 1963 to 1968. This is my most memorable years in my life -- years that left an indelible imprint in me. Up to now, I always go back to those fruitful formative years I spent in the hidden yet breath-taking place we called home away from home.
How can I forget Fr. Reginald Ahearn, from whom I got my British accent. It was also he who got me as his working assistant since my first year up to the day I left for good. I was his side-kick at the little store we had. I was his helper in caring for the sick Juvenist. Of course, I may not have been his most favored but definitely I was his Friday man during those days, having free access to his room, to clean up, to get the things needed in the store, to get medicines for a Juvenist in bed. How I adored the man! I even imitated his writing!
A special friendship I developed with Fr. Owen Ryan. He was something else. Fr. Ryan was our Latin professor. In Little time, Latin became my favorite subject. I even got a flat 99 in Latin so much so that I was the first medalist for Latin among the first year students. Fr. Ryan was also our basketball coach. it was he who encouraged me to learn how to coached. He put me in charge of the midgets when I met that tragic accident which dislocated my hips and frustrated me to no end. To compensate my loss in the Varsity, Fr. Ryan made me a coach.
Moreover, Fr. Owen became a family friend. Every summer vacation, he would spend at least a week in our place at San Roque. He would sleep over, bring me to LIpa monastery, and together we would go on "vocation campaign". One of the products of this sortee was Doroteo Manalo from Calaca. I was already in 4th year when we recruited Dort or Doro as he was then known in the Juvenate. Fr. Owen and I also visited Quezon, my first province outside Batangas (and Rizal) to really explore! So close were we that around the 70s, when Fr. Owen was provincial (stationed in Australia), he paid me a visit in Batangas City (where I was already managing the Church's radio station).
I will write about my co-Juvenists later.
Let me end my account by saying that before the 80s, our Juvenate was phased out. The building became first a formation house for brothers and college seminarians. Then it served as mission house until finally, the Redemptorists sold it to interested business firm, Moldex -- I am not too sure about who really bought it! However, it was only in 2004 that I saw for myself that the buidling which became home to many of us, the building which became a landmark at Sumulong Highway, was no longer there to give way to a subdivision. How I discovered that and how I felt when I found this out is again another story.#

About the Owner

2006-01-23T23:23:00.000+08:00

I am Fr. Leonido C. Dolor a.k.a. Fr Nonie D., a priest of the Archdiocese of Lipa. Aside from being an ordained Catholic priest, I am also a practicing media person -- broadcast and print -- since 1969; and a classroom teacher since 1973. I was ordained to the priesthood last December 2, 1981 by the late Archbishop Mariano Gaviola, D.D.
Together with now-Monsignor Alfredo Madlangbayan, I pioneered the Church's radio station in Batangas City -- DWAM 1080 Khz. on Am Band -- in 1972. Unfortunately, this AM station went off the air permanently in 2002. However, with Fr. Miguel Samaniego as my assistant, we were able to put up an FM station, now know as "Spirit 99.1 FM", in 1999. I left the administration and management of this -- and the whole of Social Communications -- to Fr. Mike in the following year, 2000.
I concentrated on my chaplaincy at De La Salle Lipa, to which I was assigned by Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, D.D. in the year 1996, after serving as Rector of the St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary during the school year 1995-1996.
I still work as an announcer-disc jockjey at the Church's FM radio every Sunday, 12:00nn-3:00pm. At 4:00pm on the same day, I go on Cable TV in Batangas City for the SUNDAY TV MASS, (most of the time I am the Mass celebrant; at times I handle camera work -- as I am the director of this cable event. I write for Dyaryo Veritas weekly. My column there is entitled "Seriously Speaking". Prior to that, I was with BATANGAN, writing for that weekly newspaper for about four straight years, gratis et amore. In 2004, I was invited to write a weekly column for THE MANILA TIMES.
June of last year (2005), I was asked to help ULAT BATANGAN. Now, this paper is thriving as the Archdiocesan newspaper, which comes out monthly.