Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

“Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: With great power comes great responsibility.” Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spiderman

A festive celebration of the living and the dead

The joyful celebration of November 1 is a unique spectacle of our Filipino culture. The gathering of families and relatives was a more joyful and festive occasion around the tombs, a fiesta-like atmosphere. Definitely this is a tradition that we Filipinos working abroad miss during November.

The gathering of families and relatives is a unique Filipino tradition where we meet "long lost kin", where the renewal and continuing bond is extended with the beloved dead relatives. Indeed, November 1 is a celebration of both the dead and the living.

During this joyful celebration, it is noteworthy to observe that the general atmosphere in the cemetery was a picnic-event. Food plays an important role during the observance of Todos Los Santos as families bring baskets of various foods which include rice and viand in colored plastic containers not only for their own consumption but literally shares a portion of each food prepared exclusively to the departed in small altars in their homes before proceeding to the cemetery.

To some this sounds funny but Filipinos believe that the joyful celebration which include foods must be shared with the departed which reminds me of the stories of Jesus' Resurrection when Christ appears to his disbelieving apostles who are gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, He asks

“Have you anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:31)"

And they give Him a piece of baked fish, which He eats before them. Another passage from the bible illustrates that Christ appears to his disciples during Resurrection where He had breakfast of bread and fish at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:9-14).

Beyond praying for our beloved dead, we gather to renew family relationships with the living and assure ourselves and as well as the departed that they are not forgotten though we move on with our lives.

While November 1 was supposed Feast for the Saints and the following day, 2nd was the Day of the Dead, it has been a long tradition to celebrate both occasions on November 1. As we look celebrate both feasts, let us pray that may our departed family, relatives and friends will experience the fullness of God's kingdom and become saints as well.

And for all of us presently living, let us try to live a life of saints by responding to God's gift of grace through prayer, service and unity.

► Read The Pope's previous articles here.

OFW's Life Beyond Limits

OFWs around the world have a story to tell and if all their stories combined in one book, we will have a compilation nf 12 million unique stories from OFWs around the world, stories of familial love, pain and sacrifice, heroism and martyrdom.

Even before I become an OFW, I always admire the exceptional courage of Filipinos chasing their dreams in foreign lands - and I wonder how could these people withstand the chilling winter snow in USA, Canada and European countries and scourging desert heat of Middle East and Africa. And I even wonder if my kababayans' are gifted with a nerve of steel to withstand the pain of separation from their love ones, wife, children, mother, father and siblings. And I ask myself in a satire manner "sila ba ang bagong Superman".

On January 1992, along with other 40 OFWs we're heading to Doha, Qatar, a country which I have never heard of. I never knew that at this point in time I am about to unmasked the real lives of "Supermen".

We're housed in a "barracks" (military accommodation), I share a room with 5 Filipinos; four of them are ex-Phil. Air Force personnel. It was literraly a bare room with 6 beds without any dividers between beds.

It was a nightmare sharing rooms to people whom you never knew and it was totally difficult. By 10 pm, you could hear snores, sleep talkers and occasionally muffled cries or sobs. I admit, when homesickness strikes, I cry too and shed a lot of tears. I wonder if Superman cries too.

Fridays is our weekends, you'll be surprised to see that Catholic Church is filled with warm bodies of OFWs, the spiritual nourishment is important to a thirsty soul. After the mass service, OFWs swarmed the Pinoy supermarkets and malls, bowling alleys, tennis and basketball courts.

Internet is not known during the early 90's, even mobile phones has not reached the Middle East during that time. So we are armed with prepaid cards as we queue on public phone booths.

Each riyals saved is a riyal added to my monthly remittances. Our families back home never knew how much "pagtitipid we are doing abroad. Instant cup noodles, fried fish and adobong manok is our regular meals in the dining table. At end of each months, with hundreds OFW; we stand in line in Western Unions as we await our turn in sending our remittances to our families, hopeful that it will reached them on time. Though I knew that my money will reach my family in a day or two through bank channels I still make "kulit" to the teller by asking - "kelan matatanggap ito ng family ko?"

Love letters from my wife reaches me between 1 to 2 weeks and international calls which costs 5 riyals per minute, these 2 things keep me sane and connected with my family. I tried tennis for 2 years but I love running and that keeps me going until now.

Other OFWs tried to survive through alcoholism, infidelities and illegal gambling. Some find their way out and reformed while unsuccessful ones were trapped in the cycle of sins of their own making where few fail as they end up in jail, deported or terminated.

After 18 years, I learned that Filipino migrant workers are not men made of steel and they never possess special powers. They are Filipino citizens, ordinary men and women in brown skin, with bright eyes wearing sweet smiles, with faith and determination who sacrificed everything for the love of the family - and thus they are called OFW.

► Read Pope's previous articles here.

Jesus' last meal

I was informed that this month of September, Kablogs Journal theme edition is about foods, menus and recipe, and it strikes me to wonder what are the meals that Jesus has taken during His "Last Supper" aside from bread and wine.

I'd been staring at the famous Leonardo de Vinci's painting of the "Last Supper" and it makes me wonder what other foods did Christ and the apostles take during the Last Supper and if Da Vinci has made justice in interpreting the Holy Scriptures and the religious traditions in painting the Last Supper.


With Christ's as the center of Da Vinci's masterpiece sharing meal with His disciples, the table shows leavened bread - not flat but it was fluffy with yeast. Based on the picture, this is not the Passover meal , or the "Feast of the Unleavened Bread", a Jewish celebration on their released from slavery in Egypt wherein the Passover meal would have flat bread which represents simplicity and humility. In addition, there there is no sign of lamb in Da Vinci's picture which would traditionally have been eaten at the passover. Moreover, there is fish, citrus and salt in Da Vinci's painting. There are 12 glasses each containing red wine, a normal drink during meal.

I wonder if Da Vinci's work reflects the traditional foods served during Christ time which consist of "a large meal with cheese, wine, vegetables and fruits, and eggs. As for meat, fish was most common, followed by chicken or fowl." (Life of Jesus - First Century Context of Palestine (Israel).

But one thing for sure: Leonardo's Last Supper is an ideal pictorial representation of the most important event in the Christian doctrine of salvation - the institution of the Eucharist.

The meal shared by Jesus Christ and his disciples on the night before He was crucified was the occasion of His institution of the Eucharist, when He identified the broken bread with His body and the cup of wine with His blood of the new Covenant.

As it was written: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and break it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matthew 26 (KJV).

► Read The Pope's previous articles here.

OFWs’ Journey with God

Faith plays a significant role in the everyday life of a believer. And with my religious conviction, I cannot avoid to equate God's word in the lives of each OFW families.

As we celebrate PEBA 2010 with its theme, "Strengthening OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation", let’s be reminded of the enormous challenges and social costs of migration in the OFW families. Families who survive the storm are the ones anchored to the Rock of Ages for Christ is in the center of their familial relationship.

And to Christian families who plan to follow the path of our nations' Modern Heroes, here's my advice:

1. Migration should be considered as the last option for the family as an economic solution and make sure it is God's will.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1)

2. Couples should make a joint decision considering the enormous emotional cost brought by the separation of their family.

"The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Corinthians 7:1)

3. Make sure you are entering your host country with legal travel documents, proper working papers, and valid credentials.

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1)

4. Work hard, be frugal and budget your money wisely.

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

5. OFW families in the Philippines who receive the hard earned monthly remittances must learn to save and invest wisely for their future.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." (Proverbs 31:16)

6. Communication is the major key in shortening the distance between the OFWs and the family left behind and a tool in strengthening the family relationship.

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." (Proverbs 25:25)

7. Join OFW social organizations, association and Christian groups for social, professional and religious affiliation.

"And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought; for by their occupation they were tentmakers." (Acts 18:3)

8. Find the nearest church in your host country and you'll be surprised to discover that OFWs fill the pews of the churches abroad.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24)

In my two decades as an OFW, it impresses me to see global Filipinos in the midst of their arduous journey. They never fail to believe and trust God even in the most godless of situations. With God they find strength, hope and peace. Because our life is supposed to be a migratory journey on God's road.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)"

► Read The Pope's previous articles here.

In the Midst of the Storm

"And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew." (Matthew 7:25)

The stories of rain, water and storms always make my heart pound as our resilience and faith have been tested over the years, amidst the fury and havoc of storms that pass our country. Behind every storm are stories of fear, grief, survival, courage, self sacrifice and heroism that leave their mark in the heart of every Filipino. They find God in the middle of all this chaos.

As Filipinos, we are no strangers to storms; and as Christians, throughout the Bible – you’ll be amazed that at various occasions - God made His presence felt through rain, water and storms.

Who will forget the famous story and the valuable lessons of Noah and the Ark? The story is centered on Noah as God favored him for his obedience and righteousness and saved him, his family and a pair of every kind of animal from the Great Flood. At the end, God sent a dove as a sign of peace and a rainbow over the horizon as a new hope.

Remember the story of Jesus calming the storm? The disciples awaken Jesus from His sleep as they were in panic as windstorm threatens to fill the boat with water. They cry out, “Master, Master, we are perishing.” Jesus wakes up, rebukes the storm and chides the apostles - " 'Where is your faith?' he asked his disciples." (Luke 8:25a).

On these narratives, God wants us to understand that storms are expressions of His power and wisdom. In our journey in life with Christ, we encounter not only physical storms but storms of doubts and confusion, health problems, financial and job crisis, family and marriage problems. And during these uncertainties, we fail to realize that God is not interested in just calming the storms in our lives. Instead, He is interested on how we will grow, mature, learn and develop faith amidst the storms.

Without trials and sufferings, people become weak, conceited, arrogant and spiritually empty. There is no growth without adversities and sufferings, and there is no growth without storm.

A storm is God’s invitation for us to build a strong foundation of our life upon the Rock of Salvation - a deeper relationship in the exploration of faith, self-sacrifice and heroism in the midst of crisis. Let us experience, endure and learn to perfection the behavior of the storms, that may our faith grow and develop in our relationship with God and share our love so that others may live as we look forward for the dawning of the sun and the faith-blessed tomorrows.

"Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him." (Luke 8:25b)

► Read George's previous articles here.

Let us achieve the impossible

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 1:4)

Even if the much-awaited, rain-bearing nimbus clouds begin to assemble over the Philippine archipelago, children across the country are readying themselves for the start of the new scholastic year. Unfortunately for the overwhelming majority of the children, the prospect of starting or going back to school, is a time for fear and loathing.

While the public schooling system is nowhere near ready to provide education of decent quality to every child, majority of the parents are always in chaos during each year's school opening with the unabated ever-increasing cost of tuition and other education-related expenses.

How many times have you uttered the words "ang hirap magpa-aral ngayon"? Average income workers are facing a tougher time sending their children to school. It's the proverbial heavy cross which most parents lag for 14 years!

Clearly, children's education is every parents' priority, and all parents want to give their children the best education, not without a sacrifice.

My heart goes to parents who do extra work, particularly the mothers who are doing backbreaking jobs of being a labandera and plantsadora, turning night into day to earn additional income for their children's education.

My heart goes to those mothers who, in order to educate their children, embraced the uncertainties of being domestic helpers in the Middle East; enduring abuses from their employers, and suffering the agony of loneliness for being far from their own children.

Due to growing poverty, parents often face the huge dilemma between an empty stomach or an empty mind.

This I say: Don't give up from dreaming. Strive hard without letting go of your dreams, and don't let it drown in doubts. Be optimistic and have faith in the Lord for these children have a special place in His heart.

While we all recognize that education is the window of hope and a tool that will (or could) break the vicious cycle of poverty among families, current situations seemed to be defeating this purpose, i.e. poverty that makes education a painful struggle and an educational system that creates unemployable graduates.

In the end, we must take solace that if we do our very best to raise our children, and with the Lord in the center of our family lives, we can be assured that we will be raising kids who will bring us immeasurable joy. Let us achive the impossible and let us say to ourselves: "...sa tulong ng Maykapal, kahit mahirap magpa-aral, kakayanin natin ito para sa ating mga anak".

Lastly, if you and your family have been blessed by the Lord with a modest and comfortable life and a stable job, let us learn to share these blessings to your relatives or to unfortunate children who await educational assistance or scholarships. Help your "pamangkins" achieve their dreams to college, or give donations to social and religious organizations. Someday, these kids may become doctors or nurses, lawyers or perhaps teachers in your own community. Or maybe, they may become our country's next generation of heroes. Not impossible.

May your shared blessings bring a bright future to an innocent poor child, and in return may your blessing be more than you can count.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6).

► Read The Pope's previous column articles.

Filipino Fiesta of Faith

As an OFW, I'd been asked by people on "what I missed most from the Philippines?" And I always answer them, "it's the FIESTA", and with a smile I close my eyes and let my mind drift into the images of colorful banderitas, carrozas, marching bands and a surfeit of food.

A fiesta symbolizes our unique faith and identity as global Filipinos. OFWs across the world plan their holidays in conjunction with their town fiesta schedule or the Flores de Mayo festival.

Fiesta is a “cultural anchor,” helping us define our national character. Most of us, Filipino Migrant Workers, renew our identity and sense of belonging to a home and familial village during these occasions.

Town fiestas like the Santacruzan or Flores de Mayo are rich and colorful cultural events that represent not only the largely Catholic population of our country. They are also national traditional occasions that fill the hearts of every Filipino with new hope amid the economic uncertainties and political upheavals in our country. Beneath the innocent smile of each Filipino is a resilient spirit that enables us to weather the worst economic and social conditions - because hope is founded in our faith, in our religion and in our hearts.

However, fiesta has its own critics as many have noted the extravagance and lavishness in the celebration. At one time, Sen. Raul Manglapus tried to outlaw fiestas as "social evil", but as expectedly, the proposed legislation did not gather support from his colleagues in the Senate.

Some people really have a short memory of our national history. In 1986, it was a fiesta that brought down a dictatorship. During the People Power at ESDA, people arrived in groups representing not only political groups but also their parishes and their religious beliefs. Many carried religious images of the Santo Nino and Blessed Virgin Mary - there were no political speeches, no violence and no anger. The air was filled with prayers and joy - it was a festival of faith where everyone became a hero.

Resilient and optimistic in the face of adversity, the Filipinos are spontaneous and convivial in our celebration of life and thanksgiving for nature as best exemplified in town fiestas which provides a general venue for our Filipino culture, faith and expressions.

As we and our families look forward to the May festivities in our respective town and provinces, let us take the celebration as a two-pronged challenge. One, may we be united in our faith and race and remember that fiesta is celebration of the community, among the Family of God, the Church and for Filipino people; and two, let us observe the fiesta celebration with creativity and frugality (the best things in life need not be the costliest).

Happy Fiesta!

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (Psalm 105:1)

The tomb is empty

But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
(Matthew 28:5-6)

"The Tomb is Empty!!"

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!

Our long suffering as a nation has always been compared to the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The economic hardship was like a heavy cross which we carry around over our shoulders for a long time now. The worsening hunger and poverty that our nation is experiencing are grim reminders that the resurrection of our nation is nowhere in sight.

Hence, in our search for the Light, we leave our families behind crossing borders and establishing diasporic communities across the world as we have submitted our selves to voluntary exiles hoping to lay down the foundation of redemption for our families. Like Christ and his cross on Good Friday, we the OFWs are weighed by our own crosses (of burdens of solitude, loneliness and hopelessness). Like the apostles, we practically die every day with our daily trials and difficulties as we face the uncertainties of working in the foreign lands.

But Christ has broken through every boundary and taken down every wall to get into our lives; the empty tomb of our Lord invites us to fill our hearts with faith and hope. Easter’s dawn after Black Saturday inspires us not to lose hope in our quest to create a better quality life, not just for ourselves, but for our children and their children’s children.

As Christ has proven his redemptive power over sin and death, we - the Global Filipinos -- are struggling our best to contribute to our nation’s “resurrection”. A lot of work has to be done and Easter reminds us that there is no victory without sacrifice, no significant change without resolve and no redemption without faith.

And as we celebrate Easter, Kablogs is giving its first ever Easter gift to you and to the Global Filipinos the first unique online magazine - The Kablogs Journal. The journal breaks ground and takes new roots in the main media stream of blogging dedicated to the 10 million OFWs whose faith, talents and skills have crossed borders. This journal is dedicated to all of them -- us! -- who have taken the challenge of making a difference in bringing new hope to our families and to our nation.

The Kablogs Journal’s maiden issue promises new beginnings as it brings inspirational articles, OFW news and information, literary arts, videos and photos written by its bright and thought provoking columnists and contributing OFW writers for the Global Filipino readers. As an invited columnist, I am delighted to write series of articles about the Global Filipinos, its mission and its faith; and I invite you too to join me and together let’s explore God’s miracles beyond borders in my regular column entitled “A Journey In Faith”.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

'The Pope' is a Doha-based blogger behind Palipasan: Aliwan ng Pagal na Kaisipan, a chronicle of his life thoughts and opinion. The Pope is an aircraft statistician and a seasoned overseas worker with over two decades of career experience in the aviation industry.