Because of my father’s condition, staying in the hospital for almost a month, my sister decided to ask the opinion of a faith healer. My mother and I went to our relative who is also a faith healer. And she said, my father disturbed some spirits in the fish pond where he worked before the incident. They (the spirits) followed him (my father) after his work until his body gave up, and that was the time that he sends himself to the hospital. According to the healer, we will offer something to the spirits and to ask their mercy not to punish my father. So she (the faithhealer) gave the necessary things that we have to prepare for the offering.
On April 3, 2010, after we completed the necessities, we called the faithhealer and scheduled the ceremony. Around 5 pm, together with the faithhealer’s group, we were in my sister’s lot where they will do the ceremony. They prepared the food for the spirits. After the preparation, they started the ceremony, we did do nothing but to observe because it’s my first time to witness such activity. The healer warned us to be brave because there might be something unusual to happen. While the healer is praying, my brother felt that someone passed by in his front and according to him, it smells like a tobacco (according to the healer, there was a big man in a tree smoking with a tobacco). After the prayer, the healer invited the spirits to “eat” our offerings. But “they” did not came due to some “reason”. The healer made bargaining with “them”. “They” even ask for additional offering in which the healer asked that such additional offering be given before our sister built their house. Some of “them” did not gave importance our offering, while some of “them” came. One of “them” even tapped the shoulder of my brother just like saying “excuse me”.
After the ceremony, the healer placed the offerings in the different spots. They also lighted a candle and placed beside the foods. Then, the healer told us what to do with the foods that were offered.
So, we did….. hoping for the immediate recovery of our father.
Now, while I’m writing this post, he’s already at home, still on his recovery…
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dance with my Father....
March 10, 2010 around 7:30 in the evening while taking rest after our dinner when the cellphone of my wife beeped. I ignored the phone coz all I thought it’s just an ordinary message. After a while, when I saw the cellphone, there was something called my attention that I had to open it, so I did. And I read the message from my brother informing me that our father was stroked. And no other details about the incident.
I tried to call my mother several times until she answered my call but passed to Kevin, our youngest brother. And he told me…”he was sent to the ICU” then told me what happened although most of the information during that period were hearsays.
So I rushed to our bedroom and prepared my things and traveled to my hometown to visit and to nurse our father. On my way home, I was so bothered. I even don’t know what to do. Sometimes, I can’t help myself to imagine some negative scenarios. Until I thought of Ma’am Aida’s sister, Sister Marissa, a Carmelite nun. So I texted her to ask Sister Marissa a prayer for my father. And she replied which helped me to be strong during that moment.
When I’m near to my destination, I texted Kevin to fetch me at the city hall. But, unluckily, the bus did not pass to the city proper so I just went down at the nearest place. Instead of waiting for Kevin, I walked through the Burgos Street going to St. James Hospital hoping that Kevin is on his way to fetch me. Unconsciously, I was already in the hospital. My father’s friends were there and so with my brothers and their friends. My cousin was inside the ICU talking with the doctors. Due to confusion, I heard that according to the specialist that, our father has on 20% to survive since he suffered from a Brainstem hemorrage, wherein they can’t do surgical operations because its quite dangerous. They just give him some medications with the prayer as their weapon. They also said that there are two possibilities, one is death and the other one is being a “vegetable”. So we had to wait on what will happen…..
Because of what happened, everybody were shocked. Everytime my sister calls, she can’t help but cry. My mother, who is fighting for her feelings, who don’t want to show her weakness can’t also help but cry everytime my sister call.
March 11, 2010 morning. On our way home, I told my mother to anoint him. She asked me, “what did you say?’ I felt that she don’t what to think on the negative possibilities, so, I never replied.
When we went back to the hospital, I went directly inside the room. The nurses were busy checking his condition, when another nurse came in and said, “the priest will be anointing him anytime this day” so I said yes although there was a doubt in my mind. When I went out, there was my aunt and uncle and asked me some updates. I told them that he will be anointed, then my tears came out…
The doctor of his lungs visited him and when he came out, he told us they lessen the supply of oxygen from the machine because he can breath a little even in a comatose condition. When the Neurologist came out, he told us that he saw a little improvement and said. “Don’t give up, Don’t give him up…”
In the afternoon, everybody who visited him noticed some improvements. Somebody observed that he can hear and responded on their call. He moved his head to answer. He can even move his arms especially the left arm.
Everytime I enter to his room, I always talked to him, touch his arms telling him that his child is beside him. I always told him to get well soon because his grandsons are waiting for him. Sometimes, I don’t want to talk because I can’t help my feeling.
March 14, 2010. I together with my family visited my father. Then later, Glenn, one of my brothers, came with his family. The neurologist told us that the condition of our father is already beyond their expectations. They didn’t expect that he can move his arms and legs and responds to some calls immideately. After our conversation, I asked the doctor if we can get our children inside to see their grandfather. At first, the doctor was hesitant due to the hospital policy regarding the entry of children 13 years old and below inside the ICU. But later, maybe he realized that it could help to the recovery of the patient, so allowed us but just for a minute.. when the children entered the room and told him that his grandsons were there, you see the excitement on his face. He even moved his body!
Now, were are still waiting and praying. Hoping that he will do better in the next few days. So that, he will be with us again…..
I tried to call my mother several times until she answered my call but passed to Kevin, our youngest brother. And he told me…”he was sent to the ICU” then told me what happened although most of the information during that period were hearsays.
So I rushed to our bedroom and prepared my things and traveled to my hometown to visit and to nurse our father. On my way home, I was so bothered. I even don’t know what to do. Sometimes, I can’t help myself to imagine some negative scenarios. Until I thought of Ma’am Aida’s sister, Sister Marissa, a Carmelite nun. So I texted her to ask Sister Marissa a prayer for my father. And she replied which helped me to be strong during that moment.
When I’m near to my destination, I texted Kevin to fetch me at the city hall. But, unluckily, the bus did not pass to the city proper so I just went down at the nearest place. Instead of waiting for Kevin, I walked through the Burgos Street going to St. James Hospital hoping that Kevin is on his way to fetch me. Unconsciously, I was already in the hospital. My father’s friends were there and so with my brothers and their friends. My cousin was inside the ICU talking with the doctors. Due to confusion, I heard that according to the specialist that, our father has on 20% to survive since he suffered from a Brainstem hemorrage, wherein they can’t do surgical operations because its quite dangerous. They just give him some medications with the prayer as their weapon. They also said that there are two possibilities, one is death and the other one is being a “vegetable”. So we had to wait on what will happen…..
Because of what happened, everybody were shocked. Everytime my sister calls, she can’t help but cry. My mother, who is fighting for her feelings, who don’t want to show her weakness can’t also help but cry everytime my sister call.
March 11, 2010 morning. On our way home, I told my mother to anoint him. She asked me, “what did you say?’ I felt that she don’t what to think on the negative possibilities, so, I never replied.
When we went back to the hospital, I went directly inside the room. The nurses were busy checking his condition, when another nurse came in and said, “the priest will be anointing him anytime this day” so I said yes although there was a doubt in my mind. When I went out, there was my aunt and uncle and asked me some updates. I told them that he will be anointed, then my tears came out…
The doctor of his lungs visited him and when he came out, he told us they lessen the supply of oxygen from the machine because he can breath a little even in a comatose condition. When the Neurologist came out, he told us that he saw a little improvement and said. “Don’t give up, Don’t give him up…”
In the afternoon, everybody who visited him noticed some improvements. Somebody observed that he can hear and responded on their call. He moved his head to answer. He can even move his arms especially the left arm.
Everytime I enter to his room, I always talked to him, touch his arms telling him that his child is beside him. I always told him to get well soon because his grandsons are waiting for him. Sometimes, I don’t want to talk because I can’t help my feeling.
March 14, 2010. I together with my family visited my father. Then later, Glenn, one of my brothers, came with his family. The neurologist told us that the condition of our father is already beyond their expectations. They didn’t expect that he can move his arms and legs and responds to some calls immideately. After our conversation, I asked the doctor if we can get our children inside to see their grandfather. At first, the doctor was hesitant due to the hospital policy regarding the entry of children 13 years old and below inside the ICU. But later, maybe he realized that it could help to the recovery of the patient, so allowed us but just for a minute.. when the children entered the room and told him that his grandsons were there, you see the excitement on his face. He even moved his body!
Now, were are still waiting and praying. Hoping that he will do better in the next few days. So that, he will be with us again…..
Friday, September 18, 2009
my first plane experience
September 16, 2009. I was invited by our company to attend the Catholic Education Association in the Philippines (CEAP) Annual Convention held at the Manila Hotel. This was another experience because (1) first time to attend a convention wherein participants are from education sector and some of them are religious people; (2) first time to ride on a ship because some of the sessions were held in the Manila Floating Hotel and Restaurant and (3) first time to ride in an airplane.
After the closing Eucharistic Celebration, we immediately leave the venue because we have to be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)Terminal 3 before 5:00pm. we thank God because we never encounter traffic jam on our way to airport. and because of that, we were in the target place ahead on time.
We entered to the building and i was amazed on its interior. Although the plan is very simple, the design, in general, was amazing because of the drama the have included in the interior.
At 4:40pm, we were advised to board on plane via gate 134. we boarded on the Cebu Pacific plane ________. At 5:10pm, the plane depart from NAIA 3.
since it's my first time to ride on a plane, i was amazed on the aerial view of some places although some areas were not seen due to the clouds covering them. 1 have already seen some aerial views of places but it's different if your are in a higher elevation. At 6:20pm, the plane landed at the Laoag International Airport safely.
after the trip, i was happy bacause we landed safe although tired. but its another experience in my another journey....
After the closing Eucharistic Celebration, we immediately leave the venue because we have to be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)Terminal 3 before 5:00pm. we thank God because we never encounter traffic jam on our way to airport. and because of that, we were in the target place ahead on time.
We entered to the building and i was amazed on its interior. Although the plan is very simple, the design, in general, was amazing because of the drama the have included in the interior.
At 4:40pm, we were advised to board on plane via gate 134. we boarded on the Cebu Pacific plane ________. At 5:10pm, the plane depart from NAIA 3.
since it's my first time to ride on a plane, i was amazed on the aerial view of some places although some areas were not seen due to the clouds covering them. 1 have already seen some aerial views of places but it's different if your are in a higher elevation. At 6:20pm, the plane landed at the Laoag International Airport safely.
after the trip, i was happy bacause we landed safe although tired. but its another experience in my another journey....
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Vigan Calesa Parade 2009
CALESA- a horse driven carriage and considered as the heritage ride in some places. Heritage ride because it was already used as mode of transportation by the old folks.
In the Heritage City of Vigan, a tourist's heritage tour is not complete without riding in this "heritage" transpo. Take note that the design of Vigan Calesa is different from the calesas of other provinces in the Northern Luzon.
As part of the celebration of Vigan City's Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts, the City Government recognized the importance of these heritage rides by displaying them with some "make overs". Participants dressed the calesas showcasing the things that people can see and experience in the City.
All photos embedded on this post were taken by adelarosa during the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts- Calesa Parade on May 3, 2009
In the Heritage City of Vigan, a tourist's heritage tour is not complete without riding in this "heritage" transpo. Take note that the design of Vigan Calesa is different from the calesas of other provinces in the Northern Luzon.
As part of the celebration of Vigan City's Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts, the City Government recognized the importance of these heritage rides by displaying them with some "make overs". Participants dressed the calesas showcasing the things that people can see and experience in the City.
All photos embedded on this post were taken by adelarosa during the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts- Calesa Parade on May 3, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
meztiso river... now and then
Mestizo River. One of the rivers that surround the core of Vigan City and has a great involvement in the history of the city and on the culture of Vigueños as well. During the pre colonial period, it was used by Asian traders in bringing their mercantile to the old city and sometimes, they used the river bank as trading post. When Juan de Salcedo, a young Spanish conquistador, explored the Northern Luzon, they passed through this river and landed on its bank.
With these contributions, the Local Government of Vigan City gave importance to the said place by including it as one of the tourist spots in the said city. They established the Vigan Heritage River Cruise where tourists will ride in a boat and explore the beauty of the Mestizo River and its history as well. The cruise starts and ends in the port located in Brgy. Beddeng Laud and as the tourist travel along the river, they will see the tableaus erected in different areas along the riverbank depicting the highlights of Vigan’s history held in the said river.
On May 1, 2009, the city government of Vigan headed by its mayor, inaugurated the place which also marked the start of its operation. Said activity was started with a simple program including the blessing of the port and the boats and after which, followed by a tour in the river.
The river, especially in the area where they put the port, was a part of every Beddengians' (people from Brgy. Beddeng Laud)childhood including me.
And as part of my past, I witnessed the said activity. I was happy because the contribution of the place was being recognized and promoted. I also felt bad because the river I have known during my childhood was changed and developed especially in the place where they placed the dock. This is because, in this area, it was consist of stones instead of mud as its base. During low tide, the water level reaches the ankle of an adult person while it reaches below knee during high tide. This was also the area where we get some “soso” and “shek” (a kind of marine mollusks) and kangkong for our meal. We also did some fishing activities aside from swimming. When i got bored, i asked my childhood friends to go to the river to have fun.
Now, that they had developed the area just to promote the history of the place, I’m wishing that its natural beauty will be preserved and respected.
NOTE: photos were taken during the inauguration of the place on May 1, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
around the sun
April 7, 2009 around eleven o'clock before noon, while walking in the corridor, a co-worker called my attention. he asked me if i already saw the sun. I answered "no" and asked him "why". Then he described what he saw with the sun. Immediately after our conversation, i looked up in the sky but unfortunately, due to the wide overhang shading the corridor from the sunlight, i was not able to witness the event.
On my way home for lunch, i again looked up in the sky. On the moment, i saw that the sun is surrrounded by a rainbow. The space inside the rainbow is darker (looks like its cloudy) while outside of it is not. I heard from other people that the view is still the same since an hour ago.
Since it's my first time to witness the phenomenon, of course, i was amazed. So, I told myself that i will research a literature of the said event. And i have known that there were already places witnessed the same phenomenon. I have also known that the circular rainbow was a HALO also known as Nimbus, Icebow or Gloriole. Said halo is an optical phenomenon that appears near or around the sun or moon or any light source. It is caused by iced crystals instead of raindrops in cold cirrus clouds found in the upper troposphere. The shape & orientation of the ice crystals is responsible for the halo observed.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)
On my way home for lunch, i again looked up in the sky. On the moment, i saw that the sun is surrrounded by a rainbow. The space inside the rainbow is darker (looks like its cloudy) while outside of it is not. I heard from other people that the view is still the same since an hour ago.
Since it's my first time to witness the phenomenon, of course, i was amazed. So, I told myself that i will research a literature of the said event. And i have known that there were already places witnessed the same phenomenon. I have also known that the circular rainbow was a HALO also known as Nimbus, Icebow or Gloriole. Said halo is an optical phenomenon that appears near or around the sun or moon or any light source. It is caused by iced crystals instead of raindrops in cold cirrus clouds found in the upper troposphere. The shape & orientation of the ice crystals is responsible for the halo observed.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Domingo Ramos 2009
Domingo Ramos or Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week. Its a Christian belief which commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his death...
Me and my family attended the ceremony at the St. William the Hermit Cathedral. we went to the cathedral not only to hear mass and join the celebration but also to inculcate into my child's mind the Christian belief.
Before the mass began, worshippers were gathered at the narthex wherein the priest blessed (through sprinkling the Holy Water) the palms raised by the people. Unfortunately, since we were far from the priest,our "ramos" was not showered with Holy Water. After the blessing, the celebrant immediately proceed to the altar for the mass.
During the homily, the priest told that Palm Sunday is also called the Passion Sunday because its the start of the passion of Christ. He also told the highlight of Christ's life from his entry to Jerusalem to his death.
The mass was ended with final blessing by the priest and palms which were not blessed at the start of the mass were also blessed.
This year's Domingo Ramos is April 5.
The "palms" being sold outside the church
A lady busy in selling the palms outside the church
A "desperate" person who was not able to join the blessing of palm just dipped his "palm" in an empty basin for holy water
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