Banagbanag - December 2014 - February 2015 Issue

“Let us love one another because love is of God.�

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag i

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a quick look v MESSAGES

Bishop Jose A. Cabantan, D.D. Fr. Ritchell S. Quita Sr. Lerma A. Sotalbo, FdCC Jorrie Mae Hernandez

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1 bUKNEWS

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BukYo shared ‘one-liner’ on the Papal Encounter Papa Francisco: ‘Magtoon sa paghigugma’ DCYCC Formation and Meeting @ Kisolon A Year-End Treat PYA Don Carlos Celebrated Parish Youth Day National Youth Day Celebration Gisaulog Youth Ministry Awareness Week 2014: Nag Level Up Bienvinido, Papa Fransisco

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My Greatest Love Diocesan Vocation Promoters’ Evaluation and Meeting

12 FEATURES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sacrifice and Surrender The Game Called Pretending Happily in Love

16 URBAN LEGENDS 20 MUSINGS 30 days of Carrying my Wife

Choose to Love Phone Call I was wrong Forgiving the One Who Hurt you the Most To love and be loved My Engrossments

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26 A STORY TO tELL 28 SAINT OF THE QUARTER In My Confession Room: Starting Over Again

A Dream that Started a Legacy: St. John Bosco’s Life Story

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POEMS

Love that Matters Insatiable Sana, Pwedi Ba? Under the Shadow Friend Youth Ko Maling Pinili Love in a Distance

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

LINGAW2X CORNER Dear Papang Komeyks

YOUCAT PINAHIPING PAGBATI ye CORNER

Charmain Grace Casquite

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Shiela C. Lumambas Cristine Mae Baguio CIRCULATIONS MANAGER

Jessa C. Aranas

LAYOUT ARTISTS Aaron Don V. Salva単a Alexander C. Alonzo STAFF WRITERS

Aris Jay Lapizar Nestor Delig Jr.

Joven Dela Pe単a, Jr. Jollibert Lozada LIASON OFFICERS Rachelle Darl Loayon Rondel Marcelino Igpit Charamie Gempisao CARTOONISTS

Jesse Cahanap Mayela Lou Adajar CONSULTANTS

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Jorrie Mae D. Hernandez Sr. Lerma A. Sotalbo Fr. Ritchell S. Quita

CONTRIBUTORS Rosalio Cocamas Jr.

Levi Karl DV Zayas Anjon Frederick Cabugsa

Juan Marcus Dela Pe単a

Ivan of Don Carlos

Kevin Jay S. Dinapo Ever James Poquita Jairus Dalahigon Mary Ann Martinez Olyve Estamo Glaiza Mae Caluna DARna Charien Ruaya Sumagang Lover_boy?

G/F, Old Convent, San Isisdro Labrador Cathedral, San Isidro St., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon banagbanag07@yahoo.com

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ADDRESS

EMAIL

088-314-0064

LANDLINE

facebook.com/banagbanag.bukyo facebook.com/Banagbanag Opisyal

FACEBOOK

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Hi, I am LOVE and I am EVERYWHERE

EDITORIAL

To most of us, young people, when heard the word “Love”, the very first thing that comes into our minds is love life (insert in-a-girl-way-shivers) or the so-called “romantic love”. The irony is that most of us couldn’t even explain or describe it [love].

Many have been trying to define “Love” but the diversity of its meaning makes it unusually difficult to consistently define.

Love is a basic human emotion, but understanding how and why it happens is not necessarily easy.

Aside from being indefinable, it has also been one of the most abused words in the English language. We often mistakenly use the word “love” when we just liked something or someone. In other words, we don’t understand the weight of it (Emphasis on the ‘weight’). We usually use the word to exaggerate how much we really liked them.

Lately, a video of an elementary student (kneeling with flowers on hands) proposing to his classmate has become viral in social media sites. Where did that elementary student, which is suppose to play, got his ideas? What does he think of love? This is a worrying situation. Our generation today has been overloaded by ideas and informations that we don’t even know what to do or how to deal with them. Ideas from Social Medias which sometimes motivates

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THE LOVE THAT MATTERS

us to do things because we think those were good. Pictures that we misunderstood, or movies that gives us wrong concepts. Our generation has become too complicated that we are complicating love too. Slowly, we forget the true meaning of love.

Our minds have been occupied by too much information, sometimes wrong. So, how would we know if the love is true and pure? One of the grandest definitions of love is found in the Scripture – “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, and it is not inflated. It is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, and it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

It is love when it shows hearty compassion – when a friend shares his meal to a hungry stomach.

It is love when it encourages– when he values the beauty within her.

It is love when it understands – when she still receives a hug after she had committed a mistake.

It is love if it is not self-centered – when our parents work very hard to send us to school and provide all our needs, and wants.

But the best and the most powerful love is when it sacrifices – when soldiers risks their lives to protect the people. When mom choose to work abroad and take care of other kids instead of taking care of her own children. It is also that love when God sacrificed His only Son, Jesus, for the sins of humankind.

Sacrificing is the true meaning of love. A sacrificial love is beyond human comprehension. It is a love that not everybody could do. A love that only a true lover could make. A love that is compassionate. A love that encourages and a love that is selfless. Love is not limited to flowers, chocolates nor teddy bears.

Love is not all about romance. Love is also the love that our parents is giving us, the love that our friends is offering us and the love He showered upon us.

Then, what is the love that matters?

All love matters. All love matters because this is what makes the world go round. All love matters because God is there wherever there is love. Let us not forget to return the love that the Lord has given to us by showing our love towards other.

It is by loving that we show unto others how much they were loved

by God. Let us also not forget that Real Love is all about loving and accepting the love from God.

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From the Local Ordinary “No one has greater love than this: that He lay down His life for His friends.” Jn. 15:13

Love is the most abused and misused word on earth.

Sometimes people do things in the name of love but in reality they are doing the exact opposite of it. Or sometimes, we ask people to prove their love by doing things for them even if it contradicts the person’s belief. People say that they are in love but in reality they are just being selfish and narcissistic. What is love then?

Love that matters. Love always matters. It is what makes the world moving. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples of the much deeper love.

Jesus defined love in terms of sacrificial actions rather than words or emotions. The way we treat other people demonstrates to the world that we are followers of Christ. Love is a commitment that motivates us to deny ourselves on behalf of another. Jesus even showed this teaching to us by giving His own life for the good of all people. He so loved the world that He gave His life so that we may live. It is the love that saves.

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Let us continue to strive to remain in the love of God. Let us continue to be in love.

MESSAGE

It is then a great challenge for all of us Christians to see to it that we follow the teaching and example that Jesus has given us. To love is to be mindful of the needs of others and to give ourselves for the good of others.

We can only say that we are truly in love when we are able to open ourselves for others.

+Jose Araneta Cabantan,, D.D.

BISHOP OF MALAYBALAY

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From the Director’s Desk Dear Bukyo,

Happy Love month! On June 14, 2013, Pope Francis, in his address to the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: “Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor.” This reminds us that as Christians, we are all called to be witnesses of God’s love. This year, as we celebrate the year of the poor, let us all give the most passionate love of Jesus to the poor.

Do not be afraid to help, to give and to love, at home, in school, at work, in streets, everywhere.

This is our call as God’s children and this is the call that we should pass on.

God bless you mga palangga!

MESSAGE

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Fr. Ritchell S. Quita SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

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A Sisterly Note Dear BUKYO and friends,

Are we still infected by the viral disease, the so called “Pope Francis Fever?” Yes, his presence and his thoughts inflamed our hearts so we can continue the mission of loving and letting ourselves be loved. In his message to the young people at the University of Sto. Thomas he said “True love is about loving and letting ourselves be loved”. He said that real love is being open to the love that comes to us, the love that surprises us. Love surprises because it opens a dialogue of loving and being loved. He then challenged the young people of the varied informations and surprises that come to them: they need to think, to feel and to act well on them.

BUKYO and friends let us open our mind, our heart and our hand to the love that comes along our path... to the love of our parents that will let us to obey, to the love of the street children that will make us merciful and to the love of our friends that will let us be a good listener. The lives of the saints are stories of thinking, feeling and acting well on the love that comes to them, they allow God to love them and for them that love would only mean sacrifices... giving up.

MESSAGE

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Let us allow ourselves to be loved by God, let us not be afraid to give up of what we have. Surely, He will supply us of what we need so we can think well, feel well and act well. May our dear Mother help us.

Sr. Lerma A. Sotalbo, FdCC DCY CHAIRPERSON

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A Tweet from the DYL My beloved BukYo,

Happy Hearts’ month everyone!

I pray that you are celebrating this month and the rest of the days of your Life with LOVE. But what kind of love really matters?

Sometimes, it’s easier to define “LOVE” as something magical, exciting and ecstatic feeling. But let me tell you what LOVE is not.

Love is not manipulating the other person. Love is letting that other person feel free about him/ herself.

Love is not comprising who you are. Love brings out the BEST in you, instead.

Love is not violently hurting your partner. Love is taking care of each other.

Love is not being selfish. Love is being able to share.

But what kind of love really matters?

It’s the LOVE when we learn to forget about our own happiness. It’s the love that’s willing to sacrifice. And Yes! That love that never cease loving even if it hurts; that very love that never gets tired of loving again and again without expecting something in return.

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You know, love is beyond what is defined in the dictionary as “an intense feeling of deep affection”, it is the purpose of our existence, the very reason of living. God made us out of LOVE and we live to LOVE and be LOVED. AS what Pope Francis said: “Loving is being able to love and letting ourselves be loved”.

Let us not be afraid to love! Let us spread the love that matters, something self- sacrificing but LIFE- GIVING! Don’t get tired of loving, continue LIVING!

Jorrie Mae Hernandez DIOCESAN YOUTH LEADER

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MESSAGE

That love God the Father showed when He sent His only begotten son to save us; that love Jesus made us feel when He died on the cross; that love when the Holy Spirit walks with us each day.

BukYo shared ‘one-liner’ on the Papal Encounter Shiela Lumambas

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ALAYBALAY CITY— After the Papal Encounter with the Youth on the morning of January 18, 2015 at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, forty (40) young people from the Diocese of Malaybalay who were delegates of the event shared their ‘one-liner’ capturing their reflections and learning of the encounter.

BUKNEWS

The Bukidnon Youth (BukYo) delegates came from different parishes; almost half volunteer as a diocesan youth formator.

“God is a God of abundant love and mercy,” shared Charry Casinabe, Malaybalay deanery youth leader.

Casinabe shared that the encounter with the pope inspired her to move forward regardless of “our own typhoons in our journey.”

She was one of

approximately 24, 000 young people gathered at UST crying, smiling and waving as Pope Francis finally arrived at the venue at about 9:25 in the morning, Philippine Standard Time.

“His smiles gave me hope and (at the same time) brought tears to my eyes,” she added.

The message of the Holy Father about learning how to beg also moved Cristine Mae Baguio and it led her to her one-liner, “Continue to learn how to give and start learning how to receive.”

Pope Francis in that meeting with the youth asked Thomasian engineer Rikki Macolor, one of those who gave testimonies, “You and your friends help (the victims of the typhoon Yolanda) but do you allow yourselves to receive?”

Valyn Rose Cabañelez, a mobile teacher of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department

of Education and member of the Diocesan Youth Formation Team (DYFT) also shared her one-liner.

She said she is challenged to change her “not-so-good qualities,” after she heard the pope’s overwhelming speech. She added that Pope Francis’ words awaken her and she’s all set to making her response concrete.

Another teacher and DYFT member, Samuel Banda shared his own one-liner.

“Dream,” he said.

What moved him to that one-liner is Pope Francis’ saying, “When you lose this capacity to dream, then you lose the capacity to love and this energy to love is lost.”

Although the pope spoke those words during the Meeting with the Families at the SM Mall of Asia arena, Banda felt the words are for him, too.

“I want to achieve a lot, so I continued to page 7

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Papa Francisco: ‘Magtuon sa Paghigugma’ Shiela Lumambas

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ALAYBALAY CITY—Gikan sa Kastilang pinulongan, gihubad ni Msgr. Mark Miles ang tubag sa Santo Papa sa pangutana ni Leandro Santos II, usa ka law student sa University of Santo Tomas (UST) kung unsaon nga mas magamit sa kaayohan ang hagit karon sa “age of information.”

“What is the most important subject that must be learned in life?”

Pangutana ni Papa Francisco.

“To learn to love. And this is the challenge that life poses to you today: to learn to love,” dugang niya.

Mitubag ang Santo Papa nga dili dautan ang pagkaanaay kahibalo mahitungod sa media ug pamaagi sa komunikasyon.

“It is good and and can help,” matud sa Santo Papa.

Midungang siya niini nga mga pulong, “But there is real danger of living in a way that we accumulate information.”

Nagkanayon siya nga daghan kaayo kita karon og impormasyon apan wala kita kahibalo kung unsa ang buhaton niini nga mga impormasyon.

BUKNEWS

“So we run the risk of becoming museums of young people who have everything but not knowing what to do with it.”

Gidasig sa Santo Papa ang tanang batan-on nga mitambong sa panagtigom nga ang pamaagi sa pagkahimong balaan mao ang hagit sa paghigugma—sa tiunay nga paghigugma.

Mao kini, matud niya, ang hagit nga gihatag sa kalibutan. “Not just to accumulate information without knowing what to do with it. But through that love let that information bear fruit,” dugang sa Santo Papa.

Kahinumdoman nga niadtong Enero

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18, 2015, adunay nahitabong Papal Encounter with the Youth nga gitambungan sa kapin kon kulang 24, 000 ka mga kabatan-onan gikan sa nagkadaiyang parte sa nasud Pilipinas.

Nagkadaiya ang representasyon niini. Adunay delegasyon gikan sa mga miapil sa ikaduha nga Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE), mga tunghaan nga sakop sa Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, mga batan-on gikan sa Archdiocese of Manila, mga batan-on gikan sa UST ug mga batan-on gikan sa nagkadaiyang diyosesis ubos sa Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY) diin nahisakop ang delegasyon sa Diyosesis sa Malaybalay.

‘We are all God’s children’ Nagkadaiya usab ang pamalandong sa mga batan-ong miapil sa maong panagtigom, ilabina kadtong mga batan-ong gikan sa Bukidnon, nga nakadungog ug nakita ang Santo Papa sa UST. Alang kang Mayela Lou Adajar, usa ka 2nd year Accounting Technology student sa San Isidro College, usa sa mga nakat-unan niya sa Papal Encounter with the Youth mao nga ang tanan “equal lang sa mata sa Ginoo, tungod kay kitang tanan anak sa Dios. Walay mas labaw kay ang Ginoo lang ang labaw sa tanan. Ang tanang dungog ug himaya sa iya lang.”

Dugang niya, “We are all God’s children,” ulohan sa theme song sa Papal Visit sa Santo Papa dinhi sa Pilipinas. “Swerte lang ta nga nagalagad sa Iya, pero ang tanan alang lang sa Ginoo.”

“I feel the fire of the Holy Spirit in my heart and I feel much stronger in my (Catholic) faith,” mao usab ang pamalandong ni Arnel Baluran, usa ka

miyembro sa DYFT. ‘More women’ Gihatagan sa Santo Papa og pagtagad ang gamay lang nga representasyon sa mga kababayenan sa mao nga panagtigom.

Kini atol usab sa testimonya ni Glyzelle Palomar, usa ka street kid kaniadto apan anaa na karon sa usa ka non-government organization (NGO). Wala pa nahuman ang iyang testimonya, mipangutana si Glyzell sa Santo Papa kung nganung gitugot sa Ginoo nga mag-antos ang mga kabataan.

“Women have much to say to us in today’s society. Sometimes we are too machistas, and we leave no room for women, but women are able to see things with eyes that are different from those of men.

Women are able to ask questions that we men never understand.”

Matud sa Santo Papa, si Glyzelle lang ang mipangutana sa pangutana nga walay tubag.

“And words weren’t enough; she needed to say them with tears.

So, when the next Pope comes to Manila, there must be more women.”

Dugang usab niya nga masabtan lamang ang usa ka butang kung ang kasingkasing mahibalong mangutana ug magbangutan.

Nahuman ang Papal Encounter with the Youth sa UST sa may alas 11 kapin sa buntag.

Mibisita siya sa Pilipinas sugod niadtong Enero 15 ug mibalik siya sa Roma niadtong Enero 19, 2015.

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DCYCC Formation & Meeting @ Kisolon Charamie Gempisao

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aniadtong Nobyembre 1516, 2014, gipahigayon ang Diocesan Commission on Youth Coordinating Council (DCYCC) meeting and formation didto sa Christ the King Parish, Sumilao, Bukidnon. Gisalmutan kini sa mga nagkadaiyang youth leaders ug uban pang mga parish youth ministers gikan sa lain-laing parokya sa Diyosesis sa Malaybalay.

Gisugdan ang maong panagtigum sa pagrehistro sa mga partisipante ug nagkahiusa sa pagsayaw ug mga animation songs. Pormal nga gisugdan ang maong panagtigum sa pag-ampo nga gihatag sa inahan sa mga kabatanonan sa diyosesis nga mao si Sr. Lerma Sotalbo, FdCC. Pagkahapon sa susamang adlaw, gihimo ang presentasyon sa mga nagkalain-laing leaders alang sa ilang paghatag pormasyon sa mga batanon diha sa ilang mga tagsa-tagsang parokya. Pagkagabie sa maong adlwa, gisaulog ang “Social Night” nga usa sa mga naandan sa mga batan-on ug didto nakita ang nagkalain-laing talent sa mga batan-on nga maoy nagdala ug kalipay sa maong panagtigum.

Sa ikaduhang adlaw, Nobyembre 15, 2015 nahitabo ang pormal nga meeting ug gisugdan kini sa pagpadayag sa mga “best Practices” sa mga batanon sa parokya. Gisundan kini sa mga updates sa mga activities sa mga Youth Organizations alang sa umaabot nga DYDekada, ilabina ang pagdasig sa mga batan-on sa pagsugod sa ilang “Jar of Blessings” para sa maong panagtigum, ug apil ang pagtapos sa Tuig sa mga Laygo ug ang pagsaulog sa sunod nga tuig nga mao ang “Year of the Poor” o tuig sa mga kabos.

Natapos ang maong panagtigum sa ala una sa hapon.

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A Year-End Treat

A CAMP PHILLIPS PARISH YOUTH APOSTOLATE YOUTH ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE Aaron Don V. Salvaña

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t the height of preparing for the most awaited Year 2015, the Parish Youth Apostolate of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish of Camp Phillips, Bukidnon sponsored a Youth Encounter last December 26 – 28, 2014. The activity was said to be a preparatory formation for the parishes’ delegates to the upcoming DYDekada on May 4 – 8, 2015 at Lantapan, Bukidnon.

The said activity was attended by 21 youth leaders and members from different chapels namely Dahilayan, Balanban, Mampayag, Camp JMC, Centro and Miranda.

Though the activity started quite late, the regular program started well and at around 11:00PM on Friday, December 26, the participants were then sent to sleep for them to be prepared for the next days’ activity. Though the program is already fixed; from day 1 to day 3, still with God’s grace, the participants still unfold a different and unique message as the facilitators, Jesse Cahanap, Rachelle Darl Loayon and I, unveiled to the participants the message and dynamics of

the encounter. Though the participants still had a hangover of the just-finished Christmas, the organizers Cristine Cagatin, Melmar and Loren Hagutin, JayR Gabo, Ianna Krizzia Varquez, Lynneth Luel Simbajon and Ate Rose together with Fr. Odilon Galamiton, their parish priest, and the convent staff made sure that the participants will feel that they are still at home even away from home by making sure that they have enough food to eat, a comfy place to rest and a secured feeling to enjoy. Although the weather at that time is leveling with that as of Baguio’s, the participants didn’t feel the cold, instead, they felt a mysterious heat inside of them (as stated by one of the participants) that drives them to finish the experience until the end. I, personally have been looking forward for this time to come; for my own and beloved parish would experience the so called “YE Magic” and I am thankful to God that it happened.

It is an overwhelming experience being me facilitated my roots’ YE and sharing my own experience

of being a youth leader and a DYFT facilitator to the younger generations of my parish. Upon seeing those fresh faces, I felt a sense of guilt due to my sudden exit from this wonderful family (PYA Camp Phillips) but it is consoling to know that because of my absence, a new breed of young people who is committed to serve and has a heart of a leader sprouted and stand for the youth ministry of the parish.

Having said this, I would like to congratulate the 21 young people who has received the thrusts of the encounter and now has the eagerness to build a ‘community’: Chezer Hagutin, Ma. Benjie Gudarido, Jeramae Gay Añasco, Jobert Abao, Alexa Rae Dacapio, Princess Ermie Faith Ducay, Joeford Vega, Lynneth Luel Simbajon, Lynneth Russel Simbajon, Kloie Libanan, Joan Daniel, Charen Salagantin, Joana Grace Cagatin, James Carlo Faelden, Clint Anton Tribunalo, Joyce Regine Añasco, Meralou Murcia, Clint Alvin Pumatong, Lyn Ruchel Simbajon, Isidro Decasa Jr.

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PYA Don Carlos Celebrated Parish Youth Day Ivan of Don Carlos

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he Parish Youth Apostolate of Don Carlos, spearheaded by Ms.Reziel Hebia,the parish youth leader, had celebrated their Parish Youth Day last December 16, 2014.The said event was started with a prayer, asking God’s guidance and protection for the whole day.The organizers had prepared activities that made the enthusiastic and service oriented young people to enjoy the day and appreciate their youthfulness.Ivan Itor, our PYA OIC handed the rewards for all those youth who had selflessly offered themselves for the service of the church.The whole day event has ended with a thanksgiving prayer.

National Youth Day Celebration 2014 Gisaulog Juan Marcus Dela Pena

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isaulog dungan sa pagsugat sa unang Misa de Gallo , gipahigayun usab sa nagkadaiyang Parokya ang tinuig nga lokal nga selebrasyon sa National Youth Day, diin nagkatigum ang mga kabatan-onan aron sa pag dasig usab sa mga ginikanan nga aghaton usab ang ilang mga anak diha sa pag salmot sa mga kalihukan sa simbahan aron usab sila mahilayo ngadto sa mga bisyo.

Sulod usab sa maong selebrasyon, mipasundayag usab ang mga kabatan-onan sa usa ka presentasyon diin ang pagkanta usab sa maong official theme song sa Papal Visit sa Pilipinas nga mao ang “We are all God’s Children” aron usab sa pagpahibalo sa katawhan sa Dios nga haduol na ang pag bisita sa atong Santo Papa Francisco sa Pilipinas.

Ang maong aktibidadis gipangunahan sa Parish Youth Apostolate sa San Isidro Cathedral ,inabagan usab sa maaktibong Parish Priest Msgr.

Noel “Nonoy” Suarez. Kini nag malampuson usab alang sa pag tinabangay sa tanan.

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BukYo shared ‘one-liner’ ... continued from page 1 need to dream” he said.

Banda, a former assistant youth leader of the diocese now teaches at Lantapan National High School.

Other delegates shared how blessed they are just to see the pope.

Julie Pearl Rondon, an environmentalist who works at Malaybalay City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) shared she felt her sins were forgiven and she resolved to “be more faithful in (my) daily prayers.”

For Armie Andoy, a youth leader from Malaybalay, Pope Francis gave hope and courage not just to her but to her fellow youth “to continue and to strive hard in order to deepen and strengthen” their faith to God.

Youth Ministry Awareness Week 2014: Nag Level Up! Joven dela Peña Jr.

Naging sentro sa isinagawang YMAW ang mga Pre-love items ng mga ate’s and kuya’s sa youth ministry nitong nakaraang Youth Ministry Awareness Week 2014 sa San Isidro Cathedral, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Bilang paghahanda na rin sa papalapit na pag bisita ni Papa Francisco, naging agaw pansin rin ang human size nitong standie, kasama pa sina Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at Bp.Jose Araneta Cabantan D.D. Ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng pakulo sa loob ng ilang linggo ay upang pasinayaan ang mga taong naging haligi upang

maging matibay ang Youth Ministry sa loob ng ilang taon, at lalong-lalo na sa mga tita at tito na walang humpay ang suportang ibinibigay sa mga kabataan.

“Importante sa usa ka Youth Ministry nga ang mga kabatan-onan dili lamang tan-awon nga mga dumadawat apan mga lumilihok nga adunay abilidad ug responsibilidad diha sa mga kalihukan sa simbahan” (Kalakbay,DCYMP,p186) ‘WE ARE NOT PROBLEMS , UNDERSTAND US” –Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle

“His presence is a living evidence that we Christians and even non-Catholics can be one—not in religion but one with God,” she added.

After the Papal Encounter with the youth at UST, Pope Francis held his concluding mass, his third in the country at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park. It is reported by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that approximately six to seven million people attended the event—probably another record for the Philippines as to the largest attendance of a papal gathering.

Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines from 15 to 19 of January 2015 came 20 years after that of Pope John Paul II, now a saint.

Before Pope Francis’ Philippine visit, the concluding mass of the World Youth Day 1995 in Manila presided by then Pope John Paul II was the largest Papal gathering, attended by more than 5 million people.

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M

ercy and Compassion, this is the theme of the apostolic visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis, or commonly known amongst Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko”, to the Philippines last January 15 – 19, 2015. Pope Francis visited to sympathize and cheer up the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (locally, Yolanda) and to visit the bastion of Christianity in Asia. Being the fourth Pope to visit the country, it brought joy to the nation as the last time a Pope came to the Philippines which took place 10 years ago, during the 10th World Youth Day.

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What did happen during the Papal Visit? Well, let me put it this way.

Day 1: January 15, 2015, Thursday After his papal visit in the vibrant country of Sri Lanka, Pope Francis arrived in Manila through Villamor Airbase. His Holiness was then welcomed

by President Aquino along with 12 other politicians and the Manila Archbishop, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, with the 13 religious officials. 1,200 students from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parañaque welcomed the Pope by dancing. The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila

served as the Pope’s official residence for the duration of his stay in the country. While travelling in his open-air pope mobile, he was welcomed by thousands of devotees and enthusiasts who were awaiting for his arrival.

Day 2: January 16, 2015, Friday On his way to Malacañang Palace, His Holiness rode a Volkswagen Touran for formality. He went there as the head of state of Vatican and had a courtesy call with President Aquino and while at the Rizal Memorial Hall, the pontiff met with diplomats and officials.

Bienvenido, Papa Francisco!

Anjon Fredrick C. Mamunta

Day 3: January 17, 2015, Saturday

President Aquino made a speech before the rest of the people in attendance at Malacañang including Pope Francis and was followed by the pontiff himself, making his first public speech of his Philippine visit, tackling the issue of corruption in the country. Later, Lolo Kiko rode the pope mobile going to the Manila Cathedral to hold a Mass. But before the Eucharistic Celebration, he, together with Cardinal Tagle met the street kids guided by the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation at the Manila Cathedral for about fifteen minutes. The mass that he presided was closed to the

The pontiff rode on a chartered PAL Airbus A320 flight from Villamor Air Base to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, Leyte, where upon arriving, held a Holy Mass which was open to the public. Amidst the storm signal # 2 that was raised in Leyte, the holy mass was attended by hundreds of thousands of people. “I am here to be with you – a little bit late, but I’m here,” the pontiff said in his homily. The pope mobile used in Tacloban resembled a Philippine jeepney. He had lunch at the Archbishop’s Residence in Palo together with the Yolanda survivors. He also blessed the Pope Francis Center for the Poor and met the priests, nuns, seminarians and families of the survivors at the Palo Cathedral.

Did I mention that he also blessed a mass grave of those who were killed by the typhoon?

The Pope’s schedule was abruptly changed due to fear of Typhoon Mekkhala (Amang) and flew earlier to avoid it.

Day 4: January 18, 2015, Sunday It’s the youths’ time to take the stage as the pontiff headed to UST for the Encounter with the Youth. But before that, he walked through the Arch of the Centuries and briefly met with various religion leaders. Pope Francis made an impromptu speech to the Philippine Youth.

“When the heart is able to ask itself and weep, then we can understand something. There is a worldly compassion which is useless.” And the pontiff ended the encounter riding his pope mobile around the university greeting the youth.

And the stage was set in Quirino Grandstand for the concluding mass. It was attended by over 6-7 million pilgrims, surpassing the 5 million participants during the 10th World Youth Day Mass in 1995 in the same venue presided by Pope Saint John Paul II. In his homily, the Holy Father discussed the importance of the Santo Niño on how it is a reminder that this identity must be protected, as to the importance of protecting our families, and larger families like the Church, God’s family, and the world. And at the end of the mass, the theme song of the 10th World Youth Day, “Tell The World of His Love” and the theme song of the visit, “We Are All God’s Children” was sung.

Day 5: January 19, 2015, Monday Before leaving for Rome, the pontiff attended a send-off ceremony at the Presidential Pavilion in Villamor Air Base.

He was sent-off by President Aquino, his Cabinet secretaries, and a number of Catholic bishops. He rode on a chartered PAL Airbus A340-300.

BUKNEWS

public with only 1,500 selected people including bishops, priests, nuns and seminarians plus 500 laypersons. In his homily, Pope Francis highlighted the role of the Catholic Church in addressing the issues of inequality and injustice and leading the Philippine society from the “confusing presentations of sexuality, marriage and family.”

Afterwards, in an unexpected move, the pontiff used the side door in exiting and returned to his temporary home before the meeting with the families.

Around 4-5 PM, he went to SM Mall of Asia Arena for the meeting with the families wherein each of the 86 dioceses sent 100 delegates for the meeting. Upon returning to the Nunciature, the Jesuit Pope had a closed door meeting with 40 Filipino Jesuit.

Pope Francis’ love, not only for the Philippines but for the entire world, shows God’s mercy and compassion. By doing this, he truly proved that he is truly meant to be the Vicar of Christ on earth. Lolo Kiko, I Love You!

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 9

My Greatest Love

A KALABUGAO YOUTH ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE

Rosalio M. Cocamas Jr.

NEWS FEATURE

D

aghan kaayo ang gapangutana, “Aha diay ka atung February 14? Nag unsa man mo? Unsay giregalo nimo?”

Common kaayo nga pangutana alang sa mga naay uyab ug sa feeling naay uyab. Hehehe… peace. Kung diin ingun nila, ang ilang GF/ BF mao ang pinaka importanteng tawo panahon sa valentines. Okey, that is love.

Apan sama kanimo, I found my greatest love also niadtong February 14, hmmmmmmnnn.

February 13, nibyahe ako paingon sa Our Lady of Mercy, Kalabugao aron mag hatag ug youth encounter. Nag sakay mi ug motor sa Damay ug kay nag-inot man, nisugot ko sa tangke mag lingkod kay tulo man mi pasahero. Maayo pa kaayo ang panahon sa among paggikan taliwala sa medyo lisod nga dalan apan na enjoy ko kay it’s an adventure and it is my first time to be there. Apan sa dihang anaa na kami tumoy sa buntod duol ra sa langit, gitagbo mi ug kusog nga ulan, walay mga balay nga masilungan kay puros kahoy ang naa sa palibot busa nag padayon pa gihapon kami. Wala nako na enjoy kay tugnaw na kaayo, sakit maka igo ang ulan ug

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danlog na ang dalan. But then, I started to feel my greatest love.

Sa wala na dugay nakaabot na jud ko ug giwelcome ni Amay Cris ug akong na feel ang daghan nga first time. First time nako sa parokya sa Kalabugao, first time naku nga nag laba dayun pag abot sa venue sa Y.E, first time pud naku nag hatag ug Y.E nga 108 kabuok partisipante. Nag libog ko unsay himoun tungod sa kadaghan sa batan-on nga subra kaayo alang sa Y.E ug ako pa usa ang mag hatag. Daghan pa jud ug kakompetensya nga videoke sa mga silingan. Apan napadayon gihapon kami sa Y.E hangtud nahuman kini. Of course I have found my greatest love, my greatest love is God who is present in the young people nga giuhaw ug gigutom sa gugma sa Dios.

Isip usa kabatan-on nga nag tubag sa tawag sa Dios ug ni Pope Francis nga Mercy and compassion, gikinahanglan natu unahaon ang kalipay sa atong mga kauban labaw pa sa personal nga kalipay. This truly is the love that matters in this season of valentines.

Diocesan Vocation Promoters’ Evaluation and Meeting “Follow your heart, it never lies to you.”

This is one of God’s perfect message to call the young people to find their vocation in life. One thing is for sure, you’ll be happy of what choice you’ll make. In lieu to that, after a series of activities on vocation promotion at different schools and parishes in the diocese, the Diocesan Vocation Promotion successfully ended.

Last February 13-15 2015, the DVP family went to Salay, Misamis Oriental to have their evaluation and outing, repaying the hard work they rendered on those activities. It was participated by the officers of the Vocation Promotion Commission and some representatives from the youth who also took a big part of responsibilities during the DVP’s journey. Along the way, you’ll notice the excitement and enjoy on everyone’s eye.

They arrived at 8:30 in the evening and due to the long tiring travel, all set at the bedroom to rest. Before sunrise on the second day, the youth are seen on the seashore taking some photos of their selves as a souvenir. After a while, other colleagues joined them. They swam at the beautiful sea and pleasured their selves.

“Happy kaayo ko bay!” One captive and touching word from the mouth of the youth, saying his best experience with the DVP family during our sharing. There were some sweating because of being nervous. Some are relaxed in telling how they found love and justice in their life.

Evaluation followed and it was led by Fr. Babu. All of them participated actively and it went well perfectly. A mass was celebrated to conclude the day. On the third and last day of the stay, everybody woke up early. The mass was celebrated inside the house to start the day. After

Kevin Jay Dinapo

The Vocation Promoters in thier different vocation campaigns the celebration, some got busy preparing their things. Some run to the sea to dip theirselves for the last time. After a while, all things were packed and everybody was ready to go back home. Their experience and happiness are priceless as they went home. Love then, is the only connection they preserved in their hearts as they will journey again on the next vocation month celebration.

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 11

Levi Karl DV Zayas

FEATURES

T

here’s this one scenario in Naruto – a famous anime that just recently ended, that describes friendship to its whole new level of perspective.

“Is this how far you go just to save your friend?”,Kabuto exclaimed (Antagonist) when Naruto evolved into a miniature ninetailed monster.

Someone who has the determination to go through anything to the extent of surrendering himself and become a monster just to save someone whom he consider as his Dearest Friend. I should say undeniably, that that is a remarkable form of friendship. But all Naruto got was constant rejection from that friend he was dying to be saved.

But it was an anime, of course!

Everything is possible.

But this kind of scenario is rare.

Today, someone can’t even keep a friend’s secret. Someone can’t even wait an hour or two without scolding his friend for being late.

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SACRIFICE AND SURRENDER So never look for someone who will sacrifice time, talent, and treasure because no one will.

Wait, I know someone.

That someone dedicated His entire life for the sake of others, but seems to be rejected.

Humbly serving others through actions and comforting words, but seems to be misunderstood.

Walking from mile to mile under the heat of the sun, but not all welcomes Him. Sitting with ordinary citizen and talked to them, but criticized by others.

Shared wonderful things and remarkable one I must say, but He was thrown with disgusting things by many.

He loves everyone – unconditionally, though everybody failed Him. Rejected and angered by many to the extent that he was imprisoned and punished because

He was telling the truth and openly declared His vast and indescribable love for us.

A King born in the Manger.

A King born to serve and not to be served.

A King crowned with Thorns.

A King that shed blood for His people.

And His death that leads us to His Father so that once again, we will reconcile with Him and experience abundant life that no one could ever give.

His Sacrifice for us and complete Surrender to His Father’s will is second to none, would you not agree?

Now, if you feel rejected, left behind, alone, and persecuted, Just Think of Jesus.

He died to save you and me. Now, would you let His sacrifice be in vain? I Hope not.

THE GAME CALLED PRETENDING Olyve Estamo

“I’m ok”,”I’m fine”, smiles, laughs, smirks-- Things that I usually utter and do every time I feel so down.

Rejection? That is the number one reason why I pretend, I lie and act like everything is fine. I want to show them that I am strong, that I am strong enough to know and face the truth about me. It seems like I am a clown. I always make everyone happy, but deep down inside, I am in pain.

I wear thousands of masks. Masks that I use to cover all the pains, problems and most of all, the truth.

But in all those masks, nothing describes me, nothing describes the true ‘me’. And I am afraid to take off these masks, for I don’t want the feeling of being unwanted and not welcomed.

I want to be strong, so I prefer to pretend and show the impression which I think I am secure, that I am always fine and good. I show them that I am confident even though I am not. I’m sure you were thinking that I am very selfish, but, I guess you’ll do the same if you’re in my position. I do these, because I am tired of crying.

Hiding the truth – I always do this.

Even though I know that it is a very big mistake, a lie. I always lie just to make everyone believe me. Just to shield what I am hiding within.

Somebody told me this: “I know you’re hiding something, but I do not know what it is. But you know what? If you will keep on hiding it, it means you can’t accept yourself, that you are not proud of being you.”

She’s right, but I am just afraid that if they will know the true me and they wouldn’t accept and love me, it will just hurt my feelings more. I am afraid that they will laugh because it would kill me. So I am playing the game, my desperate pretending game, where the parade of masks begins.

But, in the other side, I am longing someone who will comfort me every time I play the game. Waiting for him/her to say, “You’re not fine, I am here.” I need someone who could accept me completely. A kind of person who knows how to feel what I feel and hears the words that I am not saying. Honestly, I dislike hiding, and I really hate this game. I really want to be genuine. Could you help me? I really need you.

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 13

Nothing compares to love someone who loves you!

It is common to see people being loved because of their beautiful features: pretty face, toned body, hardworking, responsible, successful, talented, and the list continues. It is easy to love those who are lovable; and sometimes, the world dictates that we are easily loved if we are lovable too.

But what if we don’t have those lovable characteristics?

Can we still find the one?

FEATURES

In this world we live in, loving someone has somewhat become so conditional. We often love those who have done us favors, those who have helped us, and those who can give back the love that we give. How about the unlovable and those who has nothing to offer; if love is always that conditional, who would love them? What if we are unlovable ourselves and messed up a lot, who would love us?

Let me share a little about my love story. I have a long time suitor. He has always been there but I didn’t quite notice. Well, I know that he is there but I didn’t give much importance. Probably I was too confident that he will never leave me. There were times when he invited me to know him better and get close to him, but I declined.

I got too preoccupied by things that I thought mattered a lot. But he never gave up on me. He kept pursuing, he kept showing me how much he loves me.

But I still wasn’t able to appreciate it that much.

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Then, there came a time when I thought I was happy but then I was empty. A time when I was pursuing something I thought could give me fulfillment, but then I realized it’s not something I really wanted. I tried and worked hard to gain approval, but getting the approval I thought I wanted didn’t give satisfaction still.

There came a time when I got tired and messed up, and I even found it hard to appreciate and love myself.

During the time when I thought I was so unlovable and unlikeable, here comes my lover telling me how much He loves me. Believe me, it feels so great to have someone telling you that he loves you despite your flaws, despite your mistakes, despite your shortcomings, and even despite having characteristics that you don’t like about yourself. It feels so great to have someone tell you these words: “I love you despite who you were, despite what you’ve done; and if you mess up again, I’ll still love you.” Yes, it feels so great. I know the feeling. And I fell in love. I am now in love with my unchanging lover..

God! Not the typical love story right? But I believe it’s a love story worth sharing. To all those who seek for love but doesn’t seem to find it, to those who strive so hard just to feel loved, to those who feel empty, to everyone.. the love of God is available for all of us.

God’s love is like food in a party, a buffet even. It is

there, and more often it is offered to us freely. But we sometimes refuse it thinking we don’t need it. So we sit in the party with nothing to eat or just take out a cracker to fill in our stomach for a while.

Then we end up complaining that we are still hungry and we still feel empty. So why don’t we just take it, receive it, and be filled.

And what is even more amazing is that in loving God, He teaches us to be generous about it. His love is not something we can contain for ourselves only.

It is something that needs to be shared to others. It is something worth sharing.

When we receive and accept His love, we learn to love Him too, the Giver, and we also learn to love ourselves that we allow ourselves to be filled, and we also learn to love others by sharing to them the love that we freely receive.

Being in love is indeed amazing, especially to be in love with God, the One who loved us first. And to be loved unconditionally, that is overwhelming. Let us be in love with God, stay in love with Him; let us love ourselves and our neighbors that we may live an amazing and an extremely happy life.

#inspiredbyNLTC2013 #savedtoserve

HAPPILY IN LOVE Mary Ann Martinez

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 15

30OF DAYS CARRYING MY WIFE

URBAN LEGENDS

I got home one night and, as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, “I want a divorce.” She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words.

Instead, she softly asked me why. I avoided the question, and this made her angry. She threw down the chopsticks and shouted, “You are not a man!” We didn’t talk to each other that night. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage, but I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane.

I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement stating that she could keep the house, the car, and a 30% share of my company.

She glanced at it and tore it to pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy, but I could not take back what I had said. She finally cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see in the first place, and the idea of divorce felt more real now.

I got home very late from work the next day, and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have dinner, I just went straight to

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bed and fell asleep.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but requested that for the next month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month, and she didn’t want to disrupt him with a broken marriage.

She also asked me to recall how I had carried her into our bridal room on our wedding day, and requested that I now carry her out of our bedroom to the front door every morning for the month’s duration. I thought she was going crazy, but to make our last days together bearable, I accepted her odd request.

We were both pretty clumsy about it when I carried her out on the first day, but our son was joyfully clapping his hands behind us, singing, “Daddy is holding mommy in his arms!” His words triggered a sense of pain in me. I carried her from the bedroom to the living room, and then to the door. She closed her eyes and softly said, “Don’t tell our son about the divorce.” I nodded and put her down outside the door.

We weren’t as clumsy on the

second day. She leaned on my chest, and I could smell the fragrance of her blouse.

I realized that I hadn’t really looked at this woman for a long time. She was not young anymore. There were fine wrinkles on her face, and her hair was graying.

Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done

to her.

was getting very thin.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again.

It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by, and I suddenly realized that she

One morning it hit me how she was burying so much pain and bitterness in her heart, and without really thinking about it, I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at that moment and said, “Dad, it’s time to carry mom out!” To him, seeing his father carry his mother out had become

an essential part of every morning. My wife gestured to our son to come closer, and hugged him tightly.

I turned my face away because I was afraid I might start changing my mind. I carried her in my arms, and her hand naturally wrapped around my neck. I held her body tightly, just like on our wedding day.

continued to page 21

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 17

Jairus Dalahigon

MUSINGS

A

lot of people today choose not to engage their selves in the world of loving. They build walls to stay away from them and not to attach themselves from people around. They close their hatches of heart for them not to be hurt again. For them love only causes pain in the heart.

It seems that when we were hurt by someone we love, we try not to be hurt again.

We try to avoid ourselves from the possibility of being broken for second time. We then say that it is a waste of our precious time, and it would just make us cry at the end. In the other hand, there were certain people who chose to love again despite the fact that they were hurt in their past relationship. They know that only by loving again the hurt from the past could be healed.

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Choose to Love No one has said that loving is plainly joy because whether we like it or not we could be hurt. There is no one in the history of loving that has not been hurt, except for those whose love is untrue. We are vulnerable to hurt and pain when we are in the state of loving.

Despite this reality I have realized that we can take love not always as a painful experience but rather as a happy and worthwhile. Why should I view it as a situation that will cause hurt and pain when in fact in the other side it can make me happy. It can make me vulnerable to someone and in return make someone feel vulnerable to me. It is just a matter of being positive and of how to take it.

As what Eugene Kennedy said in his article, “Isn’t love dangerous?� Love must be faced and lived with if we seriously intend to live

according to the Gospels.

We must choose to love; life is more colorful and meaningful when love is given a chance. I myself, no matter how many times have been hurt and will be hurt, will choose to love again and again. There is nothing more essential in life than love and to love. Only in loving that we can hope for someone who can love us back. Love then must be expressed, and shared so it can grow and spread to others, and not just being kept deep inside our hearts.

Even our Lord Jesus Christ has love and has given it importance. And though, many times he was hurt for not being loved back still he loves us. He commanded us also to love with a full trust and hope in Him, so choose to love because it is a wonderful enlarging of the self.

“PHONE CALL”

I

was in rushed of scared hearing myself shouting of something indeterminate, intangible, and unconceivable yet attainable if possessed.

It was a desire, an invitation to choose where I will be-to have His path which was taken by few or to have her for the rest of my life. All of a sudden I am thinking until a drop of rain fell into my face and that drop run down to my mouth and allowed my tongue to taste it. “Too salty”, I said. Savoring the moment of solitariness, I noticed that that drop wasn’t a rain nor a spill of water. A couple of minutes later, I found that my heart can hardly breathe, then a simultaneous drop of water fell to my face. It was my eyes who held those drops. It was not the nimbus clouds which consumed the morning. It was a tear drop caused by an even-self weighing two significant situations in life which will be a permanent state of life in the future.

I spent the entire year pondering on my situation, not until I have decided. After my graduation, I took the exam to enter the seminary and leave her who gave me, I guess, a half-full moment of happiness. It was too painful that it tore my heart into pieces. Years have passed and I have recovered. I was well again. A few months later

Gin Rey Brillantes

before having our vacation, we had undergone a certain evaluation, an Individual Coloqum (I.C) as we call it.

It was my 3rd year of stay in the seminary and everything was well. All my focus was all the way to priesthood, although there were times I failed and fell in love but it was easy to handle. It was my turn at that moment to get into the office of our rector, a priest, and have my (I.C). I went inside and took my sit after he offered me it. Silence was present at that moment.

We stared each other and we both laughed. He took his deep breathe and got my files, then started reading my good traits and then followed by my negative traits, until the negative of my negative self. I was advised to leave the seminary for two years to improve more of myself outside, as he called it “leave of absence”. This is different from “regency”. Regency is a one year stay outside of the formation with the same purpose of enriching our self.

After hearing those words, total annihilation happened to my being.

I took the PHONE THAT RANG, ANSWERED IT AND IGNORED THOSE TEXT MESSAGES SENT BY HER. AFTER ALL THAT HAD HAPPENED, WAS IT REALLY A “PHONE CALL?”

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 19

MUSINGS

Realize things before it’s too late and love the people before you lose them. Life comes just once. We must love it while we have it.

I really don’t want to regret about the things that I have, things that I never appreciated since, especially my parents. I ignored them because I thought they don’t love me.

I always argue with them. I always hurt them, talk back, disobey, hate and shout at them. Pride arose because of my selfishness. I never

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mind what they feel. I do these when I am rejected by them, especially when they compare me to my sister.

For them, she is the best daughter and it makes me feel insecure. I have been hating my parents until the day before I joined the Youth Encounter (YE). I have been joining different kinds of seminars, recollections and etc. but this encounter made me realize that my parents really loved me.

In my experience, I realized that I am very worst – I’m

Selfish. I have been doing those to my parents, but I didn’t mean to do it. It was just because I always thought that life is unfair.

Why can’t they see me as me? They’ve been counting my mistakes. I did my best to be the top at school but it was still useless. I did everything to be recognized and catch their attention, but it never worked, until I got tired and I did whatever I want. I leveled down myself to nothing, looser, nobody, useless and ugly.

Until I realized it was all

30 DAYS

OF CARRYING MY WIFE

continued from page 17

I was wrong Olyve Estano

wrong.

In our YE sessions, what touched me so much is when Ate Carrol told us that, “those people who underestimates or can’t accept their selves are blind.

They can’t see the truth.”

When I heard those, my tears fell. Then I thought for reasons why I am doing this to myself. Then abundant questions followed.

One session convinced me to accept my attitudes and the real me. That I am precious, unique and special.

I was also given a chance to talk to Jesus heartily. I felt His presence at that moment and He talked to me.

Another unforgettable experience I had during the Y.E is when Sister Lerma asked me this: “olive, magmamadre ka ba?” I was a little shocked that time, but I just smiled. What if I will? I will wait for the signs.

It is not too late yet to change, and I am hoping that this change will continue…

On the last day, when I held her in my arms, I could hardly move a step.

I knew what I had to do. I drove to Jane’s place, walked upstairs and said, “I’m sorry, Jane, but I do not want to divorce my wife anymore”.

It all became very clear to me. I had carried my wife into our home on our wedding day, and I am to hold her “until death do us apart”. I bought a bouquet of flowers for my wife on my way home, and when the salesgirl asked me what to write on the card, I smiled and said, “I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart”.

I got home, flowers in my hands, and a big smile on my face. But my wife had died in her sleep while I was away. It turns out that she’d been fighting cancer for a few months now, but I was too busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon, but wanted to save me from a negative reaction from our son (in case we push through with the divorce). In the eyes of our son, at least, I would still appear to have been a loving husband. I carried her out for the last time…

The small details of our lives, that I initially thought were boring and unimportant, are what really matters in a relationship; not the mansion, the car, personal property or the money in the bank. These things may create an environment conducive for happiness, but they cannot provide happiness in-and-of themselves.

So find time to be your lover’s friend, and to do those little things for each other that build intimacy.

Many people do not realize how close they are to success when they give up.

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 21

FORGIVING THE ONE WHO HURT YOU THE MOST

Joven Dela Pena Jr.

“See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble” There is one right word for the amazing moment when we release a person who dug a deep hurt into our lives…The right word is FORGIVENESS. Behind every smile is generally a broken heart. People carry deep emotional scars from wounds caused by their own behavior, as well as the behavior of others.

Acts of violence towards an

unborn child, or to anyone, harm the aggressor as well as the victim. The scars caused by family, friends and society at large can be equally devastating.

Divorce, rape, incest, and the loss of your children to criminal acts all leave festering wounds. So much of what happens in life simply just plain unfair, and if not released and cleansed through forgiveness, will become bitter roots.

Only the love of Jesus can

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give us the motivation to take the giant forgiveness step and say, as Stephen did when he was being stoned . “ Lord , do not hold this sin against them” ( Acts 7:60) in the following story we see old scars from child abuse being dissolved by the love of Jesus. “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you..”

-Ephesians 4:21”

TO LOVE & BE LOVED

A MOVIE REFLECTION OF THE MOVIE VALENTINES DAY Glaiza May Bobole-Caluna

L

ove is accepting everything about someone! Who else can love me more than you do?

Mr. Omar Tan of the XUCM told us that the best love story ever in the Bible is found in Genesis. When God did not rejected humankind through the sinfulness of our first parents. When God, after all that had been done and said, still offers His own son’s life to redeem us all. Which love commits itself to still love someone

so sinful, so stubborn?

When all else hurt you, he remain faithful. When all else used you for their own pleasures, who remains standing by your side? When all else cannot understand you, who else came back even if you did not believed he ever exists? We cannot see these persons’ worth (who had a pint or more of that selfless love God has) until they leave us. Memories can teach us because they are left to be done in the past. And Valentine’s Day, when Valentine said

“farewell beloved”, your Valentine... we cannot see love when we are blinded by its varied meanings. We forget its true worth. We tend to focus in our human definitions of it. We must not. We should be awaken.

We can. After all, love is not meant for goodbyes, unlike the first Valentine’s Day. It is meant to be alive, every day until the last days of our existence. Love, again, is acceptance of each other and that the whole of each other’s being!

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“Tick tock! Tick tock! The clock spews luck”… “Tick tock! Tick tock! The clock is nearing 12:00…”

A few more rotations and 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 Happy New Year!!! Then, “Boom!” Fireworks began to dominate the pitched-black sky making it a marvelous sight; a fitting inspiration for the year to come. I was almost unconsciously aware that it’s already 2015. Upon staring at the beautiful roundelay at the sky, I was brought by my senses back to my journey this past 2014. It was a hell of a ride but I survived (yeah!). It seems like I’ve been chasing pavements the whole year through, seems like everyday I am in a hurry.

Cramming here, deadlines there, requirements everywhere. Gosh!

This is LIFE. This is not new. People everywhere is experiencing this dilemma which makes me think: are they happy with how fastpaced their life is? They say that

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time is gold but on the contrary some would say, “Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not the scenery that you missed by going too fast – you also missed the sense of where are you going and why” (Eddie Carter). I, personally have been a victim of this dilemma, I was so busy doing things that I forget where I was going to – it’s like being lost in the process of life.

Preoccupations made my life dull.

Growing up in this stereotypical world made me cling to the idea that, the more things you do, the more sensible your life would.

And so, upon stepping out from the four corners of my home and starting my own life, I made myself do things, things that I wasn’t able to do in the past, things that I realized I know how to do, things that I thought will make myself fulfilled but when I was already there, I couldn’t find the fulfillment that my heart desires. There

seems to be lacking, there seems to be wrong. I wouldn’t also say that I wasn’t happy, I was, really but the feeling that deep in your heart there’s a hollow part that is deafening. There’s this certain achievement in my life that I regret I pursued; well, actually it’s not a total disappointment, again, it’s an achievement. I was just saddened by the outcome of the matter. I don’t know if this realization is reasonable, but my sentiments for it is just so immense. I don’t know about people’s ambitions but I was so frustrated by how people would leave you in the race that you promised to finish together. I thought they would help you along the way but it turned out not. A friend told me that I shouldn’t be saddened because it’s the reality of the world. The world he said, is like a cockpit, last man standing wins. Good thing, I know how to console myself. I just thought

MY ENGROSSMENTS Lover_boy?

that they wouldn’t reached where they are right now if it wasn’t for my ingenuity. I know it is bad to brag your feats but I was hurt, I am just obeying my reflexes. But on the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, my time being there is not a total waste. I also learned things.

Things that were added to my life skills. Going back, it is really indeed true that quality serves best than quantity. Doing a lot of things mean thinking a lot and when those things go on piles you will really question your sanity. There were points in my daily living that I grew weary of too much thinking.

It disturbs your whole beings.

Unable to have peaceful sleeps would affect your disposition the next day. Thus, my preoccupations made me less motivated and more malfunctioned. I have been known for my (not to brag) exceptional outputs that’s why when people deem that my works

are not that special they would immediately think that there might be something wrong with me. And they’re correct! My works mirror my disposition.

“Happy new year Dong!” I was suddenly brought back to reality when my old man tapped me at my lower torso. “Wala ka’y lagan run dong?” upon hearing that question I was then again swept away in faraway lands. I feel a sudden rush of excitement running through me as I imagine the things that will happen to me in 2015. Yes! I did a lot of things in the past year, most of them ate all my time leaving nothing for the essentialities in my life. I realized why I was like that: not contented with the things that I achieved because they are the things that I want to do, I lose track of the things that God wants me to do. That’s my challenge to myself this, to fervently ponder

on the things that He wants me to do. I will shed off unnecessary preoccupations in my life in order to give ways to the Lord’s Will.

Maybe this is the reason why I feel so restless all the time, I have no one to do things that I want to do except for myself. Where in fact, I will only just listen to Him and do as he says, my life would be much easier and less complicated. I want to straighten up my life, I want to correct my mistakes in the past, I want to savor each time that I will be here on earth and I can only do this if I will listen to the voice who directs my life and that is God. You see, time here on earth is only short. You will never know when you will move on to the next.

That’s why use the time that was given to you in the wisest way possible.

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Yung mahal mo na mahal ka pero may mahal din palang iba?

Saklap noh? Haha complicated pa sa doctor-doctor I am sick nga dula . Lol murag geh slice ug ginagmay akung heart pagkareceive naku sa iyang text nga: “ohh, inlove ko … inlove kaayo ko sa iya pero akung gi pugngan akung kaugalingun kay kabalo ko nga dili pwede tungod kay ---(censored)--- siya ug uyab pud ta!”

I was on a mission by that time nga nag text2 mi. That was Saturday night, of course kay Saturday man naay MMK ug busy kaayo ang world sa pag gm about sa story sa mmk. When I was reading the text message, akung na remember akung uyab nga nag share about sa iyang “ Friend” nga naghatag sa iya ug gift and picture. Ug sa

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walay pagduha-duha, I texted him about the story and teased him, “uyy murag ilang story ohh .. hahaha huummpt na inlove ka sa iya wala?” And he replied, “ha? Crush naku sya! .. “ Layu ra kaayo iyang tubag prends nuh? So nag follow-up question ko sa iyaha..HAHAHAHA! Oo ug dili ra man gud ang answer atu..ug sa iyang pag reply, iya gi change ang topic. So nagkulit jud ko sa iya ug pangutana kay murag naa jud something sa ila ( helu! Babae ko ug naa koy special power nga maka detect ug bad element lol) ug tentededing teding, nitext sya ug, “ohh, inlove ko … inlove kaayo ko sa iya pero akung gi pugngan akung kaugalingun kay kabalo ko nga dili pwede tungod kay -censored- siya ug uyab pud ta. That “censored”

kay ka journey niya sa ilang formation (sa maka gets lang) ug naay special feeling for him.

How did I know? Ebidensya kai naa sa fb :’/ Murag giih kumot akung hart </3 pag ka recive naku ato nga message. I was so down ug perti ka confused kung unsa ba jud. I texted him,”Unsa man diay ko saimo? Unsai part nako sa imong life? Am I just an option? Pahungawanan ra ba ko nimo sa imong mga frustrations sa iya?” He replied back, “DILI taka OPTION ug wala taka gi take for granted.

Matulog naku, gudnayt.” Bastos kai ba? Grabe akung drama unya gi katulgan raku? He left me hanging? Wew,ni samot ang kasakit nga akung nabati sa wala niya pag klaro sa tanan.

Kanang feeling nga abi nimo LOVE ka niya, abi nimo ikaw ra,

IN MY CONFESSION ROOM

Starting Over Again abi nimo katung tanan iyang gipakita sa imo ikaw ra iyang gipakitaan ug ing-ato pero dli diay, naa diay lain? Nihilak ko ug pila ka baldi ug daghan na kabo tungod atu nga panghitabo. Pag ka ugma morning ni sabay sad sa ako ang panahon ug timing kaayo ng prayer session na, so I talked to Jesus and told Him everything I felt ug na abot sa time that I blame him na.

Hahah OA kai kung mag react but that was a great comfort for a broken heart. Timing pa jud to sa session kay ako permi ma sulti at that time is,”God is preparing something better for you. Do not worry, everything’s gonna be okay.” I was trying to convince the pax but not able to convince my self tungod kai bitter lagi ko sa tanang bitter.

Pwede kaayo ko awardan ug

corona nga ampalaya. Until the event was over, I am so bitter parin. So nag uli ko dala ang sakit nga ako nabati. I am trying to have a comfort with everyone but dili japon siya enough para ma at ease akung heart. I was longing for something. Gusto ko mag explain siya sa ako. Gusto ko bawiun niya iya giingon BUT walay nahitabo nga ing-ana.

Frustrated ba? Sagdi lang sa ha. hehehe. Until the next day came. Gi try nako ug divert akong attention sa uban things but akung mga igsuon nga kinakusgan gairemind ko sa iya ug “bitter napud si ate.” Haha!

Ug naay kuya nga nag ingon sa ako after ko nila gi bully na, “ok ra na just enjoy the pain until it hurts no more.” By the way wala mi communication at that time tungod kay ambot sa iya, di ko

niya ga replyan. Pagkahapon atu na day, he texted mi: “Mag istorya ta” ug nag nganga lang sa ko. Wala ko kabalo unsa ako i reply by that time. Kanang feeling nga better na unta ka unya mag pa ramdam dayun siya arun himoun nasad ka nga bitter hahaha. Ako na ang martyr nga nakigstorya pud sa iya. So nag explain siya sa ako ug pinabanat.

Gai-try kog convince unya kai ako na ang martryr, naconvince pud. (Waaah!lol! Gugma pa more!) After namu nag talk nang masinsinan, I gave him a second chance. Hoping that that second chance will not be wasted.

We continued what we had started and he is proving naman what he said. Hehehehe, suki naku dani sa confession room.

Salamat.Godbless. ?

A STORY TO TELL

BY: DARna

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 27

SAINT OF THE QUARTER

St. John Bosco’s Life Story What do dreams have to with prayer? Aren’t they just random images of our mind?

In 1867 Pope Pius IX was upset with John Bosco because he wouldn’t take his dreams seriously enough. Nine years earlier when Pope Pius IX met with the future saint who worked with neglected boys, he learned of the dreams that John had been having since the age of nine, dreams that had revealed God’s will for John’s life. So Pius IX had made a request, “Write down these dreams and everything else you have told me, minutely and in their natural sense.”

Pius IX saw John’s dreams as a legacy for those John worked with and as an inspiration for those he ministered to.

D e s p i t e Scripture evidence and Church tradition respecting dreams, John had encountered skepticism when he had his first dream at the age of nine. The young Bosco dreamed that he was in a field with a crowd of children. The children started cursing and misbehaving. John jumped into the crowd to try to stop them -- by fighting and shouting. Suddenly a man with a face filled with light appeared dressed in a white flowing mantle. The man called John over and made him leader of the boys. John was stunned at being put in

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charge of these unruly gang.

The man said, “You will have to win these friends of yours not with blows but with gentleness and kindness.”

As adults, most of us would be reluctant to take on such a mission -- and nine year old John was even less pleased. “I’m just a boy,” he argued, “how can you order me to do something that looks impossible.” The man answered, “What seems so impossible you must achieve by being obedient

and acquiring knowledge.”

Thenthe boys turned into the wild animals they had been acting like. The man told John that this is the field of John’s life work. Once John changed and grew in humility, faithfulness, and strength,

he would see a change in the children -- a change that the man now demonstrated. The wild animals suddenly turned into gentle lambs.

When John told his family about his dream, his brothers just laughed at him. Everyone had a different interpretation of what it meant: he would become a shepherd, a priest, a gang leader. His own grandmother echoed the sage advice we have heard through the years, “You mustn’t pay any attention to dreams.” John said, “I felt the same way about it, yet I could never get that dream out of my head.”

Eventually that first dream led him to minister to poor and neglected boys, to use the love and guidance that seemed so impossible at age nine to lead them to faithful and fulfilled lives.

He started out by learning how to juggle and do tricks to catch the attention of the children. Once he had their attention he would teach them and take them to Mass.

It wasn’t always easy -- few people wanted a crowd of loud, bedraggled boys hanging around. And he had so little money and help that people thought he was crazy.

Priests who promised to help would get frustrated and leave.

Two “friends” even tried to commit him to an institution

A DREAM THAT STARTED A LEGACY for the mentally ill. They brought a carriage and were planning to trick him into coming with him. But instead of getting in, John said, “After you” and politely let them go ahead. When his friends were in the carriage he slammed the door and told the drive to take off as fast as he could go!

Through it all he found encouragement and support through his dreams. In one dream, Mary led him into a beautiful garden. There were roses everywhere, crowding the ground with their blooms and the air with their scent.

He was told to take off his shoes and walk along a path through a rose arbor. Before he had walked more than a few steps, his naked feet were cut and bleeding from the thorns. When he said he would have to wear shoes or turn back, Mary told him to put on sturdy shoes. As he stepped forward a second time, he was followed by helpers. But the walls of the arbor closed on him, the roof sank lower and the roses crept onto the path. Thorns caught at him from all around.

When he pushed them aside he only got more cuts, until he was tangled in thorns.

Yet those who watched said, “How lucky Don John is! His path is forever strewn with roses! He hasn’t a worry in the world. No troubles at all!”

Many of the helpers, who had been expecting an easy journey, turned back, but some stayed with him. Finally he climbed through the roses and thorns to find another incredible garden. A cool breeze soothed his torn skin and healed his wounds.

In his interpretation, the path was his mission, the roses were his charity to the boys,

and the thorns were the distractions, the obstacles, and frustrations that would stand in his way. The message of the dream was clear to John: he must keep going, not lose faith in God or his mission, and he would come through to the place he belonged.

Often John acted on his dreams simply by sharing them, sometimes repeating them to several different individuals or groups he thought would be affected by the dream. “Let me tell you about a dream that has absorbed my mind,” he would say.

The groups he most often shared with were the boys he helped -- because so many of the dreams involved them.

For example, he used several dreams to remind the boys to keep to a good and moral life.

In one dream he saw the boys eating bread of four kinds -- tasty rolls, ordinary bread, coarse bread, and moldy bread, which represented the state of the boys’ souls. He said he would be glad to talk to any boys who wanted to know which bread they were eating and then proceeded to use the occasion to give them moral guidance.

He died in 1888, at the age of seventy-two. His work lives on in the Salesian order he founded.

In His Footsteps: John Bosco found God’s message in his dreams. If you have some question or problem in your life, ask God to send you an answer or help in a dream. Then write down your dreams. Ask God to help you remember and interpret the dreams that come from God.

Prayer: Saint John Bosco, you reached out to children whom no one cared for despite ridicule and insults. Help us to care less about the laughter of the world and care more about the joy of the Lord. Amen

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Insatiable Levi Karl Dv Zayas

They were feasting, while I have none.

They are in a party, and I’m in my dilemma .

They are in a shelter, while I’m soaking in rain.

They were unhappy and so am I.

Love that Matters

Miraculously turn out of events.

They are in my shoe, and I am in theirs

I’ve been through ups and downs, I’ve been through twists and turns.

I’ve been there, I’ve done that.

Now I’m doing my best to make it better.

I’m still unhappy, and so are they.

Charien Ruaya Sumagang

These words seemed really senseless, I thought I could do it my own way.

Only one could fill this empty space, I’ve been searching for him every passing day.

Not that I don’t appreciate what’s already given, It’s just that I’m looking for something different.

Yes, I’m contented with this life I’m living, But my heart, soul and mind is still wandering.

POEMS

A broken heart made me ponder about things, That most of the time people really change.

I don’t feel hatred nor ashamed why this happened, I made a choice and it is to be a better me.

I was shattered but one person made me complete again, Said, don’t worry you’ll learn something from that pain.

Remember there’s always sunshine after every rain, So let the world know that you are not feeling a little saccharine.

What counts is that you have loved and that you feel loved, That you continue loving despite being broken.

All these He said to me through things I once do not see, And now I realized, God’s love is what truly matters to me

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Sana, Pwedi Ba? Jairus D.

Sana ay lagi kitang nakikita, Lagi ka kasing hinahanap ng puso ko sinta.

Sana mas madalas tayong magkasama Ito na naman kasi ako, nananabik makapiling ka.

Teka, pwedi bang yakapin ka?

Nahihibang na kasi ako at miss na miss na kita.

Sa wari ko pa nga ako’y nangungulila, Sa ilang buwan kong panunuyo sa iyo aking reyna..

Pwede bang mahalin mo rin ako?

Ikaw lang kasi ang mahal na mahal nitong puso ko.

Pangako ko hanggang sa huling hininga, Pagsisilbihan at aalagaan ka.

At sana maging akin ka, Ikaw lang naman kasi ang laman Ng puso’t isip ko sa t’wina.

Ikaw lang ang pinapangarap ko At sayo lang ako sasaya.

Pwedi bang maging tayo na?

Ikaw lang kasi ang hinihintay ko talaga.

At ang pag-ibig mo ang siyang mahalaga.

Sana makamit ko na ang matamis mong Oo, Sana…pwedi ba?

Under The Shadow Levi Karl Dv Zayas

Lying under the tree, Pondering things and all.

Suddenly a swift wind came, and blew my ideas away.

I watched it flew, Like a dandelion in the sky.

I would like to chase them, But my life is in the refuge of this tree.

I couldn’t take one step or two, Away from the shade I’m hiding.

I am scared of what might lies, Beyond under this shadow.

Saw a fisherman, under the heat of sun.

Wandering the vast ocean, and caught a fish, a huge one.

And so I ran.

For the first time, the heat of sun brushed my skin, and ideas were gathered.

The shadow of comfort zone was the one killing my potential. me

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Friend

Kevin Jay Tisoy In your life you experience pain, Dwelt in sorrow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stock in shame Then, there will be a hands that would came To make you feel better and smile again.

They are what we call FRIENDS The best advisers to your problems Who feel more than what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve obtain Give your shoulders when you need to lean.

They all know your secrets, All the little things of your existence They were brave and ready to fight When someone is depriving your right.

A friend will never leave you In times of happiness and in woe They are the blessing God gave to you every day Which you need to thank and treasure day by day.

POEMS

To: Shumai, Casandra, argie, dave, anton, sito, Joshua and ever

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Youth Ko Kevin jay tisoii

Red, blue, yellow and green Different personalities in a team Nothing such in common Buts still each one of us belong Many reasons of serving But one of our goal is loving Loving God above all And letting him on us to rule We make a brighter future In socio-spiritual nature We change the society and We renew the church stability We are the youth of the nation The hope and pride of next generation We can make all things possible We unlock unable to be able I, you and we Is Gods perfect key Is tasked to do our duty To be gracious and stay Godly.

“maling pinili” Jairus D.

Siya ang babaeng perfect kumbaga Gusto kong ipagsigawang pag-aari ko sya Maging sa magulang ko ang bait-bait nya hiling ko lang sa Panginoon na sana sya na Hindi nag tagal minahal ko sya nang husto, Binaliwala ko lahat pati pag -aaral ko Pati pag seserbisyo ko sa simbahan dinamay ko Mabigay ko lang ang oras ko nang buong-buo Bigla akong nag taka at ako’y nalilito Kung minahal nya ba ako nang buo at totoo Bigla akong nasaktan at akoy naluluha Ramdam ko ang pagmamahal nya pero dun lang sa simula Sa ilang beses naming pag sasama meron akong na diskubre, Na hindi lang ako ang nagmamay-ari kundi marami kami Umiyak nang husto at malaki ang pag-sisisi, Ang pinagdasal kung para sa akin ay isa palang “maling pinili”

Love in a distance Laly Gutierez`

Love is blind they say, It’s loving a shadow in your head.

A woman whom I do not see, But once I hear you, your near to me.

I don’t know why I love you, I really wonder why I do.

I did not see nor hold you, But im always thinking i’m close to you.

One day, I realized the truth, Don’t love its leaves but rather the roots.

That give the true virtue to a person, It’s not the beauty but the heart alone.

Someday we’ll meet eye to eye, I promise to you my love won’t die.

On how I love you when your far away, Is the same feeling when you are close to me.

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag 33

Love in a Cage

DEAR PAPANG PRESENTS

Dear Edita,

Dear Papang,

Maayung adlaw diha kanimo, before ko mag say-say sa akong kasinatian sa gugma gusto nko ipaila-ila akung kaugalingon. Tawaga lang ako sa ngalan nga Edith or Edita. Ako usa ka youth nga nag serbisyo sulod sa Diocese of Malaybalay. Tugoti ako sa pagpasalamat kanimo Papang sa kanunay nimung paghatag ug tambag sa amo nga nagkahinanglan gayud. Naghatag ako ug sulat kanimo Papang arun sa pag-saysay sa akong kasinatian bahin sa gugma. Sa 4 nako ka tuig nga nag serbisyo sa simbahan abi nako ug wala nakoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y time sa relasyon nga gitawag ug uyab-uyab, apan diha nahinuon nako nasugatan sa simbahan ang tao nga nag pabati nako kung unsa ang gugma. Sukad atong pag-apil nako sa youth ministry nakita ko na siya apan adtong higayona wala pa akoy gibati para kaniya. Apan sa nilabay ang panahon nagkahinay-hinay ug develop ang akong pagbati kaniya, nahimo nalang siya ug parish youth leader sa among parokya apan wala pa gihapon siya kahibalo kung unsa na ang akong gibati para kaniya. Suod kaayu mi Papang, mura nadaw ko niya ug igsuon. Ang iyang parents kaila nako, ug nailhan na pud siya sa akong parents.

Gusto na gyud nako nga isulti kung unsa akong gibati para kaniya apan mahadlok ako kai ug basin akong isulti niya malain siya nako. Madaot ang among friendship ug specially ang ministry ug daghan pa akong gitan-aw nga posible nga madaot kung siya makabalo. Busa tabangi ako Papang kung unsaon man nako ni. Once again Papang daghan salamat ug unta ang Dios kanunay kanimo nga magiya.

Ang nagpadala

Edith or Edita

Hai Editha. Maayung adlaw pud kanimo, ug salamat huh, sa pagpadala dinhi kanamo ug dugang sakit sa ulo, joke lang.

Bitaw salamat sa pagsalig sa Dear Papang. Edita, among paningkamotan nga matabangan ka huh, paningkamotan ug paningtiilan namu para matabangan ka, Ok! Sa akong pag scrutinize sa imung sulat, ang imung problema bahin sa gugma nga dili nimo ma express sa usa ka tao tungod sa mga factor nga imung gi-ingun gitawag na siya ug mga kabalaka nho!

Kabalo ka Editha or basin wala nho! nga ang gugma kon dili na nimu mapagawas mamahimo na siyang bugas2 dibah. Sa ato pa kanang tao nga puno ug bugas2 apil ang lapa2 gugmaan kaayu na sila wala lang kagawas so makadaot sa pamanit. (eh d Wow!! Bitaw atik ra). Kana nga problema nimu Edith medyo common na sya nho sa usa ka youth nga nag serbisyo sa simbahan! Sa imung situation naghunahuna ka sa tanan dili lang ang imung gugma mao na ang isa ka timailhan nga you are matured enough o hingkod na imung panghuna-huna. Siguro imung buhaton una is mamalandong, kung angay basiya nga ipadayag ngadto kaniya or dili. Kung angay siya, pagpakig istorya kaniya bahin nianang butanga, kai basin kaya siya gihapon naay pagbati ka nimo dbah, we can never tell (unsaon ang English??) So usa gihapun na sa advantage kung makipag istorya kaniya, arun pud dili naka maguol ug mas confident na dayun ka sa pag serbisyo sa simbahan. Iandam lang ang imung kaugalingon sa mga posibilidad nga basin dili mo pareha ug gibati sa usag-usa dibah! Arun pud nga dili ma apektohan ang inyung pagserbisyo sa simbahan nho! Pero kami sa Dear Papang nanghinaot nga positibo pud ang iyang response kanimo para everybody Happy oh dibah! So ayaw na kaguol Editha huh! Kai pareha raba mo ngalan sa akong ante., hahahahaha.

Basta ang importante Editha nga magmalinawon naka ug ang imung pagserbisyo sa simbahan.

So mao rana Editha I hope nga natabangan ka sa Dear Papang nho! So salamat ug Happy Valentines kanimo goodluck and May Godbless us all. Bye2 Editha, Tsup2. Oistttt.

Sa tanang hingbasa ug dili, mamahimo ninyong ihatag ang inyung kasinatian sa Dear Papang, Just write it in a piece of paper ug ipadala sa buhatan sa Dear Papang diri lang sa DCY office Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, pangitaa lang c Ate Jessa saragoza Aranas or ang DYFT member. Daghang Salamat.

Naghigugma Papang!

34 34

Banagbanag | Vol. 34, no. 4

Pre, Katong dato pami, ga-kinamot me, karon nga pobre na, ga-kutsara na

Unsa inyong pangandoy sa kinabuhi?

Gusto ko mahimong doctor para matabangan ang mga pobre :P

Nganu man pre??!

ako, gusto ko mudato para matabangan ang mga pobre :D

Madala ba diau ug kinamot ang nilugaw?? nyahahahaha

ako gusto ko mahimong pobre para matabangan ko nilaaaa!! haha...

#maraming

salamat po

jesse boi

Vol. 34, no. 4 | Banagbanag

35

Why did God make man?

God made everything for man. Man, however, who is “the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake”, was created in order to be blessed. This happens when he knows, loves, and serves God and lives in gratitude toward his Creator.

Gratitude is love that has been acknowledged. Someone who is grateful tension freely to the giver of the good and enters into a new, deeper relationship with him. God wishes us to acknowledge his love and even now to live our whole life in relation with him.

This relationship lasts forever.

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WHY JESUS IS THE GREATEST EXAMPLE IN THE WORLD?

Jesus Christ is unique because he shiws us not only God’s true nature but also the true ideal of man.

Jesus was more than an ideal man.

Even seemingly ideal men are sinners.

That is why no man can be the measure of humanity. Jesus,however, was without sin. We cannot know what it means to be a man, and what makes man infinitely loveable in the truest sense of the word, except in Jesus Christ, who “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning” (Heb. 4:15). Jesus, the Son of God, is the authentic, true man. In him we recognize how God willed man to be.

Why did God create man male and female?

God, who is love and the archetype of community, created man male and female so that together they might be an image of his nature.

God made man in such way that he is male or female and longs for fulfillment and completion in an encounter with the opposite sex. Men and women have absolutely the same dignity, but in the creative development of their masculinity and femininity they give expression to different aspects of God’s perfection.

God is not male or female, but he has shown himself to be both fatherly (Lk 6:36) and motherly (Is 66:13). In the love of man and woman, especially in the community of marriage, in which man and woman become “one flesh” (Gen 2:24), people are privileged to sense something of the happiness of the union with God in which every man finds his ultimate wholeness. Just as God’s love is faithful, so also their love seeks to be faithful; and it is creative, as God is, because from marriage new life comes forth.

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ahiping Pagb n i P ati Sometimes in love we have to cross the desert or penetrate the night  happy seasons of love mg aka bff. . .  greet kos mga NBI (Nagkahiusang bitter sa Iearth)  greet pud kos mga gwapa ug gwapo sa landing (the yangsters) miss you mga guys magkita2 rata soon  nyaaaah! Im so excited for the DYDEKADA see you there.

We will encounter each other and jesus there. Mwuaaah !

GODBLESS Guuytses! 

-DarlYANG_23-

Regards ko sa akong mga kaigsoonan sa pag tuo nga kanunay nga aktibo sa tanang kalihukan sa simbahan, hinaot unta nga magpabilin nga himsog kita sap ag salig ug pagdayig sa ginoo 

-Ever[wafo] from:MMPY

Hi to my beloved teammates SILPYA(San Isidro Labrador Parish Youth Apostolate) regards to JayArh, Mai2x E, Violah, Namie, tahes, Mai2x A, ug tanan nga wala na mention. Padayon ta sa paghigugma sa atong isig kabatan-on. Belated HVD SILPYA. Next year puhon, madayun na unta atong groupdate  <3

-Amy <3-

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Regards lang ko kay Atleah, Miya, ate Amy, ate Tatal, ate Glezel, brad mamar ug kang pikot :D GIKAN KANG KEVIN NGA PUNO SA PAGHIGUGMA. Yoow Zaap yangsters, greet lang kos diocesan vocation promoter family, kay Sr.BELEN, Sr.VANGIE, Sr.ELIZABETH Bro.Ed, Joven, Ever & mackoy nga nanguban sa SALAY  lovelove DVP

-KEVIN-

i greet nalang nako akong family, Zayas Family, Em2, kikirk, felrose, genel, reb2. Papa don2 and the ISU Member: Jonnel, Jam2, Ruthy, Pidot, Pare, Wiggle, Jhong2, Kimbot.. special ShoutOut to Franz Vallente.. juvanie ug treske ug Edwin.

-Levi Karl DV Zayas

Hai! Bukyo  spread the goodnews! I love you all  see you in DYDEKADA !!! xoxo excited :D apil ka? Apil ta. . .hehe lets celebrate our FAITH! #celfaith

-sexylove-

Regards ko sa tanang mga YANGSTERS! “STRONGHOLD” lang gyud ta guys

-mackoy-

Magandang Buhay po BUKyo  greet ko sa among bestfriend namu ni twin jaymark nga c Fr.Cris hamo, ug sa among priest sa kisolon Fr.bong namocot.

Ug sa amungschool PILAR HIGH SCHOOL. Greet pud ko sa BG’family sa PILAR HIGH SCHOOL nga gi pamaulan ky bag.o pa nag hiking  grabe nga adventure Iloveu all guiz. See you sa lantapan mga kaBUKYO.excited naku sa DYD10 -jaysuon-

ER N R O C YE dili nako maexpress akong feelings nga nabati ug kalipay despite sa akong kakulangon ug sala. Gidawat ko ni God sa tibuok nyang kaugalingon nga walay pagduha duha. Dako kaayo akong nadiskubre sa akong kaugalingon. Naa pa diay mga tawo nga nagtrust sa akua ug andam maminaw nako.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m having such a great time

happy to meet new friends. Thanks for being friendly

happy kaayo ko kay na express nako akong feelings.

Chada ug makagaan sa feelings.

Lord thank you kaayo sa opportunity to be im thia.ministry and to undergo in Youth Encounter. I totally found myself. I realized many things and i understand everything. - bernadeth

I am just a simple,loving and responsible person that you can lean on, ready to give advices in every lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situations. God bless is brothers and sisiters in Christ. I love you and always smile- Joenard S. Ledesma

Love God and love yourself spread the love Ye participants hope and trust will grow more. because of Ye, dagan ko nadiskubrehan sa akong kaugalingon nga karon ra naku nabati pag ayo ug naencounter naku si Lord.

Jesus is everywhere. tsada sa feeling nga ma affirm ka sa imung kauban.

feel jud nako ang presence ni God.

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