Masiglang Ugnayan

MASIGLANG UGNAYAN Ang opisyal na pahayagan ng Mukha Ad

Br. Don Dominique Marco Antonio S. Go, OP

Coordinator General

There are four words that I want to say to MUKHA AD on its 22 years of Existence. These four words can be seen in one Filipino word. This word is mahalaga. Mukha Ad is mahalaga. The word mahalaga is a word comprises of four meaningful words that fits my sentiments in describing Mukha Ad. The First word is mahal. Mahal ko ang Mukha Ad. This group teaches me to love people who I always encounter every Sunday sessions. They already became a part of me that I will keep in my heart. The co-brothers and lay members included in the group become my family now and will last forever. Sila ang aking naging Kasambuhay Habambuhay (Family: Session 1) For we join together in living a life of following Christ through sharing to one another His ways and deeds. Marami akong natutunan sa Mukha Ad, kaya naman hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang grupong ito kahit kalian. They say that once a person finds important people in his life this will make a mark (Grand Opening) in his heart that one can even say peksman, mahal kita, mamahalin kita magpakailanman. (Family: Session 2), The Second word is halaga. Mukha Ad has value. It is not only valuable to me but is true to all who became members of the group. Who could forget the tight moments, the merienda, the celebrations, the smiles, the shibashi, the camping, the listening time, the party, the jumping sessions, the swimming, the dancing and many more wonderful experiences in the group? Mukha Ad has its halaga for it is a treasure. We found a treasure in Mukha Ad that teaches us to value it even if we could no longer join the group because of other concerns. But Still, Mukha Ad made an impact to us that created a connection from all its members that will surely last forever. Dahil ang Mukha Ad ay ang aking pamilya, aking kayamanan (Family: Session 3) na walang iwanan at walang bitawan kahit kailan (Society: Session 2).

The Third word is alaga. This group is worth of respect and care. For in this group, we do not just bond together for the sake of friendship but also for the one only Lord, Jesus Christ. Ang grupong ito ay talaga namang dapat alagaan dahil si Kristo ang MUKHA natin dito, (Man: Session 2) sapagkat ang mga pagkatao natin ay hinuhubog sa pagkatao ni Kristo (Man: Session 1).

The Last word is mahalaga. Ang Mukha Ad ay mahalaga sapagkat ito ay isang organisasyon ng simbahan. We are inside the Church, (Church: Session 1) we are the youth who is undergoing formation program which aims to be like Christ. For Christ gives us the meaning of how we should live in this world. Following Christ, is acting justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly with Him. Truly Mukha Ad is important. Mukha Ad is mahalaga, mahal ko, aalagaan ko dahil ito ay may halaga para sa akin. For Mukha Ad, I wish it all the best. I hope and pray that it continues to make every person be mahalaga and until Christ is formed in us. Donec Christus Formetur in Nobis.

NB: All italicized words are excerpts from the title of the sessions during the level one formation year of Mukha Ad batch 22, 2011-2012

The MUKHA A.D. (Masiglang Ugnayan ng mga Kabataang Hinuhubog sa Anyo ng Anak ng Diyos)

We, the members of MUKHA A.D., a youth formation group of both lay and Dominican Student-Brothers, envisions to strengthen the involvement of the youth in the Church.

As a manifestation of our commitment to Christ and his Church, we strive to become proclaimers of the Word. We, therefore, continue to undergo and share a formation program to our fellow youth which is fundamentally a deepening of the Christian values in the context of contemporary realities.

We, then, heed the call to renew and strengthen our commitment in carrying out our mission through our unwavering support to our officers. We will keep the task assigned to us faithfully, so that hand in hand, we will make a cooperative and vibrant community.

We will encourage one another and lighten up each other’s loads. In response to Christ, may we come to serve and not to be served.

Mukha Ad THEME SONG Lord God be present in our heart May we reflect your love And in joy we dwell in you Inspire us through your word That in friendship we become as on, as one For as the Father sent His Son We, too are being sent To tell His message of Life To serve the people God And discover God’s mercy and grace His Face

Chorus: For we are called, for we are called The servant of the Lord With love and hope, with love and hope We’ll share his peace to all (and/cause) this is what we expect from you To act justly To love tenderly And to walk humbly with our God With our God… (repeat second stanza & chorus) (repeat chorus)

IGNITE The recently graduated batch takes on what it really means to be a Mukha Ad

The Seven Things I Love about Mukha AD Ma. Katrina Buenaflor

It was a cloudy Sunday morning. I have just finished hearing Mass at Santo Domingo Church, after which I went for my customary personal talk with Mama La Naval behind her shrine. As I walked along the corridors to go home, my peripheral vision detected a man clothed in Dominican habit, who I presumed based on his looks, was a student-brother.

Having frequented Santo Domingo Church in Sundays and random weekdays for almost eight months, I still never got to accustom myself at the sight of young men walking around in habits. They never fail to make my heart skip a beat or two whenever I see them. Not because they’re good looking ha, it’s because… well…I was scared of them.

I was getting nearer and nearer, and then boom. He was now in front of me, smiling and then, to my disbelief, spoke to me. Perhaps it was because of the alleviating feeling that I get when I’m finished hearing mass, but thank goodness I still retained my composure and dignity during that oh-so-sudden encounter with this brother. At the end of it all, he got me to sign up for a group whose objectives and interests I have failed to comprehend at that time. This happened five months ago, and the rest is history.

After graduating Level 1, I shall now impart to you seven truths about this group. For my fellow MUKHA ADers who might read this, here is my seven simple reasons why I just love being with you - against all odds.

1. We’re different, but we click.

I had lots of hesitations about joining this group, especially after the first session. Major-

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ity of my batchmates were college classmates, and there were very few whose age was the same as mine (Hello, Alex and Carol). I wondered if I could somehow get along with the members who already have their circle of friends, or those who may not understand stuff about my course, or even with the brothers!

I’m not really good at starting conversations with strangers, or with people that I’m scared of.

But look, after five months of sessions and activities, we got along pretty well. Despite our differences, we had one common aim: to get to know our faith and our God better. It is with this that we started getting along, and now you’re my buddies! Definitely not just on Sunday afternoons.

2. You didn’t really ask for much from us.

I remember back when I was about to attend our very first session after all that hoopla during the Grand Opening. I was already in front of the doors of the seminary and unlike the previous Sunday, it was closed. It seemed like there was nothing going on behind the doors. I tried to open it several times and moved every movable part (it has no doorknob…wala sa bundok yun) and thought it was locked. Panic rising, I rushed to the guard roaming nearby and asked, “Kuya, san po yung MUKHA AD ngayon?” He led me to the very same door and simply pushed it.

Just the same, you didn’t really ask me to do much. You never asked for a registration fee, or a filled-up registration form, not even a 1x1 ID picture. All you wanted was for me to come as I am, push the door, take in what you wish to share, hoping that it will shed some light as I head out again to the real world.

3. You’re simple yet sincere.

I love simple things, and six days of complicated academic work could make a laid-back person go mad. Sobrang sabaw, ‘ika nga.

Going to MUKHA AD office at the Dominican Studentate is my secret sanctuary within my favorite sanctuary. The simplicity of the people, the sharing that comes after every session, and those small talks over merienda is what makes me go back every Sundays. Don’t expect to eat KFC food in here every Sunday (although that could happen…hahaha!) or get grand prizes when you join the games before the session starts – what you get is simple, but priceless joys of meaningful talks and budding friendships. And I wish to be nowhere else.

4. You never fail to make me smile.

Yes, another main reason why I attend the sessions whether I come from Malate, Manila or from Sta. Rosa, Laguna; whether I have a forthcoming avalanche of exams or not. The funny thing is you don’t really make people laugh on purpose. It just happens spontaneously. You never run out of stuff to share and laugh about. Even when attending a session with a recently-badly-broken-heart, I manage to leave you guys with a light heart, and a smile on my face. That’s how much fun it is to be with you.

5. You make me do things I never had the chance to do.

It is with you that I have found an avenue

to put my faith into action. Things like Taize, worshipping thru singing rock-ish songs are stuff that’s very novel, and definitely something I’ve never tried before. It is also with you where I experienced my very first Team Building Activity, and volunteered for my first-ever charity event, the annual Aliw Bata. Because of you, I felt that I could live this life worthwhile, by giving the very same gifts of belonging and smiles to kids in need.

6. I just loooove our post-session prayer.

After every session with MUKHA AD, we had to sing the 13th Century Dominican Blessing, and I just loved singing this with all of you. I love the prayer on its own, but I love the melody as well (I even have an mp3 of its piano instrumental on my phone). It reflects the simplicity and sincerity of this group to show the face of God to the youth in the context of modern times. Here’s how it goes: May God the Father, bless us May God the Son, heal us May God the Holy Spirit enlighten us Give us eyes to see with And ears to hear with Hands to do God’s work with Feet to walk with, a mouth to preach The Word of Salvation with And may the Angel of Peace watch over us May he lead us at last by the Lord’s gift to the Kingdom Amen.

7.

There’s no such thing as hierarchy – only friendships.

One thing that sets MUKHA AD apart from other groups or orgs is that it’s very personal.

Which is perhaps why they did not have those personal information sheets–they wish to get to know you by chatting with you–whether on ICs (individual consultations), faith sharing, even online via Facebook chat. I promise they don’t pry.

And you’re not just friends with your batchmates. You can be friends with everyone here, and this does not just happen within the walls of the MUKHA AD office. I go to mass with my batch mates during the La Naval festivities (partida, wala pa akong mga cellphone numbers nila nun), go out for coffee with members from the previous batches, and occasionally bump into the rest of them at school or at the church. And there’s another thing: I’m not that scared of the brothers anymore. They’re actually very fun to be with – and very much like the rest of us.

It’s really nice to have bonded with everyone in such short span of a time.

And we have just finished Level 1. More memories will be added, and I’m sure that the bond we had created will be stronger in the weeks to come. Whether or not I’m present during the coming sessions, I hope that when I return, you shall accept me with open arms. But I know you would, and that’s another thing I love about you. Days and weeks will pass, but the fondness shall remain the same.

I’m proud that I can be called one of you.

Until now, I could not believe that I am actually part of MUKHA AD Batch 22. And I’m so proud. And I will miss you.

SNIPPETS Davie Estrella Sa totoo lang hindi ko akalain na mapapadpad ako dito, sa una akala ko parang isa lamang siyang organisasyon ng simbahan na gumawa at tumtulong sa kapwa.

Nabalitaan ko lang siya sa mga kaibigan ko sa eskuwelahan, hindi ko akalain na isa sa mga linggo ay magkakaroon ng session ang Mukha Ad ay makakapunta ako. Hindi man ako nakadalo sa unang pagbubukas ng pintuan ng Mukha Ad. Para sa akin, parang palaging ‘Grand Opening’ ang pakiramdam ko: mula nang mag-umpisa na akong makilahok sa bawat Linggong session. Sa mga linggong nakilahok ako naranasan kong tumawa, maiyak, maging bukas at maibahagi ang nararamdaman sa bawat linggong aking dinadaluhan.

Nagpapasalamat ako at napunta ako sa ganitong organisasyon na hindi lang sentro ng Diyos ngunit parte siya ng paghubog ng pagkatao at pagmamahal sa kapwa.

Tommy Quesada

Mukha Ad na siguro ang One of the best na masasabi kong pinakamagandang sinalihan ko dahil dito ko unang naranasan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang mapalapit sa Diyos. Dahil sa Mukha Ad nagbago ang pananaw ko sa buhay, sa Mukha Ad mas lalo ako nagiging masaya kasama ang mga bago kong kapamilya. Maituturing kong pamilya ang bawat kasapi ng Mukha Ad at dahil dito kaya ako nahumaling at pumasok sa samahan. Dito ko rin naranasan ang magpahayag ng damdamin sa tulong ng mga brothers. At dito ko naranasan ang pinakamasayang moment ng buhay ko.

Zyra Jane Princess Bernal

3 ~ 4 Masiglang Ugnayan

Mukha Ad is an organization, a family and a complete package. I enjoy everything we do here at Mukha Ad, especially when faith sharing and community services come. I enjoy being with everyone in Mukha Ad and I do appreciate what Mukha Ad do for all of us. They make me smile. Even though I’m always absent, I still am blessed and thankful that my feet dragged me here because Mukha Ad was one of the reasons that I was able to learn more about myself and to bring out into the open the talents I never knew I had.

I can say that Muka Ad is a perfect place to know God deeply, and not in a boring way. Mukha Ad is PLAIN. Precious, lovable, amazing, intelligent and nice because Mukha Ad gives and gives lot of love, care and effort that if you never got to be in it, it will be a complete waste. In short, I enjoy my Sundays here in Mukha Ad and I love it here. Thank you Mukha Ad.

San Agustin CHURCH Beauty ever ancient, ever new Ma. Katrina Buenaflor

Last November 27, 2011, I escaped the reins of my parents and rode a bus to Manila (kids, do NOT do this at home :p ). It’s MUKHA AD’s second session for the second semester, and for that afternoon, we were going to tour around San Agustin Church in Intramuros.

At this point I will be honest enough to admit that initially, I wasn’t keen on going there to go sight-seeing. I have visited the church a couple of Christmases ago and I thought I’ve already seen what has to be seen on that place. The real reason to my long overdue escapade was the fact that I have not seen my muchloved Sunday barkada for almost two months, I miss the sessions so badly, and it’s already clinically proven that these people could magically turn my sadness into happiness.

I went ahead to San Agustin Church and waited for them to arrive. I stood beside a white Jaguar car - at the time, there was a wedding ceremony going

on inside. A tourist driver standing beside me asked me if I was one of the guests. I said no, telling him that I was waiting for my friends. He then told me that he pities the children who, despite the hot and humid weather, wore tuxedoes for the event instead of the more traditional and more climate-forgiving Barong Tagalog.

I nodded in agreement, but then I can’t blame the wedding planner for having them wear such–the church has this “Royal” and very imposing aura, especially inside– owing to the fact that it’s a Baroque church. It’s elaborately yet elegantly decorated; its beauty ancient yet new–especially to us living in the modern times.

Minutes later I saw the MAD

people arrive. I was so glad to finally meet everyone once again–I even hugged my batchmate Carol in the joy of seeing her once again.

I wanted to say hi to everyone, but doing so would interrupt the tour that has already started. I also realized that I have forgotten the names of some of them that I’ve already talked to before. Nonetheless, I felt a sense of belonging, as if I haven’t gone that long. And it’s nice that some of them still remember my name.

Hehehe. :p So the guided tour began, courtesy of an archivist working in UST (I forgot his name, sorry.). We first entered the museum beside the church. Oh boy, why did I ever underestimate the Augustinian property?! At a glance, the adjacent building is small, but as we went in, I found out that it was a huge building housing an unimaginable number of antique art collected during the 440 years of the order’s presence in the country. It was a haven for art lovers, history geeks, and suckers for all things classical–like me.

There was a visual information overload– there were too much to see! Paintings and sculptures of various friars and images of Saint Augustine were all around the building. One particular painting that caught my attention was of Saint Augustine with Jesus to his right, and Mama Mary to his left. When I saw the image of Nuestra Señora de Leche y Buen Parto a few years back, I thought it was unusual, because an image where she breastfed Jesus was,

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in my opinion, quite intimate for one to make a statue of. But on this particular painting of Saint Augustine, the artist portrayed Mary at its most unusual. I suppose it’s a rare rendition.

There was this room full of religious images that I really, really enjoyed looking at. The hall, which was previously used as a place for the conventual chapter of the Augustinian friars, virtually reeked of gold because of the different images of Our Lady (smaller versions of the images of La Naval de Manila and Remedios were there), and other saints.

The church’s choirloft was another place that I liked. Perhaps a modern church’s choirloft is nothing but chairs with an electric keyboard or guitar on the side – but this one’s Baroque, and in the Baroque period, it’s all about excess! It’s the ancient times’ 1980s! The wooden chairs had very intricate wood carvings on them; the ceiling had these paintings that looked like they were bas relief sculptures.

In the middle of the choirloft was a giant song book – perhaps the equivalent of the modern times’ overhead projector. Lastly, the modern times’ keyboard and guitar is no match to this church’s colossal pipe organ! How I wish I could hear how a pipe organ actually sounds.

I also wish Sto Domingo’s pipe organ would be restored soon. Whether on its own or along with the voice of the Tiples, the music it will make must be grand.

There were so much to see (I think I said this already...didn’t I?), and really, one afternoon is just not enough if you really want to fully appreciate what this place has in store.

Here, you’d appreciate the church’s role besides being the mediator between man and God. In this case, it’s a preserver of art and history, an institution that has definitely withstood the test of time.

I hope that after one sees the beauty within its walls, he or she shall remember San Agustin Church not as a tourist spot, or a sanctuary made for couples to have their grand weddings in the coming years. It’s an institution that showcases the depths of human creativity and unsurpassed intellect, and ultimately, the greatness of its Creator. It’s an institution attesting the Augustinians’ love for God. Ain’t love grand?

IGNITE

Alyanna Largoza We started out as strangers then we became friends in time we got closer and soldered loose ends.

Mukha Ad had led us to be who we are Thank you for helping us reach the shinning star in every endeavor and challenge we may face I know that Mukha ad will guide us through the race Our bond has grown stronger, and so has our faith Mukha Ad has saved people before it was too late.

Mukha Ad is a blessing to those who can see It has brought us to where we ought to be In God's loving arms we have returned In guiding new members we take our turn.

To all the staff and council that we've been with MARAMING SALAMAT, HANGGANG SA MULI .

This is just the beginning.

The journey has just begun...

Eleven months ago, Mukha Ad was just another insignificant word for me, but now, after almost a year, Mukha Ad has become more than a place, a group of people and just another Sunday habit. Mukha Ad has become a part of me; it has become my home, my family.

Every time someone asks me how I devote my Sunday, I would have answered them saying, “Well, I teach in the mornings, have my own training and then go to Mukha Ad every free Sunday that I have.” Some people would sneer, roll their eyes and laugh at the idea, while some would smile and ask me about it.

Personally MAD has made an impact in my life. I gained new friends, and went through new experiences with them. I’ve picked up a couple of lessons and realizations in life. Looking back at the past year, I am thankful that a couple of friends dragged me to Sto. Domingo Church. I am thankful for the Sundays I spent with all the staff and the members.

I wrote a poem on March 5,

a few days after the Mukha Ad retreat. One line I wrote said, “This is just the beginning; the journey has just begun.” As part of the newly-graduated Batch 22, I believe that our journey and mission does not end with our graduation. From MAD, it is a beginning, a new chapter where we now take part in guiding ‘new blood’ or the new members in bringing them closer to God and strengthening our faith.

I hope that I would be able to live up to the expectations of the people around me and to give justice to the role I now take in the formation. But no matter what, I know that with the help of my co-members, we will be able to make it through.

A Day to treasure, a day to remember Andrea Jusay

The bond we've shared this particular Sunday is one of the things I'll treasure, come what may...

...and it all started from a simple exposure.

Requirement. In Ecclesiology class, our professor has required everyone to complete 15 hours of exposure. An exposure in which we are expected to learn from, and mingle with other members of the community. We were given two choices as to where we may have the exposure; Mukha AD or Caritas. And due to my circumstance, I chose the nearest-Mukha AD. At first, it was all about completing the hours, and yes, perhaps having fun with my classmates and friends. But little did I know, as I continue to attend our Sunday meetings, Mukha AD has already become important.

Team-building. Honestly speaking, I have no idea how to recount this day's events. So randomly, I'll start with how difficult and funny it is to be an alarm clock of my friends.

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Waking up. I woke up at four in the morning as usual, with two things in mind; what to bring and what time do I have to wake up two of my closest friends. Inno and John. So first, I sent a group message, hoping their phones would vibrate and wake them up. But since I called both at around 4:30, my text plus vibrate plan had failed. Luckily, one of them woke up at my second try-Inno, who told us when we all met up, that he really had woken up at (I actually forgot, was it 5 or 5:30?) around five in the morning - thus, I'm such a failure at waking him up. So what about John, you ask? Need I say anything? When even his own mom doesn't want to wake him up anymore? And for ranting purposes, I'd called him several times; and by several, I mean SEVERAL. And he still didn't wake up. So I've decided that I'll give him a real alarm clock on Christmas.

Seven in the morning. Our own call time.

By “our,” that includes Ai, Cueto, Inno and John. Why that early? Just because we want to “break our fast” together. We love each other.

Bus and Early Moments in La Mesa Ecopark.

The wrong bus. Call time for Mukha AD members Batch 22 was at eight in the morning. It turned out that we were an hour earlier and so we went to Ecopark with the staff. It was still

fun, anyway. Early birds get early warm-ups (pictures, early bonding, taho, early snacks, and a bit of sight-seeing).

Shibashi and The Posing Something Activity.

My memory’s losing its touch, do forgive me as I’m really tired. Anyhow, for everyone’s information, shibashi doesn’t that much differ from tai chi and yoga; but more related to the former. It’s a relaxing qigong exercise routine that lasts for about 15-20 minutes. It gives an individual a control of one’s emotions, an increase in energy, flexibility and agility, and some other things. (The power of researching something new. *wink, wink*) Well, so everybody did shibashi and the other activity (in which we need to pose however we want and sort of make that pose as something other people may identify us with) before starting the amazing race-ish event. It’s fun!

Race, Charade and Blindfold. Lessons. Although it was a tiring day with endless run, laughing, and guessing, plus a challenge for me (the blindfold part, some people know why, and I thank Ai and Inno for the simple support you guys gave me), we’ve learned a lot from all these activities, not just to cooperate and learn the value of teamwork, but also to trust those whom we may trust. Along our journey, we meet many people who become our acquaintances, only some of them become our friends; but just a few whom we can really trust. In that small number yet somehow already a large circle of true people, the Mukha AD family is and will always be included. We may be different in many ways, but we were able to start a bond out of these diversities, a bond worth our time and efforts to cherish and to deepen more and more. We all live to serve as foundations of other people. We may only be playing small parts but with full trust, we can achieve big things and complete a whole.

Thank you all for making this Sunday memorable.

Every Perfect gift is from above Carolyn Cac Nazareno

aah! Ayan. Magkukuwento na ako. Isang maulan na hapon ng July na galing ako sa Hilltop, QC. First Sunday ng pasok sa eskwela. Ayon na-excite naman akong pumunta sa Sto. Domingo, kahit di ko pa alam kung ano yung pupuntahan doon. Kaya pagkatapos ng klase nagmadali talaga ako para makarating sa Sto. Domingo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Alexander dahil ininvite niya akong pumunta sa Seminary.

Dream come true para sa akin ang pagpunta ko ng Sto. Domingo. Kaya siguradong magiging masaya ako sa pagpunta ko do么n. Finally na-meet ko na din ang mga Dominican Brothers: Bro. Don, Bro. Chris, Bro. Felix, Bro. Caloy, Bro. Genard, Bro. Toto, Bro. Roy, Bro. Aaron at marami pang mga brothers, lahat ng bumubuo ng MUKHA AD council. I feel so blessed dahil sobrang saya sa MUKHA AD and laging date Day with God every Sunday. And sobrang marami akong naging kapatid na nag-inspire at nagmahal sa akin dahil isang pamilya kaming naroon. Dahil sa MUKHA AD. Madami pa akong na-realize at natutunan tungkol kay God at kung paano mamuhay in God's way. Inaabangan ko talaga ang araw ng Linggo, dahil sa

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araw na iyon excited na ako. Sobrang relaxed, enjoyed, komportable, happy, fun, complete, and feels good, I feel like I belong, I feel much closer to God. Learn new lessons at maraming first time experience. Sobrang dami ring happy moments di ko na mabilang, puro tawanan, kulitan, kwentuhan, kantahan, asarang walang patid at may iyakan din naman, at ang mahalaga sa lahat ay pakikinig sa aral ng Diyos, faith sharing. Pag sportsfest na todo energy sa paglalaro. Sobrang supportive at may trust ang bawat isa, kaya naman lahat ginagawa ang best para sa team. Meron din team building, Medical Mission at exposures ang MUKHA AD. And pinakaaabangan ko din ung Fiesta Day para sa Beso Manto sa Mahal na Inang Maria ng Santo Rosaryo. Nalaman ko din ang mga misteryo ng simbahan ng Sto. Domingo sa session ng Church. Wala talagang Sunday sa Mukha Ad na wala akong natutunan. Madami din akong natuklasan sa sarili ko, madami pa pala akong kayang gawin kaya hahanapin at pahahalagahan ko ang mga biyaya na ipinagkaloob sa akin ni God upang sa mga araw na dadaan sa yugto ng aking buhay ay masigla ko din itong maibahagi sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. LIKE and LOVE ko ang MUKHA AD FAMILY.

MAD VEINTE UNO Batch 21 share their Mukha Ad recollections.

The night falls; I deny Mondays Apa Feliciano

It had orange walls, like a sad shade that could never decide whether to be red or yellow. It wasn’t garish either, although for a room revamp it seemed like there had been lofty ideals that were never realized. It’s fine, we say, it’s fine. As if we were convincing ourselves that it was. For me it was good enough. At least from afar there is that ‘wow’ factor that snaps people to attention.

It does get weird sometimes especially when humid afternoons become much more hotter than they are supposed to be. The orange-ness of the newly repainted walls of the Mukha Ad office seemed to trap the day heat within the cracks it possessed, and add to this the apparent disagreement with the static electricity sockets that would never allow the poor electric fans to be fully utilized to the best of their abilities as, well, air providers. It made us weep in all its glorified unusefulness but we nonetheless found some better, organic alternatives to satisfy our thirst for air.

Then three succeeding Sundays came with only canned sardines and instant noodles for

lunch. There were eggs swimming like colorless vectors on boiling water. But it still looked, felt and smelled like how a summer home would be—how the familiar smell of Maggi noodles wafted around the office and how we, like restless kids in a brood of twenty or so, would flock around the main cook to see how the noodles were cooking.

True, we were penniless, but the jokes continued to fly overhead. Hey, at least we have a can opener, a set of clean dinnerwares and snazzy mugs on display. It’s not so much of a desperate measure therefore and we are not exactly living at the fringes of human capacity because at Mukha Ad, we will always be kids unmindful of the apparent sustenance shortage. It doesn’t matter, we say, believing that there would at least be a ‘silver lining’ soon after.

It does. It comes intermittently, usually in the form of donuts or pansit. When someone is turning a year older, we do have tons of stuff to munch on. Birthdays at Mukha Ad, as we hold, are milestone events that mark that period of sufficient maturity as dictated by the years, but still retaining that agelesness that seem to scatter invisibly like fairy dusts.

I transitioned from a participant to an elected member and responsibilities have expectedly piled up, except that somehow the tasks are easier to work on than the usual boxed descriptions of an office-based job.

Mukha Ad is not a place where kids kill time, but it is where youth is nurtured systematically and without pressure in the hopes that in the future, an apt contribution will sufficiently be made. That is too much of an expectation for younglings, to borrow Obi Wan Kenobi’s terms, but it was an obvious conclusion that uncon-

“Mukha Ad is not a place where kids kill time, but it is where youth is nurtured systematically and without pressure.” sciously crept in my system.

But for all the age I’ve gained at work, there too had been an invisible Peter Pan who robbed away the years when we stayed in Mukha Ad. We were ageless, as if growth had somehow been stumped to accommodate that beautiful and fitting maturity despite external pressures. It was also timeless, as if time had been suspended by the clime that had pervaded the air. It was a Sunday, I thought and I could therefore deny the existence of Mondays.

Mukha Ad, in so many ways, has been a family and pretty much everyone who were part of it at one point in their young lives have consistently been harping about it. As a participant, there was that awkward stage of wanting to fit right in, pressured by the seeming hierarchical familiarity that I thought we as noobs of this youth formation needed to possess. But it wasn’t the case and it was certainly a one-sided mindset. Ready acceptance of a stranger within a phalanx of ‘holy warriors’ (as I saw them) equates to patience and belief in their respective principles, if not blind trust. It was something I never quite fully understood and even when I have flitted over positions, I could never really figure out why I was there and it troubled me so. The travel time I spent shuttling between Pasig and Quezon was never quiet. It was filled with questions as to why, a repeated stabbing that kept on missing the mark.

11 ~ 12 Masiglang Ugnayan

It took me another year to discover why. By the time the realizations have hit home, I had struggled quite successfully against the wars that raged within and all of it had piled up like discarded war trophies lying on my feet. I was a triumphant little soul who had wound up discovering more about myself than I would have ever hoped to know and Mukha Ad has been a vital part of it. Being part of Mukha Ad was personally a test of commitment. And of course, a peculiar nourishment of this belief that Mondays would cease to exist if I believed that Sundays would stretch farther beyond Neverland.

There were several groups I longed to be part of as these had obviously piqued me in ways entirely foreign but by the end of the day, I was out of loop, unable to connect with the people and wanting to quit altogether. I did.

But Mukha Ad was something else. We weren’t forced to swear allegiance on first contact and live with whatever system is existing, but we were encouraged to find it within ourselves to stay. Some expectedly went off and ironically, I was among those who stayed. Priorities clashed and there had been choices I have taken unconsciously for the sole reason that it felt right. For one, my shinai sits in the dark corner of our home, dysfunctional, unoiled and a home for cobwebs. My kendo trainings have taken a backseat because my weekends are and will wholeheartedly be for Mukha Ad. How right this choice was is something I still have to discover in the coming months, or years.

I knew I’ve already proven to myself that commitment is not an issue as long as there are sentiments that are nourished in ways profound and fitting by a company equally understanding. But then it feels like I’ve never committed enough. Sure, the emotions do overflow at times and I become quite a bit dependent on the people I’ve been with every single Sunday for the past two years but somehow it feels like my efforts are still insufficient.

Still I could not put my finger as to why, but I think it is my natural tendencies toward repayment of obligations and I continue to hope for better life discoveries. Perhaps for now enough means staying until I have exhausted all forms of commitment, or until my heart becomes a hollow cave where memories once flowed in endless torrents. Ha, such flowery words for something that renders me speechless. But you know, it actually does make me wonder what my definition of enough would be, in the long run.

REVISITING COTTOLENGO Veronica Joyce Gonzales

My visit to Cottolengo Filipino two Sundays ago was not my first. At around the same time last year, I (with the rest of Batch 21 and Mukha-Ad staff and council) had the opportunity to spend half a day with very special children.

365 days apart, my recent visit still evokes the same emotions I had the first time - feeling of gratitude for the fact that we are all loved by God despite our inadequacies, physical or in character and that we are all under the mercy of God, He who is ever generous.

I am humbled by the children's resilience to live life to the full even if from an outsider's perspective, their world is never perfect - while I, on one hand, live life as if I'd never have enough.

I admit that my initial encounter with the children rendered me vulnerable to that troubling feeling that I was (at that time) not capable of showing love and care in their truest form. And because I am too emotional, I was even afraid that I’d just make them upset if they see me cry over their situation. For who can bear to see children suffer? I didn’t know how to deal with them, I didn’t know what to feel - perhaps the reasons why I never put this in writing. It was in fact my initiation to a world I never bothered to take a second look. It was also the unfamiliarity to the circumstances surrounding the children that made me feel inadequate for them.

That day, a year ago, I took care of Matthew. A boy in such a dainty frame. He was too small, he had to be placed in a stroller, also because he couldn’t walk. I had to adjust his sitting position once in a while so he wouldn’t fall. We walked for an hour (rather, I pushed his stroller for an hour). He couldn’t talk but I had the feeling that he understood the words I was saying for at times, he would smile - and it was such a brilliant smile. At one point, I heard him humming. It was a song I couldn’t recognize but it made him more endearing. Beyond words, he made me feel that he was grateful and enjoying that moment.

On my visit (January 22, 2012), I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t see him there again. I guess it was natural that I look for him in particular. I was glad because when I caught sight of him and when he saw me he flashed that ever brilliant smile-as if he knew who I was. As if he remembered.

So, I took his stroller and we moved around the place. I was glad because he looked health-

ier than the last time I saw him. He looked a bit bigger too. And I didn’t have to be wary of his sitting position and he seemed to have gained control of his head. He was more enthusiastic. He would point to where he wanted to go.

He would smile when people say “Hi” to him.

I showed him a video of my niece on my cellphone and he looked at it intently and laughed when he heard the little girl on the video laugh.

We took pictures together and he smiled when I showed him the photos - he knew it was him and me. He also loved it when I made him listen to the songs on my phone. One hour was too short.

Matthew is just one of the several children who found shelter in Cottolengo. Others have more complicated physical conditions and state of mind. But they are all children who needs nurturing, who needs time to play, who needs people to be their hands and feet because there are things they cannot do on their own. Most of all, they need love - love as we know it - free from judgment and full of patience.

They love it when people visit them. One hour means so much more to them than we could ever imagine. That’s the time that they feel really special, because the world stops, and for a while they solely have our attention.

13 ~ 14 Masiglang Ugnayan

I guess, we have learned so much more from them that day. Their simplicity is true wisdom. Listening to them, watching them, was a learning experience. For one, I have seen goodness in several forms - goodness shown by caregivers as they tirelessly take good care of the children; the batch 22 participants who mingled with the kids as if they’ve known each other for a long time, acting as big brothers and big sisters to them for a day; the children themselves showing concern to one another; the priest who is behind Cottolengo who never refuses a child in need; the people used by God to make the daily sustenance of the shelter possible; and God, who is above all the great provider.

It is my prayer that more and more people will see the need to extend help to the children of homes like Cottolengo. If you’d take a second look, you’d see how wonderful they are.

And how a visit can influence them positively, how it can brighten up their day, how it can change their lives; and influence, brighten up and change yours.

EXPOSURE: isang alaaLA, Aking Kayamanan Aileen Liezl Lambino

Anong saya ang aking nadama, Ng muli ko silang makasama, Mga batang nangungulila, Sa pagmamahal at pagkalinga.

Muli ay aming binisita, COTTOLENGO para sa mga bata, Kulang man ang pananalita Titigan sila’y labis ang tuwa.

Kulang man at di perpekto, Parehas din natin silang tao, Dahil dito sa ating mundo, Kagaya nila ang pinahahalagahan ko.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng paglalakbay, Maraming bata ang aking ginabay, Nangailangan din sila ng kaagapay, Animo’y buhay nila ay walang saysay.

Maraming salamat ang aking natanggap, Sa mga batang maraming pangarap, Pangarap na unti-unting pinapalasap, Sa VITAS TONDO doon sila’y naghihirap.

Hindi man sila bingyan ng diyos ng kayamanan, Sila ang mga batang dapat ingatan, Dahil balang araw itong mga kabataan, Ang siyang susunod na maglilingkod sa bayan.

Sa huling paglalakbay na aming tinahak, Ang katawan ko ay napasabak, Mga simento at buhangin na sandamak-mak Mga pawis ay talagang pumatak.

PLARIDEL,BULACAN aming tinungo, Gumawa ng bahay para sa tao, Naglingkod ako ng buong puso, Kinaya ko naman hanggang dulo.

Kahit dalawang pader lang aming nagawa, Pero kita ko sa bawat isa ang tuwa, Di man kami magagaling na manggagawa, Nagawa naman naming ito ng tama.

Maraming biyaya kaysa problema, Yan talaga ang aking naalala, Buhay ko’y umikot sa reklamong “kulang pa,” Pero pagtingin ko sa labas mas higit pa ang problema.

Talagang ‘di siya padadaig, Ang Diyos na lumikha ng daigdig, Pasasalamat na nanggagaling sa aking bibig, Sa pagtanggap ko sa kanyang pag-ibig.

Maraming salamat sa naging intrumento.

Upang mahubog ko pa lalo ang aking pagkatao, MUKHA AD na ipinagmamalaki ko, Dumadagdag sa mga kasiyahan ko.

Gusto ko ulit itong maranasan, Kakaiba ang aking kaligayahan, Pagod man ang aking naramdaman, Ang ala-alang ito ay bahagi na ng aking kayaman.

FURTHER BACK members of older batches recall their Mukha Ad stints.

LITERALLY!!! My Mukha ad experience Albert Libunao, Batch 16

Hmmmm Linggo na naman‌ ano nga ba ang gagawin ko ngayong Linggo?

Maglalaba, maglilinis ng bahay, gagawa ng assignments at kung anu-ano pa.

Iyan ang gawain ko kapag Linggo bago ako mapasok sa magulo ngunit masaya at makabuluhang grupo na kung tawagin ay MUKHA AD‌

15 ~ 16 Masiglang Ugnayan

Nagsimula ako sa Mukha AD taong 2006, dahil sa aking kapatid na miyembro na ng grupo. Kame ay kanyang isinama para dumalo sa pagbubukas ng ika-16 na taong formation.

Kasama ang aking mga apat na kapatid na miyembro ng MUKHA AD at ang aking isang pinsan, kami ay nagtungo sa Sto. Domingo isang tanghaling maulan, at doon nag simula ang lahat. Sa aking pagiging miyembro ng halos pitong taon, masasabi kong ang Mukha ad ay talagang isa nang malaking bahagi ng aking buhay, dahil hindi buo ang Linggo ko na hindi ako pumupunta ng Mukha Ad. Hindi bale nang hindi ako gumimik basta makapunta lang sa Mukha Ad masaya na ako. Noong una at bago pa lang ako sa grupo, natatandaan ko na ang tahimik ko, hindi ako pala kibo at makikita mo lang ako na naka upo sa isang tabi, pero ngayon, kung dadalaw ka sa Mukha Ad or kung bago ka sa Mukha Ad hindi maari na hindi mo ako Makita, sapagkat ngayon basta may mga bagong mukha sa Mukha Ad isa ako sa mga

umiestema sa aming mga panauhin maging ito man ay anong lahi.

Isa pang gustong-gusto ko sa Mukha Ad ay ang kaabang abang na Grand Opening, dahil dito kailangan ng mahaba at magarbong preparasyon, at aking natatandaan na taontaon sa tuwing sumasapit ang Grand Opening lagi ako kasali sa play o dram, o di kaya ay sa sayaw, natatandaan ko pa ung unang unang drama na ginawa namin para sa pagbubukas ng ika-17 taon ng Mukha Ad. Gumanap ako bilang isang ama na lasenggero na may anak na may pagka-sintu-sinto o sakit sa pagiisip. Aking natatandaan sa araw ng aming mga ensayo na ako ang laging napapagalitan ng aming direktor dahil ako lagi ung mababw ang pag-arte ako lagi ung mali sa arte ng mukha na taliwas sa aking mga sinasabi. Kaya naman sa pagdating ng araw ng aming pagtatanghal akoy kabadong-kabado ako. Paano kung hindi ko magawa? Paano kung magkamali ako? Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko kaya ko ito.

Naging maganda naman ang aming pagtatanghal. Masasabi kong maganda nga ito dahil pagkatapos ay marami ang nagsabi na parang makatotohanan ang aming mga arte. Nadala sila sa aming mga munting katagang binibitiwan habang sinasabayan ng makatotohanang pag-arte. Hay, ang Mukha Ad nga naman.

Ang dami ko na talagang pinagdaan sa grupo. Hindi lang iisang pag-arte ang aking nagawa para dito. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay halos lahat ng pagbubukas ng Mukha Ad ay lagi akong umaarte. Hahaha. Isa pang gustong-gusto ko sa Mukha Ad ay ung THEME SONG na sa ngayon ay ako pa rin ang kanilang tagapagturo.

Mula mang magtapos ako sa Mukha Ad, ito ay akin nang inaral at sa ngayon aking pinipilit na ipasa ang trono ng pagtuturo dahil ako na lng ang nakakasaulo ng buong aksyon ng kanta nito.

Ito ay natutuhan ko sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo ni Fr. Mhandy Malijan. Isa sa maituturing na haligi ng Mukha Ad, isang alamat sabi nga nila. Pero isa lang ang masasabing alamat sa grupo at iyon ay walang iba kung hindi si Ate Cherry, dahil siya ang simula, siya ang pasimuno.

Isa rin iyan sa gustong-gusto ko dito; kahit sino ka pa at kahit gaano ka na katagal sa grupo at nawala pansamantala, ikaw ay buongbuong tatangapin, na para bang kayo ay iisang pamilya. Nakakatuwa ring balik-balikan ang mga panahong ikaw ay nagsisimula pa lang sa grupo.

Matatawa ka na lang kapag naiisip mo ang mga bagay na noon ay hindi mo akalain na gagawin mo pala. Tulad na lang nag pagbibigay saya at sigla sa mga sesyon, at ang pag-aayos ng entabladong pagtatanghalan para sa magarbong Grand Opening. Pati na rin ang mga paggawa ng mga kakaibang paraan ng pagdarasal. Ni hindi sumagi sa isip ko na gagawin ko ang mga bagay na iyon, ngunit akin itong ginawa para sa Mukha Ad. Ilang departamento na rin ang aking inupuan bilang opisyal ng konseho tulad ng Community Animator at Logistics, na kung saan ako ay naupo ng tigalawang taon. Ngayon naman ako ay nakaupo bilang Head ng In-Mission.

Noong una ayoko sana sa posisyong ito, dahil ang dating sa akin ay parang napakatanda ko na sa grupo. Ngunit sa aking pagmumuni-muni, wala naman sa tagal o sa haba ng aking pagiging miyembro ang dahilan kaya ako ang napiling head ng department na ito. Sa aking palagay kaya ako ay naihalal ay dahil sa ako ay maboka at madaldal. Ito ay para na rin aking makalap ang mga dating miyembro para na rin sa paghahanda para sa nalalapit na ika-25 selebrasyon ng grupo.

Hay, ano ba ito, ang dami ko nang nasabi, eh ang gusto ko lang naman talaga sabihin ay ang Mukha Ad ay isang malaking bahagi ng aking buhay. Masaya ako dahil na rin naging miyembro ako ng grupo, marami na ang pinagdaanan dito at saksi ako kung paano nito nilampasan ng grupo.

Marami pa akong gustong sabihin ngunit hindi ko na alam kung paano. Sa ngayon iyan muna ang masasabi ko. Ang mahalaga ay “ ONCE A MUKHA AD ALWAYS A MUKHA AD at walang nang makapagpapabago pa noon sino pa man.�

USO ANG ANGST

Charmaine Rannellie Revaldo Akala ko noon wala nang pag-asa sumaya yung buhay ko.

Mahiyain kasi ako, late bloomer, tahimik, lumaki ako na may takot sa lahat, walang tiwala sa sarili at nagtatago lamang sa komportable kong mundo.

17 ~ 18 Masiglang Ugnayan

August of 2006 when I joined MAD. I was 16 and I dared myself to finish it. It appears that they’ve been my family in Sto. Domingo who has taught me a lot of essential things I ought to carry as I journey in this life. And for me, Mukha Ad is a world of inspiration. Mukha Ad is an active lay organization who guides the forthcoming generation (us) to become better persons, leaders and followers who will help the Church to evangelize Jesus’ word.

As I look back I realized that the sequential Sunday sessions and meetings trained me.

I was too unconscious that my attitude and outlook in life were gradually being formatted.

Here, I’ve gained very good friends, good habits, good days, unforgettable moments, cries, and laughs, good food, gone through good places, and oh a blessed life. I only get hold of those graces and lessons each time I feel lost.

I’ve learned to trust people around me, most especially myself, learned to share my gifts or goods, and above all to show my love to people in the very best way I can.

My character has been built because of the stunning various sessions, programs, retreats and exposures I went through MAD. We were being educated by our different speakers/ leaders who were always willing to share their personal experiences, stories and lessons in life. Personally, MAD taught me to let go and give up on those desperations I had in my life and they have equipped me with a firm faith and deep relationship with God.

Indeed, it is my fate to learn through MAD, and to share my life with them. I tell you, if you don’t get to know MAD, isang malaking sayang kasi you are being reluctant to discover your inner self. Loosen up a bit, ‘wag na ma-shy and reinvent yourself. Do not reject the chance to catch God’s gift. This is where we learn and regain ourselves too. Now, I’m letting you know that I owe my vanished fears and good moments to Mukha Ad and its people.

The Sundays and years that I spent with MAD are those moments I would always treasure as I grow old. We wouldn’t always be here together, we’ll grow old, we’ll relocate, or we’ll get to be in mission, and yes factually people come and go. Marami na rin akong na-meet sa MAD, marami nang umalis, pero lahat gusto balikan ang kanilang times with their batchmates. There is something in MAD which makes us want to go back. I sincerely thank the Mukha Ad council and staff for molding me and for touching my life. I hope we stay good friends as the years go by. You’re already part of my life. Kung puwede nga lang kayong bigyan ng award e. Haha.

Lastly, I’ve learned not to imprison myself inside the box. To bear in mind that I have a precious life that I must live, that I ought to share to the world and I have an active life that should be meaningful and worthy. Joining MAD is a total conversion. I thank God because I am and I’ll always be a Mukha Ad-er.

The Band of Brothers Fresh perspectives from the Mukha Ad brothers, both new and old.

KASAMBUHAY HABAMBUHAY Br. Don Dominique Marco Antonio S. Go, OP

Noong Agosto 7, 2011, naganap ang unang sesyon tungkol sa pamilya para sa pormasyon ng Mukha Ad taong 20112012. Ang sesyon na ito ay pinamagatang “Kasambuhay Habambuhay.� Dito naganap ang isang malawakang pagbabahagi tungkol sa sarili mula sa mga miyembro ng Mukha Ad at konseho.

19 ~ 20 Masiglang Ugnayan

Ang mga bagong rekrut ang nagsilbing mga tagapakinig. Napakinggan ng lahat ang mga saloobin ng bawat isa na nagbahagi ng kani-kanilang dahilan kung bakit naging mahalaga ang Mukha Ad sa kani-kanilang buhay. Mayroong naglahad na ang Mukha Ad ay ang naging daan para siya ay magkaroon ng pagbabago sa kanyang pag-uugali. Mayroon din nagsabi na dahil sa Mukha Ad siya ay nagkaroon ng panibagong pamilya na mabilis niyang malapitan kapag siya ay may problema. Mayroon din na nagpahayag nang kanyang saloobin na malaki ang naitutulong ng Mukha Ad sa paghuhubog sa mga kabataan. Kung bibigyan nga lamang ng pansin ng mga kabataan ang layunin ng Mukha Ad para sa kanila, panigurado ay marami ang magbabagong buhay at magkakaroon ng bagong pananaw sa buhay.

Sa aking mga narinig hindi ko maitatanggi na ang sesyon na ito ay may malaking impluwensya para sa aking sarili bilang isang brother na miyembro ng Mukha Ad. Hindi ko alam kung paano at kung bakit pero ang mahalaga ay naantig ang aking puso at isipan dahil sa kanilang mga binahagi. Paano pa kaya kung ang lahat ng naging miyembro ng Mukha Ad ay aking mapapakinggan, gaano kalalim pa kaya ang epektong maidudulot nito sa akin?

Minsan, may nakapagtanong sa akin kung bakit daw ba nanatili ang isang miyembro ng Mukha Ad sa grupo. Noong una, hindi ko masagot ang kanyang katanungan dahil para sa akin ay masasagot mo lamang ang katanungan na ito depende kung paano tinitignan ng isang miyembro ang grupo. Kung ibibigay niya ang

kanyang buong sarili sa grupo, malamang siya ay magkakaroon ng mabilis na pagtanggap sa grupo. Kung ilalayo naman niya ang kanyang sarili sa grupo, malamang siya ay hindi sasaya sa grupo. Para sa akin ang relasyon ng mga miyembro sa Mukha Ad ay may tatlong bahagdan.

Una ang lebel ng pagkakakilanlan, ikalawa ang lebel ng pakikipag-ugnay at ikatlo ang lebel na pakikisama na panghabambuhay. Ang unang lebel ang pinaka mahirap, dito mapapansin kung paano tinitignan ng isang miyembro ang grupo. Kung siya ay magiging masaya sa grupo sa umpisa pa lamang, marahil siya ay magtatagal at kung hindi, siya ay hindi magtutuloy. Ang pangalawang lebel ay nagaganap kapag ang isang miyembro ay nakatapos ng pormasyon sa Mukha Ad. Kapag ang miyembro ay nagpatuloy bilang staff o kaya naman ay council siya ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng ugnayan sa mga miyembro ng Mukha Ad. Ang huling lebel para sa akin ay ang kayamanang matatanggap ng isang miyembro ng Mukha Ad sa pagsali sa grupo. Ito ang kayamanang madadala niya panghabangbuhay. Ang tinutukoy ko ay ang pamilyang hatid ng Mukha Ad para sa lahat. Ang lebel na ito ay ang panahong makikita ng isang miyembro na siya ay naging parte ng

isang pamilya. Ito ay ang pamilyang kanyang makakaramay sa lungkot o saya ng kanyang buhay. Ito ang pamilyang magdadala sa kanya sa landasin patungo sa Diyos na hindi kailanman iiwan ang kanyang mga anak. Ito ang pamilyang makakasama niya panghabangbuhay.

Siguro sa umpisa ay mahirap makita nang isang bagong miyembro ang ibig kong sabihin. Pero sa totoo lang, ganito naman talaga sa umpisa, mahirap makahanap ng mga taong makakasama mo. Ito ay nangangangailangan nang panahon.

Ito ay hindi mabilisan o kaya naman minamadali. Dahil ang isang samahan ay nasusukat ng panahon. Sa loob ng dalawang taon ko sa Mukha Ad, hindi ko maikakaila, nakakita ako ng isang panibagong pamilya, isang pamilya na pinagtibay ng panahon, hindi mabilisang nabuo, subalit sa aking pagtanggap ng buong puso at isipan sa grupong ito, nabuo ang isang samahang pinakaiingatan ko.

Ang Mukha Ad ay hindi kalian man mawawala sa aking puso at isipan. At para sa akin, ito ay pamilya na aking magiging kasambuhay habambuhay.

(Once a Mukha Ad always a Mukha Ad) Ang Mukha Ad, ang aking pamilyang Kasambuhay habambuhay!

WALANG HALONG ECHOS Br. Christopher Garinganao, OP

Marami ng tumanda sa MUKHA AD. Yung iba naabutan pa yung first airing ng Voltes V sa Pilipinas. Yung iba naman naniniwala hanggang ngayon na lahat ng nakikita sa malls, overpass, bangketa ay nanggagaling sa Divisoria. Meron din namang nasubaybayan pa ang pagdadalaga ni Maricel Soriano sa John en Marsha. May nakaabot din sa panahong ang tawag sa sosyal at imported na gamit e PX goods, at ito rin yung mga taong ang age-range e inaabangan pa ang antics ng Escalera brothers sa Iskul Bukol tuwing gabi. Ganun katanda.

Marami ding bumabata sa MUKHA AD. Yung mga naka-corporate attire kapag weekdays at kuntodo ang pagkapormal e nagcocoloring book sa Linggo at tumitili habang gumagawa ng bahay ng gagambang yari sa straw sa sanga-sanga ng puno ng kalachuchi. May mga pa-mature effect din pero in the end kung umacting sa stage ay wagas sa pagka lukaret.

Matindi ang kumpetisyon kumbaga. Hahatakin ka sa pagkabata kasi kahit birthday hindi pinapatawad. Tuwing may kaarawan ang birthday cake ay doughnut na tinusukan ng kandilang hugis tao (yung kulay pula na nabibili sa Quiapo, hehe joke lang). Basta doughnut yun na tinusukan ng kandila na sasabayan ng malupit na Happy Birthday song. Masaya naman sila.

Dito ang daming nangyayari, hahatakin ka talaga sa pagkabata. Ika nga ng ilan “Linggo-linggo laging may bago.”

21 ~ 22 Masiglang Ugnayan

Marami din namang tumatanda sa MUKHA AD. Walang halong echos to. May mga nakasalamuha na din kaming mga Emo dito at mga taong nakakulong sa mundo ng tamagotchi.

Yung una dapat laging malungkot-effect at parang nagpadila muna sa elepante para tumigas ang buhok saka pupunta sa MUKHA AD. Yung pangalawa namatayan ng tamagotchi kasi buong araw nakipagtsismisan sa MUKHA AD hindi na napakain yung mukhang tetris niyang alaga. Meron din namang astig! Yung tipong sasapakin ka kung makatingin at sa sharing ipinamagmamalaking “black sheep” daw sila.

Pero nung lumaon tumitino din naman hehe.

Peace lang. Anyway ang sabi nga ng matatanda maturity comes with a healthy acceptance of one’s self. Pero sa isang banda mahalaga din namang tanggap ka ng isang komunidad kahit sino o ano ka man, o saang planeta o subterranean place ka man nanggaling para matanggap mo ang sarili mo. Marami na rin ang nagsabi na yan ang karisma ng MUKHA AD. Hug ka namin dito.

Balanse ang MUKHA AD. Seryoso sa pagaaral, honest sa personal sharings, cool sa games at magaan kakuwentuhan over 3-in-1 coffee. Sa loob ng dalawmpu’t tatlong taon marami na ding tumino at nagpatino ng tao dito, yung iba may pamilya na, may housewife, househusband, abogado, teacher, doctor, nurse, pari, madre at napabibilang sa kung anu-ano pang propesyon at bokasyon.

Sa MUKHA AD importante ang pagdarasal.

Sabi nga ni Peter Rosegger (1843-1918, Aus-

“May mga pa-mature effect din pero in the end kung umacting sa stage ay wagas sa pagka lukaret.”

trian writer) “People used to say: Give your soul a Sunday! Now they say: Give your Sunday a soul!” Kaya tuwing Linggo kalakip ng pagsisimba ang pag-attend sa MUKHA AD. Marami sa kabataan ayaw ng churchy-churchy group kasi hindi daw fashionable, pero hindi naman ito fashion-fashion lang. Ang kahalagahan ng pagdarasal at pananampalataya ay buhat sa malalim na karanasan ng tao, lalo na yung mga nauna sa atin, sabi nga ni Blaise Pascal (15881651) “Do you want to come to believe but do not know the way? Learn from those who were tormented by doubts before you. Imitate their way of acting, do everything that the faith requires, as though you were already a believer.

Attend Mass, use holy water, and so on. That will no doubt make you simple and lead you to faith.”

Hindi naman kailangang maging heavy ang buhay, pero dapat may weight. Kung sino ka man hindi buburahin ng MUKHA AD ang mukha ng iyong karanasan. Sa iyong karanasan nagpapakilala ang Diyos, ang Diyos na nagpakilala: si Kristo. Nawa’y magkakilala tayo. Magpakilala, kilalanin natin ang isa’t isa.

Cogitatur, Ergo Sum Br. Mel Olivar, OP

Noon pang isang linggo ako kinausap ni Br. Don Go, OP, ang big boss sa MUKHA AD. Magbigay daw ako ng kaunting bahaginan tungkol sa karanasan ko sa MUKHA AD. Mahirap kapag nagalit ang mga Intsik, kaya heto ang kaunti kong napagmuni-munihan.

Sabi ng isang marunong na tao, kung ano daw ang iniisip mo tungkol sa iyong sarili, ikaw ay magiging ganoon: “Cogito, ergo, sum.”

I think, therefore, I am. Pero mas bilib ako sa pantas na nagsabi nito: “Cogitatur, ergo, sum.”

Passive present tense, first person singular. “I am thought about, therefore, I am”. Pinag-isipan ako, samakatwid, ako. Parang sa creation, una munang inisip ako ng Diyos, pagkatapos, ako ay umiral. Parang kung inibig ka, hindi ba nagbabago ka? Nagiging mas ikaw si ikaw?

Mayroon akong dating estudyante na ipinakita sa akin yung text ng kanyang ex-girlfriend: “HINDI NA IKAW ANG INIISIP KO!” Naka-capital letters pa! Ang sakit, hindi ba? Kung ikaw ang pinagsabihan nun, para bagang nabura na ang iyong existence. Kinalimutan ka na niya, period!

Pero balik tayo sa MUKHA AD. Nais ko lang sabihin na sa grupo na ito, may mag-iisip sa iyo.

Nope, hindi girlfriend or boyfriend, friend lang.

23 ~ 24 Masiglang Ugnayan

Pero kung magkatuluyan, hindi naman bawal—huwag lang brother ang piliin mo, kahit gaano siya kaguwapo! Noong ako ay pumasok sa seminaryo, sabi ng pari na aking nakausap, “There’s room for you here.” Ganoon din dito sa MUKHA AD. May lugar para sa iyo dito. Hindi kailangang magpanggap, hindi kailangan magtago. Sa mga sessions, outings, retreats, sportsfest, kainan, bahaginan, kantahan, tawanan, kantiyawan, kalokohan at kabutihan, makikita mo ang kagandahan ng pagkakaibigan, ang kagandahan at kabutihan mo. May mag-iisip sa iyo, may magtetext sa iyo, “Iniisip kita!” At dahil dito, you will see sides of yourself that you never dreamed of. Madali lang kasi sundan ang dati na nating ginagawa: kain, tulog, aral, kayod, laro, tulog, kain—may pagbabago man, sa sequence lang. Pero hindi lamang ito ang mundo—malawak, makulay, lubhang kay ganda—kagandahan na makikita mo lamang kapag may kasama ka. Hindi ba sa wika natin, lahat ng bagay na mahalaga ay nagsisimula sa ka—na ang ibig sabihin ay “dalawa o higit pa sa dalawa”? Ang kaibigan, katotohanan, kasintahan, kasayahan, katarungan, pati kalokohan at katangahan. Ang mundo, nabubuo kapag ikaw ay may kasama.

Sabi ni Boss Don, ibibigay daw itong mga sinulat namin sa Grand Opening. Ibig sabihin, ikaw na bumabasa nito ay pumunta na sa unang session. Sana bumalik ka pa rin. Mula sa araw na ito, pinag-iisipan na namin kung paano natin palalaguin ang ating pagkakaibigan, kaibigan.

Mukha Ad Soliloquy Br. Roy Villaraza, OP

I sat in front of my monitor..empty… with nothing to write…nothing to ponder on. I am already tired of academic exercises. I need to relax. I need to stop.

However, it seems to be that to stop is a waste of time. And as I become aware that my years lapsed, I don’t want to waste time. I want to use it for a brighter future. Few moments passed, I discovered something worthwhile or maybe, some who are worthwhile spending my moments. ….MASIGLANG UGNAYAN NG MGA KABATAAN HINUHUBOG SA ANYO NG ANAK NG DIYOS. …..Cutting it short- MUKHA-AD…

Dear Mukha AD, I would like to tell you a few things which I am eager to say to you several months ago.

Some things might hurt you. Some may make you laugh. Yet, I don’t want to hurt or offend you; I just want to write what is hidden in the deep recesses of my heart.

I knew you not because I intended to know you. You were already existent in my surroundings several years ago. I knew you because I am forced to know. By virtue of obedience, I must know you and join you. I admit. At first, I have many reservations in joining you because most of all, being with you means I have to forget my Sunday family bonding. Second, my Sunday rest day will become a Sunday working day.

Lastly, I have to go out of my shell every time I am with you because you demand me to. You demand me to socialize with different living beings of which sometimes, I am not at ease to do so.

However, as moments passed by, I should admit I began to like you. First, my Sunday family day is revived because you showed me that being with you is also a family bonding time.

More so, it is an extended family bonding time.

Second, although my Sunday rest day became a Sunday working day, it is a kind of work which is invigorating and rejuvenating. It is more than relaxation on my bed. It is a productive relaxation. Third, going out of my shell is not bad or painful at all, against what I have perceived before. It is actually freedom and bliss.

Every Sunday you teach me lessons which I have not learned in my theology and philosophy classes. These lessons might not be hifalutin. Yet, I may say that these lessons pierce the heart of every person. Your short stories about life are deposits of knowledge of life-long dues.

They might not be eternal, yet they are of longest terms.

Indeed, in your different and little ways you have been faithful to your dream of forming people in order for them to see the face of God through His Incarnate Son. With that, I commend you. Lastly, I would like to thank you for as you fulfill your dream you have let me glimpse God’s face for a short while. Nonetheless, I would like to pay you back in return. I will be with you as my years gone by.

Roy, OP *** Suddenly, joy has come in me. It is full of bliss. I am still speechless because words cannot encapsulate what is in my heart. I just smile…smile…smile.

25 ~ 26 Masiglang Ugnayan

ABNORMAL

Br. Jestoni Porras, OP “My life is abnormal!” ganito ko nilalarawan ang aking buhay, in short– weird! Bakit nga ba abnormal? Kasi hindi ito normal. Pwede nating sabihing special. “Do not be afraid, for I have called you by name, I love you and you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) Ako po ay isang religious brother, sa maniwala man kayo o hindi. My life is abnormal or special in a sense that I take the road less travelled. Ayan, napapa-ingles tuloy ako. Ayon nga sa Bibliya: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Mt 22:14) Ngayon alam nyo na kung bakit abnormal? Because we chose to live an extraordinary way of life in answering our vocation of following our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen to that! “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mk 8:34) Wala lang, trip ko lang mag-quote.

Dahil nga ang buhay ko ay abnormal, feeling ko tuloy ako ay abnormal na rin. Seryoso to! Kwento ko po sa inyo. Ako po ay pumasok sa seminaryo sa edad na sweet sixteen, batang-bata at napaka-inosente. Habang karamihan sa mga kabataan sa ganitong edad ay nagsasaya sa kanilang college at teenage life, pinili kong mamuhay sa tahimik na mundo ng seminaryo. Habang ang iba ay abala sa pagtouch ng kanilang celphone, hawak ko naman sa aking mga kamay ang rosaryo at taimtim na nagdarasal. Habang ang karamihan ay abala sa pagbili at pagsuot ng mga usong damit, ako naman ay pinagpapawisan sa suot kong puting tela kung tawagin ay abito (Dominican habit) kung saan ito ang latest fashion noong medieval period (1200 AD to be exact!) ng mga Prayle. Habang ang karamihan ay abala sa pag-update at pag-shoutout sa kanilang Facebook at Twitter account, ako naman ay nagbabasa ng Bibliya (ehem), pinagninilayan ang salita ng Diyos para i-share sa iba. Habang ang karamihan ay naghahanda sa kanilang gimik o night life, ako naman ay inihahanda ang aking sarili para sa aming evening at night prayer. O di ba? Ako na talaga ang mabait pero abnormal.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko naramdaman na naging teenager ako. Kay bilis lumipas ng panahon. At hindi ko rin naramdaman na ako ay normal.

Madalas kong tanong sa aking sarili–bakit ako iba sa kanila?

At sa haba ng introduction na ito, dito na ngayon papasok ang Mukha Ad sa buhay ko.

(MUKHA AD: Masiglang Ugnayan ng mga Kabataan Hinuhubog sa Anyo ng Anak ng Diyos) Isa itong Church-based youth organization na naglalayong mapalapit ang mga kabataan sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga sessions, activities at outreach exposures. Dalawang taon na ako sa Mukha Ad (Batch 21) bilang aking youth apostolate. Noong una, ako ay may alinlangan.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Ito ang kaunaunahan na makikihalubilo ako sa mga bagets. Hindi ko alam kung papano makipag-relate sapagkat ang tingin ko nga sa aking sarili ay “kakaiba.” Malamang ay hindi nila ako maiintindihan. Subalit di nagtagal, sa Mukha Ad ko naramdaman na ako pala ay hindi “iba” sa kanila taliwas sa aking inaakala. Ako ay nagkaroon ng mga tunay na kaibigan. Natuto makihalubilo at maging hindi suplado. Napapakita ko sa kanila kung sino talaga ako, na sa likod ng aking abito ay hindi santo, bagkus, ay isa ring tao na nagsusumikap maging santo sa tulong ng awa at grasya ng Diyos, kung baga, saint in the making. God said: “I am not yet finished with you, Toto.” Sa Mukha Ad ko natagpuan ang aking bagong pamilya at kaibigan. Dito ako natutong tumawa, mag share ng problema, makipagbiruan at harutan kung minsan. Sa madaling salita, sa Mukha Ad ko naramdaman na ako pala ay normal din at hindi abnormal.

Dito ko rin naramdaman kung paano maging teenager ulit. (at may kasamang kilig!) Totoo nga: you feel young when you are in the company of young people.

Dito sa Mukha Ad, ramdam mo na ikaw ay hindi “iba.” Lahat ay magkakapatid, hinuhubog upang maging kawangis ng Anak ng Diyos. In his own image and likeness, God created us.

At papano naman namin ito ginagawa? Simple lang…we act justly, we love tenderly and we walk humbly with the Lord. (Micah 6:8)

A Reason for Mukha AD Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

From all the apostolate groups in the Studentate, MUKHA AD is the least I desire to be part with. MUKHA AD is all about youth formation. So, is something wrong with the youth or is something problematic with formation? Well, honestly speaking, I don’t have any issue with youth and formation, and in fact, I love them both.

27 ~ 28 Masiglang Ugnayan

Youth. I am 25 years old and it simply means that I am at the apex of my youthful life.

Being young is my essence and definition here and now, and simply rejecting the youth in me is simply contradicting who I am. Persistence in rejecting the youth in us leads to conclusions either that we childishly pretend to be toddlers or we naively assume to be wise old sage.

Want another proof? Well, my young blood is still perfectly rushing through my veins every time I see young and pretty ladies walking before me. It might not be properly descent for seminarian like me, but it is part and parcel of my biological and physiological nature of my age. Thus, youth is not the reason why I avoid MUKHA AD. Formation. I have been in the house of formation for these past 10 years. As I move through my formative years, gradually I comprehend the massive weight as well as the enchanting beauty of formation. Forming people is painstakingly laborious task and many times, it causes your heart to bleed both metaphorically and literally as you suffer from cardiac arrest. Yet, it is the one of the most

rewarding, if not the most rewarding vocation on earth. As a preacher, working in formation means your preaching would bear fruits preachers. Preacher begets preachers in literal sense! In the world of education, the greatest reward a teacher can earn is not bulk of money or new brand BMW, but to see his students succeed in life and even surpass him. Formation is not about earning wealth, glory or power, it is about profound fulfillment of helping people grow and flourish. Thus, formation is not the reason why I run from MUKHA AD. So, if it is neither youth nor formation, what is my problem? I need to confess that I hate the idea of sacrificing my entire Sunday, my rest day, my Sabbath. After a tiring week of theological study, fully loaded with dogmas and Hebrews and practically with my final salvation or damnation, I have to forgo my only day of rest. It is not without a purpose that God rested on the seventh day, but Bayu defies this eternal law, is roaming around and looking for someone to devour. I practically violate the third commandment and this gives a mortal blow to my journey toward the heaven. See you in purgatory!

Well, I apologize for going too far with my pseudo-theological arguments in justifying my repugnance against MUKHA AD. In very simple words, I just don’t like to give my Sunday away.

Yet, bound by the vow of obedience I have solemnly professed, I could not refuse the assignment given by Fr. Rodel Cancansio, OP. Here I am in MUKHA AD now.

However, I realize that I have to go beyond this simple and even immature compliance otherwise my stay in MUKHA AD would not be fruitful and meaningful. As Oprah Winfrey says that it is not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens to us that matters. Borrowing Steven Covey’s groundbreaking term, I need to proact toward my conditions. It is thus, my personal challenge to see not only the benefits but also the beauty of MUKHA AD in total arrays of my stay in the Studentate. Once again I embark on a quest for meaning. I hope that I eventually may discover the purposes of my MUKHA AD years, yet neither it is childish compliance to the order of my boss nor simply skin-deep infatuation toward beautiful ladies in MUKHA AD. So help me God.