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glabella. THE THIRD ISSUE MARCH 2K16
CONTENTS 2
Faith & Humanity 3
The Agnostic Dilemma 10
Culture and Faith: A Discovery on Churches 14
The Strange Energies of Quiapo 16
Mysterium
Submit to Glabella: ginoongcervantes@gmail.com Follow the Maker on Twitter @sicarlcervantes Visit sloppydasein.wordpress.com
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FAITH & HUMANITY Welcome Glabella!
to
the
third
issue
of
discovering a world within a world, or a universe beyond this one.
Most of March is when the Catholics celebrate the Lenten season, a fortyday preparation for Easter, which is one of the two most important celebrations of the Catholic faith. The first is Christmas, when Jesus was born into this world, and the second is Easter, which is the triumph of Jesus over the power of death as he resurrected after a long and torturous trial from haters, hypocrites, and heathens. This month of March is also when most students rediscover their
In this issue, we explore the idea of the profound unknown with respect and a fair amount of healthy doubt. But despite the wonder and fear of the great beyond that surrounds us, all we can really do is live our human lives and find wonder there—in the collective beauty of our own culture, in the extended man-made universes of novels, or in the faces of our fellow humans. Hopefully,
we
might
actually
somewhere.
faith as they pray for better grades or salvation for their thesis.
Carl Lorenz Cervantes, Editor
Whether or not there is a Supreme Being seems to be less important than whether or not you believe in one; but in truth, despite a chaotic and random universe, all we can really do is hope that our life means something. We might all dream that we are going somewhere—in this life or the next. It is that area of unknown possibilities that attracts us, and it is the source of our greatest adventures, and our most paralyzing fears. The existential dread that embraces all of us is balanced by the profoundness of
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get
THE
AGNOSTIC
DILEMMA by Carl Lorenz Cervantes
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“What if there is nothing out there? Even if there was, why should it matter?” I would find myself lying down on my bed, embraced by the darkness and the stillness of the night, deciding if I should say a short prayer–just two or three sentences–to the great void beyond our mortal comprehension. Sometimes, I mutter my gratitude for something that happened to me, or I would wish for understanding and peace of mind. Sometimes, I let the darkness swallow me up and I fall asleep. What if there is nothing out there? Even if there was, why should it matter?
all this beauty and elegance to a controlling divine power who says that you shouldn’t touch yourself. Something to that extent, but correct me if I’m wrong. In one short chapter he tried to disprove Thomas Aquinas and Anselm of Canterbury, but I felt that his arguments (coming, too, from arguments of other thinkers) were lacking. Nonetheless, I respect Mr. Dawkin’s view on the reality of religion (that organized religion is made by humans and is thus fallible), but I do not agree with him when he says that a God, who is beyond our human drama, does not exist. I think, on a logical objective level, that a God exists.
THE LOGICAL EXISTENCE OF GOD They say that the burden of proof lies in the believers–a great claim requires great evidence. But how can you prove God? How can you prove something too great to even be proven? More importantly, why is it important that there is a God? If a
I will look to one of Aquinas’ arguments, that God is necessary. Please take note that this may not be
garden is beautiful, is it necessary to believe that there are fairies under it? I have read Richard Dawkin’s “The God Delusion” and it would seem to me that his point is simply this: that the world is beautiful enough as it is, that existence is elegant enough as it is, and that it is unnecessary to attribute
a good rendering of his full work, and I am only taking one part of his lengthy volume. Allow me now to show you what he was saying, in the simplest possible way that I could, the way I understood it.
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THE AQUINAS ARGUMENT (from Summa Theologiae)
Everything that we see around us exists because of something that previously existed. For example, you are there because your parents got together.
Everything around us could not have existed. What if your parents married other people? What if they never met at all?
One thing goes back to another thing and so on. What if your parent’s parents never met? What if your ancestor died right after he was born into the world?
Things exist because of something else that allowed for it to exist. You wouldn’t have existed if your parents did not get together, they wouldn’t have existed if their parents got together, and so on. Thus you, me, and everything else are contingent.
If it is possible that current things could have not existed, then it is very possible that must have been a time when nothing existed at all.
If there was a time when nothing existed, then there wouldn’t be things now. This is obviously not the case
because as we can see, you are here and so is everything else.
Therefore, there must’ve been something that should have existed without needing anything to exist for it to exist, something necessary. This necessary thing–the necessarium– would have made things happen, things that could have happened differently, and one thing led to another and so on. This necessarium is who we call God. This is my favorite argument for the existence of God, but while it does address the existence of God, it does not address why I should care.
“While I can be sure on a logical level that God exists, even if he did, I don’t think he’d care if we believed in him. What for? To soothe his ego?” 5
“Must God always be an irrational feeling?”
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
to pray the rosary every day or that I should do the sign of the cross when I pass by the church or that I should say a prayer before and after meals. I do it anyway–I go to mass, I pray the rosary, I say a short prayer of
Anselm of Canterbury also comes in to try and define God, but in his attempt to define God, he realizes that there is so much more that he does not know, and this fills him with great joy and awe at the magnificence of God. God is the epitome of goodness–he cannot be otherwise. God is just. God is loving and caring. It makes sense to me that a God exists, but it does not make sense to me why I should personally care, or why anybody should care that I ought
gratitude for the food But I do not feel that there is someone out cosmos who is listening me.
on the table. sureness that there in the and caring for
When I ask people why they believe in God, they’d claim that they personally feel God, that they have a profound 6
“I have always been open for God to come through the cosmic radio and reach out to me, but as far as I am concerned, there is not one instance where I felt the sure impact of the hand of God touch me.” it. Mysterium tremendum et fascinosum. God strikes fear and excitement at the same time, and this fills people with a sense of purpose and awe. I can wrap my head around the idea of it, but I am having a hard time personally understanding it. Must God always be an irrational feeling? By this I mean that feelings are hardly explainable, and even though we could explain why we are feeling that way, the feeling itself is pretty irrational (which technically means that the phrase “irrational feeling” is an oxymoron). However if the way God communicates is through irrationality (i.e. waves of emotions, feelings, personal spiritual experience), then that implies that God is an irrational being. experience.
I
get
Is God the metaphysical projection of my relationship with my own parents? Must I relate all my good emotions to the idea of God, and in the same way must I call upon his mighty name to deliver me from bad emotions? Why? MORALITY AND THE EXISTENCE OF GOD While I can be sure on a logical level that God exists, even if he did, I don’t think he’d care if we believed in him. What for? To soothe his ego? So that we would have some supreme being to answer to for our earthly deeds? Why? If God did not exist, would our morals be any different? Consider that God did not exist, would you be any less good to another human being simply because he is another human being? If so, then is it necessary to believe in God–or rather, is it necessary for him to exist–just to love your neighbor simply because he is your neighbor?
I do not deny that there are moments when I am overwhelmed by extreme emotion. I let myself be overwhelmed by life and its beauty. But where is God in this? Is God all my emotions? Is God the fuzzy feeling I get when I remember a good childhood memory?
I am caught in a dilemma. After a total of 24 units of undergraduate 7
Philosophy and Theology, I the Psychology major find myself in a problematic situation. Surely, God ought to be an important thing to consider when we consider humanity as a whole. Your belief is part of what makes you who you are. But considering all the questions, where does this put me?
never consistent. This could be my fault.
MY PERSONAL SEARCH FOR GOD
FAITH AND FINAL WORDS
I have always been open for God to come through the cosmic radio and reach out to me, but as far as I am concerned, there is not one instance where I felt the sure impact of the hand of God touch me. I have been to many retreats, one of them being a silent retreat by the mountains. In that silent retreat, I have gotten in touch with the world around me, and I have felt the beauty of how much love is in my life–the people who I love, the people who love me, my love for the world and its magnificence. I have always been told that God was in the
I am sure about the existence of a God. It makes sense to me, but I would welcome any challenge to this belief. However, what doesn’t make sense to me is why it should matter at all, if we could be good human beings
How can God expect me to keep reaching out, though? How do I know if he is reaching back? What if I’m the only one reaching out? What if, despite my reaching out, nobody will be there to hold my hand?
anyway, without having to believe in a supreme being who tallies our sins and balances it out with our good deeds. I would want to talk to the people who have felt the Lord. But as much as I would like to hear your stories, I would very much want to see how you found God and what makes you so sure that he loves you.
silence, and this is indeed a poetic thing. There may have been instances where I believed this to be true–that I would simply be still and I would imagine talking to God. But it was
When it comes to citation of ancient texts, I will not deny that there may or may not have been a historical man from Nazareth who sacrificed his
“Consider that God did not exist, would you be any less good to another human being simply because he is another human being?” 8
life for us. My skilled Theology teachers have made sure that we understood why he died for our sins, and why it is very important that he resurrected. But even though he lives on in our lives, I would like to know how he lives on in your life, and why it matters to you personally**. I would also like to challenge you by asking this: if he did not exist–by this I mean if all the stories in the bible were literally just stories–then would anything change for you?
I ask this because I need assurance that God matters, that God should matter outside the (often pretentious) intellectual discussions about his existence. I want to find him, even though I understand that it may be a futile mission given our limited time. I guess I just don’t want to be stranded on a ship in the middle of the sea without knowing whether or not I would be rescued or if I should have to eat the cabin boy to stay alive. Faith and hope can only take me so far, even though I have already taken the plunge into the deep end of the swimming pool.
I would like to ask the same question of people from other religions, because though we have our differences, there still is that unifying
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element that is a supreme being who watches over us all.
“I need assurance that God matters.”
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CULTURE AND FAITH: A DISCOVERY ON CHURCHES (Reflections on the Visita Iglesia journey)
by Jonathan B. Diesta
Filipinos are known for being religious
fourteen churches to pray before the
and having a strong faith in God. It is depicted through the solemn observance of Lenten season through religious customs and practices held in churches and communities during Holy Week. These practices are observed by the Catholics which serve as their “panata” or a solemn vow devoted to God as a sign of faith. In the observance of Lent, I always do the Visita Iglesia as devotion to my faith. “Visita Iglesia” also known as the Seven Churches Visitation is an ancient Roman Catholic tradition to visit seven churches on the evening of Maundy Thursday. During the Visita Iglesia, the devotees visit seven to
Blessed Sacrament. I started last 2010 and it has been my vow for the past six years. I began this practice with my family and the following years, I travelled on my own to devote in the Seven Churches Visit. I went to different provinces and cities from the highlands to the coastal areas, from the busy urban streets to the simple, rural countryside. Every place that I’ve been for Visita Iglesia is
“In the observance of Lent, I always do the Visita Iglesia as devotion to my faith.” 10
“Visita Iglesia is also an opportunity for travellers and bloggers to explore the cultural heritage of our country.” leading to the discovery of our heritage, the unique culture and the interesting history as well with the reflection of the challenges and blessings that I’ve experienced which
to the organization of Revolutionary Government. On the other hand, churches have an interesting story to share in the lives of some historical figures. For example, the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz
help me to become a better person and having closer ties with God. Visita
in Binondo was the church where Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus tied the knot. On the other hand, Father Mariano Gomez of GOMBURZA became a parish priest in Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Bacoor and Emilio
Iglesia is also one of the favorite topics in some travel blogs and many people are interested in this activity. It also taught me to explore the interesting tidbits of our culture and history where I need to travel in neighboring towns and provinces to
Aguinaldo was baptized in Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit. In addition, Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena, Laguna after being shot near the Maimpis River. The marker where his blood stains are covered with glass along with his hat and bolo.
visit the churches. During my Visita Iglesia, the first thing that I have done is to pray for forgiveness, thanksgiving and supplication. I never forget to reflect on personal experiences that I’ve had during the journey. In addition, I also checked the historical markers in the
Visita Iglesia is also an opportunity for travellers and bloggers to explore the cultural heritage of our country. First, there are churches that show an astonishing artistry in the field of architecture. For The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian in Quiapo which is the only church in Asia made up of steel. There are stories that Gustave Eiffel
churches that I’ve visited. Many churches witnessed relevant events in history. For instance, Cavite has many Spanish-era churches which became the place which played a significant role in our history. Emilio Aguinaldo and Mariano Trias took their oaths in Santa Cruz Church in Tanza which led
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of images of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the saints. The adjacent town of Pakil has the Saint Peter of Alcantara Church where it played an important role in the celebration of Turumba Festival. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church is much known for its Feast of the Black Nazarene where millions of devotees are attending every year to have a spiritual blessing.
Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours (Taal, Batangas)
The largest Catholic church in Southeast Asia.
made a participation in the creation of the church. On the other hand, you may find the largest Catholic Church in Asia, the Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours located in the heritage town of Taal, Batangas. The province of Laguna also features Spanish-era
Lastly, churches serve as national treasures. It is a reflection of culture and tradition of the Philippines and the heritage that was influenced by
Baroque churches which can be found in the lakeshore towns of Paete, Pakil, Kalayaan and Lumban as well with the churches in Liliw, Nagcarlan, Magdalena and Majayjay which are located in the foothills of Mount Banahaw. These churches are still standing for many centuries and survived natural disasters and wars. These churches also show participation in some cultural events in their place. They have a significant role in the preservation of traditions, customs and religious practices of the people. In fact, the Saint James the Apostle Church in Paete was a gathering area of wooden sculptures
San Sebastian Church (Quiapo)
The only all-steel basilica or church in Asia.
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Spain who administered our country for more than three hundred years. We also preserve these churches even there are many natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes that destroyed the earlier structures. However, there are old churches that still exist and showcase the cultural heritage of the Filipinos. Some of the churches that I’ve been are included as National Cultural Treasures by the National Historic Commission such as Saint Gregory the Great (Majayjay, Laguna), Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church (Maragondon, Cavite) and Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Balayan, Batangas) to name a few.
Therefore, Visita Iglesia is a yearly activity should be treasured. Our country has a lot of heritage churches that can be visited in different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. In addition, you will come back and visit again the churches that you’ve been there and try a new route to explore more. It can be accomplished on your own or with your friends and family to explore the cultural heritage of our country in religious aspects and to reflect on our experiences in life that we become a better person with the help of our God.
“I never forget to reflect on personal experiences that I’ve had during the journey.”
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THE STRANGE ENERGIES OF
QUIAPO by Carl Lorenz Cervantes
Going to rehearsals for a play I’m in, I ride the often cramped LRT 1. If you go down at any station from this train, you’ll no doubt end up walking distance from a historical/ touristy spot. On the day of my great adventure, I decided to get off at Carriedo station to visit Quiapo church. I’ve heard many stories about the Quiapo church, most of them mystical. Aside from the famous
Black Nazarene who, as legend tells us, can heal any sickness as long as you are devout, there are numerous stalls that sell talismans, pampa-regla
“There was most certainly a very strong form of energy that gave that place a suppressive solemn vibe.” 14
“I cannot explain what had happened. I just know that it happened.” (abortifacient solutions), and some forms of kulam (witchcraft). I’ve always been interested in these
Here’s where it gets bizarre. Whether or not you believe in this kind of stuff, there was most certainly a very strong
stories, but I’ve never really been to Quiapo to confirm them for myself.
form of energy that gave that place a suppressive solemn vibe. In fact, I even dropped to my knees in front of Poong Nazareno himself, after a wave of terror and delight took hold of me. It coursed through my body and made me weak.
Until yesterday, when I saw that all this was true, much to my delight. I passed through tight spaces taken up by countless stalls that sold all kinds of potions and medallions. Some of them sell services like barang and kulam, and others offer bottles of pampa-regla, and various panaceas that cure a myriad diseases.
I cannot explain what had happened. I just know that it happened. Add to the strangeness of the place was that since it was behind the great Quiapo Church, it housed the bones of the dead.
I walked until I found the small chapel behind the much larger Quiapo church that housed the black Nazarene.
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MYSTERIUM photos by Yona Tayona
Yona Tayona is a photographer from Katipunan. His photo diary, eels fall from the sky, exhibits moments of love, loneliness, and friendships [set against something something coming of age] in the city. The following are excerpts from /eels/
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glabella. To be frank, I am happy. This is the third issue of Glabella, and having three issues isn’t so bad. I’m glad there are people who are interested in being part of this project, and I am happy that some people share their passions with me, so that I can fill the pages of this zine with parts of different people’s souls. You might be wondering why the hell I even bother doing this, or if I have an end goal. I can’t answer that—not because it’s secret, but because I don’t know how to properly answer it. Glabella, to me, is an outlet. I get to create something from pieces others have shared with me, creating a pretty concoction of my soul plus the souls of others. It’s a monthly collection of passion that I put out there for everyone to see and judge. The biggest threat to this is my wavering motivation, which, I can tell you now, I am worried about. I’ve never really finished most of the important things in my life. Even if I did, it has always been the minimum best. But if I do this, with your help—if I get to the December issue of this year—I can finally say: “If I can commit to this, I can commit to anything.” -Carl For more Glabella, follow: issuu.com/sloppydasein
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