Religion, Miracles and the place called Simala

Religion is always a hot topic for discussion, debate and scrutiny. With millions and millions of religions sprouting worldwide, people would not run out of things to say about it. I do have many things to talk about my religion and since we are entitled of our own opinion, biases, views, beliefs, practices and anything that goes regarding it, then I guess you'll just respect what I am about to express, as I will and will always respect anything about yours. Clear?

When I relocated here in Cebu, I was amazed by the devotion of Catholics, which of course is apparent owing to the fact that this is the birthplace of the religion in the country. But seriously, I've never been into a place where people are as religious as Cebuanos are. And I was easily influenced. Not that I'm not religious (I'm a catechist at home teaching little children during summer) but I am not that devotee, maybe because our home is way too far from the church, which is unacceptable, but inevitable in reality if one has no money to pay for fares. A big difference also is that churches are everywhere here compared to where I came from. Here, people make it a habit to observe religious practices citing the jovial fiesta celebration as a great example.

When I came here to work and review for the board examinations, I was like transformed. I attended mass every Sunday and won’t even spare Fridays or Wednesdays schedule. I recalled the priest said one homily; some of the most religious people to attend masses are the ones who will take the board examinations. Partly, I was guilty then. Though, it would be quite justifiable (quite only) since taking the exam would mean studying a payload of subjects, hard work and a whole lot of prayers and guidance and strength from Him. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, you must be prepared for it to aim for a take one. Take two means undergoing the same grueling ride all over again which is a torture already.

Though I’ve accepted my fate already that passing was like finding a needle in hay since I am working and self-reviewing at the same, I remain as faithful and as dedicated. Then about three weeks before the examinations and during a casual talk with my coworker named Ate Josie, she mentioned to me a place – a place where faith prevails and wishes and prayers come true. Upon hearing it, I was quite intrigued. Could there be a place like that? Then she told me that she will go with me in there so that we’ll have our solemn prayer and ask for blessing prior in taking the examination. Together with us was another colleague, a fellow engineer who was about to take the board exam on a later date.

Going there was not easy thinking that we came from far north. The place was located in the opposite far south. We traveled even before the sun rose and reached our destination about 4 and a half hour later. But all our efforts were greatly paid off when we’re greeted by a very beautiful sight. Amidst the mountains and overlooking the sea in Brgy. Simala, Lindogon, Municipality of Sibonga, stood the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist where a big statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary welcomes the visiting pilgrims. My impression of the place was far from what I’ve expected; it was refreshing, overwhelming and relaxing. After months of preparation and feeling already the pressure, for a moment I felt peace. It’s no Placebo Effect. It’s for real. When I finally went inside and prayed with Mama Mary I feel all my tear ducts are about to explode in trying to hold back my tears. My prayer was intense, heart-filled and desperate and silently, I wrote my petition. And I prayed even more during the mass. That sunny morning in a place called Simala, I’ve surrendered my fate and asked for a miracle.

Mama Mary

Below the mountains is the vast sea

The castle like shrine on top of the mountain

Fast forward, I passed the board exam as well as my fellow engineer who also went there. Coincidence? My faith told me otherwise. I indeed experienced a miracle. So was my colleague, and so were the many others whose testimonials and letters were displayed on one side of the church, as witnesses also of miracles. Prayers do come true if you ask for it, if you dedicate for it, if you believe in it. Religion is just the platform to exercise your faith but it is on how you believe in God and on His miracles that determines who you are and who you will become. So keep the faith!

Reminiscence Part 1

Today I feel nostalgic. I am assigned to prepare a program for a school gathering to be held this weekend. And during the course of my drafting, I couldn’t help but sigh on the memories that keep flooding my brain. I am a very emotional person and little things regarding anything from the past really trigger my sentimentality.

One of the best things that I remember most about high school and college is our alma mater song. I recall, during our high school I am always tasked to lead the flag ceremony in which we will have our usual flag raising singing the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Filipino Flag, and the last would be the singing of our alma mater song. Our alma mater song is nice and I am proud to share it with you.


Alma Mater Song
Ramon Torres National High School Main
Bago City, Negros Occidental

Under the shadow of old Canla-on
Midst waving plains and canes that stretch beyond
Nestles a lovely, school our very own
All hail o Bago High all hail!

Its sturdy fabric o’er the landscape beams
Tidings of hope its rustic beauty seems
Enchanting in the glitter of our dreams
All hail o Bago High all hail!

Dear Alma Mater
We may leave thy fold
But rain or shine, thy loyal sons we are
Striving to hitch our wagon to thy stars
And keeping faith, thy honor to uphold

RTNHS Main Landmark

Memories… High school life was very generous to me. It was the moment where I have dedicated myself with everything. I have immersed in academics and tried to involve in many fields arts, scouting, and various extra curricular activities. I have enjoyed it much and I’m forever grateful to the beautiful experience and bittersweet memories.

If high school is more on self discovery, college was self-making. It was more on decisions and crossroads; more on facing reality on your own. Because as our alma mater song goes, it is about thinking of the future; of the things we will become.


Alma Mater Song
Technological University of the Philippines Visayas
Talisay City, Negros Occidental

Music by Prof. Romeo P. Verayo, Sr.

Filipino Version
by Prof. Emerita R. Verayo

Kami sa 'yo'y nagpupugay TUP
Ang 'yong tanglaw, liwanag sa aming landas.

Diwa mo'y ginto, pusong wagas
Alay naming sa iyo'y lahat ng hirap.

Buong pag-ibig at paglilingkod na ganap
Kay dami ng anak na 'yong pinagyaman.

Dahil sa 'yo ngayo'y haligi ng bayan
Moog ka ng laya at dangal
Teknolohikal na Unibersidad ng Pilipinas


English Version
Lyrics by Dr. Milagros F. Lomotan

Hail to you, Alma Mater, hail TUP
Your sons unite, and labor dignity uphold,
Strong minds, mighty hearts priceless that gold
These we offer you and all mankind
Hail oh hail -
Across the seas we'll toil for you,
Alma Mater dear
They're nation builders all, alumni ever true
Workers of note, trail blazers, artists
Selfless souls, men and women free
We honor thee
Technological University of the Philippines
Beloved school we honor you forever more!

TUPV was I think the greatest challenge I have in my entire lifetime. For the first time, I’ve known what it is to stay late all night rummaging over assignments, beating deadlines for drafting plates and study ‘till my brains are about to crack up. It was like being in heaven and hell at the same time. It was such a rollercoaster ride, nauseating yet fulfilling, terrifying but comforting and difficult but rewarding.

I would always be thankful to the institutions that taught me more about life, more about making, believing and living up dreams, more about choices, destiny and fate, and more about singing the alma mater song.

To my beloved alma maters, I am greatly indebted to you! All hail!

Of Pens and Papers

This is my first "Post". And I'm happy and excited that finally I could do what I am dreading to do since I've become a frustrated writer - to write. Sounds cliche but really it matters much to me. This craze started when I learned to write my name at the age of 4. I recall those days wherein I’m writing on everything, from our walls to my sister’s notebooks and even on our neighbor’s fence. Much ado on that, amateur writing was first introduced to me when I was in fifth grade when my teacher thought I have a potential in poetry. Confetti. Modesty aside I am not into writing actually and I was the class declaimer by that time. But it seemed my teacher had different plans and started grooming me to be the next EIC of our student publication. A year later, I failed to qualify as EIC and experienced my first "Post" writing trauma, my first failed expectation. Sob.

Weeks later and still convalescing, I just heard that the school planned to have another publication using the local language (in Filipino). The moment I heard it I thought I should give it a try. But I’m quite skeptical from fear of losing it again. I'm afraid I would totally relinquish the only passion that I have. In the end, I chose to take it anyway. Much to my delight, the panel unanimously selected my entry and alas I was chosen as the new EIC for our new student publication, on its course toward its maiden issue. I suppose that was my first "Post" writing glory. Smiles.

In high school, our school publication was in both English and local language and I found myself in the same dilemma again. What am I going to choose? Will I choose the waters where I already tested the current or the one in which I already tried to steer upon but got drowned with? In the end I chose the latter. And guess what, I passed! Yehey!

By then I was surrounded by people that seemed to have writing talents innate in them. Mine was passion, but theirs were talent. I was inspired by them to strive more and enhance my own skill. With the help of my colleagues and our adviser we trained ourselves to discover maybe not all but significant things about the art. Little by little, I learned to fully love my craft.

Senior year came and I have experienced again both success and disappointment. I felt lucky when I was chosen as EIC for our English publication but was blown out by a series of loss in local and regional writing contests. With that I suddenly doubted my capabilities. Maybe it’s just me who loves writing, but writing doesn’t love me. Cliche again. Maybe it was time to try something else.

High school was about to be over and I have decided already to pursue a career in Engineering. Brows rise. Our publication adviser approached me one day to follow up with our deadline for the last issue. Before we exchanged thank yous and goodbyes for another year of successful publication, I recalled she said one of the things I would never forget in my entire life, "If you wanted to write, go for it. Trust me, you have what it takes." I was like dumbfounded by that time. Do I deserve that? Hello, that was one of the best compliment I’ve had in my entire life! But then, it was too late. Sighs.

I thought I’ve gotten over with writing during my university years, but I was wrong. I was even given a dose of opportunities in both our school paper and yearbook. Though I failed again to enter during my freshmen year I made it a year after. I even held several posts in our university paper and as EIC of our yearbook during our final year. I also tasted my first journalism success when my story won in the national university week held during my fourth year. Not taking up Journalism didn’t hinder me in practicing what I loved most to do. Cheers.

I graduated, got my license and was then working with my first company, a Japanese electronic firm. My pastime includes writing in my journal and making short stories. When I learned that our company had its own newsletter, I didn’t think twice and covered every event in our department. Because of my constant contribution, the staff decided to include me in their team. Efforts paid off.

Now that I have transferred in another company, the thrill of finding my niche again excites me. Though my present company doesn’t have its own newsletter, it on the other hand gave me the freedom and access to the world via the net. And so here I am now making my introductory spiel hoping that in some way I could share my ideas again and write anything that other people could relate upon to, hopefully.

I’ve proven through my journey that if you really wanted something, even if you didn’t speak it out loud, somehow it will lead its way towards you in a different circumstance, medium and time just to remind you that it’s there. When you feel that everything seemed so elusive and unreachable, and even if you turned your back upon it, it will and will always be there to wait until the time you will follow and embrace it once again. It’s true that you would always obtain what you aspire if you have that burning passion in you, if you have that craving and you have the dedication to reach for it. So for now I maybe a frustrated writer but who knows, tomorrow something might change. Today maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but we can never tell of the days to come. Cest la vie!