DOING UNTO OTHERS

"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me..."

This verse taken from the gospel according to Matthew chapter 25, verse 40 is the first line of a touching song “Whatsoever you do” that I used to sing during my high school days in Ateneo de San Pablo. I still sing this song loudly in my heart and actually doing the very essence of this song in my everyday life, just like yesterday...

I accompanied Noribeth to the labor office of Hualien City here in Taiwan Republic of China. Noribeth, who has been working as a caretaker for an old woman, was beaten black and blue by the viciously violent husband of her ward. We were at the local labor office then to file complaints and seek redress. As a Catholic missionary here in Taiwan, one of my missions is to extend assistance to the Filipino migrant workers who have been treated unjustly and unfairly in their places of work.

When we were at the waiting area of the office, an Indonesian woman caught my attention. She was bewailing and crying very poignantly. I learned that her work contract had been abruptly terminated by her employer after just three months of working as domestic helper. She was left with no choice but to go back to Indonesia to face the huge debt and bank loan that she had accumulated just to pay for the placement fee, broker’s fee, airplane ticket and for other “necessary evils” just to be able to work in Taiwan.

Noribeth asked her if she had already sought any help from the Indonesian mission office in Taiwan or from any migrant groups that help the Indonesian workers. The Indonesian woman said that she knew nothing about them. Upon hearing that, I took my backpack to get the help hotlines in Indonesian that she could call to seek assistance. What happened next will never be deleted from my memory bank.

As I was opening my backpack, the employer and the broker of the Indonesian woman frantically embraced and grabbed her. She then forcibly clung to my left arm, held it so tightly, and mournfully ask for the hotlines, her lifelines. Then, a scuffle ensued. There was a brief thug-of-war. She was whisked away. The labor official then called us for the meeting.

I was so stung by that grossly cruel incident. What the Taiwanese employer and broker did was just inconceivable. To put down a fellow human being into a hapless and miserable situation is evil, but to prevent that same person from seeking help is satanic! I told Noribeth, “You know, you are much luckier than other foreign workers here in Taiwan. You have me, the Filipino community, the Philippine mission office, and God to help you.”

But the Indonesian woman is a child of God too who deserves His love, care and protection. And even if Noribeth is a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo religion, it doesn’t matter to me, a Catholic church worker, for I know deep down in my heart the two greatest commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength (Mark 12:30)” and “Love your neighbor as you love yourself (Mark 12:31).” One does not have to be entangled in all sorts of dogmatic and doctrinal explications to be able to live a truly Christian life. Just love God and your neighbor, be it Taiwanese, Indonesian or Filipino; Muslim, Taoist, or Iglesia ni Cristo. For isn’t it that loving your neighbors and your fellowmen can just simply mean respecting the rights and preserving the dignity of other people regardless of creed, color, and code?

Nevertheless, human situations nowadays demand not just simple respect for the rights and dignity of others, but rather, affirmative actions also need to be done. Due to greed and sinfulness of man, many of our brothers and sisters have been shoved to the edges of the society langushing in dire miseries. Noribeth should be helped in getting justice for the maltreatment she suffered, someone has to hand-over to the Indonesian woman the hotlines, there are hungry people around who need to be fed, homeless who need shelter, weary who need rest, oppressed who need justice.

It is then our inherent duty as human beings to participate and be involved in the alleviation of their sufferings. For I do believe that the value and worth of a person is not measured by what he does to himself but by what he does to the least of his fellowmen.

A CRY FOR HELP

“I am afraid...I don't know what to do...I need your help so that I can solve my problems here. You and God are my only hope...

It is a heart-breaking quote from her letter and a poignant cry for help from Madel, a young Filipina migrant laborer who works as an all-around domestic helper in Taitung County, Taiwan Republic of China. In her letter, she recited the litany of her everyday calvary from 4:00 am as restaurant all-around servant, onto 2:00 pm as house cleaner and laundry washer, then back to the restaurant at 3:00 pm as steamed-bread (mantou) baker, then back to the house as cook and dish washer at 6:00...and lastly, as stacker in an appliance store until 8:00 pm. Only then she can attend to her personal chores before she can finally lay her nearly-broken back to rest.

Madel is a classic epitome of migrant workers from the Philippines who dream for a better-paying employment in Taiwan, but only to experience horrible nightmare. They fall victims to some unscrupulous Taiwanese brokers and to some abusive Taiwanese employers. In her contract with the broker, Madel is suppose to work as a care-giver for an old sick woman. She is ready and prepared to work as a care-giver, only to find out upon meeting her employer in Taiwan that she has to work an assortment of back-breaking jobs under three employers related to each others. She is physically exhausted and emotionally drained, feels gravely cheated and can no longer carry-on. And worst, she does not enjoy day-offs, barred from using cellphone to communicate and forbidden to talk to other migrant workers. There is only one left whom she can talk and communicate to...God.

She has been praying ceaselessly and crying for help. Then, a fellow Filipina migrant worker clandestinely handed over to her a missalete from St. Paul’s Catholic Church located in the nearby Hualien County. On the missalete, the address and the telephone number of the church are printed. Madel did not hesitate. She called the church through a public phone. Buddy, a volunteer worker, received her frantic call...and her cry was heard at last.

Buddy immediately called the attention of the parish priest, Fr. Jean-Pierre Richard, MEP. The good priest has an out-reach program in his church called Filipino Catholic Community Apostolate that caters to the pastoral needs of the Filipino migrant workers in Hualien County. St. Paul’s Catholic Church has been helping, caring and sheperding the Filipino flock alongside the Taiwanese locals since 1995 upon the influx of migrant workers from the Philippines. The parish priest then was Fr. Auguste Lespade, MEP who was greatly loved and cherished by both the Taiwanese and Filipinos. He is succeded by Fr. Richard, a young, energetic, and conscientious priest filled with missionary zeal. He is conspicuously and undoubtedly French but whose heart is half-Taiwanese, half-Filipino.

Fr. Richard delicately directed the handling of Madel’s case. Madel was asked to send a letter to St. Paul’s Catholic Church detailing her agony and hardships. Upon receiving the letter that will be used as evidence, Buddy immediately coordinated with Sister Teresa Mabasa and Sister Matilde Serneo of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul based in Taitung County where Madel works. The two sisters also work tirelessly and zealously in their migrant ministry. The Philippine labor attache in Taiwan was also informed about the case and was called to action. Subsequently, a case of illegal work and violation of contract has been filed before the local labor authority against Madel’s broker and employer.

The case is now being processed, and surely, it will be a long, tedious and damnable one. For the time being, Madel needs care, moral support and spiritual guidance. Sadly speaking, the stake is always in favor of the broker and employer since migrant workers are not covered and protected by labor laws of Taiwan. Nonetheless, no matter how unfair the system is for the migrant workers, God’s merciful love and heavenly justice covers and protects all people from every nation, and God condemns the masterful and redeems the humble servants from prostration. Buddy holds it true. Sister Teresa and Sister Matilde  believe it in their hearts. Father Richard grounds his life on that truth. Thus, they fight on in the defense of the distressed migrant workers no matter how uphill the battle is.

After all, victory for Madel and for all the oppressed is assured because it is written so: “The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress He rescues them (Psalm 34:17-18.)”.

PRAYER SERVICE at ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, August 3, 2008, Hualien City, Taiwan ROC

THE FEEDING MIRACLE OF JESUS

I delivered this homily on August 3, 2008 during the prayer service at St. Paul's Catholic Church (34 Min Guo Rd., Hualien City, Taiwan ROC). This homily is based on the Sunday readings: First Reading, Isaiah 55-1-3; Second Reading, Romans 8:35, 37-39; Gospel, Matthew 14:13-21) . Fr. Richard is still in France and Fr. Vedrenne is in Vietnam for a short visit. Therefore, in the absence of priest to lead the mass, we hold prayer service instead which I lead.

I will always remember the first Sunday mass that I attended here in St. Paul’s Catholic Church on September 16, 2007. I was still then a student at the Center For Language Studies of Tzu Chi University. My classmate from Peru named Kamuy told me about St. Paul’s Catholic Church where Filipinos attend mass, and after the mass, they gather and together they eat lunch being offered by the church for free. “That's cool...amazing,” I told Kamuy, “this is the first time that I heard of a church where after the congregation have received spiritual food during the eucharistic celebration, another gathering immediately follows, and this time, to eat food for physical nourishment. This church offers the congregation a perfectly balanced diet---food for the physical body and food for the soul. That is so cool.”

I searched for that church to try their so-called free lunch, and to attend mass, of course. To my amazement, the food indeed tasted so good so I came back the next Sunday, to attend mass of course. Then I discovered that St. Paul’s Catholic Church also offers free supper; and that most of the food come as donations; and that the Filipino community of this church thrives, lives and eats together through sharing of resources, time and talents. Then, I decided to work as a volunteer to do my share both for the church and for the community. It has transformed my life since then, until I decided to stay here to serve. Hence, my physical body and my soul have become healthier than ever. Thanks for the physical and spiritual food that God so faithfully provides us in this church. You may not be aware of it but the hands of God is working in the midst of us here, and the feeding miracle of God is happening in our lives.

Todays gospel tells of another feeding miracle of God. It is a favorite story about Jesus, his disciples, and the hungry crowd that was told over and over again. It is not told merely once, not twice, not three times, but four times in its variations. It is the only Gospel miracle which is told in its fullness in all four Gospels.In the story, Jesus Christ looked on the massive crowd with compassion, like they were sheep without a shepherd, like people who were in need of spiritual feeding for their spiritual hungers inside. And so he taught them and he healed them. They only had five loves of bread and two fish and yet Jesus invited everyone to be seated on the green grass. Jesus took the bread…looked up into heaven...gave thanks...broke it…gave it to his disciples...who gave it to the crowds. And they all ate and were all satisfied ...and… there were twelve baskets of bread left over. The number who ate were five thousand men, plus women and children.
Now, why is this story told over and over again? It was told over and over again because I believe this story captures the very truth and the very essence of Jesus as the wondrous Son of God. It captures the very essence of God, His generosity, His abundant grace and extravagant gifts to us. It captures the very essence of God as our great provider and and sustainer. It also captures the essence of our lives, who having seen the miracles of God day by day, all around us, we still doubt and ask, “where is Gods action in my life?”

Sometimes, people ask about this story: “How did Jesus Christ do it? How did he feed all those people with so litte food, with merely five loaves and two fish.”

There is a thinking among some biblical scholars who explain that the real miracle in the story is the success of Jesus Christ in persuading the people to share the food that they have at that moment. According to them, when the people saw that Jesus really cared for the crowd, the people suddenly felt generous and started sharing what they have brought. Therefore, the real miracle is not the multiplication of bread and fish but the multiplication of generous hearts. The selfish hearts of the people were transformed into generous hearts and were inspired to look inside their coats and share the food that they brought with them, food that had been hidden inside their clothing. But no matter how laudable or plausible this explanation of sharing may be, this is not the message of Matthew who points to Jesus as the source of bread, like God who fed the Israelites in the desert. Moreover, in the story, the disciple see that the people do not have food and suggest to Jesus to dismiss the crowd so that they can buy food. But Jesus replies that there is no need for them to go away. He Himself will feed the people.

Jesus really multiplied the loaves and fish, because He had compassion on those who were going without, and because He wanted to meet a much deeper and more eternally significant need: the need of the human heart for God, for divine healing, forgiveness, and joy.

The multiplication of bread and fish is not just an actual feeding miracle but also a sign about Jesus and of his mission. A sign, as we all know, points to something else and it gives directions. Thus, the miracle of the feeding of the crowd by Jesus is a sign that points beyond the miracle of multiplying the bread and fish---it is a sign that points to The Eucharist. It is a sign that points and foreshadows the continuing and real miracle which is the Eucharist.

Our Lord Jesus Christ uses the feeding of the crowd to prepare the people for His teaching on the Holy Eucharist. It shows us God’s power to transcend the physical to meet our needs, physical or more importantly spiritual. It points to the continuing miracle of the Holy Eucharist in which there is always enough, more than enough, to feed the souls of all who believe. Just as the miracle of the multiplication caused the crowd to believe that Jesus was the messiah, so the reality of the continuing miracle of the Holy Eucharist must inspire in us faith in Jesus, true God and true Man, who gives us His Flesh and Blood to eat and drink that nourishes our soul and gives us happiness as well as physical well-being.

There are deeper needs of the human soul that food and material things can not satisfy. Once there was an American millionaire by the name of Jay Gould who had a lot of money to buy all that he wanted to buy. Before he died, his fortune amounted to $72,000,000, a lot of money to buy loaves of bread and fish. But when he was dying, he said, “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” He failed to understand that “Life is not in the things we possess,” and “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

A saying tells, “We are what we eat.” In this church, we will continue to eat together the fruits and produce of our generous sharing and loving concern for each other. This feeding in our church shall continue to foster unity and camaraderie among us and to build a stronger and more authentic Christian community. And in our regular and faithful attendance in Holy Mass and partaking in the Eucharistic celebration, we eat one bread and drink in one cup which makes us one body in One Lord Jesus Christ; and we though many throughout the earth, we shall forever remain one body in this One Lord. AMEN

PRAYER SERVICE at ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, July 27, 2008, Hualien City, Taiwan ROC

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

I delivered this homily during the prayer on July 27, 2008 at St. Paul's Catholic Church. This homily is based on the Sunday readings: First Reading, I Kings 3-5, 7-12; Second Reading, Romans 8:28-30; Gospel, Matthew 13:44-52. Fr. Richard is still in France, Fr. Vedrenne is in Vietnam for a short visit. Therefore in the absence of priest to lead the mass, we hold prayer service instead which I lead.

I am sure everyone of you here is familiar with the television program Wish Ko Lang (Just My Wish). It is the first wish-granting show on Philippine television aired over GMA Channel 7 hosted by Vicky Morales. It is a very popular show because an actual wish from the viewers sent through mail can be granted and the story is featured in the show. The wishes range from a wheelchair for a paralytic husband to a major heart surgery for an ailing mother; from finding a long lost child to searching for a perfect match as husband or wife. In the Philippines where poverty is widespread and frustration in life is experienced by many, the show Wish Ko Lang offers some relief and entertainment as well to the suffering masses.

How about you, brothers and sisters, if granted the rare chance to make a wish, a wish that will be surely and immediately be granted at this very moment, what would that wish be? I bet most of you here will wish to win the jackpot prize in a lottery draw so that you can leave Taiwan at once and spend all your money with your family members back home. Or perhaps, some of the ladies here will wish to meet and marry a very rich and a very handsome Taiwanese gentleman, and then raise up a big and happy family here in Taiwan. Wow, what fairy tale story!

But as the popular saying goes, be careful what you wish for, because sometimes, our wishes when finally granted, do not necessarily bring happiness to us but instead they bring tragedy and misery. We have heard news items in Philippines about someone who won the jackpot in the lottery draw and after a few days, ended up being robbed, kidnapped, or killed. We have also heard news of Filipina women who married foreigners and after a while, ended up being a beaten and battered wives living in extreme miseries and sufferings. Or perhaps some of you here are now regretting so much to have wished working here in Taiwan. See, your dreams came true!

As we listen to the first reading today, from the First Book of Kings, we can understand Solomon’s answer to God. Solomon, as we all know is the king of who succeeded his father David to the throne. When God said to Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon did not have any second thought, he wished for the best that he could wish for and said, “Give your servant, therefore an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of your?” Solomon did not wish for wealth or power, instead, he wished and asked for a gift that would serve others and help the people under his rule. He was very careful and prudent in making a wish.

Now, each of us can also ask this question of himself or herself: What would I choose, what would I wish for? If God were to promise you the same as He promised Solomon, what would you choose, what would you wish for?

The Gospel today tells us an answer to God’s question to Solomon: we can ask God for the Kingdom of Heaven. If we look just at the first reading and the Gospel, we can see that the deepest wisdom of our lives is to choose to live in the Kingdom of God.

The gospel calls the Kingdom of God as the ultimate desire and the ultimate wish of the human heart. The Gospel says “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew chapter 6, verse 33). But where is the Kingdom of God? Where can I find it? Dear Brothers and Sisters, the Kingdom of God is here...now, it is in the midst of us, it is within us. We can find the Kingdom of God if we let God reign in our hearts, if we let God rule our lives, if we let God take control of our homes, if we let God lead our society, and if we enthrone God as the King of world. Truly then I say to you, The Kingdom of God is here and now, in the midst of us and within us.

And when you find The Kingdom of God, what else do you find? Dear Brothers and Sisters, the one who finds the kingdom of God finds everything desirable, he finds everything pleasing, he finds everything good. That is why The Kingdom of God is compared to hidden treasure in a field which a man finds, then goes and sells all that he has and buys the field. Or a precious pearl which a merchant finds, then goes and sells everything he has and buy this one pearl. In fact, these parables invite us not only to seek first the kingdom of God but to seek only the kingdom because with the kingdom of God comes every other good thing.

Brothers and sisters, the personal value we put on God and the things of God must be of the highest order. The men in the gospel parable sold everything to obtain what they value. That fact is significant. They didn’t hold anything back, they made total commitment. We need to make total commitment too in valuing and treasuring the Kingdom of God. We enthrone God as our King and absolute ruler who controls our lives. As the saying goes, “What you value controls you.” Many people value and treasure money more than anything else, and it controls them, and leads them to unsatiable hunger for more. Many people value and treasure their passion and wordly desire more than anything else, and it controls them, and leads them to scattered lives. Many people value and treasure their friends, partners and loved ones, and it controls them, and leads them to frustrations and disillusionment. We seek, we value, and we treasure the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and it controls our lives, and it leads us to happy and abundant life, here on earth, and in heaven.

When we pray the Lord’s prayer, we say,“...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Yes, my brothers and sisters, the Kingdom of God is right here right now, at this very place, at this very moment because we subject ourselves to God’s rule and control. We say it in our prayer, and we also express it in a beautiful song, “Ikaw ang nagturo ng tamang landasin, sa puso at aking damdamin. Dinggin ang papuri ng bawat dalangin, dahil sa’yo, lupa man ay langit na rin (Because of You, even the earth is heaven as well.)”

And the Kingdom of God does not end here on earth, though it is here and now, it is also there and then, right there in heaven with all the angels and saints, and with Mary our Virgin Mother. It is only then and there that we can obtain the fullness and completeness of the Kingdom of God, with Jesus Christ our Lord and with the Holy Spirit in the glorious life eternal and life everlasting. AMEN.

KALAHATING TIMBANG TUBIG

Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the streets, I remember the Child in the manger as He sleeps. Wherever there are people, giving gifts, exchanging cards, I believe that Christmas is truly in their hearts...Kapag naririnig ko ang pamaskong awit na ito, maraming alaala mula sa mga Paskong nagdaan sa aking buhay ang nananariwa sa aking isipan. Totoo na maraming awit na pamasko at maraming bagay ang makapagpapaalaala sa atin sa Pasko gaya ng makukulay na parol, mga kumukuti-kutitap na ilaw ng christmas tree at ng mapanghalinang sipol at amoy ng nilulutong puto-bumbong. Pero ang awit na ito ni Jose Mari Chan tungkol sa mga bata ang naghahatid sa akin sa mga alaala ng isang Paskong hindi mabubura sa aking isipan at kikipkipin sa aking puso hanggang sa kabilang-buhay. Ito ang Pasko ng aking kabataan, ang panahon ng paglalaro at laruan, ng sigla at kapilyuhan. Ito ang panahon ng kamusmusan, ng kalinisan ng pag-iisip at ng tunay at walang dungis na pagmamahal.

Sa Los Baños, Laguna kami nakatira noon. Nasa grade 3 ako at nasa grade 1 naman ang kapatid kong bunsong si Baby. Titser ng Home Economics si Mommy sa Los Baños School Of Fisheries na nasa baryo Mayondon. Nasa itaas ng isang luntian, mahangin at maaliwalas na burol ang aming bahay, tumatanaw sa malawak na kagandahan at karangyaan ng mabughaw na Laguna de Bay.

Tradisyon na ng pamilya ang magdiwang ng noche buena tuwing Pasko. Gumigising talaga kaming lahat pagsapit ng alas-dose ng gabi upang pagsaluhan ang napakasarap na pagkaing inihanda ni Mommy. Tsampyon talaga siyang magluto, titser yata ng Home economics at cooking pa ang kanyang linya. Dalawang magkasabay na okasyon ang ipinagdiriwang namin sa salu-salong iyon---ang pagsilang ni Hesus at ang bertdey ni Baby.

Ay naku, talaga namang kahit mumukat-mukat at mamuta-muta pa kami ay masisigla kaming nagsalu-salo nang noche buenang iyon. Gaya ng dati, nawala agad ang aking antok dahil sa mapanggising na amoy at lasa ng pagkaing nakaparada sa mesa---ispagheting napapalamutian ng maraming meatballs, chicken macaroni salad na namumutiktik sa mga himaymay ng manok, orange chiffon cake na nangingintab sa makapal na butter icing, hamon na pinaniningning ng honey syrup, fruit salad na nakukulayan ng ubas, pinya at mansanas, cheese sandwich na pinamumula ng pimiento at umuusok na tsokolateng maraming-maraming Milo. Haaay, tsalap-tsalap talaga.

Pagkakain, buong pananabik naming limang magkakapatid na tinungo ang christmas tree upang kunin at buksan ang regalo ni Mommy para sa bawat isa sa amin kaya naiwan na naman siya sa kusina para maghimpil at maghugas ng aming mga kinainan. Matagal din naming inasam-asam na mabuksan ang mga regalong iyon na araw-araw naming hinihimas-himas, kinakalug-kalog, pinagtitimbang-tmbang at hinuhulaan kung ano ang laman.

Habang nagpapakaligaya kami sa natanggap naming regalo, nagrereklamo naman si Mommy sa kusina---"Sus, talaga kayong mga bata kayo, matapos kayong mapalamon e lalayasan na lamang ninyo ako. Ni Hindi man lamang ninyo ako matulungang maghimpil ng kinainan, ako pa ang paghuhugasin ninyo ng mga pinggan, huhummm...Ay naku, wala na palang tubig na panghugas! Mamayang umaga na lang ako mag-iigib sa poso. Mamaya na lang ang mga pinggang iyan."

"Kawawa naman si Mommy," bulong kokay Baby matapos marinig ang daing ni Mommy.
"Tinulungan mo sana, ikaw ang pinakamalakas lumamon d'yan e," sumbat sa akin ni Baby.
"Ikaw nga d'yan ang dapat tumulong e, mis maganda na naman 'yang regalo mo kesa amin."
"Dumali na naman po si inggitero. Hoy, mis mahal yata ako ni Mommy! Tsaka, bertdey ko yata ngayon...Pero kawawa talaga si Mommy."
"Regaluhan kaya natin," mungkahi ko.
"E, ano namang ireregalo natin," tanong ni Baby.
"E, di ano...e di...LI-PIS-TIK! Tama, ibili natin si Mommy ng pinakamapulang lipistik, 'yung kasimpula ng atswete."
"E mi pera ba naman tayong pambili?"
"Wala nga. Sinungkit ko nang lahat ang pera ko sa alkansya. Naibili ko na ng mga paputok para sa bagong taon. E ikaw, mi pera?
"Hindi naman ako nag-aalkansya e."
"E anong ireregalo natin...?"
Sandali kaming nag-isip.
"A tama, ganto na lang," bulong ko kay Baby, "mam'ya, gumising tayo nang maaga. Unahan nating gumising si Mommy. Tapos, umigib tayo ng tubig, tapos, tayo ang maghugas ng mga pinggan. Paggising ni Mommy, wala na siyang huhugasan. 'Yun na lang ang regalo natin."
"E, 'yako nga, baka pagalitan tayo ni Mommy pag nag-igib tayo," pag-aalala ni Baby.
"Tanga! Ba't pagagalitan e tutulong nga tayo?"
"Tanga ka rin! E hindi ko kayang mag-igib e. Tsaka hindi ko pa abot ang lababo."
"E mis tanga ka pala e. E di tutulungan kita tsaka magtuntungan ka."
"E ikaw naman, tanga na gago pa! Patay tayo ke Mommy pag nadulas tayo sa pag-iigib. At tsaka kung mabasag ang mga plato, o papaano?"
"Ako'ng bahala."
"Hum, wala akong tiwala sa 'yo."
"Hindi mo lang mahal si Mommy...Sige, kung ayaw mo e di ako na lang."
"Mahal ko si Mommy!"
"E ba't ayaw mo?"
"Sige na nga, sali na 'ko."
"E di pumayag din ang bungal," panunukso ko pa.
"E ikaw, usngal," ganting tukso ni Baby.
"Komang ka naman."
"Baboy ka naman. Masiba."
"Si Tsi-tsay ka naman, bungal. Tsi-tsay bungal, tsi-tsay bungal..."
"Mommy, si Baldo nga po!"
"Baldomero, ano na namang ginagawa mo sa kapatid mo, ha?" pasigaw na tanong ni Mommy.
"Nanunukso na naman po, hindi naman s'ya inaano," sumbong ni baby.
"Sasapukin kita, ikaw nga d'yan e," ganting sumbong ko.
"Gusto na naman ninyong mapalo, ha?!" banta ni Mommy.
Tumahimik na kami.
"Basta mim'ya ha," paalala ko kay Baby.
"Hum, basta baboy ka," sagot ni bungi.

Wala pang gripo sa loob ng aming bahay kaya iniigib pa mula sa poso sa ibaba ng burol ang ginagamit naming tubig. Wala naman ang katulong naming mauutusan ni Mommy dahil umuwi sa kanila para magbakasyon. May inuupahan kaming agwador pero tanghali pa ang dating niya. Kami namang magkakapatid, lalo na si Baby, ay hindi pinag-iigib ni Mommy dahil mga bata pa raw kami at masyadong mataas ang hagdan mula poso hanggang bahay kaya delikado. Pero sa umagang iyon, mag-aakyat kami ni Baby ng dalawang timbang tubig.

Hindi na ako nakatulog nang bumalik ako sa paghiga. Pabiling-biling ako sa kama na parang daing na ipiniprito. Eksayted talaga ako sa pagdating ng umaga. Iniimadyin ko ang gagawin namin ni Baby at ang magiging reaksyon ni Mommy. Kaya nang napansin kong maliwanag na, agad kong tinungo ang kusina para kumuha ng dalawang timba. Ang balak ko'y gisingin si Baby pagdaan ko sa kwarto nila ni Mommy bago kami tuluyang bumaba. Pagdating ko sa kusina, naroon na pala si Baby at bitbit na ni gaga ang dalawang timba.

Nagtulungan kami ni Baby sa pagbomba sa poso. Ang hawakan ng posong ito ay isang mahabang kahoy na dos por kwatro ang sukat kaya napakabigat para sa amin. Napakaganit na nito kaya halos maglambitin kami ni Baby sa pagbomba. At kahit sadyang napakalamig nang madaling-araw na iyon, mas malakas pa yata ang tulo ng pawis ko kaysa sa tubig na lumalabas sa poso.

Nang napuno na namin ang dalawang timba, sinimulan na namin ang pagpanhik at kasabay nito, nagsimula na rin ang "kalbaryo sa araw na Pasko." Bitbit ng kaliwa kong kamay ang isang timba at tulong naman kami ni Baby sa pagbitbit sa mas malaking timba. Tangan ito ng kanan kong kamay at ng kaliwa at kanang kamay ni Baby.

Liligwak-ligwak ang tubig sa dalawang timba nang iniaakyat na namin ang mga ito. Marami nang tubig ang natapon nang nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng hagdan. Basa na rin ang aking short pants pati ang bestida ni Baby. Pagkapahinga nang sandali, muli kaming hahakbang paakyat. Pagkahakbang ng isang pitak, hihinto kami. Pagkahakbang uli ng isa, hinto uli. Pakiramdam ko'y mahuhugot sa aking balikat ang dalawa kong kamay at parang lalabas sa aking puwit ang lahat ng kinain ko sa noche buena. At sa tingin ko, halos bumaon na sa labi ni Baby ang bungi-bungi niyang mga ngipin dahil sa mariing pagkagat niya rito. Tumuwid na rin yata ang kanyang kanang kamay na komang pero hindi pa rin bumibitaw sa tatangnan ng timba ang dalawang kamay ng bungal.

Nang nasa loob na kami ng bahay, lumigwak na naman ang tubig sa timbang bitbit ng aking kaliwa. Tumapon ito sa sahig at nang natapakan ko ito, nadulas ako at biglang tumimbuwang! Bumuhos sa sahig ang lahat ng tubig sa timbang bitbit ng aking kaliwang kamay. Lumangoy ako sa isang timbang tubig na iyon. Basang-basa ang aking damit pati ang aking singit. Basa rin ang damit ni Baby. Basa na rin ang kanyang mukha. Napaiyak na kasi siya...hindi dahil sa awa sa akin kundi dahil sa katatawa. Naibaba na niya sa sahig ang isa pang timbang pinagtulungan naming bitbitin. Kalahati na lamang ang natirang tubig dito.

Nagmamadaling pumasok sa eksena si Mommy kasunod sina Ate Beth, Kuya Sonny at Ate Ineng. Akala ko'y nagising sila sa malakas na katatawa ni Baby. "Anong malakas na kalabog 'yon, anong malakas na kalabog 'yon?!" nanginginig na hiyaw-tanong ni Mommy.

Hindi siya nasagot ni Baby dahil alumpihit pa rin sa katatawa ang bruha na hilam na hilam na sa luha. At sa kalagayan kong iyon ay kailangan ko pa bang sumagot? Ipinaliwanag namin ang buong pangyayari nang nahimasmasan na ang lahat. Aba'y kami pa ang pinagalitan ni Mommy pagkatapos ng aming kuwento! Sermon niya, "Kayo talagang mga bata kayo, mga atrabido't atrabida. Kung nadulas kayo sa pag-akyat e dalawa pa kayong ipaoospital e Paskung-pasko. At ikaw naman magaling na lalaki, kung napasama ang bagsak mo e baka putok 'yang matigas mong bungo! Masyado ka kasing pasimuno kahit kelan. Huhummm, puro trabaho ang ibinibigay ninyo sa akin. Kailan pa kaya ninyo ako pagiginhawahin?"

Hay, Diyos ko, ang mga ina nga naman...Pero ibang pagalit iyon, napuna ko, kahit ang marami sa mga salita niya ay madalas ko nang narinig sa kanya. Sa pagkakataong iyon, malumanay ang kanyang boses, garalgal at hindi "high blood" ang pagsasalita niya, mamasa-masa ang kanyang mga mata at tila may ngiting nagnanais kumawala sa kanyang mukha. Napakabanayad din ng haplos niya ng tuwalya sa katawan ko habang siya ay "nagsesermon."

Nasisiguro kong naggalit-galitan lamang noon si Mommy. Pero kahit hindi niya sinabi, nasisiguro kong siya ang pinakamaligayang Mommy sa buong mundo nang umagang iyon, hindi dahil sa kalahating timbang tubig na natira sa timbang pinagtulungan naming bitbitin ni Baby, at lalong hindi dahil sa katawa-katawa naming pagmamagaling na nauwi sa kahiya-hiya kong pagbagsak. Napakasaya noon ni Mommy dahil mahal namin siya.

Sinabi ni Hesus na "kapag hindi kayo nagbago at tumulad sa mga bata, hindi kayo mabibilang sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos." Totoo. At lalong magiging maligaya at makabuluhan ang ating Pasko kung tataglayin natin ang sigla, kalinisan at kababaang-loob ng isang bata...tulad namin noon...noong panahong iyon kung kailan ang kalahating timbang tubig ay maaaring mangahulugan ng dalisay, taimtim at nag-uumapaw na pagmamahal.

Let's sing Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus. Let Him be the one to guide us as another New Year starts. And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts...

A VISIT TO MY SISTER'S NEW CONDO

I was in Taipei City from July 31 to August 1 to visit Baby, my youngest sister, in her new condominium unit. I must admit it is much cozier, much bigger, much prettier, and more expensive I guess from her previous house. Let me take you then to a tour to her new dwelling place.

This is the grand entrance...

....and the grand staircase, but we will take the elevator.

Let me pose for a photo shot before we go up to the fifth floor.

Welcome!!! Relax, feel at home.

Yes, CNN...

This is the kitchen, the left door is the Japanese computer room, the right door is the washing room.

Open sesame!!!!

This Japanese computer room definitely doesn't look Japanese at all in this picture.

What a huge refrigerator! You can stuff it with food that can last "till thy kingdom come."

This is my sister's bedroom.


This is the guest room...my room.


Ah, what a cute little boy.

Let me bring you down to the garden...

...to the children's little amphitheater...

... and to the swimming pool!!!

And presenting...the owner of the house...

The Duchess of Taipei City!!!

And presenting...the story-teller and the distinguished guest!!!

HOW ABOUT YOU, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO VISIT US HERE IN TAIWAN?