In Anticipation of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition: UST SDT Redemption?

The UST Salinggawi's routine last year showed the squad's vulnerability. Several evident errors cost them the dream of a double grand slam. Regardless, cheerdancing standards and essentials were met and exceeded. Had the team executed without errors, it would have still kept the coveted cheerdancing title.

In about 2 weeks, another cheerdance showdown will occur in the Araneta Coliseum. I’ve already booked my flight just to see this spectacular event. None of its kind had been as celebrated as the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (UST SDT) will make its first attempt to recover its interrupted dynasty. During the 3-year drought, when UP had its good fortune to win the title, I was a pessimist for the SDT. I was a critic of its halftime performances. I was doing so in comparison to the SDT of the 90’s. When the group snatched the title from UP in 2002, I was dumbfounded. I thought what the heck were those halftime boo-boos for? The group made it up in the actual competition.

Since then my confidence in the SDT went up, although most of its halftime performances remained as practice sessions. They would, nevertheless, compensate for the mediocre halftimes, in the competition. They did this for 5 consecutive years prior to UP’s ‘thank God she fell’ chance for the championship last year.

As each team from the 7 universities now understand and are fully ripe for a chance for the cheerdance title by virtue of their year by year experiences, only UP has come close to Salinggawi’s legacy of cheering in the hard court. I applaud UP for coming this far in its quest to dominate the cheering arena. Every year I look at the competition only between UST and UP. The others fall behind as merely exhibition pieces. UP’s routine last year was a blast, I must admit. They were synchronized for the very first time, although not throughout the routine. Still, there were some parts where they scrambled and seemed incoherent towards the end.

UST on the other hand, capitalized on what they’re known for: excellent choreography, good choice of music, unparalleled synchronicity, perfect poise and grace. These remain to be seen in the other squads programs. Stunts and pyramids had become common ground for all, when UST used to own bragging rights for astounding execution. In fact, it has toned-down in that department as year after year, the same pyramids (although with variations) are used to the dismay of others who look forward to a certain height of caliber from these ‘used to be’ acrobatically trademarked cheerleaders. Besides, they’ve pioneered stunts and pyramids never before introduced in the country. Through the winning years, they’ve come out triumphant nonetheless.

The SDT used to be known as the fastest pyramid builders. Others caught on. UP and FEU can now brag of effecting difficult pyramids. Will this year be a comeback for the SDT in redemption to the banished marks and impressions? Can I anticipate a routine full of stunts and pyramids—another wow experience? Or will they remain compliant to the standards set up by the league and be safe in just accomplishing the requirements? If so, then I look forward to a routine similar to the one in 2004 and 2006. There were formations or parts in the routine that showed their agility and exceptional skills. No other teams were equal in that specialty. I believe that if this year’s routine involves an element where only the Salinggawi can do so well, they can seize the trophy back into their hands.

I am a Thomasian who believes in the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. But then again, as their mentor, Ryan Silva once said: We perform with no thought of winning. We do our best, have fun and make sure that the Thomasian crowd enjoys it.

With that in mind, win or lose the UST Salinggawi remains in the Hall of Fame for cheerdancing and cheerleading. They set the trend—they made everybody stand up and get better. They spearheaded cheerleading and made everyone eager to improve. This is the legacy of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Too bad, not everyone see and know this fact.

Video Uploaded in YouTube by sixthon07.

In Memoriam: Rue Ann "Jagurl" Salvador

January 1, 1979-August 18, 2008

A confidant.

An adviser.

A counselor.

A friend.

A girlfriend.

A best friend.

A sister.

A daughter.
A loved one.

These are but a few descriptions of Jagurl in our lives. She has even been more than the designation.

Jagurl was an extraordinary person who had a knack in making friends. I got acquainted with her in the company I'm working at right now. We were transferred from different accounts to a newly opened Line of Business (LOB) in a Sales/CS account. I was a newbie in this call center industry and I was only a week old in my previous account. I was nervous to take calls & terrified by the fact that I have not fully internalized my product knowledge. She was a veteran. At that point in time I was somewhat standoffish. I only talked to my batchmates who were transferred along with me. I couldn’t forget how she started talking to me & making me feel comfortable. She was an initiator, a proactive type of person—especially when it comes to friendships. She was thoughtful & very sensitive to one’s feelings.

Eventually we became good friends. We had a great time being team mates in the first part of the LOB we pioneered in. I learned from her. She was a very good communicator. With that talent, I looked up to her & did my best to communicate with my callers in the same way that she did. I had the opportunity to listen to her calls many times and her callers just loved her. She knew how to build rapport in a timely manner. She brought gladness to her calls the same way she brought sunshine to the team.

She was a happy person—someone you can take on to brighten up any gloomy day. She can also be a wacky kind of individual. She can take you out of depression & bring you to a totally different world of excitement & fun. She was much uncomplicated—very simple, yet she could always dress up in style, & can be classy. With that, however, you could notice her innocence to subjects carnal in nature. She was a very religious person. She valued spirituality in a different level—a higher level than those who share the same lifestyle. She employed life with great sensibility, maturity, & responsibility.

She did not deserve the kind of passing she stumbled upon. Those cruel bandits didn’t have to kill her. She died in the arms of cold blooded, selfish individuals who disparaged her plans, obligations, & loved ones—let alone the value of her life.

We see and hear about crime all over. Murders, fatalities, all manner of horrible exploits flash through media every day of our lives—even accidents that involve the loss of thousands of lives. Every time we see the remains of the victims & reactions of those left behind, we feel an affinity with them. We feel for them. We ultimately pray that none of the same nature will happen to our loved ones.

If it does happen, even to a beloved friend, it can be as heartbreaking as losing a dear family member: painful & distressing. Once you hear the news, you wouldn’t believe such brutality would occur to someone we dearly love. At times like these, we come to realize how subtle life is—that in one quick & small moment, it can be taken away from us. How evil are those perpetrators who played in being god in taking away somebody else’s life. They didn’t have the right to do so.

It was Edwin Markham who said: There is a destiny which makes us brothers; none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.

Those who did this merciless act to Jagurl will have no where to run. If their conscience had been numbed with their repeated commission of crime, they will surely be pursued by life’s boomerang.

Speaking about the subject, the apostle Paul in Romans 13 discusses that this type of crime can not be set aside. In verse 4 he explained about God’s avenging authority: that He “executes wrath upon him that does evil”.

We, the friends and family whom Jagurl left behind, can only be consoled by the fact that she had already passed on to a better life. She lived a life of principle. She feared & loved God & devoted a considerable portion of her life demonstrating that love. In modern scripture found in the Doctrine & Covenants 42:46, the Lord said: And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.

I couldn’t even bear to imagine the details of how Jagurl died. It must have been physically grueling and painful; but I know as soon as her spirit left that mortal body, a feeling of sweetness & joy enveloped her soul as she was taken back to God who gave her life.

Jagurl had finished her earthly journey and has moved on to the next sphere in the eternal scheme of things. We are all part of this journey together. We were born, as was Jagurl, to experience mortality—to obtain physical bodies & to prepare to meet God. Now that our dear friend, Jagurl had passed on, may we make her memory our inspiration to live our lives in such a manner that we may be worthy & be granted the privilege of meeting her again in the eternities. This reality, therefore suggests that that we consider the real meaning of “goodbye” as an interjection. It means “see you later”. The word “goodbye” or “farewell” appropriately, should be succeeded by phrases such as, “we’ll see each other again”, or “we’ll meet again, some time”.

However, no matter how we look at it, the word “goodbye” is a sad word. I would rather look at it the way Tasha Yar of Star Trek: Next Generation, explained it—she said: Death is when we exist only in the memories of others. So this is not goodbye, but good memories.

Good memories, Jagurl! We love you. We will miss you. We shall see each other again.

I Stand All Amazed: An Apostle In Our Midst

“I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me…. Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me, enough to die for me”.

This is the central point of the hymn our choir sang during Stake Conference this morning. Sally Deford’s arrangement of “I Stand All Amazed” is definitely moving. If you listen to it, you can’t help but exclaim, “wonderful”, “amazing”.

Having the hymn rendered by a youth choir is even more significant.

It wasn’t an easy task to help these young men and women learn their parts in the choir. It took 8 weeks (Sundays) to have them fully internalize the hymn. It wasn’t a perfect rendition, but the spirit of the hymn made up for the lack. These were young people ages 13-17. During practice one can say that these kids aren’t too interested in singing, that they’re too indolent & would rather do something else. Most of the time, they’d talk and talk & not focused on what they came for. Ate Neng, our choir directress, had some grueling moments with them along the way.

I was privileged to accompany the choir in the piano. During the week, we were worried as to how the choir would turn out. The last practice was last Sunday and that meant a full week of no follow-up practice. However, when the time came to perform, the choir sounded great! There’s a part in the music where the choir sings a capella. I usually play the notes in the piano during practice so the choir wouldn’t lose their bearing. At times when I don’t play their parts, they’d get lost. This morning I was thinking of playing their parts when they sing a capella just so their tunes are guided. I also thought of just playing their first notes. I didn’t. They sang exceptionally well in the first part of the song that I trusted they’d be able to make it throughout, even through the part when they sing a capella. That was an incredible moment! The a capella part was the most moving moment of the song:

“I think of His hands, pierced and bleeding to pay the debt. Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget? No, No, I will praise and adore at His mercy seat. Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet”.

When you hear these words sang & expressed by these young men and women, ages 13-17, with such emotion & conviction, you’d forget about how uninterested & unruly they were during practice. You can say that they love the Savior, after all; that they KNOW what & Who they’re singing about—that they’re actually communicating their testimonies by their singing about Christ’s atonement.

This brings me to relating a truly wonderful spiritual experience this weekend.

I learned much about the Atonement of the Savior, among other things. This is one subject I want to focus on because it brought so much light to my understanding. What’s more remarkable about it is that it was taught by an apostle of the Lord.

The last time I saw an apostle, in person, was in 1996. 6 months before I left for my mission, Gordon B. Hinckley, who was then the President of the Church, The Prophet, visited the country and held a special conference in Manila.

Now that an opportunity to be in the presence of another apostle has come, I wouldn’t let it pass. In fact, this is a very special situation because I, together with the other members of the Stake, will have the occasion to be in the presence of Elder David Bednar up close and personal at Stake Conference. Such intimate setting to be with an Apostle of the Lord is rare. We are blessed in the Stake to have an apostle preside over our conference.

What I enjoyed the most this weekend is the abundance of the influence of the Spirit. One wouldn’t miss it around a special witness of Christ.

I learned from an Apostle today, about the 2 elements of the Atonement of Christ. The first element is common knowledge: The atonement brought about cleansing from sin. The second, however, can only be pointed out & explicitly explained by a true servant of the Lord. It is the strengthening & enabling power of the Atonement.

Christ paid the price for our sins. Because of who he was and how he lived, he became the perfect offering for sin. The truth of the matter is, he did not only pay for our sins, he also suffered our afflictions.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
(Book of Mormon, Alma 7)

This is comforting knowledge, unequivocally explained by Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet.

As we obey, strive to be good, and become better, we increase our faith in Christ and make use of His atoning sacrifice to strengthen us. The Lord knows perfectly how to strengthen us because He knows what we’re going through & because he experienced our pains and infirmities. But what does strengthening means?

Elder Bednar made use of Nephi’s suffering from his brothers Laman & Lemuel as an example.

16 And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound. (Book of Mormon, 1st Nephi 7)

Most often than not, we have the habit of asking the Lord to get us out of a difficult situation, or trouble. Sometimes He does, but most of the time he operates by not taking the trouble or difficult situation away, rather He gives us the wisdom and strength to overcome, according to our faith.

In the example above, Nephi understood the atonement of Christ can make him stronger. He knows that in order for the Lord to deliver him “from the hands of his brethren”, he had to do his part, but with the help of the Lord. Thus his plea—“O Lord, according to my faith [which is] in thee…. give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound”.

18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet…

Elder Bednar emphasized that the bands weren’t taken off or loosened just like magic. Nephi had to do his part—he had to struggle & work according to his strength & the extra strength that came from the Lord before the bands were loosened.

In Mosiah 24 we find Amulon persecuting Alma and his people. The suffering became so hard that they “poured out their hearts” unto the Lord. This is His response:

13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

Notice how covenants come in, in the process of the how the Lord delivers his people from bondage, suffering, pain, etc. A covenant is a promise from the Lord that He will do His part as we do ours. He made the terms and conditions of that covenant, not us. This is why keeping our covenants is very important if we ever need the help of the Lord.

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

How did the Lord ease the burdens of the people?

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

If one becomes stronger, the burden is still there, but has only become light.

Understanding the atonement of Christ not only gives us hope & knowledge of repentance and forgiveness. It also brings about strength to overcome.

It was amazing how Elder Bednar linked this magnificent lesson of the Atonement to President Montera’s (Stake President) message. He said that if we LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, & OBEY, our lives will change, to a better life, more than we can imagine.

What a timely message it is from an apostle of God, in this most difficult moment in our lives. His coming is a manifestation of God’s love. It shows that our Heavenly Father is mindful of His children, that He sent one of His apostles to raise a warning & teach a lesson about being strengthened in the midst of adversity.

I learned again that this life isn’t about the pursuit of worldly success; it isn’t about doing what I want to do. All around me is the threat of temptation, the voice of peers, the cunnings of the Devil—all these can mislead and confuse me, & can eventually take me off from my purpose & mess up my sense of direction.

One other substantial lesson I learned this weekend is about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is different from the power of the Holy Ghost. The power or influence of the Holy Ghost can be available to all people, regardless of religion. The Gift of the Holy Ghost, on the other hand, is only given to those who are baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ. Once this gift is bestowed, one is entitled to the constant companionship of this 3rd member of the Godhead. What a reassuring thing this is, to have the 3rd member of the Godhead be a constant companion. This would mean in every second of every minute of every hour of every day, one can receive guidance from the Holy Ghost. However, this can be only true to one who keeps his baptismal covenant, puts off the natural man & become a saint through the atonement of Christ. As one uses his agency to listen, understand, & obey, he can attain happiness in this world, that kind of happiness that lingers in the eternities.

Elder Bednar said that the sole purpose of the church is that through the atonement of Christ, families can live faithfully & inherit eternities together. All roads lead to the temple. It is the capstone of all the things we do in the church. When a couple understands & put into effect the atonement in their lives, they can kneel across each other in the temple and be married for time and for all eternity. Covenants dominate the lives of families & individuals borne out of the temple. By keeping these covenants & by living worthily, there comes a protecting power.

Elder Bednar reminded us of the temple that’s being constructed here in Cebu. He admonished us to attend regularly & keep our covenants & live worthily so as the protecting power of the Temple can keep us away from harm & from the fiery darts of the adversary.

My weekend was a singular experience. It was spiritual in nature because I got to see and be with an apostle of the Lord & fed by the words of Christ. It was reassuring to hear this apostle bear his testimony as a special witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Secure in the promise of life in His victory. Thus, ransomed from death I will live to my Savior’s praise and sing of his goodness and mercy through endless days. Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me, enough to die for me. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me”. (“I Stand All Amazed”, verse by Sally Deford, original words & music by Charles H. Gabriel)

Celebrating Life Through Gratitude

If I am to make a significant declaration today, I'd say 'Life is beautiful'! That is quite a bold assertion in such woeful circumstances we have in the world. However, I wouldn't let this day pass without acknowledging the grand splendor that is left amidst awful crises.

Today marks the 34th year of my remarkable earthly journey in the eternal scheme of things. I want to look at it that way to remind me that I am plodding through a temporary sojourn. By having this conviction, the purpose of life in general becomes easier to approach and realize. The challenge becomes setting priorities and doing what’s needful. It is a struggle if one has a blurry resolve.

I’ve been around for a long time, yet I have not been able to run around as much as I needed to, to accomplish what one ought to accomplish at this point in life. At my age, some had already pulled off a lot that deems them to be successful. I am still far from the foyer of success. Nevertheless, what I’ve carried out and gone through by far taught me humility in extreme measure. Whether or not I even reach the midmost part of success, I am, nonetheless grateful.

I’m grateful for a beautiful life. What makes it beautiful?

First, it is a beauty because of my knowledge of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ. Appreciation for what I’ve been, what I am now, and what I’ll be, was not as and will not be as splendid if it isn’t for the learning I’ve had and am having about Deity. Knowing that God is my father—despite His being the ruler of the Universes, the most powerful Being, and the Creator of all, makes me live comfortably and with a sense of security in a world of sorrows and trouble. Knowing that Christ is my Redeemer and Savior makes me hopeful in the midst of uncertainty.

Second, life is a beauty because of family and friends. Literally I don’t have my family with me, anymore, but the foundation that was laid by them which is in me now, made my journey more profound than it could ever be. I am what I believe and what I stand for because of my family. I do not drink what most people drink; I do not do what most people do; I do not listen to what most people listen to; I do not watch what most people watch; and I do not believe what most people believe, because my family taught me not to. To have been able to know for myself the validity of those teachings makes life more stunning that I could ever imagine.

I now live practically independent around my friends. They add zest to my life which makes it beautiful. Although they come and go, the memory of these friends makes it all worthwhile. I sometimes feel alone, as that may be a natural feeling for someone who’s detached from family, but these friends compensate for that lack which is supposed to come from “biological” means. For this cause, my friends have become the metaphor for family in my life now.

Albert Schweitzer, an Alsatian theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician, once said:

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us”.

We are products of what we gain and get from each other. What we sometimes lack can be obtained from another. I’m grateful for what I have, both intangible and tangible—for those who have “lighted the flame” within me and are continuing to kindle that flame which keeps me going in this rough course of life.

UAAP Season 71: Count UST in the Battle!

With the most number of overall championships in the UAAP (10 consecutive & 35 overall titles) in its sleeves, UST should not be discounted in this UAAP 71st Season.

Opening rites will be on Saturday & darn I won’t be able to see it. What’s more is that I won’t be around to watch the games. Before I made the decision to move here in Cebu, the UAAP games weighed so much as I had to make the consideration to let go of it.

I’ve been a UAAP-UST fan (‘die hard’ fan at that) since 1994 & I was active through the years as a spectator of the Tigers’ games. It was only in 1996-1998 that I missed the league as I was out of town doing an important work. Nevertheless, I was stained by the glorious blood that was drawn from the De LaSalle Green Archers in those historic season victories of 1994-1996. That was a grand slam of conquest over the Archers!

Through the years, I was an eye-witness of the Tigers’ rise to glory & its decline to the cellar. In 2006, my long awaited championship in 10 years happened before my eyes as UST incredibly outdone the Ateneo Blue Eagles to win its 19th Men’s Basketball Title (the most number of MBB Titles in the UAAP).

Despite that glorious comeback, UST failed to defend the title last season.

As excitement is undeniably felt as the 71st season begins this weekend, I am unfulfilled as I am away from the event, being unable to tangibly witness ‘Tiger Power’ & the ‘Black-Gold-White’ frenzied Thomasian crowd. All these years I’ve been part of that crowd, born of school-spirit, cheering my heart out for the Growling Tigers.

My heart breaks even more knowing that the team brought in good recruits. In contrast, FEU & ADMU has become stronger from last season, while DLSU, as always, is the team to beat. This equate to an exciting season!

As a synopsis, The 15th Parallel website has this to say about UST:

Overview: The 2006 UAAP Basketball Champion UST Tigers came short of their title defense last year by virtue of losing to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the step-ladder format of the semifinals. The Tigers were best remembered last year, especially by the La Salle fans, for the 4th quarter and overtime scare that the Tigers gave to the Archers which La Salle would rather forget. This year, UST again returns to the battleground with their unpredictable and never-say-die attitude of basketball. They return to the hardcourt with their unrelenting resolve and determination. Nothing much will change for UST save for some rookies that will enter in place of the veterans who have departed.Why should you root for them: Jervy Cruz, Pido Jarencio, Japs Cuan's desperate attempt to make a shot that's not a layup and Chester "I almost have no business playing in the UAAP" Taylor.

Roster Changes: Most notable departures for the Tigers will be Espiritu (first name forgotten), June Dizon and Jun Cortez. Two of the additions will be Allen Maliksi from the planet X and the rare recruitment of Jeric Fortuna from DLSZ. Milan Vargas and Chris Camus, whose origins are still unknown, will also both suit up for the black-gold black-white this season. Shooter Clark Bautista will also be one of the up and coming rookies for the Tigers. Despite the influx of youth in to the UST lineup, there will be a lot of incoming senior players this season for UST and most notable of them is incoming senior guard Japs Cuan. Ah, better freethrow shooting for UST. Main fixtures will be people like Jervy Cruz, Dylan Ababou, Khasim Mirza, etc. Coach Pido Jarencio will most likely be fielding the same starting lineup from last year.

Bench: According to research of T15P, the bench of UST will mostly be composed of young and upcoming guns, but do not be deceived as they have a lot of firepower, especially with Bautista, Maliksi, Camus and Fortuna around. It's really hard to figure out the current bench of UST as it is filled with mostly unknowns and rookies who are deceptively good. They have guys who can quickly put points in the board and they also have guys who will be specially tasked to hustle and be the bruisers for the team. All of them are surprises waiting to happen except for Clark Bautista who was a sought-after commodity in the summer recruitment battle, notably pursued by UST and Ateneo. 4th year shooter Dylan Ababou will figure in a leading role with UST's bench, according to the research.

Gameplan: Offensively, their first option will obviously be Jervy Cruz in the middle and Pido Jarencio will just let Jervy beat the hell out of clueless big men in the middle of the shaded lane. This is also the play to get all of those rebounds for Jervy. Japs Cuan will not be allowed to shoot away within 2ft of the basket while Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza will be allowed to fire away at their heart's content. Cuan, however, will do the drive and drop at will. His main recipient will be Cruz. Or some other Tiger lost in the shaded lane. Expect that Cuan will also do the drive and draw for the shooters. Even though he can't hit anything that's not a layup.

Go-to-guy: I'm guessing you're thinking Jervy Cruz right now. What? It's not a trick question. Ass. It's really Jervy Cruz. The 3rd year big man will be the focal point of the UST offense while Japs Cuan will be the driving force with his daredevil drives. God forbid that it's his shooting. With a double-double and a MVP season for Jervy Cruz last year, there's no doubt that he is the top tiger for the Tigers this season.

Outlook: Final four contender; can beat anyone in the playing field. One of the upcoming season's dark horses. Playing under the radar will definitely be UST's theme this season.

The Thomasian heart within me is pounding in anticipation for another UST comeback. Nevertheless, because of the number of rookies in the team, yet promising at that, I can take on this season as the building phase in preparation for the 400-yr feat in 2011. If a UST championship can brew from the outskirts, that wouldn’t be bad at all.

Remembering Father

I was reading the paper yesterday and I came across a news article about the USS Mercy’s program with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help eliminate rabies in the country. That’s all about it.

I’m not writing about that program, but about my dad. As father’s day approaches it was timely that I read that article. My father served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Mercy in most of his 20 years of service, as a dentist.

My father was already retired from the Navy when I came in to the family. I was born in 1974. He retired in 1969. I am grateful that throughout my growing up years, he was there to look over and guide me.

I remember when I was little, he used to take me every where he went, especially in his out of town visits. I remember him most, however, in his duties as a church leader. He was the president of our church branch in the town, and eventually became part of the district leadership. The first meetinghouse (chapel) in Zambales, in San Antonio, was of particular interest to him as he donated labor in its construction. When it was time that a meetinghouse needed to be erected in our own town, he was instrumental in exploring and helping acquire the piece of land where it would be constructed.

Ahh, my dad! Church members loved him. He was a very active home teacher and a loving father to all. Who can forget the Monday Family Home Evenings with the entire branch at our home? That was fun. Missionaries would cover the games and neighbors would have a glimpse of what Latter-day Saints are. Member US servicemen & their families from the US Naval Facilities in Subic and San Miguel (San Antonio) would also visit & spend some family nights with us.

My father was hard working and very resourceful. He is the epitome of the church’s program on self reliance. I remember we didn’t have a lot of new appliance in our home. I grew up just using the same electric fans. We only bought a component and a TV once, in replacement of the old ones. From then on, he would have them repaired or he would do it himself. It’s a shame that I didn’t take on my father’s hard working attitude and resourcefulness, although I learned the former later on in my life, and the hard way.

It was him who taught me the principle of the Word of Wisdom—abstinence from coffee, tea, tobacco, liquor, harmful drugs. In connection to this, he also forbade me from drinking Cola drinks. To this I remained true up to the present day.

My mother died early. I was 11. My older sister married when I was 14. My father then became a single parent to me, until he died in 2001.

I went to serve a mission leaving my dad behind for 2 years. I didn’t want to go because I thought he would need me more. Then, I remembered what he wanted me to do. He used to brag about me going on a mission. When it was time to go, he had no second thoughts. He was old and I thought any time in my mission he might pass on, just like what happened to my mother when my sister was on her mission. I was in college then, in Manila. On weekends I go home to my dad in the province. Here is a father who skips dinner just so he can eat together with his son upon arrival. Later he admitted that he had a hard time eating without me. My heart ached even more. I thought how my father could survive without seeing me, or being with me for 2 years. He only had this to say: “This is what the Lord wants you to do, and I want you to go”.

I missed him so much in my first area in the mission field that I became so homesick that I wanted to go home. I wrote to him about my intentions. He wrote back: “You’re already in the Lord’s errand and in His hands. What more do you ask for”? His response was more like Gordon Hinckley’s father’s reply which was “forget yourself and go to work”.

How true it is that if we’re in the Lord’s errand, our families will be kept safe and blessed. I was worrying that I wouldn’t see my father again, but it was him who told me not to worry as I’m in the Lord’s errand and everything would be just fine. I am reminded of the Lord’s promise to Thomas B. Marsh right after he was ordained an Elder in the church, in Doctrine & Covenants 31:5. He was also worried about his family as he was about to leave them for his mission. This is what the Lord said: “Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live”.

I am still amazed at how the Lord took care of my father while I was gone. I found my father ailing when I returned from my mission, but the Lord provided enough time (2yrs) for him to be with me before he would call him home.

My father was my example of faith and hope. I always saw him pray, even unto death. He taught me about prayer by his example. From our family prayers when I was little, to his personal prayers when he was old, he taught me about trusting the Lord. It must have been hard for him during my absence in those 2 years of my mission, but I knew he was prayerful and had an abundant trust in the Lord. The Lord let him live, as promised. That was one of my motivation in the mission—“to thrust in [my] sickle with all [my] soul”, so that my father would live.

He’s been gone for 7 years now, but the legacy of his example lives on in me. Not only does my testimony keep me riveted in the church, but also my father’s example. I am reminded of his life and his love for me in this very season of fathers.

I love you Tatang! (I’ve always called him this way)

Perilous Times

Cyclone in Myanmar.

Earthquake in China.

Global warming.

Rising cost of gas and food.

These were just among the topics we were chitchatting about with my colleagues last week. Just several weeks ago, jeepney and bus fares hiked, as well.

I’ve not been watching TV since October. I know it’s as distressing as it has always been to watch the news. The only gasp of fresh air is when Mark Logan starts his report.

I believe that there are many factors causing global crisis, and it is not caused by government policies alone. There are factors of supply and demand, currencies, and people on every continent feeling the pressure of higher prices. Although we have some drought conditions here in the Philippines, drought in parts of Europe, Australia, and Africa are much worse. These all affect our lifestyle, no matter where on the planet we live.

It’s also daunting to think about the early outpour of rain in the middle of summer here in the country. Rains usually occur towards the end of June and heavy downpour, spanning the months of July to September. What’s happening now is a change in the timing of seasonal patterns—a clear effect of global warming.

We can go on and on chewing over these occurrences from dusk ‘til dawn. I’m afraid to suppose that it’s not going to get better.

Add to these circumstances the nature of man becoming unmanageable. Just last week, a friend and colleague was harassed by a co-worker who claimed that he was undeserving of the evaluation given him. He was scored zero in Quality Assurance for not following policy. That would cost him his monthly monetary incentive. It’s just ironic how people do something wrong and claim to be rewarded, nevertheless. It’s even more unnerving when they become upset because of it.

It is not surprising that these things would occur now than ever before. I remember the insight of Paul regarding our time:

2 Timothy 3:1-7
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We’ve also been warned by none other than our Heavenly Father regarding occurrences in our time:

Doctrine & Covenants 38:28-30
28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

Doctrine & Covenants 39:21
21 For the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely shall come.

Zechariah 12:2-3
2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
4 In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:88-91
88 And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
89 For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
90 And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
91 And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

What a resemblance these warnings are to what we are witnessing today. The middle east and the war against terrorism bring special attention. We have seen an enemy in “secret chambers” hiding in a cave as he directs terrorism. Jerusalem has become a “burdensome stone” as Israel have fewer and fewer allies. We see wrath and indignation against followers of Christ. We witness the groanings of earthquakes and thunderings and lightnings (tornadoes) and the waves of the sea heaving beyond their bounds (tsunamis).

I’m not fond of watching cartoons or the like as that part of the child in me at one point waned. Because of the encouragement of friends, we went to see the movie “Horton Hears a Who”. There’s a special lesson in that movie. Remember about the reaction of Whoville’s City Council? "Nothing ever happens here and nothing ever will." These days we need more people like Horton, who recognize that even when others are oblivious to wise counsel, we must not doubt ourselves when it is time to be smart — time to be educated about world conditions and prioritize our preparedness.

The spiritual side of this all is the fact that one day all will end. Permanence will be ushered in as temporariness expires. It’s amazing that the prophets of old saw our time and had cautioned us. Those warnings had been captured in the scriptures and it’s astonishing to read about them as they unequivocally relate to us. It is even more convincing to note that even God warned us about these things.

How then can we be safe & secure in such perilous times? Here is what Job had to say when Zophar questioned him.

Job 11:14-18
11 If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
12 Then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.
13 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.
14 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.
15 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

To those who are already in righteous paths, it won’t be over until it’s over. Endure to the end. Endure—keeping the commandments of God.