August 15 - Bulacan Day

Today, August 15, as the Catholic world commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bulaqueños celebreates the foundation of their beloved province, Bulacan. 

Although the foundation year of the province is believed to be in 1578, the first pueblo established in Bulacan is the town of Calumpit which is founded by the Agustinians friars in 1575. Calumpit is also the birthplace of Christianity in the province. It has been said that in 1578 the Augustinian conquered Bulakan (the town, where the name of the province was named after). The Franciscan Friars Juan Plasencia and  Diego de Oropesa also founded Meycauayan on the same year and for a time was the capital of the province of Meycauayan, which is then renamed as province of Bulacan.

Historically speaking, the province played an important role in achieving Philippine Independene. Malolos, its present capital, is the cradle of the First Republic in Asia as the Malolos Constitution and the First Philippine Republic was drafted and ratified in the historic Barasoain Church. The rays of the sun in the present Philippine Flag which symbolize the eight provinces who fought for independence includes Bulacan.

To this day, Bulacan is one of the richest and the second most populated province in the Philippines.

BULACAN: Lalawigan ng mga Bayani, Bulaklak at Magagandang Dilag.

Thoughts on the effects of K-12 Curriculum

Because of the recent changes (changes every now and then) in the Basic education system, we now call freshmen students in the Junior High School as "Seventh Graders." Commonly they are referred to as  Grade 7. And because they were labeled as "graders", they still act like students from the grade school. (My classmates in MA are also airing this out.)

Being a Grade 7 adviser, I could sense that there's a lot of difference from the first year students whom I have handled four years ago. My students this year are very childlike, some are even childish! Students I am handling are very difficult to control in terms of behavior and discipline."Konting kibo't, daldal" as the Filipino phrase states. I think their behavior were affected by the term "grader" branded to them. They still think that since they are called as Grade Seven, it is ok to act like a child. And this is true to all sections from that level. Teachers in our level are having difficulty on how to solve discipline problems.

If only DepEd sensed this one before the K-12 implementation.

16th of July: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Tomorrow, 16th of July, the Catholic Church will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It is the title of the Blessed Virgin Mary given to her as the patron of the Carmelite Order. Catholic tradition believes that Mary is said to have given the Scapular to St. Simon Stock, promising "whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and pledge of peace." Devotion to her reached the Philippine soil during the 17th century.

Mt. Carmel image of San Sebastian

In 1617, the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was brought to the Philippines by the Spanish Recollects. She was enshrined in a makeshift church in Calumpang, where the present steel basilica of San Sebastian in Plaza del Carmen, San Sebastian, Quiapo District now stands. A cofradia dedicated to her was founded in 1625 which later grew in numbers. The image withstood all the earthquakes and fires which had destroyed old church, but the Virgin's ivory head and hands as well as the solid ivory Holy Child, were stolen in 1975. The Santo Niño and the Virgin's hand were returned later. However, the Virgin's head has not been recovered. Replacement for the stolen head was made by the famous taller of Maximo Vicente. The image was canonically crowned on Aug. 18, 1991 by the bull issued by the great pope, Blessed John Paul II on the occasion of the basilica's centenary.

Shrine of Independence, Shrine to Mary

Barasoain Church in Malolos City, the cradle of Asia's first republic is also dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Its first church was built by the Augustinians in 1630. It was used to be an independent town separated from Malolos during the Spanish era. It had its first stone edifice in 1871 to replace a temporary one but was burned later. In 1885, the current structure was started while the belltower was constructed in 1889. The church is the home of three historical events in the history of Philippine Independence: the first Philippine Congress, the Drafting of the Malolos Constitution and the Proclamation of the First Philippine Republic. As a parish dedicated to Mary, one could find an image of the Lady of the Brown Scapular enthroned at the central niche of its retablo.

  

 

Celebration in Meycauayan

 

At around 6 am and 7 am, masses in her honor will be offered at the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Meycauayan City, Bulacan. Distribution of holy scapulars will be done after each mass.

Isang Liga, Isang Pamilya

Isang taon na naman ang nakalipas. Parang kahapon lang, mga bagong mukha ang noo’y nasa aking harapan, nahihintay ng kanilang kapalaran sa aking mga palad. Panibagong mga isipang huhubugin ng aking kaalaman, hindi man ako karapat-dapat. Isang taon. Kay bilis ng panahon. Totoo naming mabilis ang takbo ng oras. Parang kalian lang ay ako ang nangangarap na balang araw ay makapagtatapos ako. Heto’t ngayong taon, apatnapu’t anim na mga murang isip ang aking ginabayan. Apatnapu’t anim na mga kaluluwang isang isang kaparaanan ay naging bahagi ng aking buhay. Apatnapu’t anim na mga nilalang na tumulong na hubugin ang aking sarili bilang isang guro. Apatnapu’t anim na mga mag-aaral na bumuo sa isang pamilya. III-Justice.

Malilimutan ko ba…
ang aking mga Ungas Boys.
Si Migz na pinakaungas sa lahat at ang kanyang mga jokes.
Si Griko na kahit anong gawin ko ay ayaw lumayo sa piling ni Junko.
Si Jason, ang beauty queen title holder.
Si Adrian na madalas na nababara.
Si Angelico na “mabait” at matalinong anak. J
Si Renz na sa wakas ay nakapag-ahit na kaya lalong naging pogi.
at si Ravin. Nasaan si Ravin! Hindi ko makita si Ravin. Absent na naman ba?

Malilimutan ko ba…
ang aking mga Giggling Girls.
Si Kristalyn at ang kanyang naghihingalong tawa
na sinasabayan din ng naghihingalong hagikgik ni Merielle
(na hindi pa rin ako makaget-over sa eksena nila ni JPN nung JS)
Si Nadine na may sakit pala sa puso, pero tumitibok yata ang puso sa isang… ewan. Haha
Si Alina at ang kanyang mga tili.
at si Shannen na masaya ako dahil hindi natuloy ang pagda-drop.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Si Ervin Ryan, si Jerico, si Kirk. Mga anak magsasalita kayo ha. Hindi bawal.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Si Don Daven Oj at ang kanyang Indian look.
Si Nickhael na palaging late, since time immemorial.
Si David Ysrael na sana ay pagbutihan ang pag-aaral para makapag laro na ng sepak.
Si Marc at Reynald. Pasensya na kung napagpapalit ko ang mga pangalan nyo. Tao lang mahina sa spelling.
Si Peter Paulo na tahimik pero may kakulitang taglay.
Si Alex at ang kanyang “anyare?” sa malikhaing pagkukwento.
Itanong mo kaya yan kay Althea. Sasagutin ka kaya nya?
Si JPR na kauna-unahang homevisit ko sa isang advisory class.
Si Angelo. Pakicheck nga kung present siya.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Si Michelle at ang kanyang athletic skills.
Si Maritoni at ang kanyang yaya.
Si Shanille na namiss ko kasi hindi sumama sa fieldtrip.
Si Almira na nadislocate ang buto sa tuhod.
Si Jesica na mahusay sa Chemistry.
Si Charmaine at ang kanyang pagpe-Pep at COCC.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Ang love team na Bianca-Eldrige. Wag ko daw sasabihin sa Mommy ni Bianca.
At ni Huey-Marinel na mukhang si Marinel ang nanligaw.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Ang mga magaganda kong anak.
Si Mary Salve at ang kanyang rosy cheeks.
Si Angela, ang aking muse na long-legged.
Si Loren na ayaw ipatatawag ang pangalan niyang Denice. Salamat sa mga text at gm.
At si Edline. No further explanation needed.

Malilimutan ko ba…
Ang mga taong kahit madalas kong utusan ay hindi naisip na kaltukan ako bilang ganti.
Si Gaile… Nakapangolekta ka na ba? Gaile nasan ang listahan? Gaile? Gaaaaaaile!
Si Michael na palaging nagbubura ng blackboard, palaging nagtatapon ng nag-uumapaw na trash bin.
Si JC Laki, ang Big Kuya ng lahat. Nasaan na yung pulang wig?
Si Ingrid, na madalas magpaluwal. Ang yaman! May 10K sa ESC.
Si Ajel na sana wag kukuha ng Secretarial Course pag-College na siya. Magsawa ka naman sa pagiging secretary.
Si Krizztine, Kizzes, ayan tama ang spelling ha, at ang kanyang pagiging Lady Capulet.
Si Katrina na naging kanang kamay, mata, tainga, bibig at paa ko sa klase. Utang ko sa inyo ang lahat.

Paano ko malilimutan…

Ang MAPEH Room na minsan ninyong naging classroom.
Ang Green na padlock na nawawala na.
Ang bato sa likod ng locker na hindi ko alam kung bakit mayroon doon.
Ang mga statement of accounts na “regalo ninyo sa mga magulang” buwan-buwan.
Ang ink sa likod ng uniform ni JPR.
Ang nasirang celfone holder at basket sa TLE.
Ang mga escapers sa blackboard.
Ang tally ng padumihan at at paingayan.
Ang labanan ng mga lalaki at babae.
Ang paniki na dala ni Tolosa.

Paano ko malilimutan…

Ang inyong magandang altar. Ahem.
Ang malaking sound system tuwing may practice ng cheerdance.
Ang Court ng Medallion Homes. (at ang paghuhurumentado ng dad ni Loza)
Ang masayang feast day.
Ang Bebot noong Christmas Party.
Ang Fieldtrip sa Rizal Shrine at sa Sta. Rosa Eco Park.
Ang Pagpapractice kina Gaile at sa Meycauayan West Central School.
Ang Hagdanan ni Juliet.
Ang mga lockers na pinilit lagyan ng padlock para hindi manakawan.
Ang Award-Winning Bulletin Board. Ahem ulit.
Ang apat na seating-arrangements sa apat na quarters.
Ang AB 305.

Paano ko malilimutan… Paano ko kayo malilimutan.

St. Mary's College of Meycauayan HS Department's History AVP

Miss Mia and I were asked to produce an AVP of the department's history to be presented to the students during the general orientation and for the PAASCU visit. Enjoy watching.

Repost: Miracle on a Rose Petal

(This article was first posted on June 13, 2010.)

The first time that I heard about strange religious images on rose petals is that of the Miracle of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces in the City of Lipa, Batangas. Rose petals were showered from the skies, thought to came from the Virgin Mary herself. Within the rose petals are the manifestations of religious images and likeness of Mary, Jesus and from the other saints. The Virgin appeared to S. Teresita Castillo in 1948.

I was hoping that someday, I would like to have my own petal someday from Lipa. But Lipa was too far from my hometown in Meycauayan, Bulacan. How can i obtain one?

Miracle was just around the corner.

I got my answer through my friend, Marvin Dalag. I have this bunch of friends who are very inclined with santo things (religious stuff to be more precise). We were invited by Paul, a friend from Guiguinto that there will be a healing mass, an activity prepared for their upcoming fiesta in 2008. Marvin told us that it was a special healing mass because rose petals will be distributed by Carmelo Cortez and it would depend on whose petal that religious images will appear. I said to my self, "whoah, I don't have to go to Lipa just to have those rose petals." But who was Carmelo, by the way? How did images appeared on rose petals? I have too many questions in my mind. Marvin, again, provided the answers.

Mary and the Roses

It was on June 12, 1991 that Bro. Carmelo had visions of a young lady dressed in white from whom he first witnessed manifestations of rose petals with religious images and healing. Her heart was visible, just like the image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but this time with the Holy Eucharist at the center encircled by stars. She had a rosary and a Mt. Carmel Scapular on each of her hand. It was the beginning of his mission.

Mary's Wishes

The Lady told Bro. Carmelo her wishes. First, that people should go back to the Catholic Church. Second, that people should receive the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. And third, that believers should pray for the priests. The Lady who appeared to Bro. Carmelo was later known to be the Mother of Eucharist and Grace. He was also given the gift of healing through the rose petals. At first, many raised their eyebrows, but as time flies, many were convinced and believed.

Mary's Shrine

Bro. Carmelo built a humble shrine in Barrio San Vicente in the town of Sta. Maria in Bulacan with the permission of the then Bishop of Malolos, Most Rev. Cirilo Almario, D.D. Through God's intercession, the shrine became bigger and bigger as help from devotees came for the construction of a better shrine for Mary. It was here, hundreds of pilgrims gather every first Saturday of the month to witness healing and miracle. The shrine was declared as the Diocesan Shrine of Mother of the Eucharist and Grace of the Diocese of Malolos. It also has a replica of the Special Places in the Holy Land; the Annunciation Cave, the Nativity Cave, The Holy Sepulcher to name a few. It is the first and the only Holy Land replica in Asia.

First Encounters with 'Melo

It was in Guiguinto that I first saw Carmelo Cortez. An ordinary man with an extraordinary mission. After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. I didn't know that it was the signal for the start of the healing. People started to sit on pews. Those who are sick, on wheel chair and old are the priorities. Carmelo went on to them, applied some rose-scented oil on their palms and placed a single rose petal on their chests. After these, he placed his hands on their head, a sign that Carmelo is praying for that person. He did these to all people gathered inside the church. I was seated a the back so I have longer time to wait for my turn. I was nervous when i saw Melo was approaching me. I was not sick that time. I was just praying that all in our family will be well, specially my Nanay. I also wanted to have my rose petal with images on it. "What if there will be no images?" I asked myself. Then I thought of those people who curiously looking at their petals, gazing marvelously on the images imprinted miraculously on them. Then I thought, maybe if I would just believe, miracles will happen.

As Carmelo placed a rose petal on my chest, I closed my eyes. I placed my hands over my chest, praying. Melo laid his hands on my head. And then, he left for the person next to me. I opened my eyes to see whats on the petal. I raised the petal to the light and there, I saw and image of the Child Jesus, His arms spread, as if welcoming someone to be embraced. He wants to embrace me.

From then on, at least once every year, I am able to witness the miracle on Rose Petals. It was a very enlightening moment that at this age, miracles like this still happen. Maybe its one way of God's reminder that He is still with us. All we have to do is to believe. :-) 

Thoughts and Frustrations

I am a high school teacher. Yes, it was my dream ever since I was a kid. I always wanted to teach school children to learn. I remember that when I was asked what would I want to be when I grow up, I would always answer “…gusto kong maging teacher kasi gusto kong turuan ang mga batang matuto” (I want to be a teacher because I want to teach children how to learn.) It has been five years since I started teaching. Working in the academe makes me feel that I have a purpose in life. I have been in the private sector for almost six years and sooner, I am planning to pursue a teaching post in the public educational system to help spread learning to the general populace. 

But the other me (that’s Harry, my alter ego) sees Robby in a different field. I want to be a historian. To realize my dream of becoming a teacher and a historian, I took education and it was my plan to take History as my major. Unfortunately, due to the limited courses offered in the college where I studied, I took Filipino as it is the closest to History. I thought my dream to dig into the annals of history would end there. Thanks to the stint given to me by our parish’s Committee on Church Cultural Heritage to help them doing some editing the book discussing the history of our parish. Being exposed to the materials, the fervor was reborn. 

Several attempts to write historical essays were written in my previous blog in blogger.com, ‘coz I am always the second choice. Once in a while I tried to write something everything under the sun. Unfortunately, I had log-in problems and to have an access to it became impossible. That gave birth to another blog. In here, everyday experiences of a teacher and the patches in our local history will be written. Thus, Chronicles of a Teacher, Thoughts of a Frustrated Local Historian is born. :-)