January 28,2026

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

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Today is my mom's 25th death anniversary. She would have turned 90 this year.

Last Saturday, a good friend shared to us her experience of loss and grief over the recent death of her brother.

She relates that during one instance, she felt a touch on her back and when she turned to see who just poked her, there was no one.

Then after a while a tug on her shirt by her side.

Again, no one was there.

Her mom also experienced some sign that the just departed love one was still around.

Another good friend just messaged me in fb chat, that her sweet husband Rolly would show up in her dreams as if he was still alive.

These  are all within 40 days of their passing.

My mom too had several moments where I felt that she was still there.

I felt two poking on my back as well, during one novena mass for her at Pinaglabanan Church, San Juan, Metro Manila.

On the first instance, I turned around to see, no one was near me enough to reach me easily.

The pew chairs were massive, and the distance was more than an arm's length. And my family members were all scattered loosely and  distant to each other.

Then it happened again. I looked around some more.

Church goers were beyond 5 feet away.

Mom made sure that I felt her so I will oblige to show and greet people around me the sign of peace.

I was not inclined to since I was still bristling from a recent friction over  some painful words hurled at me.

When Valentine's day came, mom gave me the most wonderful goodbye.

I don't have A.C. in my room. It can get hot and humid a lot so, covering up in blankets is not really a welcome thought when my head falls on my pillow...but, the following morning as soon as I opened my eyes, first thing I saw was my cabinet doors being wide open.

The night before I made sure my office uniform was hanging on both cabinet door handles by the hanger hook. But, how could it be opened so wide then?

There was no lose hinges or anything.

Then, I further realized that the blanket was lovingly tucked smoothly and nicely around my torso.

If I may have reached for it during the night unknowingly, it would have been haphazard, not, perfectly done as if someone did it so carefully and  with much love.

Then after a year, when I was pregnant with Marina, and I was due to give birth, she banged the rosary case beside me so I will wake up and bring myself to the hospital right away.

I was having  super bad headache for several days.

Unknowingly, released my amniotic fluid already 3 days back.

I thought I was just not able to hold my pee.

My plan was to wait till my next schedule weekly check up on the Monday coming.

It was a Sunday when she woke me up with a bang.

Prior to it, I had to wake up Ruel thinking that an insect was brushed on my foot while we were sleeping.

Yes, it was summer. And it was hot. My feet were uncovered.

Ruel had to get up and turn on the lights and check.

Then as I was about to fall asleep, KAPOW! 

I immediately thought, Ok mom, yes, I am going to the hospital now.

She knew her granddaughter  and I were already in danger.

So, we were whisked straight away to Intensive Care Neonatal unit at Saint Luke's.

Thank you mom, thank you.

** ***

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-01-28

How open are you to truly listening and accepting God’s Word in your life, even when it challenges you?

Still a work in progress.

Forgiving and letting go and letting God is still very challenging to do.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus, you died such a horrible and humiliating death so that I can have my sins wiped out if I ask forgiveness from You.

Please grant me the grace I need to know and believe You Love me so much and that I am redeemable.

I remember the people who have hurt me lately. I ask Lord Jesus to cover them, the situation and me with your most precious blood so that we may all be healed and released from the prison of pride, ego and  indifference.

Mama Mary, pray for us.

Mom, watching us having fun as we were setting up for our after party party in the Pombuena Apartment garage for our 4 year post high school reunion.

Mariano Rubio, Amrita Rhoda, Claire Augustine, Jane Uson, Edgar Buray, Luke Cabalit, baby sis Peaches.

Come to think of it the guys on the right are all in Canada.

Edgar in Toronto, Luke in Montreal.

Wait, more photos. Sorry, kinda blurry...

Here is one photo of mom in her Terno during my paternal grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary.

Salt and Caramel Weekend!

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, enkindle in us the fire of thy Divine love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You Oh Lord, shall renew the face of the earth.

** ***

Today, despite the dry needling done to me yesterday morning, the back pain is still there, But, it is much less in severity and gravity.

The whole day yesterday, I felt so good. The dry needling was a bit uncomfortable but tolerable.

My physio therapist says one more dry needling and will see what will be next.

I pray to Padre Pio and St. Charlbel to please intercede for me powerfully to Our Most Divine healer, that  I may experience complete and total healing of this SCIATICA and over extended right knee.

** **

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Bible Readings and Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-01-27

My thoughts and reflections on it:

How can you show greater love and unity to your brothers and sisters in faith, especially those who may think or believe differently from you?

I will first of all pray for them. Offer my rosary devotional prayers for them, their needs and intentions.

Then, I will try my best to show them good regard. I will not lean on my own understanding of  what or how they regard / ignore / reject me in many subtle ways.

I will love them from a distance while surrendering my mind, emptying it off negativity while claiming the Peace from Christ, my Lord and my Saviour.

FURTHER REFLECTION POINTS FROM KERYGMA:

God’s family is not defined by blood relations but by those who do the will of God. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to follow Him all the way.

Lord, teach me to have a humble heart so I may follow You. Amen.

“Obedience is a consecration of the heart, chastity of the body, and poverty of all worldly goods to the love and service of God. Blessed indeed are the obedient, for God will never permit them to go astray.” (St. Francis De Sales)

Kerygma prayer:

Loving Father, You have called us to be one family. Please bless us with the unity we deeply long for. May our hearts be filled with compassion and our lives guided by Your will, so that we may follow Jesus’ example in everything we do. Amen.

** ***

Despite the challenges of  minimal sleep due to the pain experienced due to my SCIATICA, the weekend was very full.

There was a prayer meeting Friday night with leaders in BCBP.

Saturday morning, I was up at 3am to prepare food and final cleaning of the house for our MFC household meeting at 12 noon.

Sunday saw us going to 9am mass at the nearby Our Lady of  Perpetual Help Parish Church while the girls had reading duties at Holy Cross Parish  12 noon while we attended a wonderful birthday surprise.

It was so refreshing to see the siblings and wife and kids of this noble and super down-to-earth person be honored and celebrated on his 55th birthday.

The short speech of the sister Lourdes almost made me teary eyed.

The mom's short words very powerful.

The singing of the couple one of their favorite karaoke songs was so sweet and spicy! Kaliente!

The previous day was their 27th year wedding anniversary. What a nice back to back special event!

I would have wanted to stay on till the last bit of food was stowed away, but we had to run.

I would have wanted to sing a long and dance too...thanks to the adrenaline rush now and then, I am able to and yes, motion is lotion.

** **

Thank you dear God for your merciful love.

** **

Some photos:

Salt and Caramel cake lovingly made by my dear friend Gloria De Guzman of Kilbride Ave with contact numbers: 431 788 8719.

The birthday celebrant  hugging his mom while beautiful wife Che-che is to his side.

Happy Birthday brother Da-da!55 more birthdays and wedding anniversaries to come!!!

January 20,2026 Tuesday

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh lord and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** ***

I see the flashing lights of the garbage truck just pick up our trash in the backlane.

It is 7:49am and the skies are still dark blue.

I met a lady last Saturday, who stays in the one of the northern territories.

She has experienced  limited daylight there from 11-2pm.

Wow, that must be a nice experience the wonder of nature and it's lack or excess of  sunlight.

So, yes, coming to the northern hemisphere has made me realize that, the sun does not always rise and set in the east and the west.

Quite a mind altering concept which has it's strong resistance in me.

Being born and lived almost half a century of my life close to the equator, that is a fact of life.

I know where in the horizon the sun will show up each morning and where it will hide at dusk.

In today's gospel readings, I read about Samuel being instructed by God to no longer consider Saul, the anointed King.

In my service to the Lord, I prefer not to hitch my loyalty to the head of the organization or group, but to God himself.

It does not mean, I will not honor and respect the head, no.

Time and time again, leaders have shown their imperfections...the success of the organizations goals are not dependent only on their own merits and efforts.  It is all about the Mercy and Grace of our Great God, whom we serve.

After all, it is Him and His will and mission for us, that we serve and seek.

Not our own.

The discernment and leadings of the Most Holy Spirit may work in the most mysterious ways.

In the case of King David, he was not the first born son of Jesse. Samuel searched for him down the offspring line. He was the last born.

So, the last may be made first. 

** ***

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-01-20

reflect

How often do you find yourself prioritizing your own schedules and plans over the needs of those around you? What steps can you take to be more attentive to the suffering of others?

Aside from hearing Mass, how do you spend your Sundays? In what way do you honor this day of rest?

How do you balance caring for your body and soul in your daily life?

My prayer:

Lord, I praise and thank You Lord for your Mercy and Graces...Thank you for the gifts of the sacraments.

Thank you for your provisions of nourishment for body and soul.

Thank you for blessing the work of our hands.

Thank you for arranging our schedules so that we can serve the needs of others.

Thank you Oh Lord Jesus for the wisdom and guidance of Your Most Holy Spirit.

Frank Padilla

 

January 16,2026

7:50pm CT

 

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love. Please send us your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You Oh Lord, shall renew the face of the earth.

 

** ***

 

I spent a good portion of my nap time today listening and dozing off to The Shawn Ryan podcast as he interviews Fr. Dan Reehil .

 

The mentioned church abuse of children by priests attracted to young boys was quite alarming but no longer shocking.

 

A lot of people reject anything to do with faith and the church.

 

Organized religion is more of a scandal than anything else.

 

Ruel and I and the girls have been members of the evangelistic community of MFC or Missionary Families of Christ since 2000.

 

The elders were Supreme Court of the Philippines directed to desist from using the original name last 2019.

 

So, what was my experience being a Catholic and a member of this organization?

 

Let us work back.

 

My dad and mom were invited to become members during the early 1990’s.

 

A few years before that, my maternal Aunt, informed my mom of some changes in a long time evangelistic community that they were active in Manila. We were  in the province thus, were not part of it.

 

It was Ligaya ng Panginoon. ( Translated as The Joy of the Lord.) Which also broke away from Lingkod ng Panginoon ( Service of the Lord.)

 

These were the tidbits of info I gathered in the late 80’s while I was still in college.

 

Then, when, our family relocated to Metro Manila, they were invited in the Mandaluyong City area.

 

I would get to see the mimeographed papered newsletter called UGNAYAN regularly.

 

I loved reading the penned words of the leader then, Frank Padilla.

 

When a Single’s for Christ CLP or Christian Life Program invite was presented to my older sister Jennie. I thought of inviting myself along.

 

The San Roque church was almost filled to the brim. All pews seated.

It was once a week talks for 16 weeks. It was on a Saturday evening.

 

I think I completed most of them.

 

The final graduation day  was fun. We prepared presentations complete with black light.

 

It was held in the auditorium of  The Mandaluyong Mental Institution along Nueve de Pebrero.

 

 I was super active from 1994-1997.

 

I would catch glimpses of the leader , Francisco “ Frank” Padilla a handful of times.

 

I saw him trekking with us in Batangas in the Taal ridge.

 

I saw him in Bohol during a conference. The only one I attended. Thanks to my sister Jennie sponsoring my trip.

 

By 2000 ,I was ready to move on.

 

Ruel joined the CLP for Singles for Christ as a pre requisite for our serious relationship.

 

Then when we got married, we joined the CLP for married couples in 2002.

 

We belonged to 2 household group leaders.

 

Jojo and Tricia Espiritu, who became godparents to our first born Marina.

 

Roger and Lorna Melegrito were our 2^nd  household leaders.

 

We trooped to Baguio for a conference with Marina in tow with our 2^nd group.

 

By 2007, tectonic cracks  sprung out.

 

The  Gawad Kalinga project was a success in optics, but, conflict of interest with major sponsors  came clashing,  turning everything  inside out.

 

I was able to attend clarification meetings in Christ the King Church in Green meadows.

 

My Single’s for Christ household head, Monette delos Reyes tagged me along.

 

Listening to the talks, we preferred to do our own decision without coercion or force.

 

Ruel and decided to go with the break-away group of  Frank Padilla.

 

But since, Ruel was leaving for Qatar, we decided to take a leave from the community.

 

We were introduced to Marriage Encounter groups in the interim.

 

It was only when we got to Qatar that  the Servant leader there, bro. Joseph and sis Liza Caccam, spotted us in the Holy Rosary Church and invited us back.

 

It was during this period   I got to meet  Bro. Frank Padilla and wife Sis. Gerry up close after all the years.

 

He still had the soft spoken personality that  radiated a holiness that I saw before. The light of Christ was evidently there.

 

One Single’s for Christ batchmate noted that I looked at the head  of organization first. I was titular inclined he claims.

 

I was not sure how to react when he said that.

 

But, looking back and celebrating the life of  brother Frank Padilla, I daresay disagree, it was more of seeing CHRIST in him more than anything else.

 

Reading all the testimonies written about him, watching video eulogies by his family especially, during his passing last Christmas eve, confirmed the decision we made in choosing the leader we wanted to follow.

 

One who closely followed Christ teaching in a most radical way.

 

He chose to remain quiet despite the attacks made to his name .

 

Quite a feat to do!!!

 

So, if there is  only one quality to choose for in a leader, it is precisely that. Christ’s meekness and humility shining through more than anything else.

 

 October 2017 Echo Conference in Doha. Frank Padilla in cream jacket. Center.

https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/missionary-families-of-christ-founder-frank-padilla-dies-at-79/

 

 Today's reflection by Fr. Joel Jason is precisely talking about leaders and leadership. Please allow me to copy paste his exact words:

In today’s First Reading, we read the account of Israel demanding that Samuel anoints a king for them. Samuel was grieved by their request, but God—who never forces His sovereignty on anyone—instructed Samuel to give in to it. 

God respected Israel’s request, but not without a clear warning how earthly kings would abuse their power and ultimately the whole nation. Read verses 11-18 and you will see a long list of the abuses God prophesied that earthly kings would commit. But Israel was not deterred. The response of the people was arrogant as it was chilling: “No! But we are determined to have a king over us” (v. 19).

The rest of Israelite history validated God’s prophesy. Israel indeed suffered from the hands of corrupt and abusive kings. Even David, one of the few good kings of Israel and whom Scriptures described as “a man after God’s own heart,” would later be overcome by his own moral failings.

The Word of God affirms the legitimacy of earthly power and government. 

But God is the source of all power and authority: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).

Biblical and secular history has been a witness to this. When power is exercised for its own sake, detached from God who is the Source of all power and authority, it becomes a dictatorship. Such power corrupts the one who wields it. Such power enslaves those governed by it. But when power is rooted in God, it is an exercise of stewardship and true pastoral leadership. Such power sanctifies the one who wields it. Such power liberates those governed by it. 

Fr. Joel O. Jason

 

 

January 16,2026 Friday

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of thy Divine love, please send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth, starting with my thoughts, my heart, my body, and soul.

** ***

9:06am Central Time

It is a beautiful morning!

Lilli had to navigate the snow banks overtaking our front yard path.

Chimneys are busy smoking white smoke.

It amuses me so much.

Hmm....11 days of no blogging.

Kill switch has been triggered again.

But...as the just recently encountered saying goes " depression cant hit a moving target."  

Action it is then.

"Motion is lotion " as my Physio tells me.

My ducks have been quite in order lately.

God in His Great Providence, gave me a recent miracle!!

Make that two...or perhaps, so much. So many! Countless!!!

I should be dancing on the rooftops, right?

Shouting for joy!!!

Somehow, the blues got me again!

So, here I go again...

Rise up.

Take one step at a time.

Brush yourself up and get going!

Keep moving towards your goal!

Father Ani Xavier in last Sunday's mass reminded me that  I am God's beloved. He is pleased with my effort and what is in my heart.

Thank You Lord Jesus.

Forever, I will sing the goodness and greatness of  My Lord God, the Father Almighty!!!

Praise You God Alleluia!

Thank You! Thank  You!

Mama Mary, Ave ave!!!

** ***

Today's gospel readings :

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-01-16

My recording of it:

https://youtu.be/W42rkU9MkhY

My reflections:

reflection question by Fr. Joel Jason:

What kind of leader are you? Who are the leaders you choose to follow and govern your public and personal affairs?

Hmmm...

What a loaded question.

In the home front, I want to be like Lee Kwan Yew, a benevolent dictator.

Look at Singapore now...awesome level of success and quality of life.

As a wife, I want to follow the guidelines of Proverbs 31.

For public issues, I still have the following as guides:

1. Patrick Bet David of Valuetainment

2. Dave Ramsey, Bo Sanchez, Chinkie Tan

3. Ken and Janelle Yasinski of Catholic Minute

4.Jordan  and Tammy Peterson

5.Lila Rose, Becket Cook, Adam Hood

6. Michael Knowles, Jason and  Chrystalina Evert

7.  Kristan Hawkins and Patricia Sandoval

8. Matt Fradd, Matt Walsh, Christopher West, Scott Hahn

9. Father Cris Alar, Father Mike Schmidt, Msgr. Stephen Rosetti, Father Chad Ripperger, Father Carlos Martins, Father Dan Reehil, Father Jerry Orbos, Father Dave Concepcion,

10.Konstantin Kisin of Triggernometry

For those who are no longer with us:

1. Charlie Kirk

2. Ravi Zacharias

3. Nabeel Qureshi

Last, but not least, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

January 5,2026

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth Your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You Oh Lord, shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

2:54pm Central Time

Ruel is chopping the chicken.

I just woke up from a very long nap. I got the flu bug from Ruel.

Ruel has been sick since New Year's Eve.

Marina left for first day back to school showing the tell tale signs of an onset of flu symptoms.

The last kid standing is not doing anything preventive.

Oh well, we will learn from our errors.

** **

There are so many things I want to write about.

But practical concerns had to be dealt with first.

And there is the business of getting well.

Something which has to be given much and much more time and attention to lately.

Someone , who also had to deal with Sciatica, advised me to take a  complete rest to fully recover.

Surprisingly, when I was really down with fever and nausea and over all body malaise last Saturday, the SCIATICA was super quiet.

Today, after my very long nap, as well.

Praise God Alleluia!

** ***

I woke up from the nap remembering vividly my dream.

It included a  Christian Life Program team head back in 1994 in the Single's for Christ program I joined.

There was a recent open forum. The Team Head was moderating.

I came to the mic to ask 3 questions.

I kept repeating the name of someone else instead of the team head for women.

I woke up a bit embarrassed and disappointed at myself for making the mistake even in a dream.

hahaha....

Is it a forewarning of waters I should dare not thread?

** ***

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-01-05

Do you show people that you care before you share what you know? Do you genuinely love the people you lead and nurture?  

How well have you followed God’s will for your life? What changes must you make to discern and obey His intention, as revealed in creation and in your daily life?

** ***

For today, I will ponder on these questions first.

Allow me to share some  New Year Photos.

** ***