in memoriam + Vic Catorce

Mr. Vicente Catorce, the City Human Resource Management Officer returned to his creator today. Interment is on January 5, 2008 at 9:30 am. Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

goodbye Monsignor Basiling

Monsignor Basiling was laid to rest today. I will always remember him as the person who never called me Ronald or Ricafort, but Ladrero; and he always did that with a smile even at the time when he was weak with age. The last time I spent a few moments with him - for pictures and the usual pangumusta about Vic and Totoy (my parents) and recollection of Nene and Pescoy (my late grandparents) - was during his last birthday after the Pontifical Mass at the cathedral.

Calbayognons and the religious orders in Calbayog have their various ways of bidding the old man goodbye. One of these is this poster which the Franciscan Sisters installed at the entrance of their convent (pix above) which incidentally is the house of the late Julio Cardinal Rosales.

in memoriam + Monsignor Basilio Rosales

Msgr. Basiling returned to his creator tonight. He was 98 years, 3 months and 15 days old.

His body lies in state at the Chapel of the Missionaries of Charity in Oquendo. It will be transferred to the Oquendo Parish Church on December 25, 2007. In the morning of December 26, it will be brought to the Poor Clares' Chapel and will be transferred to the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 11 am of the same day.

Funeral is set on December 27, 2007. Former Palo Archbishop Pedro Dean will preside over the Funeral Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral with Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez and Bishop Emeritus Maximiano Cruz concelebrating.

Msgr. Basiling with PGMA (October 16, 2006)

The snapshot I managed to take with Msgr. Basiling when he turned 98 on September 8, 2007

Desiderata: in waray-waray

I met Yoyoy Genotiva today. He gave me a copy of his latest work - a translation of that classic inspirational piece Desiderata. He gave me permission to feature his work in my blog.

Pagpati-anod sin tawhay upod san maalingogngog nga pagkagupong. Ngan tigamni nga aada an tam-is san mahimyang nga paminsar sa butnga san kamurayaw.
Kutob san imo makakaya upaya an imo relasyon sa imo igkasi tawo.
Ipagawas an kamatuoran san matadong ug malinaw nga paagi; Pamati-i an iba kay bisan an mga maluya an pagsabot ug adton mga waray kinaadman may ada liwat sira karuyag signgon.

Likayi an hinambog ug mapanraog-daog nga kinaiya, mao iton an tunok nga makakaulang san imo kalag.
Ayaw pakigtanding sa iba kay tingali magpalabi-labi ka san imo higayon, ngan kon hamubo imo pagkita san imo kalugaringon bangin magin mapait an imo pagtan-aw san imo kinabuhi;

Tigamni nga may ada pirmi nalabaw ug naubos sa bawbaw san kalibutan;

Lugod magin kuntento ka san imo nakab-ot nga grasya ug ipadayon an ngatanan nga mag-upay mo nga mga plano san imo kinabuhi.

Hatagi importansiya an imo naabot nga higayon kon nano man iton kahamubo kay mao iton an tinuod nga manggad nga ginhatag san panahon. Pagtagam san kada oras nga pakigrelasyon sa imo igkasitawo kay sa luyo san kamatu-oran damo an malingo ug malimbong nga sangkay; Ayaw kalimiti an mag-upay nga mga gawi ug pamatasan kay damo an karuyag nga makab-ot an darayawon nga kinabuhi, kay mintras an tawo nabubuhi sa bawbaw san tuna damo an naghihingyap nga magin bayani.

Ipaangbit an imo ungod nga pagkatawo ngan ayaw pagpakita san buwa nga pakig-angay;

Ayaw pagmaan bisan kon napakyas an imo pagtapod kay upod siton kon an imo gintanom an gugma iton an magpapadayon sin pagtubo ug padayon panaringsing sugad san usa nga tanaman.

An nanlabay san imo kinabuhi amo an pinakamaupay nga leksiyon nga imo nahibaruan,

ngan pabay-i ug huyayag nga limuta an mga nanlabay ngan lugod pakusga an mga tidaraon nga panahon kay mao iton an magigin marig-on nga pwersa ug taming san tiabot nga panahon. Likayi an pagpinas-an san mabug-at nga pagkahulop kay kaurogan san aton mga kahadlok ug kabaraka natikang san aton kamingaw ngan pag-inusara.

Ngan lugod bug-usa an imo pagtapod ug pagdasig san imo kalugaringon upod an hugot ug marig-on nga pagtu-o kasumpay san hugot nga disiplina.

Anak ka san Langitnon nga Bahandi. Labot san kakahuynan ug kabitun-an, ikaw man may ada katungod dinhi sa bawbaw san tuna ngan maruyag ka sa dire, padayon an waray katapusan nga pagtiyog san kalibutan.

Kon sugad padayon nga magin murayaw ka sa kamot san aton Langitnon nga Amay kon anano man an imo pagtu-o bahin sa Iya. Kon anano man an mabug-at nga mga paras-anon ngan kabilinggan san kinabuhi hatagi gihapon huyayag an imo kalag. Bisan san mga kasakit, mga pagtamay ug panraug-daog upod san mga inop nga nakawang hinumdumi nga matam-is la gihapon an pag-ukoy sa bawbaw san kalibutan. Padayon an magtam-is nga hiyom. Padayon an hingyap nga kauswagan para san tim-os nga kalipay.

Yoyoy r. genotiva
December 16, 2007

all set for simbang gabi

I was at the Cathedral today. It seems that everything is set for the 9-day Misa de Aguinaldo, more popularly known as the simbang gabi which starts tomorrow. The list of sponsors has been posted on the cathedral doors and bulletin boards, and the decors are in place.

traidtional parol hang at the dome

the Advent Wreath

The belen. For the past three years or so, Dr. Mary Fulgencio took charge of preparing the Nativity Scene which many fondly refer to as the belen. The images of Mary, Joseph, the three Magi and the angel are made of paper mache. Don't look for the image of the baby Jesus. We don't get to see Him until the Gloria is sung during the Christmas eve service.

out of calbayog city: at the Asian Spirit Office

This happened exactly a month ago this day. Tita Freda and I went to the Asian Spirit ticket office in Legazpi Street in Makati (the one on front of Greenbelt 5). Nice address, needless to say. And the moment we entered, the decor as shown by the picture below certainly reminded us of the Christmas is just around the corner. There was a good number of reading materials (and more than enuogh flyers advertising the airlines' destination)

Ok, they're doing missionary work (read: serving or traveling to destinations where big airlines fear to trod). So, do we owe them a lot despite the hefty price they charge for thier tickets? okey, there are other choices, I mean airline that travel to region 8. So end of argument.

What am I up to this time? Wala lang, just wanna share the experience we had on that day. Upon entering the said office, the decor caught our attention and that was the only thing nice about the place. The maintenance crew must have entered late they applied floor wax or maybe some chemical that smelled like floorwax a few minutes before the office opened, the smell was so strong it could take your spirit out of you. And the personnel? It took them one full hour before being able to serve us and the two other customers present. Do I have to say that they were not smiling? It seemed like they were either having a bad hair day or they woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or both.

out of Calbayog City: Ey! They now check passengers' baggage

I was in Catarman last week to send off tita Freda. One thing that I noticed (and it made me feel nice) was the presence of Police Officers, not only at the pre-departure area but at the baggage check area.

Yup, they now check passengers' baggage. Nice to know that. I took the Catarman flight twice this year - January and July - and I was embarassed when I presented my bags for security check and was told to just go straight to the check-in counter. Surely this new development is something most welcome.

Congratulations!

that's tita Freda opening her bags for inspection

out of calbayog city: ahh malling

This happened about a month ago when we were up on our toes doing some details about Pheona's wedding. Is it the size of the mall? age, maybe? ok, lack of sleep? Whatever, this pose surely is one of the most memorable tita Freda and I did when we had to sit on the floor to rest while waiting for some companions when we went malling at SM.

Light-A-Tree 2007

Calbayogons are once again in for the annual Light-A-Tree Project at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza. This year's event is spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Calbayog in coordination with the Diocese of Calbayog, the LGU, Rep. Reynaldo Uy, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and the City Officials. The activity is aimed at raising funds for the various humanitarian programs of Rotary Calbayog.

For this year, the giant Christmas Tree is made of bamboo and other indegenous materials. Here are the day and night views of the tree (thanks to my old mobile phone).


We also fondly refer to the Light-A-Tree Project as Calbayog Christmas Street Cafe. The food stalls around the Christmas Tree have become a familiar sight for Calbayognons during the month of December.

Among those that I visited was Tuwa's Kuan-Kuanan. And as with the other food stalls, the usual fare is sinugba.

ok, so what is your think?

So, what's with the title? It's one of the memorable lines from the latest production of the City Arts and Culture Office, a stage play entitled "lipstick", a play that tackles discrimination against gays. (Hmm, I see myself on the front row on opening night)

"What is your think?" is more than just a line from a play. It took inspiration from one of my favorite doctors (oh no not again!). So, what about it? Ang siste is this, the said doctor (not medical doctor, but the one who does school work, if I may remind you. And yes, in one of the schools of Calbayog) once presided over a meeting. After the doctor made his / her presention, in an effort to get the group's reaction or suggestions, the doctor said: "okey people (the doctor did not say people. I'm not telling you the exact term otherwise you'll know what the meeting was all about and you'll guess who the doctor is and my head will be off my shoulder), what is your think?"

Was the line a joke? "I don't think so", said my source. It was said in all seriousness by my favorite doctor. Yun na!

So, what is your think?

Happy Birthday Vice Mayor Onald Aquino

Vice Mayor Onald Aquino turns a year older today. Many Happy returns of the day!

a close encounter with a yellow watermelon

Do you still remember my post about my first encouter with a yellow kiwi?

About a month ago, I had another encounter with another fruit which I never thought also comes in a yellow variety: Watermelon. Tita Freda and I got a few slices of this when we had dinner at Charter House's resto in Makati.

Calbayog's Team CUSOG wins Airsoft Cup

Congratulations Calbayog's Team Cusog. They won the first place in the 2nd Mayor Eric Codilla Airsoft Cup. The said competition was held on November 24, 2007 in Ormoc City.

Jude Maga (standing, extreme left) with some CUSOG members after the competition.

for other pictures and details, check this link.

it was the night before . . . well not exactly Christmas

Do you still remember my feature (in my other blog) about the recent SK election? It happened about a month ago. On the eve of the said election I was able to take a shot (from a distance, of course) of a group of young people gathered at the youth hostel. It turns out the young people were not there for some seminar, prayer meeting or something. They were voters from a certain barangay and were herded to the place (for the night and until election time, I suppose). For what reason? Well, the answer is familiar to everone as it is always said in loud whispers: para dire mabadil.

So, were the youngsters expecting something? Your guess is as good as mine. Well, whatever those young people (and the candidate who herded them) were into, it seems like Chrismas came early for them.

Feast of Christ the King

The Statue of Christ, the King on the altar prepared for the celebration

The presider and concelebrants as they enter the sanctuary. (l-r) Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Jun Junco, Fr. Arman Obal and Fr. Salvador Cerbito

that's me, the commentator for the celebration

here are some pictures of the members of the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra as the performed during the Holy Mass

Some orchestra members with their trainor-conductor Fr. Marlowe Rosales, ofm (right) as they were presented during the launching

(r-l) Fr. Tony Rosales, Fr. Arman Obal and Fr. Prisco Cajes

all in a day's work

Nope, there's no accident, parade or something. This view of a portion Sen. Pres. Avelino Avenue is what one usually gets on a regular class day when the students of LMA and the employees at the City Hall all go out at the same time at 12 noon to make it home for the lunch break. In case you think the PD cab drivers contribute much in messing things up, you are correct. Many of them do that even with traffic aides around.

Pheona and Nick's (on-site) wedding video

I managed to download from Jason Magbanua's webpage the on-site video played during Pheona and Nick's wedding reception. Enjoy!

My Cousin's Wedding

Hi! My apologies for the hibernation that my blogs took during the past so many days. I was on my toes coordinating the wedding of my cousin Pheona Camille Ladrero.

Pheona (or Darling) married Nicholas Steven Alexander Robinson (or Nick) last Thursday, November 15, 2007 (yup, the day the heavens decided to send rains to Metro Manila leaving many areas flooded and causing traffic jams in major thoroughfares).

The Nuptial Mass was held at the Manila Cathedral with Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez as mass presider and Palo Archbishop Jose Palma as homilist. Concelebrating with them were Msgr. Bienvenido Chiquillo, Msgr. Roy Rosales, Msgr. Anton Versoza, Fr. Mike Aguilar, Fr. Tony Mahinay and Fr. Carmelo Pacanza. Bernie Pasamba provided the music during the mass.

Guests were treated to cocktails at the Upper Lobby of The Manila Peninsula. Dinner followed at the Conservatory which was turned into an English Garden by stylist Tony Rodriguez.

The gown was made by New-York based celebrity designer Reem Accra.

I'll be giving out more details of the wedding in the days to come. In the meantime, let me share with you some pictures courtesy of Dino Lara and an on-site video from Jason Magbanua.

For the pictures, please check this link.

For the video, please check this link.

For their wedding channel website, please check this link.

Happy Birthday Mama

My mom VICTORIA LADRERO - RICAFORT turns 70 years old today. Happy Birthday! We Love you!

bonding at The Pen

I checked my mobile phone and I saw some pictures which I managed to take after Pheona and Nick's wedding reception.

Some relatives and friends took time to bond at the upper lobby of the Manila Pen after a night of partying at the Conservatory.

Freda Ladrero, Vic Ricafort and Lea Viojan-Gellez

Nieves Tallon and Belen Cañada-Abesamis

Ruth Viojan-Rocklein, Freda Ladrero, Vic Ricafort and Edgar Abesamis

Councilor Noel Sermense with my assistant (wedding) coordinator Warren Taperla

me and Warren