Surviving Typhoon Pablo Outside the Philippines

Yes, it is sound strange why I have this title about surviving a storm that recently hit the Philippines which in fact I am outside of the country. How on earth should I be affected by this storm when I am thousand miles away from home?

I am an OFW here in Abu Dhabi, UAE, so being away from the family is one of the sacrifices I made to be able to provide them with a better future. It is very normal to us that every minute we think about home and our family. So when news broke out that in 2 days time a super typhoon Pablo (internationally name Bopha) will strike our country and putting our province on the path of the storm our worries starts to grow. My province Bukidnon is not known to be a typhoon path area so I couldn't help but worry if the people, specially my family, is ready for this kind of situation. It is not just a simple passing but eventually the eye of the storm will be on my province. And this, as far as I remember, would be the first time that our place will be directly hit by a storm.

Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) 4 days befor landfall (Courtesy of PAGASA)

CORONONA'S IMPEACHMENT: WHAT'S NEXT?

For the past 6 months Filipinos were treated with a new telenovela disguising as impeachment trial for the Supreme Court chief justice of the country. All the television networks cover the event and dubbed it as another bookmark of our history. All walks of life listened and glued their eyes to the trial as each side do their shows with a lot of fanfare and gimmickry, lawyers of both sides showed what's on their sleeves to make a point to the senator judges.

A lot of characters surfaced on the said trial, some credible some are mere imagination that they exist. There's one so called little lady, who passes information for the prosecution team for evidence purposes. There was this Mr. Anonymous whom one the prosecution can not reveal his identity (or maybe they will not reveal, as maybe it was one of the prosecution lawyers hiding as Mr. Anonymous?). To top it all there is this one public servant who vehemently delivered an envelop of so called evidence to the senate president acting as presiding judge thus ignoring the court law regarding submission of evidence.

Media is also milking on the said trial, discussing the issues and evidences to create and attract attention for rating purposes. In my own mind, I thought case already in court are not allowed to be discussed in public specially if it is still on trial. But as the trial heightens the battle is not only inside the court but also outside using media as their tool. Evidences not yet submitted in court was announced and shown in public. How could this be? Well, as we understand that this is a quasi political court which understandably this congressmen aka prosecution team waving this evidences for media mileage maybe. 

People from all walks of life had their opinion on the said trial, making the nation divides. Some furiously declared the guilty verdict of the chief justice while others declared his innocence. Social networks and other internet forums this is the hot issue, or you may say trending. Facebook pages appeared like mushroom condemning the chief justice but not to be outdone there are pages also defending him. Even OFW's abroad had their own opinion whether he is guilty or not. Some families are divided on their stand. 

All I can think of is, we are just like watching the Pinoy Big Brother eviction night. With the chief justice as the one who is evicted from the house of kuya. I mean after all this clash of mind and reasoning by both sides what is next? What are we going to expect next? Was the victory of the prosecution team successfully impeaching corona a victory to the Filipino people? or it was just a show in preparation of the 2013 elections? If it is the latter, then our chief justice of the Supreme Court, the highest court, becomes the sacrificial lamb! Just sayin'

*Photos from google.com... credit to the owners.

That Feeling Again!

As our plane touches the ground of Mactan Cebu International Airport the sense of excitement become more intense and the grin on the face can not be fathom. It feels good to be home, the air, the people, the traffic, and the hassles in the airport, man! Really feels good to be home.

As an OFW, going home becomes the best and most awaited part of one’s life. The feeling of having freedom on its own country has no equal. The feeling of being a second class citizen is completely gone. While walking at the tube towards passport control, the nearer we are at the immigration counters the faster our heart beats, ah! That feeling again!

Our assigned gate for boarding in AUH

While queuing I can hear my familiar language, no more broken English or language I can’t fully understand. My mind wondered on what to do on this vacation, maybe I can hit the beach with my family, or go somewhere and spend time with them. Even if I will only stay at home for the rest of my vacation it would still be the best one as long as my love ones are with me. I am home and this is where the happiest place I can be.

“Welcome home sir!” the immigration officers greeted me after stamping my entry to my country. I said my thanks and smiled back at him. Now officially I am home!

Airport view inside and out

(The author as of this moment is now back to behind the desk of his work in Abu Dhabi but his mind still lingers back in the Philippines)

VISITA IGLESIA:Catholic Churches in UAE part 2

Jump to PART 1 if you haven't read it yet.

continuation....

After a couple of minutes checking out and taking pictures of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali we proceeded to our next church destination in downtown Dubai.

Next church: The St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai

The St. Mary's Catholic Church  was build around middle 60's here in UAE. His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E donated land in 1966 to build a Church. Rev. Fr. Eusebius Daveri and his team pioneered this project. His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurated St. Mary's Catholic Church on 7th April 1967. 

Today in this very place stands a magnificent new church that has been designed to accommodate more than 1700 worshipers at each service. Under the guidance of His Excellency Most. Rev. Bishop Bernard Gremoli, Rev. Fr. Daniel Cerofolini OFM. Cap, Fr. Michael Cardoz and their team pioneered this project. This church was inaugurated on 3rd November 1989.

Inside the compound facing the main entrance to Church

The Grotto

The sign at the entrance of the Church compound

We did the 5th and 6th station of the cross here and contemplate the agony and remembering the painful journey of Christ towards crucifixion. After we finished pray we checked the church again but we can't go inside as it was already overcrowded with people. Makeshift tents were installed to shed the faithfuls from heat and ventilation and fan was also provided. Even with the great scourging heat of the sun churchgoers were flowing to join the lenten mass.

The group hit the road again with a little travel going to the next emirate, to the next church destination. 

Next Church: St. Michael's Church, Sharjah

According to their website (please click the link) the church history was way back from the year 1971.

"The old St. Michael’s Church was founded in 1971 by Fr. Barnabas as a little chapel close to the British Air force base. In 1973 Fr. Barnabas moved   into the old St. Michael’s Church which was then the British officers’ mess. The kitchen area was converted into the Parish house.

Father Barnabas was succeeded by Fathers Attilio, Edmund, Antonino, Felicio, Godwin and Angelo. These Pastors worked with dedication and zeal. As a result the flock continued to grow rapidly. Inspite of the fact, that each of these priests expanded and embellished the converted church, there was still a lack of place to accommodate the parishioners.

Under the guidance and support of Bishop Bernard Gremoli the new church was built by Fr. Angelo Fiumicelli and his dedicated team. The new St. Michael’s Church was consecrated on 02nd October 1997 by Cardinal Artinze from the Vatican with Fr. Angelo as the first Parish Priest." 

- Fr. Ani Xavier Ofm. Cap. 

  Parish Priest 

  St. Michael’s Church, Sharjah

This is what you see upon entering the Church compound

 

 

 

The Church amidst the sea of people during Good Friday

We did the 7th and 8th station of the cross on this church and proceeded to the next church of destination. It's only a few minutes that we were allowed to stay as we need to follow the time frame we have in out itinerary but despite of that seeing this churches for the first time still breathtaking to us, not from it's design, nor from how it looks but by the mere presence of the church on this country is simply marvelous. 

... next our long travel to Ras Al Khaimah to visit St. Anthony de Padua Church.

 

GRATEFUL OF 2010

I never write any year end reviews or any rewind about what happen after the year is finished. But since today I am greatly bored and 2010 events always flashes on my mind, I ought to try to write something about how was it in 2010 for me.

For a starter we start the 2010 with a bang, an all out party with our flat mates complete with games, singing, and a lot of dancing with the help of tons of booze. So it's a great and way too loud to start the 2010. It was indeed a great year for us.

I don't have any complains about 2010, there's a bit down moment for us but we survive. God's guidance was with us and will always will. So instead of counting our downs I will enumerate how God made our 2010 great according to His plan.

We are grateful to God of His blessings we received in 2010:

• -         we sent 2 large balikbayan boxes back home (it was a bit delayed in arrival but nevertheless it still on time for us to be there)
• -         we were both given a vacation together (me and my wife)
• -         safe flight on our vacation
• -         seeing some good friends back home
• -         seeing our families
• -         and of course seeing our daughter SAM after 2 years of not seeing her
• -         and the flashes of her eye how happy she was during her birthday
• -         wife's new job (of course a bit higher pay)
• -         new flat
• -         and good health for us and the whole family
• -         And a lot of simple thing that makes us comfortable even we are very far from home.

In general God give us a great year not only for me but for the whole family. We are so thankful for His blessings. I will also pray that this 2011 He will continue to guide and protect us and bless us. My prayer also to the less fortunate ones that this year they may find solitude and blessings, that they should always put in mind that God is always with them.

May this 2011 will also be a good year for us under God's plan!

CHRISTMAS OF AN EXPAT

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." -  Matthew 1:23

Inside the St. Joseph Church, Abu Dhabi UAE - after the mass

 

This would be my 3^rd Christmas away from home, away from the country.  You ever wonder how we celebrate Christmas as an expat or how we celebrate the occasion in an Islamic country?

As an OFW we can't hardly keep our mind of thinking to celebrate the yuletide season back home. It’s a very special if we can celebrate it in our own country, in our own turf. But for some, constraints at work will not allow us to do so. We do what we can to make the occasion as meaningful and enjoyable as possible. With the help of new found families here things will be positive for us Filipinos. 

 

A week before the occasion you can see many Filipinos having there groceries for the Noche Buena. As if we are only in the Philippines buying our groceries. Others are busy finding gift for their manito/manita or the exchanging gifts during the party. You will also notice a lot of Filipinos bringing bags as if they are going to travel somewhere but what inside the bag is of course the liquor. (You need to have it inside the bag as this country allows the sell of alcohol but you are not allowed to display it in public).

Then comes the Christmas Eve, we are lucky here in UAE as religious tolerance is exercised in this Islamic state. They allow Christian churches here and as a catholic we have one here in Abu Dhabi, the St. Joseph Church. Mass of different language is scheduled to cater every catholic nationality here in the country. I am proud to say that part of our Christmas as a Filipino is hearing mass.

After going to church all in the flats are now busy preparing the food for the Noche Buena. Everybody is in their festive mood cooking whatever is on their menu. Others are busy on their laptop and computers talking to their love ones back home. Philippines are 4 hours advance from here so we can see them having a party before we can start ours. After dishes were prepared the countdown begins. Singing carols, a bit of loud music (loud enough to strut a dance but not too loud to attract the police outside). After the festive mood some need to curl up in bed as they still have work tomorrow. So to sum it up celebrating Christmas is more like home minus the love ones we had and every crazy thing we do in partying.

The Noche Buena minus the lechon

In bed can't help to think that there's no other merrier way to celebrate Christmas than to spend it back home in the Philippines … I might have it next year! Merry Christmas!

Opposite Attracts (PROUD TO BE PINOY)

(a re-post from my other blog...)

It only take seconds to identify the vast differences between this two countries I inhabited. It may be two exact opposite but i'm so proud i am part of this place.

I've been in Abu Dhabi for almost 2 years, I admit that I am in great awe the first month living in this concrete jungle but was able to survive and catch up and became an expat living in the richest city in the world . With left and right infrastructure and almost every corner new skyscrapers are built you can't help but notice that this country was never shaken by the previous economic crisis. Working here climbing the corporate ladder for the Filipinos is never hard compared to other foreign expats...as we may say we have the edge. We have all the advantage in the world from education to work attitude.

(The ABU DHABI Skyline at night)

Despite the grand surrounding and tall skyscrapers surrounding the city I cant help thinking back home. I really agree that there is no place like home, even if poverty is widely observe, politics and corruption which sicken the country but still Philippines is a great home to live in. It is where your roots is even if you make it big abroad but part of you lingers to come home.

Now me and my wife are getting ready for the our first homecoming since we decided to come here in Abu Dhabi. We are hoping for a great time spending our family but most specially to our precious daughter Sam. As many expats would anticipate, that this will be the time to relax after many months of hardwork....despite the chaos and problems in the country we still manage to smile because we are home....and there is no place like home...home is where the heart is. See you soon guys!