A True Lasallian Lensman

I was invited to attend a Lasallian Formation for Alumni.

There was Br. Ray Suplido and a lot of Alumin coming from my current workplace.

It was a sunday.

It was inspiring because the last speaker qouted one of my favorite Bro...Bro. Ceci.

After the event, I went to the Bro's residence

I was at a Coffee shop when Milcah texted me, at first I ignored it because it was too bad to be a joke.

Then Garet texted me, and I replied to her saying "Hindi magandang, biro yan..."

Then while walking going back to my workplace, someone texted me again, and it was Lendl saying the same news.

I went directly to Bro. Arian to confirm it and when he opened the door...

I asked: "Bro totoo po ba?"

He interupted me by saying: "Yes it's true, He is no longer with us..."

And that was a crying moment for me and at the same time, a mocking moment for Bro. Arian.

---

I asked God before I slept last night:

"Is it really his time?"

"Is his mission really over?"

And thru a dream, Bro answered.

---

Macy and I were texting that night.

And I told her, "If I am going to be a Brother, He is one of the reasons..."

Though, He also thought me that even if you are not a FSC, you can live the life of being a FSC.

The stories he told us, truely inspired our souls.

---

I woke up, went thru the door and saw him standing in black shirt with cream colored pants...im not sure.

But the main thing that he said to me, "tapos na ang mission ko..." while smiling at me and comforting me.

Then someone came on our way, it was the priest, the parish priest. Im not sure if he was the priest from the Lasalle Dasma, Fr. Lino or the priest from LSGH.

We had a conversation with the priest. It was short, but the priest told me to go somewhere...im not sure.

Then off we went, to an office nearby. I saw the secretary, she was low and sad, and she told me "Oh, hindi ka ba pupunta?" And i just smiled at her.

The guy that I am with went to directly to a door and I followed him to get his DSLR. He said "Hay, nakalock, si Dodo talaga oh..."

Then suddenly, we both look down, he is now wearing the rabbat, the black rabbat and white slippers.

I saw myself in the mirror. My hair is a mess, and I am wearing the FTK '09 T-shirt.

Then the secretary was looking at me while saying "Oh, hindi ka ba pupunta?", and then off we went to a grassed area.

And he was talking about me continuing what I do and at the same time doing it at my best.

I accompanied him to his chair in a chapel or a church with a high seiling and tapped him at the back and said: "Bro thank you..." He smiled at me, and I smiled back at him.

Upon leaving that moment, a girl (Knowing that I am seeing someone that is not there) was looking at me and said to her: "Alam ko. Mas nanainisin ko pang nasa ganung state ako, kung makikita ko naman siya..."

I don't know who the girl was, but she looked at me then her attention was diverted into the parade of sakristan scattering some ashes. I can't describe the urn, but i saw it.

Then afterwards, Bro Dodo was there marching away with the sakristan. Then I saw a friend of mine at the novitiate who is reportedly to be thin and we had a conversation

Then...

I woke up.

It was a dream within a dream.

It was Br. Ceci.

He was calm.

Smiling.

Appreciative.

Happy.

Contended.

Hind masasayang ang mga kwento niya.

Hina masasayang ang mga aral na naituro niya sa atin.

He is more than a Lasallian Brother.

More than a story teller.

More than a teacher.

More than a lensman.

More than an animator.

He is a life well lived.

I'll miss you Lolo Ceci.

You’re one of the coolest Bro.

Unconditional Love

I am fortunate enough to be part of the Lasallian Youth Commission as one of its facilitators last May 16 - 21, 2009 at La Salle Greenhills. 

Kuya keane told me: “Welcome to the Lasallian Youth Commission” upon giving the crucifix.

It was one casual moment that I will treasure in my lifetime.

As the workshop/meeting goes on, I then realize what I am longing for when I left DLSU-D. As I saw it thru the eyes and smiles of the participants, I told to myself, this is what I missed…big time. 

Hearing Br. Arianne Lopez, FSC talk about the LYC during his time and our time, it is really a dream come true for those that are hoping to make a change for the betterment of the Lasallian youth and for our country. “You are making history, take this opportunity to make a change…”

I have been to many conferences, seminars and forums, locally and internationally, but there is nothing like the Lasallian way. It was one hell of a moment for me as I look at them. And I told to my self that I should do this again. I should help lasallian youth for them top grow to help to make a better Philippines. I unconditionally love La Salle and my country, the Philippines. This 2010 elections, let your voices be heard.

The youth sector can elect the next President of the Philippines. Register and Vote. Participate and be active.

As what Engr. Jun Lozada said to all of the Lasallian Leaders, “Be a diamond, Share the Light”

The hopes are high for the 2009 – 2010 National Executive Committee of the Lasallian Youth Commission. And we are here to be your back –up, ready to support and help you guys. Rektikano!

A million thanks to Ate Vanez and Kuya Keane for the wonderful opportunity that you had given me, until next time. And to all of the Lasallians that I had meet during the LYC Summer workshop/meeting, It is my honor to be part of your journey. ^_^

---

And there she goes…

Asking permission from ate Vanez and Kuya Keanne, I was able to go out of La Salle Greenhills and went to Greenbelt 3, specifically at Sentro last May 17, 2009 to bid farewell to my friend, Areum Cha. It was a very quick but sensible night. Actually, all of the possible topics that we could talk about were already discussed before the night. The chapter was ended, and we need to flip the page. And I believe she is happy with her life now, and that is being with her family.

The classic text message that I will treasure is: “…Im gonna miss you and the Philippines.”

---

Loving unconditionally can make you think and do things that you do not imagine that you will do on a regular basis. Even though you are hurting yourself, as long as you see that person happy, you will take a step further for that person.

In my case, I have been into a painful relationship. And I thought that I will never really feel the “love” that I felt before and during that painful relationship. Actually, I cannot believe that I will utter the phrase:

“I will always be here for you, not matter what. All I want is to see you happy…”

Then I realized, yes I love unconditionally, and I am not waiting for anything in return…because she loves somebody else.  Yes it was like a real poke in the heart. But the reason why we love is for us to see the ones we love happy. And that’s my goal.

Then Romeo Soriano and I had this conversation a while ago. We have similarities when it comes to love, we are hopeless romantic. During the conversation, he shared to me a song of Incubus entitled Monuments and Melodies. The part of the song that really hit me was:

You make me happy

You magnify my better half

You make me certain

Though all I have today is your photograph

Yes indeed, All I have is her photograph, a simple reminder for me that I should not let the day past without even smiling. And I will never get tired to bring joy to your life. Thank you, for giving me the reason to smile and believe in the concept of love.