A FEEDBACK FROM GEMMA

They're doing good, thank you.  They were over Christmas Day.  I read all your stories in your site and enjoyed it.  I also remember the Manianita, a group of "Bayanihan ni Cristo" members in which you are the leader will go serenade the person whose birthday is on that day.  That was done early in
the morning.  I remember being up so early on my Dad's birthday to wait anxiously for the serenaders.  I just thought I want to mention you this, it was heartwarming.  I will talk to you later.  Take care and Happy New Year.

Gemma

**********

Gemma's e-mail remind me of the Cursillo Days in Asingan..I was part of that team with Manong Fred, Gemma's dad. There are lots of fun attending those post cursillio seasons. Then one would hunger listening to more talks about spirituality..Of course, the brotherhood of the Asinganians who spent a week end in Binmaley is unquestionable..They call each other "brod" or "sis"..We went to church as regular as we can. But deep inside ourselves we know we are far from being "saints" but like some of the "born again Christians"  for a moment we were touched by the Spirit of God and it was up for the individual person whether to go on treading the path of the Spirit or go to the usual way of living..But we learned  Christian Love which is unconditional love; loving those who hate you, and carrying this love in your heart to the end, because one day when our eyes will close in death, it is this love which might open the door to that other life which we in our mortal state can never know, imagine or visualize.

**********

I remember the Manianitas..Sometimes the Cursillistas, out of brotherly fun would call it Manganita.."Mangan manen" they would say..Who would not miss those tasty menus they would serve the serenaders after they are invited inside the house at daybreak.I can list down those dishes but I dont want to. It would just make my mouth water and my stomach grumble! ...Asingan hospitality knows no limit. Then there would be the jokes, chats and singing if a guitar is brought along..As one song says: "Those were the days, my friend I thought they'd never end..."

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!

 

**************