MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR HADJI SADIKUL A. SAHALI January 11, 2012
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Diocese of Ipil, Tourism.Tags: Tawi-tawi, Zambasuli
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Gov. Sahali
Greetings…….
I feel highly honored by your gracious invitation for me to give an inspirational message on this auspicious occasion marking the first Assembly of [Zambasuli] Clergy being held here in Tawi-Tawi. Your choice of Tawi-Tawi as venue for this important assembly speaks well of the many wonderful things or developments that are happening in our province today, by the grace of the All-Merciful God. We would like to believe that your reverends’ have chosen Tawi-Tawi as the point of convergence your assembly because of its enduring peace and its religious harmony and tolerance.
On this inspiring note, I would like to welcome all you reverend priests to Tawi-Tawi. Also I would like to express our sincerest appreciation to you for the high and singular honor that you have accorded our province and its constituents in holding your assembly here.
Tawi-Tawi has been, and will continue to be, a haven of peace and religious harmony and tolerance by the grace of Almighty Allah. This will clearly articulate the fact the Muslims and Christians, who co-existed in complete harmony and fraternal solidarity, have truly internalized and practiced the essential teachings of peace and tolerance of Islam and Christianity as monotheistic religions. Today, we have a vibrant and functioning inter-faith inter-faith dialogue that aims to foster and strengthen the atmosphere of understanding and cooperation between believers of Islam and Christianity in Tawi-Tawi. For peace can only be sustained in multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities through tolerance, understanding, and respect for each other’s beliefs.
Islam, from its inception, is a religion of peace. Islam means complete surrender or submission to the Will of Allah, and humanity to man. Muslim’s universal greetings of “Assalamu Alaikum” or “Peace be with you” underscores the primary goal of Islam which seeks to establish world peace through individual orientation and daily practices.
Islam’s teaching of religious tolerance and freedom is strikingly articulated in the Qur’an when it categorically declares, “La ikraha fid deen” meaning, “there is no compulsion in religion (Sura Bakarah, verses 258). The concept of freedom of religion which is enshrined in the Bill of Rights has long been recognized in Islam.
And the most striking injunction of the Qur’an about tolerance and great respect for Christianity can be found in Surah 5 verse 82 which states: “and you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: ‘We are Christians, that is because amongst them are priests and monks and they are not proud.”
There are many other hadiths and sayings of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaho Alaihi wa sallam, which enjoins religious tolerance and understanding.
These are teachings of Islam which have influenced or shaped our people’s values, attitudes, manners and cultures of peace.
When the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) established the first Notre Dame School in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi in 1951, our people interposed no objection because Muslims here have already imbibed the Qur’anic injunction of religious freedom and tolerance.
Today, the three (3) Notre Dame schools in Tawi-Tawi have tremendously contributed to the educational and economic development of Tawi-Tawi. After 60 years, Notre Dame schools continue to make a difference in the lives and education of our youth, for many graduates have already become professionals in different fields.
An assembly like this one is always greeted with high expectation of dynamic changes in terms of Church policies and agenda. We are hopeful that whatever policy that may be adopted by your assembly may enhance your organization’s contribution to peace and development of our beloved province of Tawi-Tawi.
Again, thank you for making Tawi-Tawi very significant in your estimation.
Thank you.
KWELANG PARLOR GAMES PART 2 November 30, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Christmas, Jokes.21 comments
Pasko season na naman and marami na naman tayong pupuntahang mga Christmas parties! At habang may Christmas parties, hindi rin mawawala ang mga parlor games!
Banana Eating All You Can
1. Banana Eating All You Can – 2 to 3 competing groups will do. Dapat ang bawat group ay may 5 members. Dapat ang bawat grupo magdedecide sino ang tagakain at sino ang 4 na taga-hawak ng tig-isang saging. Ang taga-kain hindi dapat hawakan ang saging. Sa paghudyat ng “go!”, ang taga-kain ay pupunta sa unang kasama na may hawak na isang saging. Uubusin nya ito without holding it. Pag ok na, pupuntahan na naman niya ung ikalawa niyang kasama na may isa na naming saging, and so on, hanggang sa makatapos siya sa pang-apat niyang kasama. Instruction sa taga-hawak: dapat steady lang ang kamay. Caution: dapat bawat tagahawak may tubig in case mabulunan.
2. Fellowship of the Ring – 2 to 3 competing groups. Mas maraming members, the better. Simple lang ang mechanics: bawat players may isang dangkal na stick na ilalagay sa bibig nila. Ang unang player ilalagay ang ring sa stick at ipapasa yun sa kanyang kasama. Pabilisan ng pagpasa. Bawal hawakan ang stick.
3. Draw the Cat’s Tail – patok sa mga children! Gumuhit ng isang malaking pusa sa board na walang buntot. The competing players na may hawak na mga chalk ay dapat naka-blindfold at sa tulong ng mga kasama ay mag-uunahan sa pagguhit ng buntot ng pusa. Dapat ang iguguhit na buntot ay dudugtong doon sa malaking pusang nauna ng iguhit. Pwede ang mga spoilers na magturo ng mali para mailigay ang kalabang team. Point system ang pairalin para makalaro lahat.
4. Superlolo/lola Went to the Beach – ito ay parang Maria/Mario went to the market/town lang. Instead of the tradition payong, bayong, kimono, etc — replace them with oversized underwear, shades, rubber shoes, baston, at salakot – at kung anu-ano pang pampakwela. Imagination mo ang limit!
Gin-noman
5. Gin-noman in A Straw – Bawat competing groups may 5 to 7 members na may kanya-kanyang hawak na straw. Pagdudugtung-dugtungin nila ang mga ito at un ang gagamitin para maubos ang isang boteng beer.
IN ALL OUR MERRY-MAKING, LET US ALWAYS TAKE INTO HEART THE REAL REASON OF THE CELEBRATION. GOD HAS COME INTO OUR MIDST. ADVANCE HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
BAKWIT October 25, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Diocese of Ipil, JPIC, Mabuhay, Mission Anecdotes, Zamboanga Sibugay.Tags: Municipality of Mabuhay, Parokya San Miguel, Payao, Talaib
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According to Fr. Bert Alejo, SJ in an interview regarding the war in Mindanao, “For almost three decades now, the war had cost the economy some ten billion pesos per year.” He added that the rebellion had killed at least at least 50,000 people, driven 2 million people out of their homes, destroyed more than 500 mosques, 200 schools and 35 cities and towns.
In Mindanao, “bakwit” is a popular word. It refers to displaced residents who are caught in the cross-fire between the “lawless elements” and the military and have no choice but to flee from their homes to avoid being sandwiched in the battle.
Batang Bakwit
Since the start of the military operations against the “lawless elements” last October 15 in Talaib, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, many of my parishioners opted to leave their homes. I was moved by the story of Lolo Jose (not his real name) who narrated to me their journey to the Poblacion for refuge: “ang among gisakyan nga bangka nga naay 21 ka sako sa bugas ug 1 sa baboy nakulob. Ang tanan namong dala nabasa, among kaldero wala na makit-an.” (our boat capsized, together with the 21 sacks of rice and 1 pig. All our belongings are now wet, our kettle already lost).
Mga Bakwits sa Mabuhay
Today, there are 35 families totaling 115 pax who are “bakwits” in the municipal gym. But that is not all. Many other ‘bakwits” sought refuge in the houses of their relatives. I know there are also “bakwits” who are staying at the WMSU classrooms. A good number of “bakwits” are also in our formation center in the parish convent of Parokya San Miguel.
Please do include us in your prayers. It will still be a looooong journey for us. We literally live each day according to the grace and mercy of God. Tomorrow is uncertain, but our faith feeds us with hope that in the end, the good always triumphs against evil. God bless us+
AVOIDING MILF October 20, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Diocese of Ipil, Mabuhay, OMG!, Zamboanga Sibugay.Tags: MILF, Municipality of Mabuhay
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Text Brigade with the Teachers
Thursday, October 20, 2011 (My third day in Tabuk, the other side of Olutanga Island. I arrived here last October 18 for my 4-day round of masses in our 7 chapels. During the night, we stay in the houses of our chapel leaders.)
7 AM – received text from a parishioner from the opposite side of the island: “dre lalong lumalapit sa dagat ang mga putok ng baril. Ayon sa info, the MILF already asked for help sa mga kasama sa Labatan. (N.B. Last Saturday, October 15, 2011 – A clash broke out between the combined police and military forces and around 50 fully armed MILF rebels around 2:45 p.m. at Sitio Talaib, Labatan Village, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay province. This place is very near Olutanga Island, we could hear the exchange of gunshots and blasting. Since Labatan is just at the opposite side of the island, we decided to push through with our masses.)
9:30 AM – had my wedding mass in St. Francis Xavier Chapel – Tumalog.
11:30 AM – Lunch.
1:30 AM – Prepared for my mass at Mabuhay Agro-National High School. Suddenly, the barangay captain came and informed us that the mayor ordered that I, together with my escorts as well as the teachers, be pulled out immediately because many troops of MILF arrived in the next barrio (parang Cubao-Ortigas lang). Naghahanda na rin ang mga ito for reinforcement sa MILF troops who were fighting in Sitio Talaib.
Mga Estudyante Bumati pa sa mga Teachers
We were cautioned not to pass by the next barrio since passing there is already “very risky and dangerous. Baka ma-hostage pa kayo kasama ang mga teachers.”
On the Way to Turco Pier
We did not waste any time. When all the teachers were ready, we also trooped to Turco, where a boat took us to Poblacion Mabuhay. Like a scene of a movie, we became so uneasy when at mid-sea, the boat suddenly stopped. Despite the rising tension, I could not take my eyes off this child who innocently smiled at me.
The Smiling Child
4:03 PM – Thank God, a boat filled with cafgus assisted us (sigh of relief!). We reached the Poblacion safe and sound. I could not forget this day. Thank you, St. Michael the Archangel! Thank you Lord for keeping me safe!
The Teachers -- sa Kabilang Bangka
We Arrived at the Poblacion Safely
BISHOP CHITO TAGLE IS THE NEW ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA! October 13, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Pink Sisters, Priesthood, Vocation Story.Tags: Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Archdiocese of Manila, Bishop Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Rosales, Diocese of Imus, Pope Benedict XVI
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Photo Credit: Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin of http://pinaytraveller.com
The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Rosales as Archbishop of Manila and has appointed Bishop Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle as his successor.
I was very happy upon receiving this good news! My great professor is now the new Archbishop of Manila! I first listened to his recollection talk at the Pink Sisters-Tagaytay in 2002. I was so moved that I told my companion, “he can be a good Cardinal!”
My seminarian companion replied: “Have you imagined Bishop as a Pope?” to which I immediately answered: “Yes! Why not?”
When we had our first day of classes with him in Theology of Priesthood, everybody was all ears. My classmates would sure agree that it was indeed a moment of awe. When we heard the ringing of the bell, nobody wanted to stand up. Bishop Tagle looked at us in surprise and asked us, “bakit hindi kayo tumatayo? Ayaw ba ninyong mag-break?” The good bishop received a chorus, “Bishop, gusto pa naming marinig kayong magsalita.”
He said that when he had his Light Talk program, many criticized him because he was interviewing people. They wanted him to do the talking, to which he said, “perhaps the people are not yet ready for a bishop who also knows how to listen.”
Bishop, eheste, Archbishop Chito – more power and more blessings! I am one with you in prayers. Below is the statement of Bishop Tagle:
“His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed me, a humble servant, to succeed His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales to the Metropolitan See of Manila. I face this heavy responsibility with much trepidation. Leaving the Diocese of Imus, my beloved home, at the threshold of its Golden Jubilee is not easy. But faith in the gracious Lord and love of the Church give me strength. I know that I would find much good will and zeal for mission in the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila. In our openness to the Holy Spirit, we could render a joyful and robust witness to Jesus Christ, all for the glory of the Father and the good of the Church and of society, especially of the poor. I entrust the Archdiocese of Manila and my ministry to the loving care of our Lady, Mary Immaculate.” +Luis Antonio G. Tagle 13 October 2011
PLACERES FESTIVAL IN MY PARISH October 7, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Diocese of Ipil, Mabuhay, Pastoral, Tourism, Zamboanga Sibugay.Tags: Brother Roland Pontevedra SVD, Joy Omamalin, Kim Caloñge, Mabuhay Agro-Industrial High School, Mabuhay National High School, Mayor Restituto Caloñge, Municipality of Mabuhay, Parokya San Miguel, Placeres Festival, Xavier High School
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St. Michael the Archangel - Mabuhay National High School Delegation
Last September 29, fiesta sa aking parokya. I was very excited because it was the first time I celebrated a fiesta as a parish priest here in Parokya San Miguel, Municipality of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Lubos akong natutuwa sa overwhelming support ng aking mga kaparokya at mga ka-isla. This year’s theme is KAISLA: Managlahi Apan Managhiusa. Special ang situation namin sa Olutanga Island during fiesta. Hindi lang mga Catholics ang mga nagdiriwang, kundi pati na rin ang ating mga kapatid na mga Muslim, Subanens at mga Christian denominations ay nakikiisa sa amin. Wonderful! The town of Mabuhay is indeed a picture of world peace! Unity and beauty in diversity, ika nga.
Mabuhay National High School Delegation
May festival kami sa fiesta na tinatawag naming Placeres Festival. Ano nga ba ang Placeres Festival? Ano ang kaugnayan niya kay St. Michael na patron ng aming parokya. Let me explain….
Painting ni St. Michael
Placeres Festival refers to the annual celebration of thanksgiving to the Lord for protection and guidance through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. This festival is observed in Parokya San Miguel (Diocese of Ipil), Municipality of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines every 29th of September.
Festival Queen, Joy Omamalin of Xavier High School Delegation
In the 1970s, the people of Mabuhay survived an attack from lawless elements who wanted to bring chaos in the island. These bandits did not push through with their evil plans when they saw the hundreds of soldiers surrounding the Church and the parochial school (when in fact, there were none). The people believed that it must have been St. Michael the Archangel who protected them.
Waveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
The Placeres Festival is a reminder to the people of the island that in the battle between good and evil, the good always triumphs. Placeres, interestingly comes from the word “plaza” — the place where people gathers. In every Placeres Festival, the people gathers at the town plaza to collectively celebrate the memory when once upon a time, the angels came to their rescue.
St. Michael - Mabuhay Agro-Industrial High School Delegation
Remember the Coke Commercial?
That's me...
Panalo ang Xavier High School!!!
THE LONGEST ORCHID IN OLUTANGA ISLAND? October 2, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Mabuhay, Mission Anecdotes, OMG!, Prelature of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.Tags: Municipality of Mabuhay, Olutanga Island, Orchids, Purita Dipol, Wildlife
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The Locals Call this Orchid "Latigo"
When I transferred here in Parokya San Miguel, my staff joined Fr. Manuel Mijares and me in going to the barrio for our Gasa Balik sa Dios (GBSD) re-orientation. Natutuwa ako sa mga staff ko. They would ask our parishioners to give us orchids for the beautification of the parish. Nonoy (left) gave us a very long orchid — “latigo”, as the locals call it here. I was so amazed at this gift. This is the longest orchid I have seen in my whole life so far.
This orchid is now at the top of our langka tree in Parokya San Miguel, Municipality of Mabuhay, Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITA MARIE! September 7, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Birthday, Personal Message.Tags: Food Trip, Marie Sunga
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Para Kay Tita
Ang post na ‘to para sa tita ko
Maligayang kaarawan sa yo!
Kahit na nasa malayo ako
Asahang lagi ka sa dasal ko.
Tita Marie, happy birthday!
For You, hehehe
Birthday Cake
Kainan Na!
My Pet Cat Does a Manny Pacquaio! August 29, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Mabuhay, Pastoral, Zamboanga Sibugay.Tags: Municipality of Mabuhay, Olutanga Island, Parokya San Miguel, Pets
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Mother Duck and Mingming
I love my pet cat Mingming so much! She carefully guarded my another pet mother duck at the back of our parish convent. Mother duck is now in her last stage of hatching her eggs. One day, a snake invaded the house of mother duck but the invasion was not successful. My pet Mingming fought bravely ala-Manny Pacquiao with the aggressive invader. The bout was caught on video!
KITA-KITS SA PAROKYA SAN MIGUEL! August 1, 2011
Posted by Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD in Pastoral, Priesthood, Zamboanga Sibugay.20 comments
Ito na ngayon ang Simbahan kung saan ako assigned. This is the Parokya San Miguel which is located in the Municipality of Mabuhay, Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Parokya San Miguel
I will be installed as a parish priest this coming August 6, 2011 at 9 am. This is my solemn entry as a pastor of souls in the parish.
If you are very far from the island, ok na sa akin kung mag-offer kayo ng konting dasal para sa akin on that day. Kung within Zamboanga Sibugay ka, you are cordially invited. Don’t cha ever miss it. Yong mga nakikita mo sa fb album ko entitled “FOODTRIP”, matitikman mo lahat yun – and more!
See yah!
