Category Archives: Encounter

The Roots of True Joy

There are times I would define my happiness in terms of what make me different from others. Being able to take beautiful and frame-able pictures makes me happy. I am not a professional photographer but I do have an eye … Continue reading

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My Life in Four Stages

When I was a child, it was “Go! Grow! Glow!” It was a time to nurture and develop my physical capabilities, my mental faculties, my social skills and my spiritual roots. Then came the period of preparation and I acquired … Continue reading

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The God of Surprises and Simplicity

God is not only a God of surprises but also a God of simplicity. He surprised me with the gift of life. And then sent His only Son to show me how to live that life to the fullest. He … Continue reading

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Touching Hearts and Changing Lives

The famous Manila Bay sunset signals the end for Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines. There has been a great outpouring of grace and popular piety among the Filipinos in the past four days. Hundreds of thousands followed him everywhere … Continue reading

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Pope Francis in Tacloban

He came. He saw. He compassioned with them. They came in droves, by the thousands, braving winds and rain. They came to see him, hear his words, and perchance to touch him. And how serendipitous that there would be a … Continue reading

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“Harden Not Your Hearts”

I wish I were in Manila right now and join the Filipino nation in welcoming Pope Francis to our country where he will bring Christ’s message of love, mercy and compassion. The same love, mercy and compassion that moved Christ … Continue reading

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Daily Prayer

The flurries of the holidays are over and things are starting to settle into their daily routine. Children are back in school. Parents are back to their places of work. And everyone is again busy with the ordinary activities and … Continue reading

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The Quiet In The Land

History is often written around the lives and accomplishments of great men. But history unfolds and happens because of the simple and humble lives of ordinary people. The Philippine EDSA Revolution is often written around the likesĀ of Cory Aquino, Cardinal … Continue reading

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Christmas: Celebrating the Mystery of Life

For every one thing that goes wrong, there are a hundred, maybe a thousand other things that work out right. Drought might parch some lands to golden brown. But in many other places, nature re-creates endless swatches of vibrant green … Continue reading

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Being Like Joseph

I often think about Joseph, the husband of Mary. There is very little written about him in the gospels. And most of what is written about him is not very comforting nor comfortable. He marries and virgin and then he … Continue reading

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