I believe that to be fully human means “connectedness with society” and “that all things are connected”.
Judy (my wife), Marianne (our second daughter) and myself together with some relatives spent a 6-day rest and relaxation (R & R) last June 25-30, 2009. We went to Metro Manila and Laguna Province. The oceanarium of the Manila Ocean Park was our first destination. It was a first in a lifetime experience to see various gigantic and minute species of living things from the ocean. I was amazed with God’s creation brought to us by marine biologists and other professionals engaged in marine life. The tiny flashlight fishes comparable with the fireflies and the giant spider crab were among the uncommon organisms distinctly noted. It was a unique way of exposure and exploration with those creatures. Like little children, we enjoyed the mermaid show.
In Las Piñas City, I met relatives whom I missed for over 2 decades. I was awed to see my grown-up niece who drove us to their home from SMX Mall of Asia. Equally amazing was my encounter with her 2 brothers. These children were not yet conceived the last time I was with their parents (my cousins) during their wedding. I was overjoyed with that brief reunion with Tiya Tining Mantua who is staying with them after her retirement as a teacher from Caridad, Baybay, Leyte.
Our final destination was Calauan, Laguna to attend and witness the wedding of a favorite nephew. It was a very happy occasion to socially interact with relatives and new-found friends. The reception was held in a well-groomed farm resort. It is one of the recommended destinations of “Viaje del Sol”, a tourism program in Southern Luzon similar to our “Suroy-suroy sa Sugbu”. The owner was one of the wedding sponsors who is a business executive in Makati City. I readily introduced him to the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP). I was glad he is an acquaintance of our present BCBP National President, Kuya Larry Veloso. In my own small ways, I provided the necessary link.
Several other historic and aesthetic tourist spots were visited. I admired the artistic wares of the famous clay artist in Tiaong, Quezon. Highly esteemed is his life’s slogan, “Challenges drive me to survive and they make me stronger every time I work with clay.”
I actually saw and verified how the “magnetic hill” works in Mt. Makiling at Los Baños, Laguna. I failed to check it when I enrolled for my master’s degree in UPLB back in the early 80’s.
The fried “tawilis”, a species of fish that thrive only in Taal Lake was a special menu in a prestigious restaurant in Tagaytay City overlooking the lake.
An anticipated suspense over the rumored chance to feel the presence of ghosts was expected at the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna. However, the gate was closed because it was only open from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Known for its craftsmanship in wood carving, we were in Paete, Laguna to testify how skillful the sculptors are as they worked in their respective display areas. The house of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Calamba, Laguna brought us back in time of our history but its external painting contradicted its antiquity.
I am indebted and forever grateful to Pepe and Pepel Martinez. They operate and own CNEX Modufurni Systems (CABINEX) dealing with modular kitchen closets, laboratory tables and many more. Their factory is located in Calauan, Laguna. They are the proud parents of the groom married 2 days earlier.
The most memorable and heart-warming encounter that I considered God’s intervention was the brief meeting with a mother and daughter with the same family name as mine. She is Nanay Violeta Cornejo Gloria with her daughter Zen, the municipal development coordinator of Calauan, Laguna. Nanay Violeta is of Cebuano descent of the Cornejo Family who married the late Dr. Elderico Gloria, MD of Batangas City. That hair-raising experience happened in the San Isidro Labrador Parish, Calauan, Laguna after the 6:00 am Holy Mass I attended when Nanay Violeta easily identified me. They invited us to a sumptuous breakfast. They were very accommodating. I look forward to meet them again and trace our roots. Suffice it to say that Jesus taught us, “true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood” and that “we are a family of God” (Mt 12:48-50).
The ultimate connection I ever experienced during that week-long vacation was at the Field of Faith Sanctuary in Pili Drive, Lamot II, Calauan, Laguna. The indwelling of the Divine was plainly alive. It was spiritually relieving to undergo the meditative walk at the Labyrinth Hall. It was my first time to stumble and learn about the term, labyrinth. Accordingly, the labyrinth has long been used as a meditation and prayer tool by different cultures. It is an ancient symbol of wholeness. In the middle ages, Christians who could not make a pilgrim to Jerusalem would instead walk the labyrinth symbolizing that journey. Today, the labyrinth serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey through life. Following the path leading to the center and from the center going out helps to quiet the mind, calm the body and open the heart. It guides our focus inward. In this state, we gain awareness of our real selves and our connection with the Divine. Indeed, “we are not humans in a spiritual path but we are spiritual beings subjected to earthly circumstances.”
It was in the Field of Faith that I discovered the Lady Thrice Adorable. She is the Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit who is admirably unique and uniquely admirable.
I was amazed to learn that the first shrine of the Queen of Schoenstatt outside of Germany is located in a 3.8 – hectare lot on Lawaan III, Talisay City. I look forward to visit her sanctuary here in Cebu. Join me in this quest for connectedness! nmg
Very nice account, Sir. Thank you for sharing.��
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