Parish Day

Look how blue the sky is!

Decorated booth which won 1st place

decorated booth

decorated booth

decorated booth

Bulaklakan (flower) dance

Bulaklakan

Pandango sa Ilaw (candle dance)

Aunt Tessie was the muse of her group:  Mother Butler.
At St. Mary Magdalene Church members of the Mother Butler groups are the ushers.
Along with duties as ushers, they also count the money received during the offertory rite.

Parish Day dawned bright and early.  Many people turned out to celebrate despite the heat.  After the 6:00 Mass there was registration.  Then there was a parade throughout town reminding people to come.  The program started at 9 with various dances from the different church groups.  In between dances the emcees pulled names out of a hat and these people were awarded prizes:  rice cookers, thermos, bedding, money, gift certificates, etc.  

Lunch was at church.  Different groups either brought food or gave donations.  We had lechon, whole roasted pig, pancit (noodle dish), shrimp cooked in coconut milk, menudo, fish, rice, etc.  Desserts were varied as well.

After lunch there were games for all ages to participate.

Bahay Kubo

Bahay (house) Kubo is made of bamboo and cogon grass.  It is usually placed in the backyard where people can enjoy the "open" air.  This bahay kubo has a bedroom and built in bunk beds.  It also has a kitchen area so when visitors come, they can easily be served merienda (snacks).  Perhaps one day one like this bahay kubo can be placed in the area of my house, for relaxation.  Come and visit!

Queens of the mountain

Taina and Rebecca

Buho buho is an area across the street from our house, high up on a steep mountain.  There are about 20 families who live here.  When I was a child I remember walking up to Buho Buho, much faster than this recent Monday.  I admit that I had to stop half way to catch my breath.  I may have done better had I walked up wearing sneakers, but it was a spontaneous activity done while waiting for the surveyor to come.  

There is a water reservoir on top of Buho Buho.  Years ago my grandparents donated land to the water district, and the water reservoir was created.  Because of this donation my grandparents in turn received free water for many years.   

When the new house is built I will go to the water district.  Who knows they may give me free water too. 

Where is he?

We were together
Just a little bit ago
Laughing, raining, chasing
As little boys do
Downhill, uphill
Never staying still for long.

In a snap clouds hid the sun
Thunder roared
Light drops at first.

Nanay called.
One last run
She scooped him up
I slipped off his foot
Rain drowned my sigh
Alone.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Tomorrow the sun will shine.


                                                                             

Luneta

Tricia, Taina, Patrick, Kiko at Intramuros

Ate Nene in the middle

Julie Ann joined the gang.

Jumping for joy at Luneta Park.

Jose Rizal standing.

Lapu Lapu

We met Mhay and family at Tendecita.

This time  the camera caught Brooke smiling.

On a very rainy day, eve of a storm, several of us went to Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Luneta Park.  We learned about Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.  We also learned about the sufferings Pilipinos and Americans underwent during World War II.  My heart was saddened, but at the same time rejoiced in the resiliency of the Pilipinos.

Lechon anyone?

After 5 hours of slow roasting in a charcoal pit, this little piggy is ready for your tummy.  Courtesy of the Maranan family we enjoyed savory lechon with crunchy skin.  Don't worry that it's cholesterol ladden.  Just exercise your heart out the next day!

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary

St. Gabriel

San Diego de Alcala

St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Joseph

San Ildefonso de Toledo

St. Michael the Archangel

On a very warm afternoon, Sept. 8, I joined hundreds of people from various towns in the latter part of Rizal province in celebrating the birthday of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  A group from Pililla met at 12:30 at the church.  We rode a truck to Jala Jala, about 45 min away.  When we arrived, we found our fellow Pilillianes, also wearing green, near the statue of our patron St. Mary Magdalene.

At about 2 we began the procession from the hospital in Jala Jala to the church.  An hour later because we walked every major street, we gathered for an outdoor Mass in the playground of St. Michael Catholic School.  Ten minutes into the Mass the clouds came and cool winds blew, giving us respite from the heat.  Another ten minutes or so it began to rain , at times heavy.  Mass continued on.

After Mass I went with an aunt back to Pililla.  We rode a very crowded jeep.  I finally arrived at another aunt's house about 5:30.  I was soaked and ready for a shower.

Hail Mary, full of grace...