GUAM - a new journey begins

On the early morning of a Thursday, the 18th of June, Philippine Airlines Flight PR 110 touched down at Guam's airport. The rector of the Cathedral fetched me and brought me to my temporary home - the Archbishop's residence. There and there I was welcomed by Archbishop Anthony and his dog, Koa. Here is my temporary domicile as I await the other two which will complete the team to help run Father Duenas Memorial School (FDMS).

The following day I went to the beachfront to the places of battle where the Americans reclaimed Guam from the Japanese during WWII.

Benguet State University

I went up to La Trinidad Valley last May 19-21 to help one of my UPOU colleagues give a workshop seminar on Course Module Preparation for Distance Learning. We were invited by the Open University Department of Benguet State University. In the welcome tarp, they even got my title wrong, but hey, that's a felix culpa (happy fault). I was really excited since this was my first time to give an academic seminar to school administrators, professors, and other professionals. I've given seminars before but not in this area. So it was a real experience for me.

Of Nieces and Nephews

The last time I had bonding time with my nieces and nephew was ages. I used to bring my three nieces (they were still grade school students) to the cinema with all three clinging to me so that we could cross the street safely. Then inside the movie house the youngest (then aged 4) would cry: "I'm dying of hunger already. Haven't eaten in two days" when in reality she just finished her breakfast. So we finish the movie amidst her nudging and off we go to get a Happy Meal (the cheapest) since they come with those cute toys for free. After she grabs a bite (literally), she leaves her food and plays with her new-found buddy (the soft toy).

Now look at them all grown-up. Worst they all have different tastes from each other. So I bring them to a Food Court (various delicacies to choose from) and give them money instead to choose whatever they like to eat. I get to have a long chat with them at table about their present lives. An hour or so later after some kisses and goodbyes, off we go to our different ways (one has to do some errands for her mom, the other has to get her hair done, and the youngest has to meet a friend).

With my nephews, it's a boy thing... so that would be for another time.

A New Journey (?)

Looks like I might have to put this blog journey in this area on hold.

I'm on an extended vacation right now. I originally intended to go for a study leave but then maybe the One up there has other plans. I needed a long vacation to attend to some important family matters that have to be solved. I thought I would need six months or a year to work on this pressing legal matters in the family. And I thought the study leave would be a good way to have the best of both worlds. So I didn't express my availability for any new work or assignment for sometime.

However He must have other plans. The very day I finished all paper-works and legal leg-works of what I had to do, the FIN provincial calls me for a meeting for this new Salesian presence in a place called GUAM.

Now You tell me, had I refused, would You have sent your thunderbolt down to hit me on the head for ingratitude? How else could I express my thanks but to simply surrender. Your signs are too obvious and I would be too stupid not to see it this time.

A turn along the way

I'm headed back to the Philippines for a kind of long sabbatical.
I'm really gonna miss Cambodia and Thailand.


I saw this picture at the airport as I was about to board the plane. It's very much what I think in spite of what I feel. As Dag H. would put it:

For all that has been - "Thanks"
For all that will be - " Yes"

Thai-Cambodian Conflict

(Khmer Soldiers- Reuters Photo/ Thai artillery - AFP News)

A few weeks back, I have been given my marching orders for a sabbatical... means I get to go back to my country for a year or so.

But the funny this is today I'm supposed to be packing to cross the eastern border to Thailand within a day or two... all of a sudden early this afternoon fighting and shooting erupts in the northern border (PreahVihear-Si Sa Ket) of Thailand and Cambodian.
I'm not really worried for myself. The Cambodian kids here in the center are more worried since their parents work just across the border and fear for their safety. The ordinary people in the meantime are more worried, not actually for their safety, but rather for their survival. If the borders close, then people on both sides cannot transact business...
large scale meaning is that they don't get any money for their daily food not only for themselves but for their family.

Conclusion, if this goes to worse, people will go hungry.
Now I realize what they mean by "collateral damage" and it's saddening because for any political squabble, the poor and innocent ones suffer the most.

Today, I pray for peace with a very particular intention.