Kissed by the world
(Last of a series. Read first and second parts.)
Even after nearly a month since my well-deserved break (from work, mostly) with Zandra and Father Mike in Tagaytay City, the inspiration and good will I inherited from the Lenten experience remains to be my fuel these days.
Allow me to provide a quick walkthrough of the escapade while the feeling lingers and before minor details are forgotten.
There is an area in the retreat house that serves as a passageway between the main door and the back door. Quotes painted on pieces of wood are hung on trees in that area, and every time we pass by, with the cool breeze providing an added effect, the song of chimes could be heard.
I loved that. Silently I wished the winds would play with the chimes whenever I was in the area, even if I do not — until now, regrettably — understand what the printed text means.
So as not to disturb the calming atmosphere of the retreat, our group photos were taken only shortly before our departure.
The sweltering summer heat, aggravated by the noontime sun, battered the sweat glands of Zandra and Father Mike — all while I was staying under the shade (lucky me!) to set up my camera. I vividly remember Zandra alleging that I was taking too much time setting up for the photo op because I enjoyed the sight of them, slowly, slowly melting away. Hah!
We had lunch at Taaleña, which boasts of a view of Taal Volcano. Aside from the decadent servings, we were also delighted by a group of entertainers going table to table, singing a diverse set list which include Filipino classics like Bahay-Kubo and pop ballads like Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. (Boo, though, they did not know Demi Lovato.)
We dropped by the Don Bosco Retreat House in Batulao, Batangas — my happy place — for a labyrinth experience. Zandra had her personal moment with the Lord there, while I indulged in the surprise company of my former students.
Going back a bit... Before the first day of our recollection ended, Father Mike gave me and Zandra one push pin each, which, he said, would symbolize our little sacrifice in commemoration of Christ’s Passion.
We would “nail” this pin in a Cross, at a time of our choosing, signifying our acknowledgment of His sacrifice for our salvation as well as our commitment to give up a sin or vice that has been keeping us in the dark.
I nailed my pin, where else, in Batulao.
It was a long drive after.
We went to the Congregation of the Daughters of La Pieta in Calamba, Laguna for an anticipated celebration of the Easter Vigil. In my estimate, we were less than 20 there so the Mass had been truly intimate.
After the celebration, the sisters invited us for a late night snack. They prepared what seemed to be an Italian apple pie and some homemade cake. There was also champagne and Sister Margarita led us to a toast — the Italian way!
Father Mike oversold my “operatic” singing to the La Pieta sisters, so I was forced to perform Italian and English versions of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as the Tagalog church song Alay Kapwa.
Newspapers are not published for only two days in a year — on Holy Thursday and Good Friday — and I am happy that my only break from work was duly spent sharing my blessedness with friends and reconnecting with God.
I love you, world. •
Even after nearly a month since my well-deserved break (from work, mostly) with Zandra and Father Mike in Tagaytay City, the inspiration and good will I inherited from the Lenten experience remains to be my fuel these days.
Allow me to provide a quick walkthrough of the escapade while the feeling lingers and before minor details are forgotten.
There is an area in the retreat house that serves as a passageway between the main door and the back door. Quotes painted on pieces of wood are hung on trees in that area, and every time we pass by, with the cool breeze providing an added effect, the song of chimes could be heard.
I loved that. Silently I wished the winds would play with the chimes whenever I was in the area, even if I do not — until now, regrettably — understand what the printed text means.
So as not to disturb the calming atmosphere of the retreat, our group photos were taken only shortly before our departure.
The sweltering summer heat, aggravated by the noontime sun, battered the sweat glands of Zandra and Father Mike — all while I was staying under the shade (lucky me!) to set up my camera. I vividly remember Zandra alleging that I was taking too much time setting up for the photo op because I enjoyed the sight of them, slowly, slowly melting away. Hah!
We had lunch at Taaleña, which boasts of a view of Taal Volcano. Aside from the decadent servings, we were also delighted by a group of entertainers going table to table, singing a diverse set list which include Filipino classics like Bahay-Kubo and pop ballads like Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. (Boo, though, they did not know Demi Lovato.)
We dropped by the Don Bosco Retreat House in Batulao, Batangas — my happy place — for a labyrinth experience. Zandra had her personal moment with the Lord there, while I indulged in the surprise company of my former students.
Going back a bit... Before the first day of our recollection ended, Father Mike gave me and Zandra one push pin each, which, he said, would symbolize our little sacrifice in commemoration of Christ’s Passion.
We would “nail” this pin in a Cross, at a time of our choosing, signifying our acknowledgment of His sacrifice for our salvation as well as our commitment to give up a sin or vice that has been keeping us in the dark.
I nailed my pin, where else, in Batulao.
It was a long drive after.
We went to the Congregation of the Daughters of La Pieta in Calamba, Laguna for an anticipated celebration of the Easter Vigil. In my estimate, we were less than 20 there so the Mass had been truly intimate.
After the celebration, the sisters invited us for a late night snack. They prepared what seemed to be an Italian apple pie and some homemade cake. There was also champagne and Sister Margarita led us to a toast — the Italian way!
Father Mike oversold my “operatic” singing to the La Pieta sisters, so I was forced to perform Italian and English versions of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as the Tagalog church song Alay Kapwa.
Newspapers are not published for only two days in a year — on Holy Thursday and Good Friday — and I am happy that my only break from work was duly spent sharing my blessedness with friends and reconnecting with God.
I love you, world. •