I read some of Fr. Ariel's homilies delivered in his assigned diocese in Botswana, Africa. The homily focuses on "All souls day celebration". He inumerated story related to our salvation since it is the day of the dead. Here is the story:

I remember a story of a doctor in one community in the Philippines. This doctor was known to be very kind to all especially to the poor. If he had poor patients, he gave his services for free, and most of the times gave them free medicines also. People were always flocking to his clinic which was located on the second floor of a building. When they read the sign- “the doctor is IN. Clinic upstairs”, the poor patients were given that hope to get help from this generous doctor. It so happened that after many years of serving as a doctor and giving help to the poor patients, the doctor died. Many people came during the funeral to show their love and prayers for the doctor especially those poor patients whom he was helping. But there was one thing that the community did that amazed many people in the place. During the funeral, instead of putting a beautiful tombstone, they put the sign from his clinic on his grave, “the doctor is IN. Clinic upstairs”. The people believed that with his generosity to the poor, he deserved life everlasting promised by our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, I believe also that the good doctor is IN, in God’s kingdom and his clinic UPSTAIRS in heaven.

My dear brothers and sisters, that beautiful story of the generous doctor reminds us that our life does not end here on earth. Our life does not end here in Botswana. Our life ends “UPSTAIRS”, in heaven to be with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

To all the missionaries around the world, makakaasa kayo sa aking panalangin at suporta sa abot ng aking makakaya. Prayer is the only way we can reach each others heart.

God be with you!

During my spare time in the office I make sure that I read all the blogs of my seminarian friends. I read the missionary story of Frt. Jaekel Solde, SVD and was amazed by the the story he associated with his mission in Ilocandia. Since I am in saudi arabia I was really interested to read the story. The story goes like this:

An Arab Sheik was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, so, the call went out to a number of provinces.

Finally an Ilocano was located who had a similar blood type.The Ilocano willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano as appreciation for giving his blood, a new Toyota, diamonds & a million US dollars.

A couple of days later, once again, the Arab had to go through acorrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Ilocano who was more than happy to donate his blood again.

After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a thank-you card & a jar of candies.

The Ilocano was shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab & asked him: ‘I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a Toyota, diamonds & money… but you only gave me a thank-you card & a jar of candies’.

To this the Arab replied: ‘Manong, I now have Ilocano blood in my veins’.

In my seven years working in Saudi Arabia, the people and the place itself are my home. Dealing with them is quiet difficult(I admit), but if you were adjusted to the culture and behavior of some, you'll get used to it. Just like the Arab sheik in the story. He felt that he belongs to the ilocano heritage since the blood flowing in his vein came from ilocano donor. It really tickled my bones when I first read it in Frt. Jaekel's blog.

Hope you enjoyed reading the story!!

I've been waiting for the friendster to resume its regular airing. For the past 3 days, friendster was in turmoil. I lost my friends on the list [sighs] from 200+ to 15 people left, my gosh!.. What happen to you people? Am I goin to retrieve those from my list?

I was in complete disaster today that my friends were deleted from my list. Until I found out that it happened not only in saudi arabia but universal (as in universal talagaa!). I kept on blaming my laptop for it is not working very well. I am about to throw it away na nga eh (yabang, Lol!) but I realize na mas mahal pa ito kesa sa friendster na yan. I acquire friendster for free di ba? kaya I keep my laptop and set aside friendster for the moment until the repair is totally done.

Anyhow, friendster exerted effort to clean the mess made by hackers! Be patient and you will still be connected with your love ones as soon as this damage is repaired.