I Hear A Symphony

Our cousin, Koya Ditos, Leonardo Bautista Capati, 68 years old, died suddenly after a heart attack, just a few days after his son's wedding.  He was one of our beloved older first cousins,  amongst 52 of us.

My brother Chto's tribute:

"I Hear A Symphony"

As a frail kid regularly visiting Ugac Sur, a then remote barangay West of the Tuguegarao town center in the late 60’s, I’ve been exposed to two generations of cousins, the young elementary  students and the high schoolers. 

There was a wide age and lifestyle gap between us and the next generation. 

We, grouped with K. Guy, K. Pong, K. Tony were in shorts, sando and slippers playing touch games at Gonzaga st. while they in shirts, listening to music and riding bicycles. 

The elderly ones which I considered as “untouchables” were Kuya Bing, Ate Lorni, sometimes Kuya Lito or in rare moments Kuya Pet and Kuya Ditos. I would remember they ran the show and controlled almost all activities in the street. (It was different in the Ugac household as it was Tata Paul who prevailed at all times.)

They played games (basketball), gambled (mahjong and card games), fired guns (long and short arms). They’ve been to places we were not allowed to go-farm, riverside, old churches and the ultimate, travel to Manila.

Their group led by Kuya Ditos imprinted in my memory as my 1st parents and dear Uncles and Aunties. Kuya Ditos was a natural leader because he had influence and narrated stories and anecdotes well. 

He was closest to his parents, Tata Paul and Tita Aming, the tallest and maybe the biggest (K. Enteng was not in the circle) and the oldest (as K. Lito was always not around). 

He had savvy. He operated an Akai open reel  adult role models, next to tape recorder which repeatedly played Supremes Hit with Diana Ross as lead singer. During Christmas Holidays, “Baby Love, I Hear a Symphony, Where did our Love Go, Stop in the Name of Love would be in the loop non-stop while they played mahjong or poker. His player would only stop when there was a brownout which was frequent those days or the power voltage was too low, Tata Paul’s step up transformer could not handle the load.

He liked to boogie. Public dances were events in the small town. K. Ditos would take the center stage to show off his graceful dancing prowess when Boogie is played with his stiff and bended elbow clutching the most popular girls in town. He was a cousin who could upstage his Uncles as he would be allowed to share the dance floor with Tata Nono and Tata Sal who were equally magnificent dancers.

He bluffed well commanding authority at the poker table. Betting against hard core gamblers as K. Lito, K. Bing, Tata Sal, Tata Noy, he was no push over. 

He was mischievous, perhaps an impact of his high school Jesuit education and the influence of his cousins. Articulate, he would express what he meant. Whenever the Supremes plays “You keep me hanging on” he would make a point about it.

When most of the families moved to Metro Manila, our encounters were less frequent limited only to the annual New Year’s Eve party hosted by his parents in BF Homes in Las Pinas. As in Ugac, our coalition roamed around the village watching basketball, firing lantacas, watching performances at the open courts while his age groups were enclosed in a room playing cards, eating and enjoying the gathering. 

As priorities changed, encounters were less often. Like everybody else going through the cycle of life, he worked, raised a family and eventually migrated to Indonesia. I eventually lost track of the music he liked, the games that he played and the company that he kept. What I know of is he continued to lead an enjoyable lifestyle combining travel, sports, photography events and lately social networking.

All of these are perceptions of a junior lad, looking up to a senior.

But beneath the lifestyle, love for life, the savvy, trail blazing and financial successes, I remember K. Ditos as a loving son, devoted to his family, respectful to Uncles and Aunties and a dear cousin to the 52 of us. These values plus my Ugac Sur experiences are what I cherish most about him.

“I hear a symphony,” a song of the Supremes perhaps describes his influence to us, the then younger ones. “For a feeling that's so new So inviting, so exciting Whenever you're near, I hear a symphony.” 

Thank you, Koya.

Some stories recalled during Pong’s visit in Manila last 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9SEY8eLyk&feature=kp"

Move with Guia! class schedules

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.." Robert Browning

well8aged@gmail.com

YOGA with Guia:

1) TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS  12 noon.  

United Medical Park, P.T.

$4.00 ($40 x 10 classes, pay to CVMS)

2) SATURDAYS,  10 am-11 am. 

Fusion Fitness (above Jameson's, East 4th) 

( $50-60 for 10 classes, pay to Fusion Fitness)

3) FRIDAYS,   8 am. 

Covenant Wellness

Membership or $8.00 drop in. 

ZUMBA with Guia:

1) SATURDAYS 2:15 pm - 330 pm

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr. 

$3+ donation  (Move with Guia)

2)  TUES & THURS.  3:45 pm- 4;40 pm,  

Covenant Wellness.

Membership or $8.00 drop in.

3) Zumba Gold, Covenant Wellness,   TUES.  10:30 a.m. 

TAI CHI with Guia:

1)  SATURDAYs, 8:30 a.m- 925 a.m. 

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr.

$3+ donation  (Move with Guia)

2.  TUESDAYs,  9 a.m.

Covenant Wellness.

Membership or $8.00 drop in.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013

Move with Guia!

Move with Guia!
Certifiably affordable great fitness classess!
P.T.,  YogaFit IV/Kids/Seniors/PrenatalPostnatal/Trauma;  Zumba I, II, Zumbatomic,  Zumba Gold; TaiChi for Rehabilitation and TC for Arthritis certified.

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.." Robert Browning

YOGA: 

Tues and Thurs, United Medical Park, P.T. 12 noon.  $4.00 for my parents' fund.  (Move with Guia) 

 Wed. at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5 30 pm.  $3

Fridays,  8 am. Covenant Wellness,  membership or $8.00 drop in.

ZUMBA:

SUNDAYS, 2-330 pm

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr.

$3+ donation for my parents' fund.  (Move with Guia)

Tues.  at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5:00 pm.  $3    (Move with Guia)

Thurs. at  at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5 30 pm.  $3    (Move with Guia)

TAI CHI, 

Saturdays, 8:30 -9:15 a.m. at Landmark Commons,   $3 donation . (Move with Guia).

Covenant Wellness, Tues 840 am and Fri 9 am. membership or  $8 drop in fee

Move with Guia, 12-13

My classes: 

well8aged@gmail.com

YOGA with Guia:

1) TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS  12 noon.  

United Medical Park, P.T.

$4.00 ($40 x 10 classes, pay to CVMS)

2) SATURDAYS,  10 am-11 am. 

Fusion Fitness (above Jameson's, East 4th) 

( $60 for 10 classes, pay to Fusion Fitness)

3) FRIDAYS,   8 am. 

Covenant Wellness

Membership or $8.00 drop in. 

ZUMBA with Guia:

1)  SUNDAYS, 2:30-330 pm

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr.

$3+ donation  (Move with Guia)

2)  TUES & THURS.  3:45 pm- 4;40 pm,  

Covenant Wellness.

Membership or $8.00 drop in.

TAI CHI with Guia:

1)  SATURDAYs, 8:20 a.m- 925 a.m. (none this weekend)

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr.

$3+ donation  (Move with Guia)

2.  TUESDAYs,  8:40 a.m- 9:40 a.m.

 Covenant Wellness.

Membership or $8.00 drop in.

Move with Guia!

Move with Guia!
Certifiably affordable great fitness classess!
P.T.,  YogaFit IV/Kids/Seniors/PrenatalPostnatal/Trauma;  Zumba I, II, Zumbatomic,  Zumba Gold; TaiChi for Rehabilitation and TC for Arthritis certified.

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.." Robert Browning

YOGA: 

Tues and Thurs, United Medical Park, P.T. 12 noon.  $4.00 for my parents' fund.  (Move with Guia) 

 Wed. at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5 30 pm.  $3

Fridays,  8 am. Covenant Wellness,  membership or $8.00 drop in.

ZUMBA:

SUNDAYS, 2-330 pm

LANDMARK COMMONS FITNESS CENTER

MaxHelen Dr.

$3+ donation for my parents' fund.  (Move with Guia)

Tues.  at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5:00 pm.  $3    (Move with Guia)

Thurs. at  at Fusion Fitness above Jameson's on East 4th, 5 30 pm.  $3    (Move with Guia)

TAI CHI, 

Saturdays, 8:30 -9:15 a.m. at Landmark Commons,   $3 donation . (Move with Guia).

Covenant Wellness, Tues 840 am and Fri 9 am. membership or  $8 drop in fee

Easter Vigil, March 30, 2013

It felt like Christmas - a sumptuous meal, a special Mass, time with family and friends, a joyous time.  Snra Martha prepared with her culinary flair, a delicious glazed ham,  white and sweet baked potatoes, asparagus with ginger and garlic, jello with cabbage and sweet pineapple, home baked breads, along with squid balls and Molo soup by Felipe and Avic,  a delicious salad by Janet,   and was enjoyed by all including Jim, Mauricio and us before the Easter Vigil mass at St Edward's Church.  Dessert was reserved after the vigil as we were short of time with all the talk, laughter and eating.

The Church was bedecked with flowers,  in contrast to the bare Church the past days of the Triduum.    

The Easter Vigil, albeit long, is beautiful and a meaningful service. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the end of Lent. It is composed of (1) The Service of Light, (2) Liturgy of the Word, (3) Liturgy of Baptism, (4) Liturgy of the Eucharist.

(1) The Service of Light: The Church was dim.   We went out to the Entrance where prayers were said, and the Pascal Candle was lit from a new fire, a bonfire.  Our candles were then lighted from the Paschal Candle. This is the big, tall candle, from which light is the source for all lights for baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations, the Eucharist during the next whole year. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.

(2) Liturgy of the Word: Nine readings are typically read, seven Old Testament and two New Testament. These readings espouse the goodness of God, help us reflect on His wonderful works since the beginning of time. The readings were 1) the story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2; 2) Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18; 3) Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:15–15:1; 4) Isaiah 54:5-14; 5) Isaiah 55:1-11; 6) Baruch 3:9-15.32–4:4; 7) Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28; 8) Romans 6:3-11; and 9) Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.   I think readings 6,7, 8 were not read in the interest of time.

Father 's homily was brief and succint,  talking about Jesus giving wholly of himself  for us up to death,  and now rising to life;  and mentioning  the new members of St. Edwards soon to be baptized and confirmed.

(3) Liturgy of Baptism
Easter water was blessed, the newest members of St Edwards (from young kids to adults) were baptized at the baptismal font,  confirmed and recognized around the altar,  a very touching moment.  We renewed our baptismal vows.

(4) Liturgy of Eucharist
The Mass is resumed with Easter prayers. The Gloria is said again. The church bells silent since Holy Thursday, are vigorously rang again. Holy water is in the fonts again. The Easter Vigil lasted about 2 hours and 15 minutes,  but time is immaterial.

Halleluia, the Lord is risen!

We went back to Snra's place,  enjoying her desserts of Lemon pie, Tocino del cielo, and my usual gulaman, lychee and buko drink. We stayed till 1 a.m.

Happy Easter to all!  Peace, graces, and light.

Source: http://www.catholicculture and experience.

Sharing a Christmas letter from a friend, a devoted monk.

December 22, 2012

Greetings from New Melleray! Winter has covered the Iowa plains with snow, but God
continues to kindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in our hearts as we eagerly await the coming of Christ.

Many of you have asked me, “what is life in the monastery like?” From the surface our life is not that different from secular life. I cook, clean, assemble caskets, do laundry, and take classes like Monastic Spiritual Theology (Spring ), Intro to Old Testament (Fall ) and singing. Earlier this year, I assisted with the care of the sick brothers. Today I just finished digging parsnips out of the ground.

But beneath the surface, our life fulfills what was spoken of the Messiah who will come “announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation.” Isaiah 52:7.

“Announcing peace” - In a world plagued by violence between peoples of: 1) the same
nationality (Syria); 2) different ethnic groups (Palestinians and Israelites); 3) the same household (DV), it is nothing short of miraculous to have thirty men (not related by blood nor of similar personality) living together in fraternal charity.

“Bearing good news” - More than ever our culture tells us that only with money, power, sex and the latest electronic gadget can we possibly be happy. Living a simple, celibate, vegetarian and secluded life we announce that even if we are deprived of everything we can find joy in the good news of Jesus Christ. As St. Anselm writes, “a sacrifice willingly undertaken does not lead to wretchedness.” Cur Deus Homo. All the ordinary activities I listed above are done for the sake of Christ and so become consecrated to God and for His glory. We also “bear good news” when in imitation of Mary who carried our Lord Jesus in her womb, we also carry the word of God in our hearts as we meditate on Holy Scripture throughout the day (at work and at chapel).

“Announcing salvation” - Monastic life foreshadows what we will be doing for all eternity – gazing at the “serene and kindly countenance” of our Father. Eucharistic Prayer I. I had the pleasure to see many of you this year (and make new friends too!). Several of you noted that I had lost weight. Some ask why don't you eat more? Part of it is vanity: I don't want to look like a giant jelly donut!
But the main reason is that “fasting raises the mind to the contemplation of divine realities.” Summa Theologica II-IIa, q. 147, art. 1. In turn as we contemplate God, the mind is no longer “dragged down by thoughts of food, nor anxiety concerning dress; it keeps holiday from earthly cares and devotes all its energies to the acquisition of the good things which are eternal.” St. Basil, Letter 2. Perhaps more
importantly, we begin to see Christ in each other anticipating the reality of heaven where we will all love one another.

I am excited about this life because in praying seven times a day in Church we join all the redeemed who praise God day and night singing without end: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Rev 4:8. My prayer is that Christ, the splendor of eternal light, may come and enlighten our hearts that we may become children of light. Thank you for being part of my life.

We remain united in Christ,

The Making 0f Eca Mamaco

Nostalgia. My brother Chito's notes on the Eca Mamaco MTV:
6 years ago, July 2006, when the FBB reunion planning committee was conceiving of a theme for the forthcoming 31st Bautista-Bautista-Carrillo Family reunion in December, the idea of not forgetting the Bautista roots was seeded by KoTon and Teresa to Tita Tessie.

KoTon’s concept dwelt on looking at the future through the past which Teresa translated in words “E mu cacalinguan, Bautista ca.”

The idea eventually evolved as a song presentation using the original Pampango lyrics of ”E ca mamaco”, popularly believed to be composed by Lolo Felix Bautista. To put life to the song, Tessa visualized an audio video presentation featuring family members’ old and contemporary photos against the soundtrack of the familiar Pampango folk music.

Encouraged by the general excitement and acceptance, Teresa initiated the planning and production of an MTV funding the creation of a musical bed, minus one and a dummy soundtrack.

Initially assessed by the oldies Tita Betts and Tita Tessie even Ate Corrie, inputs on the raw output were provided centering on the correct syntax, pronunciation and structure. As further enhancements were made, old photos were collected coming mainly from the files of Tita Tessie, the Razon’s and even the Vergara’s and the Carrillo’s. Contemporary photos were grabbed from the files of Mayo Bautista and other younger photographers.

As the line producer of the project, Tessa working with husband Raul laid in the final soundtrack and oversaw the appropriate use and transition of the visuals. Tita Tessie saw it appropriate to end the presentation with Tatat and even provided a bookmark with Tatat’s picture as a material for digital scanning.

3 December 2006, in the air conditioned social hall of the Carrillo’s at the Don Enriquez Subdivision in Quezon City watched by about 200 relatives, “E Ca Mamaco” was premiered and warmly received by relatives and friends. Using technology, the video was privately circulated all over the world to share the message of not forgetting one’s roots, that of a Bautista. (It was on the same reunion when we launched Tita Nette's book Dear Pamangkin. to immortalize her letters to her pamangkins.)

Because of the association of the MTV with Teresa and the use of her voice in the raw outputs, it has created an urban myth that she sang the soundtrack. We leave it at that, a myth.

In the 37th Bautista-Bautista-Carrillo reunion hosted by the FBB at the Bel Air Multipurpose Hall in Makati, “E Ca Mamaco” in its original edit was aired to close the glorious family reunion as requested by the birthday celebrant Tita Tessie.

Six years after its premiere, “E Ca Mamaco” still evokes the same message but with a deeper appreciation for its intention because so many milestone events have happened and a stronger call of bonding is needed. The presentation reminds us that the Bautista will endure because “E mu cacalinguan, Bautista ca.”

Thanks to all who helped make it happen. Maligayang Pasko!

http://tochsarchives.blogspot.com/2012/12/e-ca-mamaco.htm
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