Coming to Davao was like an exile to me. It meant a new life and a brand new environment to be embraced. But this exile is not the miserable or lonely one like those of refugees and political prisoners. What I have felt during the 1 year and 8 months of stay right at the heart of the "city in bloom" was a sweet and worthwhile learning experience in all aspects of my life.
Among the many reasons why I called my stay in Davao a sweet exile, here are but five big reasons which I have pointed out after I thought of making this blog.
Fulfillment in Church Ministry
When I came to Davao, I was aiming for fulfillment and stability in my professional career but later did I know that God has His greater plans for me. He has sent me to a new mission field in spreading His love trough music.
In May 2011, I arrived to seek employment in Davao City and for me to cope with the homesickness which could possibly make me die later, I went to the nearest Iglesia Filipina Independiente which was located just blocks away from where my father and I lived.
I was thankful to be welcomed by Bishop Callao and some other loyal parishioners. Right then, I started to build a choir for the Cathedral of the Risen Lord. In May 2011, Risen Lord Chorale was established and the group has constantly evolved into a bunch of singers for the Lord with almost difficult repertoires for the Mass.
As a loyal member of IFI, I also learned some new things from resources and from Bishop Callao himself on the conduct of the liturgy and the basic beliefs of IFI regarding the Eucharist and other sacraments.
My ministry here in IFI Davao City has opened many doors of learning and experience for me. Back then in my home diocese, I was only in-charge of songs but in Davao, I became like a coordinator for the whole liturgy. I printed readings for Sunday and special celebrations and also, I was made responsible to make slides for the Mass containing the responses and the songs. This made me realize one of the most essential things in the liturgical celebrations: the participation of the congregation.
Apart from those, I also accomplished some unexpected outputs which I cannot believe to have done. In the need for new songs for the Diocese of Davao, I compiled songs for the Seasons of Lent and Advent. I also was able to manage to conduct music writing workshops in preparation for the Diocesan Music Festival last August 2012. Given the authority by the diocesan bishop, and with his assistance and with Fr. Dennis Maquerme, the three workshops in three separate areas were made into full completion. One of the most fulfilling and teary-eyed moments happened as performers from different parishes in the diocese went up on stage to showcase their own liturgical compositions born out of the song writing workshops I've conducted.
In my home diocese, I used to compose songs which had the song themes regarding the youth or the environment but last October 2011, I was able to come up with one of my first few liturgical song compositions entitled: "Binhi sa Gugma." A line up of songs for the Mass will soon be completed this year and I hope to launch it in my home diocese.
As with working with the young, I was like an older brother, a youth organizer, recollection facilitator and even a chaperon for the youth camp. To the extent that I had to be the Menu Planner for their meals during the youth camp last May 2012 at Labangal, General Santos City.
Foster Family
"I have not much realized how meaningful my 1 year and 8 months of stay in the IFI-Cathedral of Davao until that Sunday morning (January 27, 2012) when a short program was inserted during the Sunday Mass (after Communion). I was not able to hold my tears as the faithful also shed their tears in appreciation for what I have done.
I was so thankful to all, the young people, the Nanays, the Tatays, to Bishop Callao and family, and to Fr. Jorge. It is an honor to be a part of such a beautiful faith community here in Davao. Hugs, kisses, and tears were like a pay-off for all the sacrifices, including personal sacrifices just to give the people a fitting and solemn feel during worship and above all, to glorify the Lord through music."
The reason why I was not so home sick during my stay in Davao is because of the people who have treated me as their own child. Parishioners have opened their doors and became my adoptive families. Indeed, the IFI of Davao City has given me a family away from my family.
To Elsa and Paul Daguplo, thank you for giving me such a wonderful family. Through joys, pains, happiness, struggles and victories, you have supported me along the way. Treating me like your own child was the most profound way of showing your love for me as well as to your kids who also consider me, their true sibling.
To Tita Letty and Tito Rizal Saligumba and Maam Teodora Dajalos: I would always be grateful that I met the kind of people like you who love the church the same way I do. Thank you for the love and the care you have shown me. I maybe "pasaway" at times, but you continue to see the good side of me. Thank you for the gifts, and all that you have contributed in my life and in the enrichment of my ministry.
To Bishop Callao and family, I thank you a million times for welcoming me into your flock and for being so proud of my achievements. You may have not known this but I thank you for educating me to become a true IFI through your words, actions and even your constant encouragements. Thank you for giving me the chance to work for the diocese in such a short yet worthwhile time. Thank you also to Tita Ging-Ging and Karla for the love and care they have shown me. God bless you in the continued journey of faith in the ministry.
To Fr. Jorge, you may be misinterpreted by some but I am so thankful to know you personally and deep down. Thank you for the encouragements, love and generosity. Your appreciation of my work in the church goes beyond affirmation and I would keep it in my heart till I end this journey on earth. Thank you for treating me like how you treat your child. I admire the discipline you impose on those who belong to your circle.
To the young people and the choir, continue what we have started. Yes, we are the seeds of change and from us, will sprout the developments of the church. You already know what to do in church, keep the fire of service. From this day on, I pass on the torch with a burning flame of service to God and country. With the music mission, I know you can do it. God will bless you and will equip you as long as you ask for the Spirit's guidance in all you do.
FRIENDS
My life's journey in Davao would not be completed if not without the presence of friends aside from those in church. My friends from Tubigon or L.A. (Likod sa Aglipay) would always be remembered as they have been also my confidants in the very low and up times of my life.
I maybe so "IRO" to you at times but you don't know how much I appreciate the respect and love you gave me not thinking that I am a total stranger who just came into the scene.
I thank you all for the friendship you gave me and all of you will always be part of the best scenes of my life here on earth.
NEW AND UNEXPECTED CAREER VENTURES
My first job with ABS-CBN Davao was that exciting and the way I look at myself, I really cannot imagine myself being in a broadcast media outfit. My mind was focused on the ministry because I have seen the great need so I had to choose alternative jobs which could make me earn some good amount of income and at the same time, volunteer for church programs.
God is indeed a Constant Provider and so he has opened doors of opportunities like article writing, blogging and SEO jobs. I know more about writing but not online writing. I had to learn how such pieces are written, its tone, and what kind of words to use for the copy.
Also in Davao, I was made into a more computer savvy person as I knew how to convert file formats and other stuff of the like. In short, I was opened to the virtual world while I was in Davao.
FOOD AND ADVENTURE
Definitely one thing I would surely miss about Davao is the food. First of the kind is the street foods made available in San Pedro during the afternoons of each day. The "kwek-kwek," "fried isaw and isol," chicken skin and fish balls and more would always be missed by my tastebuds.
Buffet which costs at P99 to P150 would give a glutton like me some satisfaction. It is only here in Davao where you can also find fried chicken sold at P35 with unlimited rice. No wonder, my stomach grew bigger during my stay.
Aside from that, I have learned to love Durian (fresh ha?) and it would give me some feel of being energetic. Fruits like mangosteen, watermelon, mangoes, papaya, lanzones, rambutan and a lot more are available whole year round at a low price. Not to mention the low priced vegetables sold near Magallanes St., and it makes me remember that we used to buy eggplant for breakfast (Tortang Talong) sold only at P15 per kilo.
Places like the Crocodile Park, Jack's Ridge, Malagos Garden Resort, Philippine Eagle Center, People's Park, and many more are what I also love about Davao. Also, the trips to Samal Island and Talicud esp. at Isla Reta.
I didn't expect living in Davao would turn into a very fruitful and meaningful stay. From being like an exile, the stay was turned into a very beautiful experience of learning, survival, success, education and many more.
Indeed, I can say that in Davao, "Life is Here."
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To the young people and the choir, continue what we have started. Yes, we are the seeds of change and from us, will sprout the developments of the church. You already know what to do in church, keep the fire of service. From this day on, I pass on the torch with a burning flame of service to God and country. With the music mission, I know you can do it. God will bless you and will equip you as long as you ask for the Spirit's guidance in all you do.
My life's journey in Davao would not be completed if not without the presence of friends aside from those in church. My friends from Tubigon or L.A. (Likod sa Aglipay) would always be remembered as they have been also my confidants in the very low and up times of my life.
I maybe so "IRO" to you at times but you don't know how much I appreciate the respect and love you gave me not thinking that I am a total stranger who just came into the scene.
I thank you all for the friendship you gave me and all of you will always be part of the best scenes of my life here on earth.
NEW AND UNEXPECTED CAREER VENTURES
My first job with ABS-CBN Davao was that exciting and the way I look at myself, I really cannot imagine myself being in a broadcast media outfit. My mind was focused on the ministry because I have seen the great need so I had to choose alternative jobs which could make me earn some good amount of income and at the same time, volunteer for church programs.
God is indeed a Constant Provider and so he has opened doors of opportunities like article writing, blogging and SEO jobs. I know more about writing but not online writing. I had to learn how such pieces are written, its tone, and what kind of words to use for the copy.
Also in Davao, I was made into a more computer savvy person as I knew how to convert file formats and other stuff of the like. In short, I was opened to the virtual world while I was in Davao.
FOOD AND ADVENTURE
Definitely one thing I would surely miss about Davao is the food. First of the kind is the street foods made available in San Pedro during the afternoons of each day. The "kwek-kwek," "fried isaw and isol," chicken skin and fish balls and more would always be missed by my tastebuds.
Buffet which costs at P99 to P150 would give a glutton like me some satisfaction. It is only here in Davao where you can also find fried chicken sold at P35 with unlimited rice. No wonder, my stomach grew bigger during my stay.
Aside from that, I have learned to love Durian (fresh ha?) and it would give me some feel of being energetic. Fruits like mangosteen, watermelon, mangoes, papaya, lanzones, rambutan and a lot more are available whole year round at a low price. Not to mention the low priced vegetables sold near Magallanes St., and it makes me remember that we used to buy eggplant for breakfast (Tortang Talong) sold only at P15 per kilo.
Places like the Crocodile Park, Jack's Ridge, Malagos Garden Resort, Philippine Eagle Center, People's Park, and many more are what I also love about Davao. Also, the trips to Samal Island and Talicud esp. at Isla Reta.
I didn't expect living in Davao would turn into a very fruitful and meaningful stay. From being like an exile, the stay was turned into a very beautiful experience of learning, survival, success, education and many more.
Indeed, I can say that in Davao, "Life is Here."
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