Living in Davao: An Exile Turned a Beautiful Experience

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. 

INTERMISSION DAW! A SERIES OF THANKS.....

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."

Voices in Praise of God and in Defense of His Creation

“Voices in Praise.” The Parish Choir from Malimono emerged as the Champion for the 4^th Diocesan Choral Festival held last August 6, 2012 at Provincial Capitol Area, Surigao City. 

 Not too long, the IFI faithful all over the country felt the pride as the revolutionary and Filipino-made church celebrated its 110^th year of existence. I also felt the same when I was able to view the 110^th Proclamation Anniversary Mass via live stream.

My feel of pride was heightened when I got the privilege to witness the live performances of the parish choirs in the Diocese of Surigao as they held the 4^th Diocesan Choral Festival. It was also timely as the Mindanao Committee on Liturgy and Music was to hold a meeting also in Surigao City and I was tasked to represent the Diocese of Davao.

Earlier that day, the Holy Eucharist in celebration of the Lord's Transfiguration was presided by the Diocesan Bishop of Surigao together with the bishops of Libertad and Oroquieta. Before the Eucharistic celebration, the blessing of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration’s new altar, pulpit, and stained glass walls took place.

"Glass Walls depicting Glory of Christ" The Cathedral of the Transfiguration's new altar and stained glass walls. In the morning of August 6, 2012 before the Eucharistic Celebration, the Bishop of Surigao presided over the blessing and the Holy Mass followed in celebration of the Lord's Transfiguration, one of the main activities for the Diocesan Thanksgiving Day and 110th IFI Proclamation Anniversary Diocesan Celebration. 

Meet, Greet and Discuss

As a volunteer worker for the Committee on Liturgy and Music in the Diocese of Davao, I was honored to represent in his behalf, our head, Fr. Ariston Raymundo at the Mindanao Committee on Liturgy and Music Meeting last August 6, 2012 held at Golden Mile Pension House, Surigao City.

“When Musical Minds Meet.” Rt. Rev. Rudy Juliada of Libertad Diocese presides over the meeting of the Mindanao Committee on Liturgy and Music held at Golden Mile Pension House, Surigao City. 

The committee was headed by the Rt. Rev. Rudy Juliada of the Diocese of Libertad. Members present were Rev. Fr. Michael Quidilla of Libertad Diocese, Rev. Deacon Jerson Nazareno of Pagadian Diocese, Rev. Fr. Elgen Escobal of Dinagat Diocese and Rev. Fr. Manuel Marasigan of Oroquieta Diocese.

As the appointed secretary for that meeting, I took note of the proceedings. Part of their discussions was how to popularize the songs which came from the previous Mindanao Music Festival held at Cagayan de Oro City in 2010.

In line with that notion, the members proposed on holding song workshops in the different dioceses and will be conducted by the Mindanao Committee on Liturgy and Music. Regarding this, the 11 Dioceses of Mindanao will be divided into four clusters thus, there will be four workshops to be done before the end of this year.

Watch, Judge and Decide

After the meeting, we hurriedly went to the Surigao Provincial Capitol Area as one of the highlights of the Thanksgiving Day of IFI-Surigao Diocese was to unfold at 6 in the evening. The reason for the rush: the committee members will also to sit as the jurors for the choir competition.

"Jurors on a Table" The board of Judges for the 4th Diocesan Choral Festival held last August 6, 2012 at the Provincial Capitol Area, Surigao City. Chair of the Board of Judges was Mindanao CLM Head, Bishop Juliada. 

Holding such kind of event is a remarkable move for the Diocese of Surigao led by its ever energetic diocesan bishop, Rt. Rev. Rhee Timbang. As stated during the program, before the very event last August 6, the deanery level eliminations were first conducted. The competition was not aimed at mainly to develop competition among parishes but on the other side, it encourages the establishment of a permanent choir in the parishes to serve the needs of liturgical celebrations.

The nine parish choirs were the “cream of the crop” as these groups have gone through the qualifying rounds. The original song compositions dwelt on the diocesan theme: “Called to Worship, Commissioned to Serve: "Pursue God's Peace! Uphold the Integrity of God's Creation!"(1 Peter 3:11/Genesis 1:31).

Here is a list of the Surigao Diocese parish choirs who made it to the final competition:

1.   Timamana Parish Choir

2.   Dapa Parish Choir

3.   Cathedral Parish Choir

4.   Rizal Parish Choir

5.   Alegria Parish Choir

6.   Malimono Parish Choir

7.   Placer Parish Choir

8.   Sison Parish Choir

9.   Socorro Parish Choir

"Voices from the Nearby Island" The Socorro Parish Choir, directed by fellow Sillimanian Mr. Florano, got the bronze (third place) as with the recently concluded 4th Diocesan Choral Festival of the Diocese of Surigao held last August 6, 2012 at the Provincial Capitol Area, Surigao City. 

The performances were worth the long hours of travel from Davao to Surigao City. The music coming from the nine choirs competing seemed to become a massage to my whole system as it helped take away the stress from the long travel.

"Harmonic Singers Dressed in Dominant Pink and Violet" The Parish Choir from Placer bagged the Silver (Second Place)  for the 4th Diocesan Choral Festival of the Diocese of Surigao held last August 6, 2012 at the Provincial Capitol Area, Surigao City. 

“All of you are winners,” said Rt. Rev. Rudy Juliada of Libertad Diocese, before announcing the results. The groups which emerged victorious were Malimono Parish Choir won the first place and parish choirs from Placer and Socorro grabbed the second and third place, respectively.

"Belting out to the Gold" The Parish Choir of Malimono grabbed the gold for the 4th Diocesan Choral Festival of the Diocese of Surigao held last August 6, 2012 at the Provincial Capitol Area, Surigao City. 

The choral competition was a showcase of grandeur attained by the Diocese of Surigao. The voices in harmony conveyed the variety of people who worked in the local churches and may seem  to be different from each other but are united in Christ and in service to men. 

Food, Accommodation and Hospitality at its Best

My stay in Surigao City was made more enjoying and comfortable due to the warm accommodation given by the bishop of Surigao himself, and the pension house owner and attendants of Golden Mile.

Sumptuous foods were served with a smile and a high dose of hospitality by the host. The mouth-watering taste of seafood dishes like squids made into “kinilaw and adobo”, fresh fish cooked into the favorite “tinola and prito” in the table were never a miss in every meal we have had.

"Bon Appetit" The guests never hesitated to give in a smile after a sumptuous meal. 

The welcoming arms of the IFI-Diocese of Surigao would make its visitors to come back to its abodes once in a while.

The Glory of IFI Displayed in Surigao Diocese

For years, I have heard of Surigao Diocese and how it has put into great motion its ministry to God and His people, aside from being a model diocese for the church’s centralization program.

But being an eyewitness for two days gave me a nostalgic feel that the whole of IFI could have attained its grandeur as a church if only we have set aside our self-kept personal motives then, follow the sacrificial path for the church to become stable in finances and in the ministry to His people.

I was proud as an IFI to see and witness for myself that our church is being respected in the place. I was also touched by the firm stand of the diocese against large scale mining which was evident not only in their large posters outside the churches but also noticeable in their advocacy and programs in the local churches.

"The Living Heritage thru Banners and Flags" The Frontage of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, the Seat of the Diocesan Bishop of Surigao Diocese is being seen with a large poster with a very poignant advocacy of protecting the environment and upholding eco-justice. 

Ecumenism was also evident as they grow good relationships with ministers and faithful of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in the different locales. This church whom we signed a Covenant of Partnership also shares almost all of our advocacies as with the pro-people movements.

Even the recently conducted 4^th Diocesan Choral Festival is one of the indicators that the IFI in Surigao has grown so much more than the dioceses in the whole of the archipelago. The diocese now produces its own songs and music for the liturgical celebrations and pursues uniformity in songs and hymns usage in its parishes and missions.

To note the expansion of the church, the Diocese of Surigao gave birth to the Diocese of Dinagat and soon, the Diocese of Siargao. This is a proof of the growing that this diocese has caused to the whole of IFI. 

Indeed, the glory of IFI can be best seen in a diocese located almost at the tip of the Philippines, and that is  in Surigao.  Kudos to the great leadership of Rt. Rev. Rhee Timbang for the remarkable achievements and for letting me see the IFI’s glory right before my very eyes.

"A Temple at the Top" The Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Seat of the Diocesan Bishop of Surigao Diocese located at Km.2 National Road, Surigao City. 

(This is a Feature Article on the 4th Diocesan Choral Festival of the IFI – Diocese of Surigao. This is a personal blog entry and the opinions expressed on this blog is not of the IFI-Diocese of Surigao or any of the dioceses I may have belonged to. The reason why I published this is in my personal blog is for  me to convey that this is of my own opinion and thus, free from any external dictates.- Klein Emperado)

My Music Mission and the Art Ignoring the Devil’s Temptations

Cousins in Music with DYEC Officers. My sister Killian Emperado (Soprano 2) and cousins Darice Infante (Alto), and Bighani Bayawa (Soprano 1) with me as director, with the special participation of Kuya Donald Quio, YIFI DINOS President and Roi Ponce,YIFI DINOS Vice-President sang for the Fiesta Mass of Dumaguete back in November 2009.

The path of service is not an easy road to take. Along the way you will meet the devil taking the human form in order to weaken you and make you quit serving the Great Master. On the other hand, God sends His angels to comfort you and make you strong so that you will not give in to the devil’s temptations.

Even Jesus was tempted by the devil but ignored the three temptations which were almost convincing (Matthew 4:11). The devil hides and lives on those people whose faith is not genuine. These are the ones you see in church oftentimes but do not live what their mouth says. Relating to the Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:1-23), these people are likened to the seeds which fell upon the thorns. In short, their faith is just a complete show-off to other people and there are a lot of personal interests which dwell deep within their subconscious.

But human as we are, sometimes we let the devil overpower our love for God. It is our love for God which causes us to serve Him without any reservation. Yet as we go deeper and contemplate, we are reminded that gold is tested on fire in order to prove its worth. Another anecdote which could be associated with tests is that of the teabag. A teabag cannot be extracted of its true flavor unless put into hot water.

The hardest part of serving God is when people look down, step on your rights, and at times, underestimate your capacity. But in the end, you will realize that the Spirit is present in your life as you would not do anything bad against these people who mistreat you. You are silenced, humbled and thus allow yourself to be given some destructive remarks which are seemingly thoughtless and unnecessary. Being silent would mean complete humility and like Jesus you may say:” Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).”

In serving God, you would need to swallow all the hurts and pains and do continue with what you do for His greater glory. For if you quit, the devil will laugh at you for he has won on the test he has given. Pride is of the human instinct but when you think of the fact that you are more of a spiritual being, you just need to learn the art of swallowing your own pride and mind not of your ego.

        The Hosanna Choir of IFI-Ayungon, my other choir aside from the
 IFI Choristers (IFI-Tayasan)and the Tayasan Central School Children's
                                 Choir (school-based choir).

In my five years of a choir director and  almost two decades as a church worker, I have encountered so many people who have insulted me, gave reckless comments and some even showed rude acts but after all those, I realized that I had to be firm in my faith. I normally lift everything up to God for I know He is a God of Justice.

 

 

 

But on the part of forgiving these people, I have to confess that it would take a long time for me to do such act. I pray that God will soon grant me the gift to forgive those who have caused me some pain.

As I continue serving God, I will not mind those intimidating factors which surround lest, I will be like a horse always looking upfront. It is God’s guidance and loving presence which keeps me going and helps me to persevere in working for His Greater Glory.

The Risen Lord Chorale, my one year choir here in IFI-Davao.These talented young people are the chosen ones who would later take the music mission on their own soon.

With the music mission I am now into, I am happy to hear people who have been inspired through our songs and music. I will keep the fire of service burning and unwavering throughout all the years of my life as God’s chosen court musician.

 

 

 

I am superbly thankful to the people and groups did not only prepare me for the music mission, but also these individuals and circles of people have given me the enough supply of faith and courage as I journey the path of service - “road less taken.”

From the Saint Louis School – Don Bosco Music Ministry, to the Ave Maria Guild (Dumaguete Redemptorist Parish), to the Mary Immaculate Choristers (Mary Immaculate Parish), and lastly to the world renowned Silliman University Campus Choristers (now Silliman University Gratitude and Goodwill Ambassadors), these training groups were heaven sent and did prepare me for the great mission God has called me to do.

The Silliman University Campus Choristers, the official choir of 
Silliman University, taking a pose with our Director, Dr. Susan
Vista-Suarez after a performance.

Mentors like Stanley Asignar, a former Salesian brother who filled me with his encouragements, Carl Jason Villegas, my high school classmate and pianist, Fr. Rae Enecio, SDB (my piano teacher), Absalon Boladola, my high school music teacher, Melanie Boladola-Galera, my friend and choir teacher, and lastly to Dr. Susan Vista-Suarez of the Silliman University College of Performing and Visual Arts, who was my great inspiration and in forming groups and in playing the music from the workings of the Spirit.

As I recall, I can say that the Great God and my ever-artistic Director has prepared me to take on a mission of spreading His Word through Music. But along with those preparations, are a full pack of lessons and encouraging words which I would need during the journey.

This picture shows the members of the Ave Maria Guild at the

background and me playing the organ at the Redemptorist Parish

 in Dumaguete. Here is where I grew up to be a church musician.

Letter to a Father

To my dearest Papa, Daddy, Tatay,

I may not thank you always for the things you have painstakingly done in my life and for the sacrifice you have done for my own sake. You have not just taken me as your responsibility but you have made it an eternal commitment to take concern after my needs and my welfare as a whole.

But I am thankful for this day solely dedicated to you that I have the chance to say: “Thank You!”

A million thanks to my great protector and my silent knight in shining armor!

Pa, Dad, Tay, I may never be the best child you may have in this lifetime but I will try to be one who you can call your own and you can be proud of. I will do my best to be like you as you are my idol, my hero, my provider, taking after your steps as what you have done in our family.

Soon, I will leave our home and build my own but it is your fatherly love and mom’s motherly affection I will take and cherish forever in my heart.

I cannot repay what you have done in my life but one thing I promise is to take care of my future family like you did.

I would never tire to tell my children in the years to come that you have raised me well and that, your unconditional love has made me what I am today.

I am so proud to have you as my father. If given the chance to live again and choose a father. I’d search for you and pick you up for I know you are the best for me. God gave you to me because you are perfect for me.

Thank you! I love you!

You are the greatest and the most admirable Papa, Daddy, Tatay!

Happy Father’s Day!

Real Life Superheroes

As a child, we grew up with the fantasies of becoming a superhero and more than that, we have chosen a character to idolize for their amazing powers. Not too long, we’ve got into the Avenger’s craze.

But as we grow up, have we realized that there are genuine superheroes that are making our lives more comfortable as of now? Do not look far; she’s your mom.

Remember the first time, you stumbled off the road and got some bruises? Who was the first to give a hug and rescue you from the pain you were faced? It was that Supermom who whispered some words into your ear saying: “Stop crying, mom is here.”

She made you into an energetic superhero in the making as she prepares you a sumptuous breakfast before going to a holistic battle at school. When you felt like quitting school, she had the strongest words of encouragement in order to lift you up from your disappointments. 

Supermoms would leave their problems behind and prioritize their child’s concerns. Her selflessness is immeasurable at all times. Her unselfish act began when she carried her child for nine long months which were filled with discomfort and sacrifice. As children, the first reason we should thank about our mother was the act of almost losing her life upon childbirth.  

Mothers always share the pains, joys, failures and successes of their children. But as children, have we made a step further to make our Supermoms happy? Even once, have we asked of their problems?

It is not only on Mother’s Day that we should honor our very energetic, powerful and beautiful moms. Let’s make it a habit to thank them once in a while even for little favors they do for us.

At times when we mumble and ask why a mother acts so overprotective over her child, just keep in mind how great a sacrifice she made just to make you see the light of day.

Love for our mothers can be easily expressed through words but it could be more profound and touching when we do it through actions. Happy Mother’s Day to all Supermoms!