AFP

(this column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! We’re into another weekend; and yes, off we go to the second Sunday of Lent. Talking about Lent, today’s title is just about that (well, almost). It has nothing to do with the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the military, or the Melo Commission, or the controversy that’s brewing as an offshoot of Philip Alston’s findings which led to Sec. Gonzales uttering the muchacho comment (ahh, what’s Sec. Gonzales without being acerbic? I don’t like it, but I don’t dislike it either. Except for once, when I loved how he got the flak after his comments against Cory Aquino).

AFP is a part of what I got from last Sunday’s liturgy wherein the theme was one on temptation (before I forget, the priest gave emphasis on the temptation on power. Hmm, just in time for the elections). We’re in for the season of AFP – A for alms-giving, F for forgiveness and P for prayer. I suppose, that’s something many of us we have been told since time we can remember, I mean the acts of doing good towards (all) our fellowmen. Just like the Christmas season when most of us are into our seasonal generosity, it’s nice to have these forty days in preparation for the greatest feast of all which is Easter. I guess many of us find being good to everyone all the time a very tall order, thus all the reason to go to confession every now and then. So this season is a welcome relief from that hard task (magulo ba?). Do I hear some say that it’s an occupational hazard that goes with being a Christian? (Please forgive me, just wanna make you smile)

* * *

For the Church in the Philippines, last Sunday was also National Migrants’ Sunday. The OFW phenomenon is certainly something. The government, sincerely or otherwise, have always referred to them as the (much-ballyhooed) modern-day heroes of the country. Three presidents - Cory, Erap and PGMA - have always included meeting with OFWs part of their itineraries during their state visits; and yes, also the annual grand welcome at the airport during Christmas.

Back to last Sunday’s liturgy. Prayers were said for the welfare of the OFWs and their families. Their sacrifices were compared to the cross of Jesus which was a source of salvation. The sacrifices of the OFWs resulted in dollar remittances that sustained the Philippines in times of crises. They have another sacrifice (?) to bear. It’s election time, and no need to mention it, the OFWs are among the issues floating in the air.

* * *

Beauty pageant candidate disqualified coz she did not disclose details about her previous job. She was too honest to tell the organizers that she once worked in a night club. So much for honesty (and chastity?).

Talking about candidates. Can’t the COMELEC do the same thing about their set of candidates? I mean, at the slightest hint of dishonesty (by the candidate), tsugi! (oops, smile, it’s a weekend)

* * *

Belated birthday greetings to City Assessor Arnol Trani. He turned a year older last Friday (Feb. 23); and to Fr. Romy Manzanero and Ms. Baby Sabenicio (Feb. 28).

* * *

Last Saturday, we were at the Isidro residence for a mirienda cena, in celebration of the 40th day of Mano Boy’s receiving the gift of eternal life. The Isidro family gave out cards which contained this beautiful poem:

“My Life’s been full, I’ve savored much.
Good Friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
I’m with God now, I’ve been set free.”

* * *

This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!