JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999

by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 26, 1999 (Friday) –MISSION TRIALS

Another big day today. Bishop Pacana was around for the scheduled confirmation in the morning. For this event, we slept late last night … decorating the chapel. Chris and Karel took charge of the backdrop. I decorated the altar area with bromeliads. Vangie and Efren asked me to be their ninong. I obliged. Whew! The chapel was packed full. The ceremony went well. People were having their photos taken in front of the bromeliads. Maganda!

Confirmation rites for the high-school kids in Crossing-Cabuluhan was scheduled in the afternoon. The bishop couldn’t make it there anymore. Father Mat was more than willing to be commissioned "bishop," at least for an afternoon.

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February 28, 1999 (Sunday) – MISSION TRIALS

Jason woke me up early. Last night was a real treat. After arrival from Bukidnon, Fr. Francis Bustamante brought us around to see the night life in Cagayan de Oro. We went to this place they call the ‘Dynasty’ and ‘The Site’ with Father Francis and Caro Alcuaz. Father Mores, the Rector reportedly provided us the much needed funds. Father Francis was a real character. I’ve heard so many funny and sometimes unusual stories about him. He seems like one of the more cordial Jesuits around. Father Busta, as people call him, involves himself in many an "untypical" apostolates ... so he says. Some of his friends he asked us to meet.

We also visited the John Vianney Seminary this morning with Father Mon. There, we also met Eva Galvey and Frs. Tim Ofrasio and Fruto Ramirez among others. In Father Tim’s office, Oliver dropped some of his memorable one-liners: “Oh, you don’t have a sofa! This is nothing better than Fr. Johnny Go’s office,” Oliver blurted out. Father Tim, on the other hand responds: “Yes, because we’re very poor around here.” Oh … oh! Everyone thought of the incident as a real funny exchange. The seminary grounds are indeed sprawling. The gardens were reportedly designed by Fr. Joe Q. The facilities are truly at par or even better than the novitiate’s. The Mindanao seminarians are very lucky to have all these for themselves. I’m praying for more vocations from Mindanao.

It was also my first time to have an SD session with Father Mon. He cries a lot, I know yet compared to Father Benny … the later is the more recognized spiritual guru (for now). Fr. Mon is as well a good guy, I’m sure … but I thought he would need to challenge me more. Masyado syang mabait.

Sige … let’s get this over and done with. There are a lot of work that I would need to return to in Cabanglasan. With Father Mon, I was just being spontaneous. I was simply describing my experience in Umayam … the long, and death defying expedition. yet there I was telling Father Mon how I would wish to go back, how I would wish to once again bring God’s word and the faith to the mountain people. Simply saying all these made me cry. Nakakahiya. But the sharing was all worth it.

Father Mon treated us all for lunch. Sarap! Sarap. I’ve never seen so many Muslims in one chicken house ever in my life. Eva treated us, as well to CDO’s Buko Halo. This is indeed a break … and a complete break it was. We still had plenty of time. We ended up catching the ‘Prince of Egypt” in the local theater.

JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999

by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 21, 1999 (Sunday) – MISSION TRIALS

I tagged along with Father Mat again today for the regular Sunday services. For our first stop, we returned to Cabuluhan. I’m back to my adopted barrio. “Kamusta na kayo,” I had to asked everyone again. People were once again very accommodating. This soon, they already treat me as a family member. Oh … how much I see the Kingdom of God very much alive in this place. I’d truly treasure my memories in Cabuluhan for a very long time. Salamat sa lahat.

Second stop: to Mandaing where we met local folks Nida, Boy et al. After mass, Father Mat had to leave us for a while. He had no time to eat the prepared food. We had to eat the food for him. Tsk! Afterwhich, we needed to proceed to Crossing-Cabuluhan on our own. And we did. Karel, Chris and myself didn't bother to take off our soutanes. What a sight to behold … young Jesuits walking on dusty roads, bordered by corn and rice plantations! It was a truly warm and ‘hot’ way to evangelize. We arrived in Crossing-Cabuluhan in time for the consecration. After the mass, we were introduced again. We ate again. Teacher Adela from the high-school introduced her husband Rudy. Kuya Terio introduced as well, his family. After all the socials … we were back to the poblacion. We rested the morning away. Rest … rest … rest.

Since there’s nothing much to do in the afternoon, why not have our SDs with Father Mat. We were very sure he was inclined to accept our suggestion … being the longest serving novice master at Sacred Heart Novitiate. True enough, he obliged. Karel, Chris and myself took our turns. We had our talk in his hut, a few meters away from the convento. The place was quite simple. If not for the small chapel adjacent to Father Mat's quarters, the place can pass for any ordinary barrio residence. “What must I discuss with Father Mat?” I was asking myself. This time, perhaps, I needed to deal with my over-optimism. I couldn’t be all-positive at all times. There must be something wrong with me. “Is there, Father?,” I asked. Father Mat’s answer was quite simple. I was lucky, he said, for keeping a very positive outlook. Nevertheless, the good father suggests that I reflect deeply on the things that frsutrate me, the things that make me sad. He was just worried that I may simply be shoving these things under the rug. Hmmm … perhaps he was true.

Shortly, before dinner … a commotion ensued. The family of Salty arrived. Hmmm ... All the way from Manila? They carried with them all sorts of implements, boxes and stuff. The contigent was like the Kings who traveled far to visit the baby Jesus. Aha … they are here for the grand celebration. It will be Salty’s birthday tomorrow. Oooops … let’s not forget … Chris’ , too.

I had a worthwhile talk with Salty today about novitiate life. Vic Baltazar, who was with us since a couple of days ago left for Zamboanga today.

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February 22, 1999 – (Monday) – Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter – MISSION TRIALS

It’s Chris and Salty’s birthday. What a treat! The day starts at 3:00AM when the kids of the convento woke us up for Chris’ mananita. Chris was touched not to mention surprised … yet we were all sure that this was simply a front act to a main show that was to come. True enough, in a few minutes people from the barrios started trickling in. There must be over a dozen of them, carrying banners, candles and flowers. No one would think that they all came from kilometers away. Everyone trooped down quietly to Salty’s kubo a few meters away from the convento. What a magnificent site! A mass of people covered the whole backyard with lit candles that moved around like fireflies at dawn. In the barrios, people truly love their priests. This is an expression of that love. The barrios become one community in gatherings such as this.

Singing ensued waking up the birthday celebrant who was more than surprised to see the big crowd that gathered. The women brought with them flower offerings, as well. Salty expressed his heart-felt appreciation and as soon as the first traces of the sun appeared, mass with everybody was offered. Afterwhich, simple breakfast was served. The big feast came during lunch time when lechon from the different barrios were brought in. The celebration was just in time for the alagad meeting that was in progress. Edna and the Datu from Calacapan were around in their traditional costumes (very colorful indeed). Kuya Tony and the entire Cabuluhan parish staff were also around. We didn’t waste time and took a lot of photos. Today, I was also formally introduced to Rudy of Anlugan and his wife Maria Paz. I’ll be staying in their house for a whole week next week.

Dot and Oliver together with Father Bong and Hermes likewise joined the celebration in the evening. Whew! We haven’t run out of food. More lechon were coming in from all over. It was a tiring yet fullfilling day … a day of celebration with community. I think, we no longer have much of these types of gatherings in urban and more sophisticated parishes these days. What a loss! More firendships … not to mention a strenghtening of the faith happens in community gatherings like this.

Other visitors for the day: Cenacle sisters Bubbles and Gemma.

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February 23, 1999 (Tuesday) – MISSION TRIALS

Whew! We had double breakfast today. After finishing our breakfast in the convento, Mrs. de la Rama (Salty’s mother) came in to inform of the breakfast they prepared in the Ursuline sisters’ convent. Food was for 25 people. It would be a waste if we don’t go, she said. We had no choice but to oblige. Eat! Eat! Eat! My stomach was so heavy when we left for San Vicente. Salty and his dad tagged along with us. Again, we crossed another hanging bridge. From the Pulangi River, we had to walk for an hour. After surviving the Umayam expedition, I could do more than this, I bragged. It was a bit drizzling.

A banner welcomed the celebrant upon arrival at San Vicente. It read: “Belated Happy Birthday to Rev. Fr. Salty.” Children showered Salty with flowers as he made his way to the altar of the St. Michael’s parish. It was such a joyful, not to mention colorful sight. The community seemed to be in full attendance with Manong Rogel, Judith, Erlinda, etc. As usual, there was food after mass. The ‘chicken’ seemed to like ‘adobong tandang.’ The meat was tough. Buko was also a delight but wait a minute, Frank … hinay hinay lang. I’m full already from breakfast.

“Gutom ang mga bata,” Karel says as the kids obviously gobbled up quickly the left over food. Hmmm … Karel was here in this place for his first parish exposure. He thought of the community as very poor. Ahh … this was the place where Karel reportedly would take a bath in the public water reservoirs in the mornings. Public baths like these are more convenient than the privately owned ones. People are indeed poor in this place. Yet today, they seemed to have taken the extra mile to give their priest a treat. What an irony!

On our way home, we rested near the banks of the Pulangi. It was a time for Salty and dad to bond together. They drove the pick-up closest to the stream to give it a ‘bath’ of sorts. They too took a dip. I was just watching them. I couldn’t remember the last time I had something like this with tatay. I was just watching them. Salty’s dad came all the way from Manila for this. I was just watching them.

Dinner was again served courtesy of the de la Rama cook at the Ursulines. Pochero in this part of the world was more than a treat … it was a taste of heaven.

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February 24, 1999 (Wednesday) – MISSION TRIALS

Today, we’re off to Saloringan. The place is a 3-hour up-hill climb from San Vicente. Manong Rogel, Father Rich, Alex and Boni were with us. Some 20 families greeted our party. The tribe was still very superstitious. They already abandoned their original village because of a plague, what they thought of as a curse. The people are still animists. They have these special makeshift altars where they offer eggs and rice to the deities. Malaria was sweeping the area. The people relied on their simple faith.

While walking, I also had an intimate chat with Boni. He talked about becoming a priest … a diocesan. But the vocation is only for the rich, for those who can only afford, he says. How must I prove Boni wrong … when I myself don’t know what priesthood is at this point in my life? All I can say was that the vocation is a gift. You should pray for the gift, I told Boni.

In Saloringan, we met up with Datu Man Angel. His wife died of malaria in the village. There’s no hospital in the area. The tribe has no protection against killer diseases. They simply wait for people to die. They naturally grieve … but do they take all these as a part of life?

In my broken Bisaya, I was asking the men about the ‘magahats.’ Amongst themselves, the tribesmen harbor assasins. The magahats protect the village from intruders and unwanted guests. They wouldn’t tell us who the magahats are but I can almost be sure that some of them were just right in front of me. The early missionaries in the area had had good relations with these folks. We need not fear the magahats, I was assuring myself.

The next settlement area called Mapantaw was a more developed one. Their members consists of dumagats who intermarried with the lumads. Among them were Jojo, Willy, Linda et al. Again, their place was on top of a hill where one can see a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. At the center of the village is a huge community center (a big open hut), more like a town gazeebo of sorts where people sat around. It was at this time when the rains fell. What a refreshing breeze for everyone … for both lumads and non-lumads.

On our way home, I notice the footmarks on the ground. These are my own. I was trodding on these same path earlier in the day. It’s almost sunset yet the tracks remained here despite the rain. Over these entire trail, I’ve made marks pointing opposite directions. I’ve come full circle. Now, I’m going home.

JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 16, 1999 (Tuesday) – MISSION TRIALS

I woke up early in the morning today with my whole body freezing, especially my feet. The weather is surely cold here in Catablaran … almost like the weather in Tokyo. Our guides were all ready to go. We left the place at 7:00AM for a place called UMAYAM. Father Mat initially told us to simply wear our shorts and our pair of slippers. The trip proved to be truly perilous. All in all, the expedition took us 12 hours of walking on rocks, waters and mud. In some cases, we needed to climb steep slopes, hang onto roots and rocks and risk life and limb. And … for what purpose? For exposure? For adventure, perhaps? What am I doing here?, I told myself. Soon, I can already feel the heavy weight of my backpack. I slipped a dozen times. The rocks were ‘danlog’ and their surfaces can sometimes be rough and dangerous, as well. One time, I was hanging onto a rock and looking at the gushing water below me. Then did I realize that I can take this fall and die immediately. But what a painful death, I told myself. At his age, Father Mat was truly remarkable taking things in stride. Father Rich was doing okay, too. The priest was short for an American. One time, while traversing the river, the jolly Father was holding his bag above his head, protecting it from the water. We had a big laugh to eventually see only the bag moving on top of the water. Father Rich’s whole body seemed to have been completely submerged in the not so deep waters.

We took a break for lunch near the meandering river. We passed by beautiful water falls earlier in the morning. The place is very pristine. No tracks and no trails yet except those familiar only to the tribespeople living here. We settled a while to cook our food and waddle in the water. Our guides were cooking rice and fish. We opened some cans of cornbeef. Viola! Lo and behold … from no where, across the river … a local … a white-haired old man … dressed in ‘bahag’ … almost like an Igorot … coming out of the cluster of trees … carrying what looked like a spear. Yes, it was a spear … a real one … the blade even reflecting the light of the noontime sun. Our local guides talked to him … and seemed to convince him … thank God … that we’re good people. After lunch, we continued our walk. Apparently, we needed to rush. It would be more difficult walking in the dark, Father Mat says.

I was getting extremely tired. Eventually, I was telling myself: “Slow down, Frank. No need to rush. Take your time.” After 12 hours, we reached our destination. It was pass 6:00PM. Umayam is not even a town. It’s a settlement of about nine huts and inhabited by 14 families. Datu Hakbangan welcomed us. Everyone was just so tired yet thankful that we survived the ordeal. I am very thankful to Murando, our guide for helping me through the difficult trails and for the times he carried my bag. The tribespeople seemed amused to see us. We were as well, amused to see them.

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February 17, 1999 (Ash Wednesday) – MISSION TRIALS

I woke up early with the sound of the rooster crowing above my head. We slept in the datu’s house. The place was a two-storey house, with poles to hold the roof. There was hardly any wall to protect us from the cold … and it surely was cold. Everyone stayed on the second floor since the ground floor was more of like an activity area. A simple pole with rough markings served as a ladder. “What am I doing here?,” I was asking myself. My silent crying wouldn’t relieve me of the cold. My legs and feet are still aching and blistered from yesterday’s full day of walking. I can still even feel the terrible cramps on my legs.

Today is Ash Wednesday and what a day to remind me of the frailties of being human. This morning, for a Lenten treat, we were served ‘baki’ (yes … frogs) for breakfast. Sige na lang. Anthropologists would have tried tasting this ‘cultural’ thing. Why wouldn’t I? I moved around the place after breakfast, making sure that I’d derive most meaning from this whole thing. I wandered around the village to see women pounding rice (not the men?), kids running around undistinguished from goats and pigs. And yes … there were plenty of chickens. The lips of men, women and children were already dark from chewing ‘mama’ (nga-nga). There I saw Ben, one of our guides fixing his hut. He introduced his clan ... through Bukidnon and sign language, of course. At least two families stay with him in his small hut. Ben even showed me a priceless possession … a Nike lady’s watch that he wears around his left arm. This place is truly different … yet the people here smile and welcome strangers into their midst. The fog was beginning to disappear when Father Mat signalled for everyone to go. We’ll trek the same route again … yes, for the next 11 hours … through the river, the rocks and the steep slopes. We filled our bottles with drinking water from the river and off we went. This second time around, I was more than sure that I can fully survive this next trip.

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February 18, 1999 (Thursday) – MISSION TRIALS

Yesterday, we returned to Calacapan and had Ash Wednesday mass with the locals. The service was short … nothing fancy. Everyone seemed comfortable sitting on the wooden improvised benches … some even wearing the local headgears. “Are these people already Catholics?,” I asked. Apparently … they seemed to be. Father Mat said mass in Bisaya. People were very attentive. It was truly fascinating to see people lining up to have their foreheads marked with the cross. In this very isolated place, where I’m sure no city- person would dare and opt to go … the Lord’s presence is very much at work. More, I’m sure can be accomplished by the Spirit in this place … in no time.

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February 19, 1999 (Friday) – MISSION TRIALS

Back here in the convento, we celebrated the death anniversary of Father Leoni. Father Mat displayed the late missionary’s photographs and memorabilia in the sala, on a table where a candle was kept lit for the day. Nevertheless, it was work as usual for everybody. In the afternoon, the alagads started coming in. There’ll be a leadership training seminar until tomorrow to be conducted by Karel. The rains likewise started to pour. I was just very thankful that the rains came just now and not yesterday when we were in the mountains.

Now let me see how things will work. Chris and I are supposed to prepare for a recollection that we’re giving to some high-school kids. Hmmm … let me see … who will prepare the module? Sister Claudia already gave us some initial instructions. How would things be? Should I simply prepare on my own ... should I? We'll see.

It was also good to see Kuya Tony around. He’s attending the leadership seminar. He had a hair cut in time for today. There was more of them from Cabuluhan. It was like a reunion. Glad to meet up with everyone again. What a blessed opportunity!

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February 20, 1999 (Saturday) – MISSION TRIALS

Whew! Another full day with the high-school kids of Cabuluhan. More than 250 students came for the recollection. No choice … Chris and myself had to divide the group into two. Gaspar, Len-len, Wilma, Nelma and other youngsters from the barrio were around. Sister Claudia, our mentor, was taking a doze while we proceeded with the activities. I can give it to her … for sheer respect for her age. I eventually asked the kids the question: Unsa ang inyong mga damyo (pangarap?) sa inyong kinabuhi? The responses by Laylay, Karen and Ann-ann were truly remarkable. These kids have hope. I just wish that they are all willing to make their wishes come true … regardless …

A male student joined the class … obviously under the influence of alcohol. I can easily smell alcohol from his mouth. The other kids joked that he’s a Muslim. I won’t be surprised, I told myself since this is a public school. But Muslims don’t get drunk, at least in public, as far as I know. He sat near the corner and kept his quiet. I was content enough to know that he was willing to listen to our discussion about our hopes and wishes. I’m praying that he would eventually have his own dreams, too … that is, for his own sake.

We ended the meeting with songs like “Huwag Limutin” and “Huwag Mangamba.” The students easily learned the songs … proof of how appropriate the messages were for them at this particular time. I can only hope that these kids learn to recognize more what they can do … to love themselves more and keep on dreaming.

JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999

by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 11, 1999 (Thursday) – MISSION TRIALS

Suroy – suroy

Ganito pala ang tumambay; makilala ang mga nanay

Inimbita ni Inday, para sa PTA meeting magnilay.

Halatang kakaiba ang kilos mo’t pag-amba

Tunay na kakaiba ka sa kanilang mga mata.

‘Di ko pinangarap na mag-astang Bida

Ngunit sa pag-aalagad … Diyos and nagtakdang tuwina

Buhay mo’y sa Kanya. Ialay sa Iba.

Sa pakikisalamuha … Siya ang Ibida.

Cabuluhan is a small town. The almost dilapidated announcement board near the basketball court tells of the small town’s population: 394 families in all. Hmmm … I wonder how many kids in one family … perhaps at least, four or five or more? I felt like a tourist moving around with my Yashica camera. The kids were flocking to me, perhaps wondering what this strange fellow is doing around here. I chanced upon some nanays near the school. Inday recognized me as the brother whom Father Mat earlier introduced the other day in town. I was invited to the PTA meeting. There I met Principal Sese who facilitated discussions about the regular concerns of the students, teachers and parents. The principal asked me to talk a little about the environment, how the issue is becoming a serious one in big cities like in Manila. I was surprised at this impromptu call. I was obliged to talk (in mixed Tagalog/ Bisaya, of course). I find Cabuluhan still a very pristine place to settle. The streams are still clean. There are a lot of trees and the breeze remains unpolluted. I acknowledge such and appreciate the townfolks concerns to save the Pulangi and reforest the empty fields.

Gaspar also walked up to me and reported about what has transpired in his class earlier. Yesterday, I helped him answer some grammar questions in his book. His teacher apparently had a different thing going. “What?,” I said. These are simple “is,” “are,” “was,” “ were” statements!!! Teachers should know better … or should they? In this small town, anything goes. I learned to pray more for teachers that they impart the truest knowledge to their students.

“God alone. God alone. In thy courts O my Lord is my home.” Ang gingharian sa Diyos ay dinhi sab sa yuta. Today, as well, Ate Delia et al welcomed me to BEC Selda 2-3.

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February 12, 1999 (Friday) – MISSION TRIALS

I’ve been wanting to climb the nearest hill and today, I did. I walked across the ‘uma,’ onto the ‘pilapils.’ On top of the hill, I had an expansive view of the whole barrio. All 394 families reside in this beautiful valley. The sight is truly an experience to behold. God, to my mind created this rich and resource-filled land for His people.

Ang Pilapil

Tuyo man o maputik … malapad man o makitid

Tanging tinutubuan ng damo, tanging daan tungo sa lugar na pakay ko.

Palay at mais, itinanim sa nitong paligid

Pilapil na kung saan, akin ring natatanaw

Ang bundok na aking mithing patutunguhan.

Later in the afternoon, I walked with Kuya Teryo to meet with Kuya Pano at Crossing-Cabuluhan. BEC Selda 4 and 6 will have their meeting in a short time. There I met members of the selda … Ate Minda, Celso, Tonet, Emma Tamon and the Ruiz family. All seem naturally friendly and sincere. What can I expect? These are church people … God’s people.

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February 13, 1999 (Saturday) – MISSION TRIALS

Gikan sa Suba

Bakit pilit pinaghihiwalay ang tao sa kabaw?

Dahil ba na siya’y marumi at tayo’y malinis?

‘Di ba’t lahat tayo’y nilikha rin ng Diyos?

Kaya’t bakit nga ba … pilit pinaghihiwalay ang tao sa kabaw?

Again, I’m back to the Crossing-Cabuluhan chapel with Kuya Pano Arut, Andy, Ate Adela and Kuya Rod. They treated me to lunch. Earlier, on our way, we also met accidentally with Nelson of Selda 9. Instantly, we arranged for a Selda meeting at 2PM. What a busy day indeed. Also visited Mandaing, the nearest town to Crossing-Cabuluhan. This is where Karel resides for the week, I think. I didn’t get to meet him though. However, I got to meet the local folks Leo Gillaco and Nida Marfil. After lunch, I took the habal-habal back to Cabuluhan. Had time to chit-chat with the driver. He comes from the town after Cabuluhan. It is called ‘Paradise.’ I asked him what’s with the name. “Nothing special,” he said. People just got used to calling it as such. Paradise is a place across two hills from Cabuluhan. Perhaps, the name is such because of the people’s belief that some ‘paradise’ truly lies somewhere beyond the hills. Fascinating! I feel, that to think of paradise, a place beyond where one currently stands is a means for the people of Cabuluhan to be more hopeful about their lives. Truly, I feel that if they remain zealous in their faith and continue to stand for and by what is good … paradise for them, can surely be a reality … can surely be a reality for me, too.

Haaaaay … my third meeting with Selda 1 and 5 ended at 8:30PM. The group headed by Ate Nenita, Rodolfo and Tata Agrifina (catechist) talked about the many difficulties in life and how everyone needed to sacrifice and support each other in the process. I can already be a bit tired yet I remembered saying yes to another meeting with the youth. There’s no other chance to meet them but this late in the evening. Sige na lang. I walked toward the Cabuluhan Chapel were we were supposed to meet. It was very dark yet there were a lot of fireflies around to guide my path. Ang galing! Any Manila boy would be fascinated to see such spectacle of fireflies. Gaspar saw me moving toward the chapel and immediately sounded the ‘batingaw.’ The sound reverberated in the stillness of the night. This is not your usual church bell. This is an old shell from a World War II bomb. Hmmm … quite ingenious. I see these types of bells around. The kids … err … teenagers started coming in. There were around 20 of them. What else must I say? What else must I preach about? Since tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day, what else must I cover? I read from Corinthians 13. Gugma. Love. And their questions started pouring in.

Sumang Bahay

Gawa sa kamoteng kahoy o bigas

Na binalot sa dahon ng saging …

Ang sumang bahay

Na pinakulo sa tubig.

Ang dating lagas na sangkap ay binuo

At sa balat ng saging … doo’y binigkis

Mainit na suman … namnamin … namnamin …

Hala … at sa isang iglap … ang natira …

Tanging balat na lamang … na dulot ay saya

Kay Neneng … na siyang naghatag…

Kay Neneng … na siyang nag-abala …

Uri Ng Sardinas

Iba’t iba ang uri ng sardinas

‘Tinapa’ ang tawag sa maliit at bilog na lata …

‘Salmon’ naman sa mas malaki ang kaha …

Tanging ‘sardinas’ raw kung kudrado ang porma.

Pero kaibigan … tikman mo ng makita

Sardinas … pa rin … pare-parehas ang lasa.

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February 14, 1999 (Sunday) – MISSION TRIALS (Valentine's Day)

Today, I ended my parish exposure in Cabuluhan. We had KP mass at the chapel presided over by Kuya Tony Caluna. Before the mass ended, I was asked to speak. I thanked the townfolks for their hospitality and generosity … for welcoming me wholeheartedly to Cabuluhan. I’ll never forget the greenfields, the cool breeze, the magnificent mountains and hills that surrounded the place … and naturally, of course, the faces of the people I’ve met … the wholesome smiles of the kids which truly gave me a true experience of the good, the kind and the gracious … only here in Cabuluhan.

As I leave the place, I heard how Gaspar hurried back to the ‘uma.’ He’s been accommodating me the past few days … accompanying me to the chapel, around the neighborhood and to the ‘suba.’ This time, he needed to catch up with work in the ‘uma.’ Yes … how can I forget … boys here … fourteen years and older (or even younger) already work like men … as they are expected to … in the ‘uma.’ What about education for Gaspar? What about his simple ‘is,’ ‘are,’ ‘was,’ ‘were’ concerns? Do such things need to take the back seat? Then did I realized that people needed to care for the ‘uma’ for the ‘uma’ takes care of them, as well. In this place, people do not have much choice.

In the afternoon, I returned to Cabanglasan welcomed by the joyful Valentine greetings from the kids. Fr. Rich McCauliffe, SJ (Micronesia) likewise arrived from Cagayan de Oro to join us. We had a joyous night after dinner … a short program that is, where Karel, Chris and myself sung for the group our rendition of “Way Sukod.”

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February 15, 1999 (Monday) – MISSION TRIALS

We’re off to Catablaran. We climbed the back of the truck and stayed there exposed to the morning sun and dusts from the roads … yes, for at least 30 minutes til we reached the Pulangi River. The hanging bridge that welcomed us is far bigger and wider than those in Cabuluhan … even the motorbike can cross through it to the other side. It’s a habal-habal ride for another hour enroute to Calacapan, Father Mat’s resettlement area for the lumads. There we were met by Dr. Hans, a German volunteer doctor who has been around giving free medical treatment to the locals. Regularly sighting his white heavy duty truck is enough to make the tribesmen smile knowing that relief for their children’s many sicknesses is at hand. For the townfolk, the German is like a white angel from heaven.

A small chapel, aptly named after St. Francis Xavier had been constructed by Father Mat’s group the past years. Even the datu and his family now come to hear mass whenever Father Mat is around. Calacapan nestles on a flat clearing on top of the mountains where one can have a panoramic view of the whole of Bukidnon. There is a unique-looking tree, shaped like a huge letter “T” that stands in the middle of the settlement, that serves as an appropriate landmark for the place that can easily be glimpsed from kilometers below. The houses are simple, resembling those box-shaped wooden houses we see in wild-west movies. There are stores which are now operational. The prices of goods, however, are sold at higher prices than in the low lands … naturally, since the proprietor needed to spend more in bringing them up the mountain. The young men now play basketball in an improvised court … a ball was provided for by Father Mat.

After some period of rest, we took off for Catablaran. No habal-habal ride this time. We needed to walk. It was an hour walk along a mere trail bordering a shallow cliff. There were no houses around, at least for the next hour … til we reached a quaint settlement. From afar, we can already hear the dogs barking. Children began approaching us. Hmmm … sorry, this is not yet Catablaran. There’s also a chapel in the place. Father Mat calls this the “magic carpet” chapel after the supposed carpet that they keep. The carpet, the people here believe, would save them from the cataclysmic end of the world. Wow! People in this isolated place can believe almost anything, I told myself.

We reached Catablaran at 5:30PM. The place still has no electricity. Forget your hopes for Nawasa water, Frank … I told myself. People here fetch their drinking water from the river. We’ll stay here for the night. Last year, I heard … Francis Alvarez and Raymund Belleza stayed here for a week. Whew! What a feat! Asber’s house was vacated for us. There were enough rooms to accommodate all seven of us, including our guides and Fr. Rich McCauliffe. Outside the house, we stood by the fire for it was getting a bit cold. Fireflies … more fireflies covered entire trees. What a sight! It was like Christmas! We were asked to take our rest early for tomorrow would be a long day.

JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999

by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 6, 1999 (Saturday) – MISSION TRIALS

Dot and Oliver dropped by from Zamboanguita with Father Bong and Hermes. We were all in a frenzy ... especially Karel ... tsk! Who could have imagined that after parting a few days ago, we would all meet again this soon? The mountains are all around us. We all are in a strange land. Who would have thought that visiting each other would come this easy? Our reactions prove how we can easily miss each other. We surely do. What more if we’re all into other more serious things, more than the mission trials. We’ll see.

A meeting with the alagads and the chapel presidents was also ongoing today. There, Father Mat announced our exposure assignments. I’ll go to barrios Cabuluhan and Anlugan. I’ll stay in the household of Mr. Tony Caluna (Cabuluhan) and Mr. Jovencio Navarra (Anlugan).

It was also a time to meet the Ursuline sisters early in the evening. The sisters were in full force with Sisters Adeline (superior), Claudia (Italian nurse), Amanda and Filipino Sisters Lourdes and Minda.

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February 7, 1999 (Sunday) – MISSION TRIALS

Sunday is a busy day for priests in the barrios. We must have gone to at least three masses today with Father Mat. We were at the Poblacion at 7:30AM, then to Iba at 9:00AM for another mass and houseblessing. We arrived very late for the Cabuluhan-Crossing Mass at 11:00AM. People were at the chapel waiting for us just the same. We were served food each time. People prepare meals and priests must eat else the townfolks will feel rejected.

In the afternoon, Salty and Hermes left for Cagayan de Oro/ Cebu to buy the new truck for the parish. And a BIG AHA! I got myself a project. I’ll fix the parish albums. It’s exciting enough to look at all the photos. It would be more exciting for me to get everything fixed. I’ll put order into all these that people may eventually enjoy going through the file of photos in the future.

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February 8, 1999 (Monday) – MISSION TRIALS

It’s the feastday of St. Jerome Emiliani, the Italian founder of the Somascan Congregation. Sisters Ella and Ana (Somascans) had been in Cabanglasan for only six months (they were from my hometown in Cavite) yet they have already been into full-time apostolic work in the diocesan parish. Sister Anna was saying that their group is supposedly the semi-contemplative type but because of the demands of their work, they had to sacrifice a bit of their charism for the time being. In fact, the sisters are into a lot of things that they had almost forgotten that it was their founder’s feast day. Hmmm … could apostolic work really make the religious forgetful? Well, why not? The challenge, I guess, is to eventually forget oneself … for the sake of God’s more important work. Forget oneself? So easy to say!

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February 9, 1999 (Tuesday) – MISSION TRIALS

“Gamay ra ang akoang pag-sabot sa Binisaya, pero sige ra, sugod ta bisan mag-sagol sagol ang akoang mga pulong … recollection dili iuurong.” Chris and I gave a recollection to high -school students this morning. Since, we only had a few moments to prepare before the actual thing, I was telling Chris that we should maximize the travel time with Sister Lourdes for a briefing (i.e., what to do, what to expect, what to say, etc.). Chris as usual was in his playful mode indulging the good sister in stories about aswangs and wakwaks. I was getting anxious knowing that we may not have enough time to prepare.

The recollection, nevertheless went well. It was likewise a pre-confirmation seminar of sorts with the Cabuluhan high-school kids. We covered topics about the Church, the sacraments, the power of the Holy spirit and the Confirmation rites. I was just telling myself: Refer to the book, refer to the book. We can’t get this all wrong. We’re teaching catechesis. This better be correct else we ingrain the wrong beliefs in the minds of these kids. The main theme became clearer for us and the kids in the end: the Holy Spirit empowers. the Holy Spirit gives strength. “Ang lana na ipinahid, kusog ang inihahatid. Pagiging Hari, Propeta at Pari ay buhayin sa inyong kinabuhi.”

I start my parish exposure to Cabuluhan today. It was the best decision not to take the habal-habal and instead walk with the kids from the high-school. It was a good 30-minute leisure walk along the dry and dusty 2-kilometer road to Cabuluhan with Rey, Gaspar and Johnnie and the rest of the kids. In my mind, I was singing a tune:

Apat na Chow Noodles at anim na tinapa

Apat na Chow Noodles at anim na tinapa …

Na dala ko sa maliit na plastic bag na pula …

Dumuduyan sa ‘king kamay … at walang bigat na hila

Habang nag-babaklay papunta sa kung saan na nga ba?

Ang kwento ng mga bata’y sapat na bang aliw …

Upang bahagyang malimutan ang init sa papawirin …

Mga kaibigan, tayo ba’y may sasapitin?

Sa malayong paglalakad sa maalikabok na landasin.

Apat na Chow Noodles, anim na tinapa.

Na sa paglalakbay na ito’y …

Sapat na … o sapat na nga ba?”

Alas, from on top of a hill, along the dusty road, I can already see the greenfields of Cabuluhan. I can easily count the number of houses that I see … a few dozens, I suppose. The village lies on a fertile valley. I can see corn plantations everywhere juxtaposed by the local cottages. It looks peaceful. It looks plain. The quiet that welcomed me speaks so much of the gentle people that I meet along the way.

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February 10, 1999 (Wednesday) – MISSION TRIALS

Today, I attended Cabuluhan’s BEC meeting for Seldas 7 and 8 with Jimmy and Kuya Ed. The group was truly very prayerful. They met in Vannie’s house. There in the middle of the room, the group lighted a candle. Vannie’s kid was also playing around while the meeting/ prayer was in progress.

BEC-Selda 7 & 8

Kandila sa gitna ng simpleng la mesa

Nag-aagaw buhay sa ihip ng hangin ng umaga .

Asa ang posporo o lighter kaya …

Ayun at nasa kamay ng maliit at paslit na bata.

Ilaw na namatay. Ilaw na binuhay.

Sisindihang paulit-ulit …

Upang sa ati’y magbigay init

Sa malamig na kaumagahan …

Dito sa maliit na bayan ng Cabuluhan.

This, to my mind, is what the BEC is for most people in this small town of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon … that is … to day in and day out … relive … revive the faith among simple believers.

I also walked around with Kuya Greg to scout around for piglets. Father Mat instructed me to revive the livelihood program that he started a few months back. There’s enough funds, he said, to once again proceed with the livelihood project. For four months, while waiting for the harvest, the farmers have nothing else to do. Luckier are the pandays, the carpenters who can easily find work elsewhere. But for the rest, what else can they do?

Buhay Baboy

Baboy … baboy … hybrid man o bisaya ...

Palaboy sa putik … doo’y tuwina’y nakahiga.

Sige’t magpista sa tanang mga tira-tira

Walang isipin kundi magpataba at magpakasasa pa.

Sa limang buwan na kung 50 kilos na ang timbang

Dugo’y ikalat sa putikan

At lamay’y ipakain sa matagal ng naghihintay.

Baboy … baboy … hybrid man o bisaya

Salamat … maraming salamat sa hatid mong sakripisyo …

Sa hatid mong biyaya.

JESUIT NOVITIATE: MISSION TRIALS 1999

by Frank Savadera, SJ

February 1, 1999 (Monday) – MISSION TRIALS

The boat was still speeding toward its destination when I awoke early in the morning. Everyone was still asleep. I took my Companion and headed toward the deck for my morning prayer. It was a spectacle seeing both the sun and the moon in the sky. So this is ‘early morning’ on board the Super Ferry?! What a treat!

From Mark 5:1-20, I read about the young man among the tombs, crying out and bruising himself with stones. I kept quiet for a while with the verse and eventually asked myself: Will you bruise yourself again this time, Frank? What will the mission trials be for me? Will I come out of this fully enriched or will I end up eventually hurt and stoned in the process? With the sun and the moon as my witnesses, I submit myself to the inevitable that awaits me at our port of call. We’ll see by tomorrow when we arrive in Cagayan de Oro.

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February 2, 1999 (Tuesday) – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - Mission Trials

“Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord” (Luke 2:22-32). At 5:00AM the ferry docks at Cagayan de Oro port. The passengers were all rushing toward the exits like Jews eagerly touching down upon their own native Israel. I saw Father Mat first from the deck. He was wearing a blue Jesuit shirt. I don’t know him by face ... only from the descriptions made by people. I asked Karel to confirm my guess and true enough, it was him. There, as well, were Xavier University President Fr. Ting Samson and Schol Archie Carampatan. Father Mat brought a truck but Father Ting took his Mercedes Benz along. I guess, we’ll take the president’s car after all. After a quick breakfast, we were herded to the university chapel for the 8:00AM renovation of vows by the scholastic-regents. Scholastics Noni, Archie and Eric renewed their vows during the mass. Noni preached about the many significant snapshots in his life. We likewise visited the President’s office and the (presidential) garden. At 1:30PM we left for Malaybalay with Louie Bacomo. Soon after, we were met at the JRH-Malaybalay by Frs. Kit, Mars, Bong, John Montenegro and Bro. Wency. What a full and tiring day. What an opportunity to meet up with new faces, new Jesuits who liked every male that opened their mother’s womb, now fully consecrating their lives to the Lord.

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February 3, 1999 (Wednesday) – MISSION TRIALS

At 8:00AM this morning, we left JRH for the Shrine of the Transfiguration where we met Dom Elias who graciously toured us around the shrine. So this is what monks do, I told myself. They take charge of the upkeep of the whole property, their coffee, coconut, pineapple and peanut plantations. The young monks work in the fields themselves. It was like laborandum everyday, the whole year round. Fascinating! We took some snapshots with Dom Elias and proceeded with our itinerary as scheduled. At the Malaybalay bus station, we dispersed … Dot and Oliver enroute to Zamboanguita while myself, Karel and Chris enroute to Cabanglasan. The jeeps were huge and sturdy unlike the regular ones we see in Manila. The one we took was again, packed full. The eyes of the children were on us obviously delighted by the sight of Tagalog speaking strangers in their midst. We obviously couldn't hide that fact that something is different about us ... compared with the other passengers. We arrived at Cabanglasan at 1:30PM. The place can be very quiet. We dropped off right in front of a chapel made of wood with a huge speaker above its roof. Vangie, Father Mat’s secretary was first to welcome us. After a quick and late lunch, she showed us to our rooms, allowed us to rest a while while waiting for the old priest. In the evening, we met the whole bunch, Father Mat, Bonnie, Domeng, the kids and the two JVPs assigned in the place … Eman Robles and Marxwin Cebu.

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February 4, 1999 (Thursday) – MISSION TRIALS

I learned a new Bisayan word today: Kinasinatian (experience/ feelings). At 8:00AM Chris and myself went off to work. We tagged along Sister Minda of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Kuya Nestor of the Family Life Ministry. Our task: Recollection with the 3^rd Year Students – Section St. Catherine. Whew! Lisud kaayo ang mag-Binisaya. Chris and myself are Tagalogs grappling with the local language. We asked the students: Kinsa ang Ginoo para sa inyo? I just let things be. I’m sure I was speaking in mixed Tagalog, Binisaya ang English. Yet the students, I realized can understand. The language of God can easily be understood. At this moment, I realized the Lord’s promise of sending the Spirit who leads us toward the right path and to show us the right words to say. I feel the Spirit moving very strongly in me as I speak of God among the students of St. Catherine.

Omar, Karel’s brother passed by to visit us.

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February 5, 1999 (Friday) – MISSION TRIALS

Rain! Rain! Rain! We’re getting a lot of rain today. Father Mat likewise briefed us on the programs that we needed to conduct for the rest of the month. There will be First Communion services in Anlugan. Chris and I will go to prepare the kids. In the meantime, because of the rain, we were all stuck in the house with Father Mat’s quaint stories about old missionary Fr. Leoni Ferucho (the ‘ferocious lion’) who was the missionary of all missionaries in Bukidnon during his time. It was also fun spending the day with the kids, Richard, Tuping, Pheoben, Evelyn, Tess, Arnel, Roy, Zoraida and Shirley (cook). Also around were Domeng (teacher), Boni (house manager), Vangie (Fr. Mat’s secretary), etc. In the evening, I took some time to write some notes to our secundi friends to be sent to Manila through Karel’s brother Omar.