Coping-up with Changes in the Family

"Nothing in this world is permanent except change". This is the reality that everyone has to contend with, our family is not an exception.

Comes July 30, 2011, wife Rose will fly to San Francisco, California to migrate and join daughter Danna-Rose, who opted to live in that part of the globe. She will try life in the West, upon the petition of our Americanized citizens Dominic and Cristina, who are with the US Navy currently assigned in Atsugi NAF, Japan.

I could not join them in the USA at the moment for many unfinished local commitments. I think I need to wait until 2014 soon as I get my monthly pension, which is issued to government retirees at age 60.

Yet, no regrets afterall. We live in the age and generation where the entire globe may be considered as a small global village. Distance was now conquered by cybertechnology - texting, chat and similar communication wonders can very well close the physical gaps.

Posted photo here along with our immediate family is Ron and Dory Graham, who were really instrumental in getting members of my family in the USA.

For my family members out there on the other side of the globe, "have you taken your meals, or have you taken your medicines?" - reminders as if we are still living in one roof. Take care. . . Dad Josh here!

668 Registered Delegates in the 4th National Church Leaders' Convention; Sulit, Santiago Top CACD Election

11 June 2011, Teachers' Camp, Baguio City. As in the first three national conventions of Church leaders, the 4th forum was participated by 668 registered delegates, as reported today by the CACD Chair Bro. Ernie Sta. Ana. Actual count, however, exceeded the official count as many local brethren (from Baguio City)just sat-in for fellowship or as observers.

The Convention went-on smoothly as planned. The three main Exposition speakers were Bro. Ross Wissmann (ICCM Academic Dean), Bro. Leonardo Salvador (MBS Professor) and Bro. Arhur Santiago (ICCM President). Other speakers include Bro. Erap Sison, Bro. Juan Bautista and Bro. Mel Maldupana.

This SUNBEAM editor-reporter's assignments in the Convention include the introduction of the speaker (Ross Wissmann) and as facilitator in one Break-up session on Leadership and Mutual Submission workshop. He also supervised the distribution of the new issue of SUNBEAM Christian newsmagazine were over 100 copies only were sold during the Convention.

Re-launching of Sulo-ng-Kristiano, an older sister magazine of SUNBEAM formed too as the highlight of the Convention, as well the election of the new CACD (Convention Action and Coordinating Directorate) board.

Bro. Dan Sulit and Bro. Art Santiago, of MBS and ICCM, respectively, topped the CACD elections, garnering a total votes of 171 and 154, respectively. Others in the new CACD Board are: Gener Alava, Ambrose Rodriguez, Erap Sison, Danny Calpito and Juan Bautista (Metro Manila representatives); Ernie Sta. Ana (CALABARZON); Sammy Batac (Central Luzon); Dan Roca (Ilocos region); Vic Dungo (Cagayan Valley); Rustom Pel (Bicol Region); Juanito Magbanua (Visayas) and Jonathan Obelidon (Mindanao). The newly elected CACD members will take-over after the next general Convention, which will be held in the summer of 2012 in Davao City, as announced and promoted during this Baguio forum.

Finally, it was announced that the next national fellowships of Christian men (KKK) and women (SPKK-National) shall be held in Nagsangalan, Vigan City (Ilocos Sur) on Nov. 26, 2011. (JSF blogs)

Two More CCNE Pastors Get License to Officiate Marriage

2 June 2011, Munoz, Nueva Ecija - Two more pastors under the Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija, Inc. (CCNE, Inc.) received Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). They are Bro. Bartolome Bernardo, Jr. of Aliaga Church of Christ and Bro. Noel Alfonso of San Francisco Church of Christ. This addition brings to nine the total CCNE pastors authorized by the Philippine government to officiate marriage and similar Church rites like Children's dedication and thanksgiving.

The Soleminizing Officers' licenses are good for three years and may be renewed thereafter. Some CCNE solemnizing officers are authorized to operate province-wide, while some opted to operate only in their respective area (municipalities) of jurisdiction. (JSF Blogs)

From Nueva Ecija Via Calapan City On To Masaguisi Village: A Travelogue

12 May 2011 - Right after taking my breakfast, I left my home in Sto. Tomas, San Jose City (Nueva Ecija), boarded the Baliwag Bus passing along the highway (where I am) off to Cubao. Then, I transferred to another bus plying Batangas City on to the pier where fastcraft Supercat sail to and from Batangas-Calapan.

I need to be in Calapan that night for the final vigil of a brother-in-law Ronnie Foja, set to be interred on the following day, which is Friday, the 13th. I’m not quite fatalistic, as they said the date is a bad omen. But yes, the physical separation of loved ones really bring terrible sadness ala bad omen? Ronnie was put to a final rest at 1;30 PM at the panoramic memorial park in Calapan. From the memorial park, we proceeded to my home-village Masaguisi where my roots are.

It was not a very healthy arrival as my sister-in-law Mayet Falla is in the hospital in Roxas town, where she stayed for few days for certain health problem.
Along our way to visit Ate Mayet, we dropped-by at the house of a relative in Dayhagan to pay courtesy to our 79-year old cousin Manang Tinay, who live in their ancestral house with one of her daughter Janet. All of her other children are either in Manila or abroad like Germany and Dubai working. See how economic activities separate people.

Comes Sunday in Masaguisi, the worship time is 6 AM. It was not an ordinary Sunday, as the Church is filled with balik-barrio folks like cousins Raquel and Dina Bariata and family friends, Ate Violy and Kuya Andy Arciaga. I also met in the Church the KFC Team of the ICCM like Peter, Tin-tin, Velinda and Nyoy (spend worship service in Orconuma Church).

In the Church, DVBS pupils gave special numbers featuring the motion songs learned. There was also children’s dedication that time. It was indeed a happy Sunday full of blessings as I met not only God but also His people who had been endeared to me.
And for the rest of my brief visit in Mindoro, I went to old friends and relatives while enjoying the farm breeze and the fine beach Masaguisi.(SUNBEAM Ed)

Daughter Jonna and Grandson Kyle's Natal Days Remembered @ Home

Despite of their absence at home in Nueva Ecija, our family celebrated the birthdays of Jonna (May 17) and Kyle (May 19) in a simple dinner/salu-salo, attended by kins from Butuan City Susan and 2 daughters, and the Bulacso clan. Jonna turns 33 while Kyle is 9 years old. Jonna is with her husband Dominic in Japan for a military assignment, while Kyle stays with his father in Bulacan.

May the Good Lord bless and keep them giving more happy days ahead. Happy birthday! (Dad/Lolo Blogs)