It was Saturday before the sun sets in August 20, 1966 at around 6 pm when I was born in our ancestral house at Poblacion, Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. This was my real birthday.
My parents were Guillermo Menes Meron (41) and Teofila Montehermoso Mas (41). Both of them were naturally born and residents of Santa Cruz, Zambales.
My Three Pillars
I spent my childhood and teenage years in my home town. I treasured wonderful and beautiful memories there. My supporting father, caring aunt and loving mother served as the three pillars of my life.
Even though, the three pillars of my life were gone one at a time, still, I really missed and loved them so much. I would like to thank, appreciate and recognize them for their unconditional love; for providing me what I need; for allowing me understand what life is and knowing its purpose.
My Journey
I spent most of my adult years in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, Philippines and some few years abroad rendering essential public services. Life experiences built up stability on me; surpassing any challenges along the way to attain my goals.
My family, friends, relatives and colleagues are always there to advise and help me. Most of all, I would like to thank God for giving me life, blessings and another year; for continuously guiding me on my journey in life.
I wish for a healthy, wealthy and happy life on my birthday.
In times of sorrow, can you still remember the last few words of a dying person that you love most? I would like to share with you the last few words and cries of my loving mother that might break your heart and bring your eyes into tears.
10. While on her bed, my mother said with eyes closed, “Catawan, engangaro wan Mo cami. Pano na cami a pinalsa Mo?” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Diyos ko, Kaawaan Mo kami. Paano na kami na nilalang Mo?”
(English) “God, have mercy on us. How about us of your creation?”
At the age of 94, my mother still remember the Almighty God who created everything. In her entire life, she frequently prayed to God and attended the Holy Mass regularly.
9. On her bed, my mother said with her eyes closed, “Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co. Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co.” “Takpan! Takpan!”(Zambal)
My mother was a good helper. She was very kind to children and elders.
2. Still on her bed, my mother said softly with eyes closed, “Abuloyon moyo co.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Tulungan ninyo ako.”
(English) “Help me.”
My mother helped her family. She really loved them so much.
1. Still on her severe body condition, my mother uttered softly, “Ya.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Oo.”
(English) “Yes.”
My mother had strong influential words that anybody should decide and follow. She disciplined, guided and mentored us appropriately.
My mother just nodded her head when I talked and asked her until her complete consciousness had gone.
Yes, my mother was gone but her legacy, advises, courage, greatness, kindness, faith, laughter, memories, dreams and so forth remain in our hearts as we live.
These prayers were recited by my 92-year old mother last Holy Week 2016 when a miracle happened afterwards. She got recovered faster from serious illness. You may try to recite it too.
Anghel a Bantay Ko
(My Guardian Angel)
Anghel a bantay ko
Santos tan Santa kalagyo kon ngalan
Yabi awlo con pitagan
Siay engangaro mo tan tambay
Anghel ando moco ibukan
Sa bungat anan kaatapan
Kalulwa ko tan lalaman
Mampasimala makinabang
Sa Gloria mon kaysumin anggawan
Dasal bayo Malok
(Prayer before you sleep)
Malok akoyna kalulwa ko
Ando ka malok
Magbalayan ka nin Krus
Pigaw kala pakasindog
Taw tukson mangalaot
Ama Mi
(The Lord’s Prayer)
Ama mi eson ka sa langit
Mansambawan mi a ngalan mo
Mika sa komi a nagarian mo
Sunulon mi a nakom mo
Iti sa luta bilang sa langit
Biyan mo kami sa wanin
Kanon mi sa inawlo-awlo
Tan karuwan mo kami
Sa aw utang mi
Bilang pamingangaro mi konlan nagkautang sa komi
Ando mo kami ebin sumunol sa tukso
Tan ilipyas mo kami sa salban mangalaot. Amen
Ave Maria
(Hail Mary)
Ave Maria napno ka nin grasya
Siay katawan a Dios eson ya komo
bendita ka sa salban bawbaye
Tan bendito ya namaot a Bungan tiyan mo
A anak mo si Jesus
Santa Maria ina ng Dios
Ipasisingaro mo kami a makasalanan
Sa wanin tan sa oras
Ipati mi. Amen
Gloria
(Glory Be)
Gloria sa Ama, sa Anak tan Dios Espiritu Santo.
Kapara sa wanin tan sa oras a kaysumin angawan. Amen
Catawan kon Jesukristo
(Lord Jesus Christ)
Catawan kon Jesukristo
Dios a putog tan tawon pago
Sicay namalsa tan nanundon kongco
Sicay manlabyon ko muna sa salban
Sicay nikarunong sa salban
Cania naod mampangombabali koynan pago
Ibat sa matibulos a nakom ko; salban a kasalanan ko
A makamatin kalulwa ko; kayko na mangoman Catawan
Magkasalanan komo; gaw-on koynay magot a
Pamakatipan tan anamaot pakarayuon koynay salban
Makapinabo kongco sa salban kasalanan ko
Cania Catawan tambayan moko
Ta sicay manpasimalaan ko, karuwan mo ko pa komon
Alang-alang sa aw-irap tan pangamati mo sa krus. Amen
Tompol Ako
(I Believe)
Tompol ako sa Dios Ama
Makapangyayari sa salban
A namalsa nin langit tan luta
Tan tompol ako koni Jesukristo
Asay anak nan Dios, Catawan tamon salban
Naglalaman tawo ya ibat sa mablin pasda nan Dios Espiritu Santo
In-abing ni Santa Marian Birhen
Pinadiyadiya naya ni Poncio Pilato
Impasak ya ha Krus
Nati ya tan intabon
Nunaoy ya sa impiyerno
In ikatlon awlo nurong yan nabyay
Nuli ya sa langit; mantuklo ya sa wanan nan Dios Ama a makapangyayari
Itaw ya mangibat mako itin maghukom konlan mangkabyay tan nati
Tan tompol ako konan Espiritu Santo tan konan Santa Iglesia Katolika
Ta main pitatagman lan saw Santos tan makamot kawkasalan
Konan pamurong nan mabyay nan lalaman tan biyay a kaysumin anggawan. Amen
The 2015 remarkable visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines brings up the real essence of Christian life in the country. The Filipino people really love him and Pope Francis also loves them too.
His Presence
When Pope came out from the airplane, he smiled to the Filipino people in the airport. His charming smiles may suggest that “Here I am.” His presence alone was so significant to the Filipino people. Every Filipino was so happy and excited to see Pope Francis in person. Everybody felt the love at the airports, on the streets, inside the churches, at the mall and university, on the park and even at homes. His presence gave blessings for the persons with physical impairments. His presence provided hope for person with ailments. Pope Francis blessed the babies, children, youths, adults and elders. His presence shows genuine concern to victims of typhoons, earthquakes and to the poor families in the Philippines.
His Message
Pope Francis delivered an awesome message in every place of his visit in the Philippines. His inspirational message deeply-derived from his heart is truly sensible and gets political, psychological, social, intellectual and spiritual impacts to every citizen of the Philippines. The Filipino people attentively listened to his relevant speeches in spite of long-hours of standing in the middle of the rain. The religious faith of the Filipinos retained and sustained regardless of natural calamities and life challenges they had been experienced in the past up to the present times. His message focused on helping the poor ones which applies the true Christian life.
His Legacy
Pope Francis builds his Christian legacy for the Filipino people. His advocacy to help especially the poor ones is absolutely amazing. He touches one’s life through his mission. He listens to anybody attentively. He speaks well with a sense of humor. He comes to you directly, hold your hands and bless you gracefully. With all your love, care and concern to us, the Filipino people would like to say “Thank you very much. God bless you, Pope Francis.”