ABC STARS Inspires

A.M.D.G. 7 February 1975 Maritess, my child, It was 19 years ago today that you were born in our nipa hut, in our 8BCT camp atop a hill, beyond Baras, Rizal, beside Laguna Bay. And I recall those days because until last Sunday, we were "allowed" to be free for 14 days from your birthday up to the 21st (from 7 to a number divisible by 7) to discuss this coming referendum on 27 February (ending in7). When I think on it, Iget mad. That the exercise of our freedom of thought, opinion and conscience should depend on but one man. As if we owe our inalienable rights to any mortal on earth. As if man, created in the image and likeness of God, did not have freedom and human dignity as his birthright. And I feel sad. Very sad. For no one else is to blame but ourselves as a people. We act today as if freedom should be given on a silver platter. And not, as it should be, asserted precisely when threatened and despite the odds. As if we are not descended fr...

I i dare to question Thee! why? why him? the glint in his father's eye the laughter in his mother's heart? could such a loss be still a part of what they tell me is Thy will ---senseless then and senseless still? and why at such a tender age? the curtains were just up the stage, why should the play be abruptly ended without being comprehended? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! i ask the reason ---though they tell me that it's treason--- for this senseless, pointless loss! II unanswered doubts of yesterday though still unanswered, pass away; and tears, long dried up, leave a reign of quiet grief, unquestioning pain; and thoughts, though poignant still, must turn from out the hopeless, searing yearning for lost joys, to him---his joys. would he, had he his mortal voice tell us from beyond this shore: "mission accomplished!"? why say more? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! is this the reason why...

A Centennial Prayer This time, a century ago; A plague was creeping thru the land And yet, in Kabikolan then, In ways one may not understand, Devotion to Your Holy Face Became the key to our salvation. So, we publicly proclaim On this centennial celebration--- Refrain:      We venerate the Holy Face      That St. Veronica unfurled!      Deliver us from evil, Lord!      Have mercy! Saviour of the World! Today, a deadlier plague than then Has swept and paralyzed our nation--- A wanton disregard for life; For justice! By intimidation And institutionalized deceit, Our people groan in subjugation! Winds of hate and wild ambition Blow away reconciliation! Refrain: We turn to You, O Prince of Peace O Cause of genuine liberation! Sustain our hearts and minds and wills That we may end our degradation! That we may once again be free From fear, from want, from desecration Of our dignity as Man! A...