ABC STARS Inspires

Dear Jesus, we are gathered in Your name. And we of the Camarines Sur Bar proclaim Anew our commitment to the Rule of Law Over infrastructures held in awe In a regime of coercion where the strong are right--- The dominance of military might, The uselessness of writs of liberty And the labyrinthine way to normalcy. Lord, do let the Holy Paraclete Abide in us. That we may not be effete! That we may conquer the fearsome doubts we dread And we may dare where Justices fear to tread; Maintain our chapter as a forum, free, For law, and what jurisprudence ought to be; And with integrity, effectively Discharge our public responsibility. May we seek You in our quest for truth. Beyond the brazen brainwashing of our youth; The deceit upon our people; the "managed" news; The "freedom" to publish tolerated views And exposes and other happenings But, "keep off royalty and royal things." Because, in seeking, striving for what's true We are...

Captured light in a crimson core A few fading bursts of laughter Slow whispers of supplication Please spare his life, my petition Flickering against the angel's wings His destiny in the hands of the Prince A release of high heaven's sigh Why could I not say goodbye? In the silence of the room I tremble The emptiness make me stumble I called out your name hoping That maybe if I keep looking But the unseen can't be undone Your presence is never gone Hope is but what remains Faith springs after the rains July 19, 2015 photo credit: In the rain via photopin (license) License: (license)

Our Father, almighty, hallowed be Your name. From Abra to Zamboanga we proclaim In myriad moods, Your People's trust in You O Alpha and Omega of all that's good and true! Deign to bless us in a special way This day, as we labor and pray That Your will be done in this Conven- Tion through the rule of Law and not of men. Despite diverging thoughts and words and deeds Despite diverse ideologies and creeds That our Integrated Bar, now four years old, Be ever faithful to our goals. Be bold; Be non-political; a forum, free! For law, and what jurisprudence ought to be! And with integrity, effectively Discharge our public responsibility To rich and poor, the mighty and the low- Ly; with fairplay for all --- stranger, friend or foe. Look kindly on our human failings, Lord! The countless times we live not by Your Word; As we forgive, and understand the plight Of hangers-on of power who indict Us falsely. Who equate non-political ...

MARY, there is blood upon the hills. Your sons have etched upon their guns---their kills. There's an evil wind that's blowing badness Among the winds of change. And sowing sadness In the hamlets of your land of peace. Ah, when will this wind of madness cease? For fleeting moments till these rites are done Bicolanos once again are one Gathered at the crossroad of Bicolandia On this, your annual feast of Peñafrancia. Yes, this is what we always remember This turbulent, passionate pilgrimage of September. But Mary, many are our crying ills Today, there is blood upon the hills. Many of our brothers have their tables bare There's so much greed; deceit is everywhere. Justice is a phantom in the night Banished by goons and gold and armalite. Our leader has reneged upon his word No voice but that of his mighty can be heard. No wonder there's that nagging thought that fills A growing many---blood upon the hills. O Mary dearest, of Peñafrancia Shri...

-I- The Charge: "It's the Light Brigade!" "Cannon to the right of them Cannon to the left of them Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered." Students to the left of M Strikers to the right of M Pressmen in front of M Volleyed and thundered, That Marcos had blundered And pressure groups plundered On contraband cargoes Despite the embargoes Of President Marcos. Manglapus to the left of M Ninoy to the right of M LPs in front of M Volleyed and thundered Of M's "hocus pocus" Of Officer Corpus Of notorious Jabidah And "the plans of Imelda"; And beleaguered was Marcos. But, exposing Meralco's Exemptions, he vowed He'll no longer be cowed By these titans who plundered And the country pondered As the Lopezes thundered And the NPs were sundered. "Savior of womanhood", Fernandez, then stood--- "FM's but one And much must be done We...

I rise, repent, till death. desire enflames the will and, reason blinded, covet and fall! 29feb60  photo credit: Roman Soldier via photopin (license) License: (license)

Madonna of Bikol! Queen of God's People! O Lady, of  Peñafrancia shrine, We come to you, to sing anew Of your constant care! Of your love divine! In joy and in sorrow, today and tomorrow, From East to West, where ever we roam From far or near, Ina most dear, What matters only is we are home! In this trysting place of God's embrace A love we say not in solitude, In whispered sighs, from only the wise, But is sung and shouted by a multitude! One are the Bikols! One with all peoples! With God and His angels and saints above! Banishing sadness, bursting with gladness Proclaiming the wonder of our Mother's love! *Oragon, Sept., 1992; Handiong, Sept., 9, 92  photo credit: The Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia via photopin (license) License: (license)