ABC STARS Inspires

Now we can laugh; We've had enough Of the "long and sleepless nights" That made of us hapless sights Of worn and weary owl-eyed creatures, Almost eerie surrealist figures. It's time to forget The tears and the sweat Of desperate supplicants (Bar applicants) Begging numberless saints, "las almas Del purgatorio" for the answer to "Las Palmas"; Blessing, for "nunc pro tunc" and "disposicion Captatoria" these "5's" in class recitation. It was a gruelling race; At a killing pace; Thank God! now that it's over We are still sound and sane and sober. The readings from cover to cover, The coffee-cramming-coffee days are over; No more "aide memoire" Or 'clause compromissoire", Enough's enough! Now, we can laugh! 2-9-62 (after the Bar) photo credit: Justitia via photopin (license) License: (license)

A candid shot of long ago Caught two boys racing in the sun Boundless energies aglow With zest for carefree, innocent fun Running laughter giving all In all they did though big or small. That was so long ago, I know, In Sorsogon beside the bay Where sea-kissed mountain breezes blow Where fields are green from May to May. The parish of impulsive Peter And St. Paul who's none the meeker. December-born and best of friends, Both fell in love with one Beloved And "lit their candles at both ends" That they might have their mettle proved For He who chose them from the rest Would settle only for the best. The "boy is father to the man" And one can almost hear them still--- "I can run faster than you can!" They pledged their heart and mind and will And are still racing so it seems In giving Christ their lives, their dreams. You see, those two barefooted fellows We knew as Jess Varela and (At left) Carmelo "Boy" Mor...

He had many and many a foreign friend, But beyond their friendship, they well knew, Was a love of country that would not bend That would be ever constant, ever true. Generations came and went, he stood, At ninety-three, a steady, guiding light. Firmly facing friend or foe, he would Reiterate our long, unfinished fight--- Foreign bases simply have no place In our country if we were truly free And friend of all, whatever creed or race; Upholding foremost our own security.           He lived to see realized, his dream most dear!           Ka Tanny rests, grinning from ear to ear. Oragon, July, 1992 photo credit: Philippine Flag via photopin (license) License: (license)

A Song for Ina The year we lost our treasure We wondered why she'd disappear Tho searchers gave full measure Of love in searching far and near! Somehow, today she found us Thru wind and flood; less gilt and chrome! All hail! Her grace surrounds us! She has returned! Ina is home! Refrain: Whatever calling finds us Wherever Bicolanos roam You are the love that binds us Forever one tho far from home! You are reconciliation For pilgrim or Samaritan! You are our exaltation O Mother of Kabikolan! Envoy: VIVA LA VIRGEN! NUESTRA SEÑORA DE PEÑAFRANCIA! ... Written for the musical composition dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bikol, on her return to Naga City on her birthday, September 8, 1982. Composed by : Florencio P. Celino                            Ocampo, Camarines Sur                         ...

Bikol! Land of godliness and song! A kingdom of kindness, of people brave, once free! Noble deeds abound the common throng Destined for greatness yet plagued by disunity! Is this our fate - in the midst of plenty, want? Land of the good, enslaved by lies and fear? Let Truth prevail! Tho the way be grim and gaunt! O Truth to set us free! Our goal most dear! Bandillo, 28 july 82 photo credit: Diamond Mayon via photopin (license) License: (license)

Engineer Hermenegildo Almonte Carpio with family Papa prepared for his journey long ago. At ninety, few of his peers were still around. Only his great-grandchildren did not know, They were so young, he longed to be homeward bound! Often, he would get lonely and would weep And tell his daughter and his eldest's wife He missed Mama! No other love so deep And true had he. All through their wedded life. July fifteenth, Sunday, at eventide, His eldest grandchild was going to visit him. Her two-year-old, sleeping by her side, Awoke - aroused by Lolo? by cherubim? --- And said: "WALA NA SI LOLO! KINUHA NA NI JESUS CHRIST!" Beyond reason or ryhme, 'Twas when his heart stopped beating. Pahinga na. Home with God! Beyond the bounds of time! 15 August 1990

I wonder... what if Christmas would not have been? If Mary doubted, faltered, and didn't agree To the message of the angel, unforseen By mortals --- she, who knew no man, would be The mother of the Messiah long foretold? But, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord", She said, accepting all that was to unfold "Be it done to me, according to thy word!" It is written, "Yahweh calls by name Long before we are formed in our mother's womb." Still, He needs her fiat just the same. For a woman may will her womb to be a tomb Or a tabernacle of life awaiting morn! Echoing the first Christmas when Christ was born! Christmas 1993 photo credit: Annunciation Glass - Mary via photopin (license) License: (license)