"Lizette Lim, in her element" - Eddie Mendoza

I got in from Bangkok three days before typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila.  I counted myself lucky as I could have been stranded in a foreign land, away from my family.  Saturday was training day for my two girls, as both Claudine and Nicole are hard court cheerleaders of Poveda.  However, due to the previous night’s heavy downpour, we told them to stay put in the house.  Another stroke of luck.  All safe and sound.

Then I got a text from a sister, Michelle Manzo, asking for help as her parents, sisters, nephew and nieces were trapped in their house in Rolling Hills, New Manila.  That was when it dawned on me that this was not just another typhoon.  This was a wake-up call.  I tried to ask for help from my friends in the military, my husband Anton tried all his contacts in the government sector, but with the sudden turn of events, everyone was caught unprepared!  It was just overwhelming.  And the rest of the world saw how the Filipinos survived the killer typhoon.

It is in the nature of the Filipinos to help without any prodding.  It was spontaneous and automatic for each and everyone to do their share of rescue operations, relief operations, feeding, medical missions, soliciting goods/donations, volunteering in the relief center, distributing in the evacuation center, counseling/debriefing of victims, etc.

But this is our story…

On October 10, a Saturday, I arranged for the pick-up of tables and chairs (donated by Poveda) and books (from Abiva Publishing) for my adopted public schools in Cabangan, Zambales.  This year’s beneficiary is Laoag Elementary School.  The year before was Casa Tondo Elementary School.  The delay in the transport (which is usually done in June) was due to donated computers we were waiting to be released by a call center.  It was God’s way, I believe.

“Tulungan niyo po kami, Ma’m.”

As we were loading the tables and chairs in the truck, Lyn, my contact person in Cabangan said, “Tulungan niyo po kami, Ma’am.  Lalo na ang Botolan.”  (“Please help us, Ma’am. Especially Botolan.”)  Then she described the details of the devastation of typhoon Pepeng.  Tulungan, a cry for help, greatly affected me as I am always, always moved to action whenever I hear such words.  So I said yes, gagawan ko ng paraan.  (I’ll find a way.)  I asked her to see what the victims in Botolan needed.  Three days later, Lyn texted me that she already talked to the social workers of Botolan and that the appeal was for sugar, coffee, milk for infants/children, bread, biscuits, and salt.

That Wednesday, I asked the “Sisterhood of Bible Scholars” (a group of Ligaya women who meets every week to study the Bible), “Who wants to go with me to Botolan?”  And “Mommy Daisy” (Mendoza), SWL of Central B, replied, “Whose group are you going with?”  I answered, “By myself.”  That night, I realized I was embarking on a journey by myself.  The only funds I had on hand was P3,000.00–a left-over from the donations I solicited for Bishop Soc Villegas a week before, for his appeal for Pangasinan, sent through a text message to Becky Aranaz (Central B).  I was able to get P8,000.00 then from the senior citizens of our parish, which I used to buy canned goods.  The P3,000.00 was given the day after the truck left for Pangasinan so I asked permission from the donors, Tito Bert Singson and tita Auring Asuncion, if I could use the money for Botolan instead; and they said yes.  But P3,000.00 could only buy at most, 15 bags of food items.  And there were 2,400 families in the evacuation centers in Botolan!  I told myself, “Bahala na si Batman.”

The next day, my angel of mercy—Merci Bermundo (Central B)—texted me, “Tuloy ba tayo sa Botolan? (Are we on for Botolan?)  When are we leaving?”  I texted back, “Yipee! Yipee! May kasama na ako! (Now I have company.)  But Merci, I only have P3,000.00.”  She said, “Okay, I will try Flying V and get from my friends.”  That was my cue from God.  Man proposes, God disposes.

Fearing donor fatigue

I gathered enough courage again to appeal for help.  What held me back was the thought that people were already experiencing “donor fatigue”.  So my opening line was—I don’t want to impose or beg, but this is an appeal for Botolan.  I randomly sent the message to my friends.  Some replied, other’s didn’t (probably too tired of helping out already), while some totally ignored me.  But I believe that God wanted me to act on it.

When I picked up my kids from school, I was told by the guard that Kris Aquino was coming for the Teachers’ Day program, so I decided to stay behind and watch.  Lo and behold!  I saw a co-parent, Bables Feliciano, who is a sugar trader!  I could have met a rice trader, but sugar…swak na swak to what the Botolan victims needed.  “Ilang sako kailangan mo, Lizette?”  (“How many bags do you need?”)  Again, God’s cue for me to pursue this.  God is indeed a precise God!

My other angel, Sarah Peliño, informed our Central B District Coordinator, Eddie Mendoza, of my appeal.  So during the Sector Assembly that Sunday, he asked me about it and I told him that I was really already embarrassed to ask for help due to donor fatigue; but he told me that there is no limit to what we can give.  Words of wisdom—meaning, I guess—why am I limiting God’s generosity?

Before that, I told Merci that I wanted to leave for Botolan on Friday, October 23, which means we had only one week to prepare.  I said, whatever comes before Friday, that’s what we’re going to bring.  I texted Eddie Mendoza the details of the Botolan endeavor.  He then issued a mission memo to two mwgs: the “Council of Trent” (MWG of Bob Tenchavez) and the “Council of Ten” (MWG of Claro Pablo, then headed by Edward Isaac). 

No limit to God’s generosity

Monday, October 19, we convened at the residence of Edward and Beth Isaac.  The ever cool Bob Tenchavez asked how many bags I intend to bring to Botolan and at what cost per bag.  And so the bidding for Botolan commenced.  That night, we raised P 96,000.00!  Truly, He is an amazing God!  And indeed, Bob and Betsy Tenchavez, with their group composed of Nonoy and Grace Tan, Lito and Merci Bermundo, Edgar and Ginny Talavera, Bob and Mel Garcia, Archit and Nenne Bartolome, and my former PLs Willie and Sarah Peliño, are worthy of the title “Council of Trent” because when they help—they go all out.  Bob Garcia even shared that God’s timing is perfect.  That morning, his sister in the U.S. called and said she will remit payment for a long-forgotten debt.  And that was a sign for them to donate.

My own MWG’s (Council of Ten) story was touching.  Arlene Arcilla texted me that night that they were giving P 5,000.00 but I refused because their own house also got flooded.  Two days after, though, I got a text from Susan Buhain that Arlene ordered P 5,000.00 worth of milk!  Her story—she believes that better days are sure to come so they wanted to do their share.  I also told Becky Aranaz not to give anymore since she husband Jose had already given so much for the other relief efforts, but she said, “No, I want to give more.”

Tuesday, October 20, Nonoy Tan called me with the good news that he got a donation of 500 pails from Orocan and food items from another friend.  My friend, Beging Soriano, confirmed that she could lend me her service vehicle to transport the goods.  Susan Buhain texted that she’s donating Kopiko coffee, Energen cereal drinks and cans of condensed milk, Fr. Jorge Belosillo (my parish priest) gave five sacks of rice, and Becky Aranaz bought P 5,000.00 worth of slippers in Divisoria.  Things were falling in place.

Wednesday, October 21, was grocery day.  My sister Ynna, Merci B., Mel G., and I together with Sarah P’s driver Rico, trooped to Pioneer Center to buy the food items.  And then another miracle happened.  I saw the mom of Anton’s batchmate, Inday Bautista, and greeted her.  It was really the Holy Spirit who put words in my mouth because right then and there, she pulled out money from her wallet and gave it to me as donation.  Alleluia!  The grocery ran out of Sarsarap rice ulam sauce.  We checked the label and found out that the owner is a friend of Mel, so she called him up and voila! We got our needed Sarsarap.  How God attends even to the little details.

Thursday, October 22, was packing/sorting day.  The Central B District’s brothers and sisters came in full force to the Holy Family Parish (Capitolio) deck.  Apparently, they got email blasts form our Coordinator, Eddie, and came to help sort, pack, bundle, and arrange the pails/bags.  Thanks to Manny and Arlene Arcilla, Dickie Buhain, Beth Isaac, Daisy Mendoza, Au Santos, Rocky de Castro, Joseph Mora (with his 2 kids), Romy and Thelma Tocjayao, Merci B., Rudy Aguillera, Anton Lim, Yong and Che Garcia, Michelle Manzo, Christine and Corrine Caoile, as well as the church workers of Holy Family Parish for a job well done.  At the end of the day, we filled up a total of 500 pails and 336 grocery bags; with food items and goods still pouring in.  720 bottles of vitamins were also delivered that day, courtesy of Edward Isaac.  Packed meals for the happy workers were delivered, compliments of Beth Isaac and Anton Lim.  How God multiplies His bounty!

And, as if that wasn’t enough, another miracle happened.  My problem with transporting the pails was that I needed a bigger truck.  I made lambing with all my “connect” and got one for free but was only available on Saturday.  The other one, courtesy of Menchu Roman, (also for free) but was only available on Sunday.  I have set my eyes on Friday and with the many surprises that God has given me in the past days, I had no doubt in my mind that something positive will once again awe me.   All of a sudden, Michelle Manzo, who has previously informed me that their truck was in the shop for repair, sprung a surprise.  “Mamu (that’s her pet name for me), I got you a truck and Jay (her husband) said it’s free!”  Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!

God cleared the storm to provide relief

Friday, October 23 – dispatch of 2 trucks to Botolan – with Team A (SUV of Nonoy Tan): Nonoy, Bob Garcia, Anton and Lizette Lim, Merci Bermundo and Gelay; and Team B (Van of Betsy Tenchavez): Betsy, Daisy Mendoza, Clarence and Rose Sartaguda, Christine and Corrine Caoile, Honey, and Liza.  GO! GO! GO BOTOLAN!  Warned by many that incoming typhoon Ramil was set to reach the land Thursday night or Friday morning, we were grateful to be greeted by a sunny weather that Friday!  Awesome God indeed!

We experienced a little delay because of miscommunication with the truck driver but at 7:30 AM, we were on the road to Botolan.  Team B reached Subic ahead of us and had a sumptuous breakfast at the house of Bob and Betsy Tenchavez.  Meanwhile, Team B, together with truck drivers Marnie Roma, Manong Ray Panisa, and the “Borloloy Boys” of the Parish—Richard, Arthur, and Amir grabbed a Jollibee breakfast.

Upon reaching Botolan at noontime, we passed by the still flooded roads, houses that were swept away, vehicles submerged in water—evident devastation brought about by the floods. 

Botolan still submerged

We then brought the first batch of relief goods to the first evacuation center where the evacuees were housed in tents, two to three families sharing a small tent.  As is customary, we started with a prayer.  Indeed, we saw joy in their faces and glee in their eyes as they lined up for the goods.  The smile on the children’s faces—too innocent, too young to understand all of it—as we distributed the cereals and drinks, as well as the slippers, was just heartwarming.

Central B Relief Operation in Botolan begins

The second evacuation center was a warehouse and the people there were evidently affected by their present living conditions.  We even encountered some distribution problems because a certain group was complaining of bias in the distribution of goods.  The third center was an area of makeshift bamboo houses.  After lining up, they would happily say, “Salamat.”  (“Thank you.”)

Ever thankful for the present, but mindful of the future.

Our face-to-face encounter with the victims of Botolan brought out the best in each of us.  Even Romy, the driver of Nonoy, and Cecil, the driver of Betsy, helped in handing out the pails/grocery bags.  They did not distance themselves but eagerly joined in the activities.  And so, together with the truck drivers, I saw all of us drenched in sweat but happy.  We emptied the truck and the Isuzu Elf of all of its contents.  We gave them all out.

Called for such a time as this.

We emptied ourselves, too.  We got out of our comfort zones and reached out to them and gave of ourselves.  We believe we accomplished God’s mission for us at that time—to let them see the face of Jesus and to bring them His love, His compassion, and His hope!  Mission accomplished!

Mission accomplished! (For now.)

-          Lizette Lim, Central B

This was a question posted to the community by Rev. Fr. Herb Schneider, SJ when he celebrated holy mass during Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon’s Feast of the Covenant last Sunday, September 20, 2009.   The community, who had the events hall of the A-Venue at Makati Avenue packed that day, was also reminded by Fr. Herb to: renew the commitment daily, pray continuously, and always look to God for guidance (“If you wish to be my disciples, take up your cross daily and follow me.” –Mt. 16:24).  He also challenged each one to ask himself daily, “Are you the kind of person who more and more lay down his life?”

Melmarx leading off in the worship

Towards the end of the mass, new sector coordinators were installed and prayed over by the community: Andy Juan of the North Sector and Melmarx Marcojos of the Central Sector (not present during the ceremony was Spanky Meer of the South Sector).

After the Eucharistic celebration, newly installed Central Sector Coordinator Melmarx Marcojos led the body into worship.  Echoing Fr. Herb’s reminder regarding our covenant commitment, he reminded us that God is “not just the God of Abraham and of Isaac, but that He is our God…and that He is the same God who calls us today and who will call us tomorrow…to make a covenant with Him.”

Jake Yap of the Servants of the Word then gave a talk on the theme Called for such a time as this.  According to him, the times we’re living in is characterized by rapid changes and an excess of suffering.  So what’s to be our response?  Faithfulness to God, steadfastness in love, and the building of community—that will love the Lord despite a world turning away from Him.  He continued to encourage everyone by saying, “God is on the move—He continues to show us His presence in our lives today.”

Next was a sharing from two sisters and a brother.

Charmz, Enee and Bobby give their testimonies at the Feast

The first sister, Charmz Bautista, shared about how she, as a teacher, chooses to live her faith, lead by example, and pray for her students; the effects of which is greatly seen in their lives and the decisions they make.  Her steadfastness is guided by the Lord’s words to her: “Do not plan on the basis of your limitations; but plan on the basis of what I promise you.”

Another sister, Enee Abrenica, a daughter of Ligaya members, shared about her reluctance to attend LNP activities at first, but didn’t want to make her parents sad (or probably get them into trouble with the community), so she kept joining—until she found herself completing all the courses and qualified to be covenanted.  All the while attending the community for the happiness of her parents, she now wondered, “What would life be under the veil?  Whose happiness would it be this time?”  Until she found the answer in her heart and realized that this was indeed the right thing to do.  For this time she knows that not only will it make her parents, her pastoral leader, and her community happy…but most importantly, her covenant commitment would make God happy…and that’s what makes her truly happy as well.

Lastly, Bobby Quitain, a brother and lay preacher, shared about the challenges and blessings he faces everyday in his God-given mission.  His steadfastness in faith and commitment to his covenant in Ligaya was truly evident in his resolve as he proclaimed, “I will not occupy unless I occupy with you, brothers and sisters”  — the reason why he turned down a great offer from well-known lay preacher Bo Sanchez to regularly preach in The Feast.  According to Bobby, accepting the offer would require much of his time and might take him away from his other commitments in Ligaya and his mission.  His decision was guided by his belief that, “My covenant is a channel of God’s mission.  I must never occupy at the expense of my covenant.”

The inspiring sharing was followed by the much-awaited Acceptance and Renewal of Covenant Commitment led by Senior Head Coordinator, Bro. Tony Panajon, where the community witnessed the covenanting of brothers and sisters: 18 from the North Sector, 22 from the Central Sector, and 16 from the South Sector.  After the laying of mantels (brothers) and veils (sisters) by their respective District Coordinators, the newly covenanted members were prayed over by the whole community and accepted with warm greetings.

A total of 56 brothers and sisters made a public commitment to the Covenant

In these challenging times, it is truly heartening to witness such acts of commitment to the Lord and His intended way of life.  Indeed, in professing your faith and steadfastness in rising up to the world’s everyday challenge, what could be better than to be called for such a time as this?

Related stories and testimonies:

• Kuya Tony Exhorts Everyone To Engage In Battle
• My Boat, My Anchor, And My Seashore – sharing by Bobby Quitain
• This Is Where God Wants Me to Be – sharing by Enee Abrenica
• Being a Silent Witness Is Not Enough – sharing by Charmz Bautista
• Ligaya Elects Sector Coordinators

 The event kicked off with a celebration of the holy mass, co-presided by Rev. Fr. Dave Macasaet and Rev. Fr. Paul Uwemedimo. The processional was led by father and son Ces and JC Pilapil, carrying LNP banners proclaiming the themes of 1975 and 2009, respectively.  Ces, bearing the banner with the Lord’s very first words to the community: “Kayo ang aking Ligaya,” and JC, holding high the present message: “Be fruitful, multiply and occupy;” truly a reminder of our trans-generational call to be “a community of disciples on mission”.

After the mass, LNP’s Senior Head Coordinator, Kuya Tony Panajon, gave a brief message, emphasizing how we’ve continuously grown in number throughout this thirty-four years and encouraging the body to continue doing God’s work with our partners in mission. 

Kuya Tony Panajon addressing the Community

Even more heartening was when Kuya Tony called onto the stage the members who have been with Ligaya for 34 years.  It was indeed a testament of their dedication to their call as Ligaya and an inspiration to the rest of the community.  They were then prayed over by Central Sector Coordinator, Bro. Melmarx Marcojos.

Some of the original Ligaya members

Another highlight of the celebration was the installation of two new district coordinators of the South Sector.  These were Manny delos Santos and Gary Mendoza.  After being formally installed and prayed over, Kuya Tony reminded them of God’s promise to His shepherds, with the words from Joshua 1:5-9, “No one can withstand you while you live.  I will be with you as I was with Moses: I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be firm and steadfast, so that you may give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers I would give them.  Above all, be firm and steadfast, taking care to observe the entire law which my servant Moses enjoined on you.  Do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go.  Keep this book of the law on your lips.  Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal.  I command you: be firm and steadfast!  Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.”

The Ligaya Youth performing a segment from Noah's Ark

Of course, the celebration would not be complete without everyone sharing our traditional anniversary potluck.  Then, to cap off the event, the YAs and JYAs performed an outstanding musical number (directed by Beda Mañalac, with musical director Jet Sitaca), which showed-off not only our children’s God-given talents but gave us all a peek into the very promising future of the community as well.

Dancing and celebrating the Ligaya way!

Indeed, through this joyful and meaningful celebration of 34 years of being together as one community, the Lord affirms to us that we are His joy—we are His Ligaya.

- Rose Sartaguda, Central B