APRIL 2011: PART 2 - THE LENTEN SEASON

APRIL 2011 PART 11 – THE LENTEN SEASON

‘Past the seeker as he prayed came the crippled and the beggar and the beaten.
And seeing them…he cried, ‘Great God, how is it that a loving creator can see
such things and yet do nothing about them?’…
God said, ‘I did do something. I made you.’
…Sufi Teaching

The Lenten Season started on Ash Wednesday – reminding each one of us that we are from dust. 
And for a believer, there is a ‘pause’ every year – from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.
The time when we caution ourselves and apply a slight brake or a screeching halt in whatever course of life we are living. During the whole year, we live life the way we want to live. 
When we attend the Sunday mass, maybe, just maybe our conscience is pricked a little during the homily – but, never mind, ‘I’ve got a firewall…ha ha ha! Once I step out of the church, I am back to reality – my real world – the world that suits my purpose…’ We allow our errors in judgment, repeated everyday, to lead us down the wrong path – and then it’s usually too late to see what made us blind.
But then again, we have the gift of Easter Sunday. With this is the hope in the risen Christ dispelling darkness and sin within us.
As the faithful celebrated the season, one can only be reminded of Christ’s humility and love for humanity.
And a certainty – God has the last word.

The pictures below portrayed some of the activities at The Nunciature as officiated by H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja.

H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja celebrating the mass with the faithfuls on Maundy Thursday

'...the washing of the feet of the 12 apostles (one of them is an OFW Nonito Barraquias)' as reenacted by the Papal Nuncio

Easter Vigil - the bonfire was lighted from the balcony coursing through the string ... the altar boy at the extreme left is OFW Gel Llames

...and with lighted candles, the faithfuls went back inside the chapel for the renewal of the baptismal vows and the pronouncement that the LORD is risen.

APRIL 2011: PART 1 - THE POPE'S DAY

APRIL 2011

This month of April 2011 marks a time of rejoicing, of anticipation, of hopes and aspirations, of spiritual renewals and rebirths.

Here in Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, people are hoping to have a fair and free elections – not just the battle-cry of long-ago politicians but the aspirations of the citizens who want a better Nigeria. And so it was. And as it is, Jonathan gives a new meaning to Goodluck, the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Lenten Season also gave the believers the chance to review ones relationship with the Creator.

Reception in the Apostolic Nunciature: The Pope’s Day celebrated on the 14^th of April 2011

In between the hectic schedule in preparation for the Holy Week, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja hosted a reception to celebrate the 6^th anniversary of the election of the 265^th pope, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elected on the 19^th of April 2005 whose 84^th birthday incidentally fell on the 16^th of April. Pope Benedict is the immediate successor of Pope John Paul II whose beatification will be on the 1^st of May.  

The occasion was graced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Martin Uhomoibli, His Grace Archbishop Felix A. Job of Ibadan, President of the CBCN, His Grace Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Vice-President of CBCN, His Grace, the Archbishop of Abuja, Mr. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Mahamane Ousmane, former President of Niger, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Ms. Robin Carnahan, Secretary of State of Missouri, USA the Hon. Mr Alojz Peterle, Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission and Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations.

The celebration was marked by a moment’s silence to remember the passing of H.E. Ernesto Domingos Kimba, Ambassador of Angola and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

In his Excellency’s  address, he emphasized the call of Pope Benedict XVI ‘to renew the commitment to building a world where all are free to profess their religion or faith’ without restrictions and denounced the systematic violation of the fundamental right to religious freedom; he advocated against what he called ‘Christophobia’ based on the growing secularism or on religious fanaticism and marginalization of minorities. ‘

Archbishop Kasujja reiterated further the Pope’s continuous call to reconciliation between faith, reason and spirituality – for, one is not opposed to the other; and his insistence on recourse to diplomatic action and dialogue instead of warfare to achieve permanent justice, democracy and true freedom.

And rightfully he summed it all:  every armed conflict leaves behind loss of lives and indelible psychological and physical scars.

The pictures below showed the very enjoyable evening at the reception. 

H.E.Archbishop Augustine Kasujja delivering his address during the reception held at The Nunciature for the 6th anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Proud to be Pinoys: OFWs lending a helping hand: Angie Alcaria, John Hernandez, Tess Azarcon, Nino  Herrera, Gel Llames, Efren Lim, Maebs Ronquillo, Otie Barraquias, Gilbert Bernandos, Noel Agcaoili, Sherwin Cayabyab

H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria proposing a toast

...as distinguished guests joined; ASEAN Ambassadors looked on  

Dr. Martin Uhomoibli, Perm Sec Foreign Affairs, rendering his address (above) and the Archbishops (below)

Maris and Vicki, Otie and Nonits with friend, Reverend Sisters, John, Maris, Angie, James with the Phil. Consul-General Alex V. Lamadrid

Above: Msgr. Jean-Sylvain Emien, Deputy Head Holy See Embassy (Apostolic Nunciature) with the Apostolic Nuncio and below: Preparing to cut the ceremonial cake: Former Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Joe Clark, His Grace Archbishop Felix A. Job of Ibadan and CBCN President, the Apostolic Nuncio with the knife and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Uhomoibli

...the cake didn't have any chance...

Dinner time....

Clockwise from  left: Mr. Donald Joseph Rogers, CRS Country Representative; H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Dr. Nicola Bazzani, Deputy Head Italian Embassy and Mr. James McAnulty, Acting Deputy Head US embassy with Sr. Mary Grace MCST

Rounding up...

OFWS (OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS) - helping the Reverend Sisters (cooking, assisting, serving): Gilbert, Rami, Sherwin, Efren, Noel, Nino, Tickboy, Otie, Tess, John, James, Sr. Mary Grace, Khaye, Donna, Sr. Aurea, Benjie, Gilbert

Above : The entire behind-the-scene-cast after the celebrations and below the Apostolic Nuncio  with Vangie Novio and Tess Azarcon

AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE - ROUND 2

AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE

SECOND ROUND

Mrs. Susan Gani, the Principal of ACIC, generously granted the ABL’s request to use the school’s court and facilities.

April 10 was the 2^nd round of this (who-would-have-thought) exciting game.  Tess Azarcon was dragged down to the venue. Ganuon sya ka-importante sa league na ito. Why? Because she has to open the school’s gate and tell the security guards to allow the players and the cheerers , coaches inclusive. She has to bring along her test papers to continue marking while at the venue (talk of multi-tasking!).

The game started at 4:00 pm. Could have started on time but most are very poor in geography – just take Coach Nonits of the Black Mambas, leading the way. 

Estan’s pick-up was following behind with Coach Tickboy of the Pink Lagooners. The two cars went round and round and round. Coach Tickboy has to SOS  Muse Maebs for directions ‘… when you pass 5^th avenue, go straight ahead to 8^th avenue and you’ll see the sign board…’ 

‘…ah, ok…eslao, eslao…. eyt  tave nyo daw … dyan sa gilid…’

Somebody caught the signboard and the 2 cars did the U-turn. 

The first game has already started – Black Mambas vs W@&Tel. Neck to neck. Both teams displayed expertise in….’Coach Nonits inside the line - technical foul…’ called Renz.

White team led by 3 pts. Coach Nonits called for time-out – just a little pep-talk. Back to court. Erwin got a free throw – an EQUALIZER!!!...

YEHEEEY – pppprrrrrtttt – came Ref Efren’s whistle – foul. Coach Nonits bristled ‘…no! it’s jumble…’ Wrong call – but it was ref’s decision. 

White got the ball. Point. Prrrrrtttttt – game over.

2^nd game: Pink Lagooners vs Phil. Embassy Team.

Don’t enquire about pictures – the game was fast – before the ladies looked up from getting the munchables – game over! YELLOW won.

Sign of the day:

Friends and cheerers of the four teams cheered everybody.

Nobody left the court till all the games were played.

Everybody helped in clearing the place without being asked. Not just for pogi points.

‘yan pa rin ang tunay na ugali ng Pinoy – walang iwanan!

MABUHAY!!!

AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE

OFWS ARE AMBASSADORS

YES YES YES….

Dumating din.

Only an idea.  Then it was formed. Ayan na nga. Last Sunday, here in Abuja at the Ambassador’s residence, the first-ever tournament was held – The Ambassador Basketball League.

Forget POEA. Forget the travel ban… the deployment ban… the searing anger at the government’s very impractical imposition of such. Sneers from other nationals like Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans and Lebanese among others making the Philippines a laughing stock – simply because they know that the country can not afford employment for us and yet Filipinos are barred from getting work here in Nigeria, a 100% better option than working in the Middle East.  

Actually, it was a very bold step undertaken by these young men. Before, the Filipino community only goes for the safe activities – bazaar, bingo, food fair, fund-raising, etc.  A far cry from the more prosperous big brothers in Lagos.

It was with the coming of Willy Brual and Gilbert Bernados, the prime movers of this movement. Actually, the young men go to Hilton Hotel after office hours, pay for the use of the court. At first, it was just to unwind. The guys from the Philippine Embassy like James Valenzuela and JR Ramos and the rest go there whenever there is no light in the residence (that’s what you call ‘resourcefulness’). Bernard ‘Doods’ Mercado voiced out his musings – why not organize a basketball league? Though these boys always practice Tennis (general favorite is Rafael Nadal), basketball is still their first priority – always discussing the slam dunks of Kobe, Lebron, Shaq, and the cream of NBA.

After some consultations with the ‘elders’ – (OFWS from the 1980’s) meaning Benjie Nadado, Bernie Mercado, Nonito Barraquias and the 3-year old here in Nigeria Lito Nucum, the idea progressed. Gilbert who had already organized a basketball league in his hometown brought out and compiled/modified all the rules and regulations for all technicalities.

Willy conducted series of meetings (with merienda of course) until they’ve decided on the date. Teams were formed, uniforms ordered and bought at the last minute. Gilbert while attending to clients would branch to all department stores and rummage through their sports section – in search for a basket ball (kasi looking for mura na matibay! – ‘yan ang pinoy) while Willy attended to the technicalities and protocols.  

Solicitation letters were sent out. Willy had the letters prepared. He sure knows the right timing – immediately after the Saturday (anticipated) mass at The Nunciauture where the bulk of the Pinoy faithfuls attend, he distributed the solicitation letters. Who has the heart to say no?

 Erwin Herrera, an autocad genius produced the logo (incidentally he was also the creator of the The Migrants Publications Logo).

Invitation was sent out.

Mr. Marcio Monteclaro from Lagos (sports organizer, too) professed his support to this league. The organizers would one day want to ask them for an invitational game.

HICCUPS GALORE

(Two days before the games)

‘Willy, this whistle is for volleyball!’

‘Ok. Ok , we can still use this when we expand to other games.’ ‘Let me rush and buy the correct one.’

A day before the games – April 2

Black Team practicing at the D & S Court:

‘Gilbert, where’s the sash for the Miss Ambassador League?’

‘Oh no! today’s election day – no movement. Ayyyyyayy.’

Luckily, the camp manager, Mrs. Tcholev has white left-over material. And permanent markers.

Sherwin, Noel, Donald and Gilbert managed to make a presentable sash. Made of white cotton material.

It’s a DATE!

Here we are – under the scorching sun of the Lenten Season.

Mcdoo is still busy writing on the ‘retaso’ from the sash (so that’s where it went – already a candidate for ‘pamunas’ as in ‘basahan’): yes, there was no banner. So, he has to rush this:

AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE, Abuja Nigeria April 3, 2011

Let the program begin.

An interesting part is the selection of the MISS AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL LEAGUE.

Maebs Mercado for the Pink Lagooners, Dulce Casaldon for the Black Mambas, Teri Mabansag for the Phil Embassy Team. The W@&Tel white team has no muse. Our beloved MCST Sr. Eflaida of the Nunciature came looking for somebody – PRESTO – she was borrowed as their muse. The ever game Sr. Eflaida willingly posed much to the delight of the spectators and then she proceeded on her way back to The Nunciature.

The Talent Portion

Immediately it was announced, the 3 ladies wanted to bail out. But the prodding of the audience and their teams made them braved it all. Panel was comprised by Con-gen Lamadrid, Otie Barraquias and Vangie Novio.

Consul-General Alex Lamadrid formulated the questions:

First set:

1                      Nigerian Politics: Pres. Goodluck Jonathan is the candidate for President of Nigeria’s ruling party The PDP. What does the acronym PDP stand for?

2                      Nigerian History: Last year, Nigeria celebrated the anniversary of its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1^st. How many years of independence did Nigeria celebrate on 1^st Oct. 2010?

3                      Nigerian Political Geography:  The Nigerian government has a federal structure. Besides the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in which the capital Abuja is located, how many states comprise the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

4                      Nigerian Society: Nigeria has numerous ethnic groups with their own distinct language. Name the 3 largest ethno-linguistic groups of Nigeria.

Second set:

1                     Philippine History: On February 25, 2011, the Filipino people celebrated the anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution which restored democracy in the Philippines.  On which year did the EDSA revolution take place?

2                     Philippine History: Every year, the Filipino people celebrated the declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain on the 12^th of June.  On which year did Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declare Philippine Independence?

3                     Philippine Geography: The Philippines is an archipelago 7,107 islands. Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. Name the second largest Philippine island.

4                     Philippine History: The Philippine National Anthem starts with the line ‘Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan.’ Name the official title of the Philippine National Anthem.

It was a tie. The tie-breaker question was posed by Vangie Novio: Ito ay isang paliga na ang tawag ay Ambassador Basketball League dahil tayong mga narito ay mga ambassadors of goodwill. Ang motto nitong ligang ito ay: 'iwas bisyo.' Ano ang kahulugan o masasabi mo tungkol sa paligang ito?'

The judges were unanimous in handing the decision - Muse No. 3 - Teri.

Pictures below tell more of the event:

Fotos: courtesy of 'cameras' of the different fotographers.

Winners: White vs Yellow = Yellow

               Black vs Blue = Black