Overcoming the Gates of hell

August 23, 2026 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings for Today

Main: Christ Handing the Keys to St Peter, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Featured: Keys of Heaven, by Perugino Video Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13–16 The symbolism associated with Caesarea Philippi is central to today’s Gospel. Located north of Jesus’ home base in Capernaum, it was a predominantly pagan city known for its shrines to false gods. One of the most prominent was Pan, after whom the region was named Panias (later Banias). Pan, a Greek god, was honored at a shrine near a large cave and spring considered the entrance to Hades. Pan was the god of nature, shepherds, flocks, wild places, fertility, and rustic music, and was often depicted as half man, half goat, with horns and hooves. He played the pan flute and was associated with lust, chaos, and sudden fear—from which we get the word panic. Additionally, the city was the site of a temple dedicated to the late emperor, Caesar Augustus, who was worshiped as a god throughout the Roman Empire. It was into this spiritually dark pagan setting that Jesus led His disciples—on what may have been a two-day journey—for what culminated in a single, monumental question. Jesus took the Twelve away from the comfort of their familiar fishing village and Jewish neighbors for a reason. He wanted them to answer His question not in the midst of the familiar and safe, but in a place marked by spiritual confusion and idolatry. Why? So that faith could be professed even there, and divine grace could confront the darkness that permeated the region. At first, He asked who the people said He was. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then He posed the question that reached the heart of His mission: “But who do you say that I am?” This was a moment of divine testing—one which Simon passed with profound faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus’ extraordinary and consequential response has enduring significance to this day. He declared: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17–19). With these sacred words, Jesus founded His Church upon Peter, making him the first pope. In biblical tradition, a change of name signifies a new mission and identity. Simon, son of Jonah, was now to be called Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic—meaning “rock.” Peter became the solid foundation upon which Christ’s Church would be built. No pagan power, false god, or earthly ruler would ever overcome what Christ established with divine authority. Reflect today on the significance of the papacy. Even now, in the successor of Saint Peter, the words of Simon continue to echo throughout the world: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the pope’s first and most important duty—to bear witness to Christ, the Son of God. Despite the personal weaknesses of some popes and the saintliness of others, it is Jesus who established Peter and his successors as the visible foundation of the Church. Pray for the Holy Father, and trust in the timeless witness of every pope since that first moment in Caesarea Philippi—a witness upheld not by human strength, but by Christ’s own promise. To profess faith in the papacy is to profess faith in the One who instituted it and endowed it with His divine authority. My Lord, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. With Simon, I profess this truth and place my faith in You, who established Simon, son of Jonah, as Peter—the rock and foundation of Your Church. I believe and profess that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church, not because of human strength or perfection, but because of Your eternal promise. I pray for our Holy Father, the pope, and for all his successors. Make them true and faithful witnesses to the confession first spoken by Saint Peter. Jesus, I trust in You.

Boeing, Boeing

I was in doubt if the cash voucher for the return portion of my plane ticket from my scholarship in 1967 was still valid. In January 1975, I went to the Air France office in Brussels to inquire about it. What an incredible surprise when the manager told and confirmed that I could even fly round trip with it not only for me but also for my wife. Without too much hesitation, I immediately booked our departure right there and then for March 15, 1975, a month after her birthday as a gift because she didn't expect to come with me and to leave her with our two small sons behind. 

When I came home to tell her about the trip, she wasn't too happy and excited to go on a long trip and to leave our children behind in the care of her folks. Unfortunately, right on her birthday when she was to feel happy and radiant, she received a call that her mother suddenly passed away. So, we flew immediately to Italy to attend the wake and funeral services. I felt so sad for her that I even thought she would cancel her trip to Manila. A week before our departure date, she came home and helped me prepare our baggage. When she was in Italy, I busied myself buying gifts and souvenirs for my folks back home because it was my first visit. I know everyone would be too excited to see and meet my wife in person for the first time.

After the late slow train ride from Brussels at midnight the day before, we arrived at Paris Nord early on March 15. As the direct train connection between Brussels and Paris via Charles de Gaulle international airport started service for the first time on November 15, 1996, we took the bus service and arrived more than enough time in advance to go through the usual customs and immigration control, When our flight was announced, we went to the desgnated gate and proceeded to take our seat inside the 747 jumbo jet, which was our first time to fly in such a big plane. Our flight was a stopover to Hong Kong but would continue to Japan and to the U.S. as its final destination. When we arrived in Bangkok, Air France officially announced that the plane was unexpectedly requisitioned for Saigon to expatriate their nationals. So, our connecting flight to Hong Kong was replaced by Air Siam on an old refurbished 747 second-hand plane which was delayed for a few hours for maintenance and check-up. Finally, we departed after 4 hours of delay, Wile waiting, we went around the duty free zone to window shop in the tax-free zone where I bought a cute emerald ring for my wife. Despite the trouble and inconvenience we went through due to the long delay, I somehow had apprehension of the flight, but I found upon arrival to our destination to be as pleasant and comfortable as the others while the in-flight and meal services were good and impeccable.

Finally, we arrived in Hong Kong safe and sound and were met by my youngest sister who was a novitiate at the Salesian convent in Kowloon where we stayed at the guest house for almost a week. To be continued.

True Greatness

August 22, 2026 Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings for Today Readings for Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Sermon on the Mount, by August Stalins and Alfons Janssens Video Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice…” Matthew 23:1–3 What does it mean to be truly great in God’s eyes? In a world that prizes recognition, success, and honor, Jesus offers a radically different vision—one that exalts the lowly and humbles the proud. Today’s Gospel takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly life as He participates in the Passover celebrations in the Temple. Throughout that week, He faced ongoing opposition and envy from the very religious leaders entrusted with guiding God’s people. Though these leaders gravely failed in their sacred duties, Jesus does not rebuke them out of resentment but with divine charity and a desire for their conversion. Of note, He does not address them directly, but speaks about them to the crowds and His disciples, humbling them through public correction. By doing so, Jesus makes it clear that His words are not merely a historical critique. They are a lasting teaching for every generation, offering timeless guidance for the Church and for every soul striving for holiness. The scribes and Pharisees held legitimate authority. Having “taken their seat on the chair of Moses,” they were official interpreters of the Law. Jesus does not condemn the office, only the corruption of those who occupied it. The faithful are instructed to follow the teachings that conform to God’s law, even if the leaders’ lives fall short. This reminds us that the efficacy of the Church’s sacraments and teachings—entrusted today to the “chair of Peter”—depends not on the personal holiness of the minister, but on the divine authority of the office. What Jesus does condemn is the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They impose heavy burdens without offering help. Their religious observance is external, not flowing from hearts aflame with love. They seek titles and status—honor without humility—and in doing so, distort the very Law they claim to uphold. Jesus contrasts this shallow religiosity with true holiness. He calls for interior conversion over external display. This message echoes the words of the prophets and resounds through the life of the Church, especially in the radiant witness of the saints. Time and again, we are reminded that humility and authenticity—not performance or prestige—mark the path of true discipleship. Though His rebukes are sharp, the heart of Jesus’ message is love. He calls each of us to discover a higher form of greatness rooted in service, self-forgetfulness, and humility. “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11–12). In these words, Jesus unveils the paradox of the Kingdom: To descend in humility is to ascend in glory. Though we may not sit on the chair of Moses or Peter, the sins of the scribes and Pharisees often echo in our own hearts. Their hypocrisy was outward—displays of piety, love of titles, and the burdening of others without compassion. Even without their authority or status, we may harbor what might be called a “hypocrisy of desire.” We long for recognition, crave influence, or quietly seek affirmation more than holiness. These hidden desires, even if never acted upon, reveal an interior disposition that mirrors the pride Jesus condemns. Reflect today on any desires within your heart that are selfish or self-elevating rather than humble and oriented toward service. True charity always seeks the good of the other first. And paradoxically, it is precisely this self-forgetful love that brings about our own exaltation—not by our striving, but by God’s grace. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up. Exalt yourself, and your self-exaltation will be your only reward. Lord of perfect humility, You never exalted Yourself, despite Your being the Son of God and Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. Teach me to imitate and participate in Your humility, permitting myself to be lifted up on Your Cross, living sacrificially for You and others. In that humble, selfless, and sacrificial love, may I one day also share in Your glory. Jesus, I trust in You.

ARE OFW AND EXPATRIATE HERO OR TRAITOR?

Have you ever felt a profound sentiment of remorse and regret for having left the country that you once loved and nurtured to search for a better-paying employment abroad?

If only you had lived or experienced the innumerable difficulties and privations I have been through since I was 11 years old after my father passed away, I think you would never have had the second thought to leave the country and start a new life faraway from the affection and warmth of your loved ones.

Having been orphaned of father when I was young, I saw so much of the sacrifices my mother have had to go through in order to support 6 children to live decently from her meager salary as an elementary teacher without asking for financial help from well-off relatives or pawning her family jewels. 

When my father was still alive, we lived so comfortably that we were hardly short of money because he was paid handsomely well as a civil engineer who graduated from the state university and worked for the government public works to supervise the reconstruction of the roads and bridges that were heavily damaged during WW2. He created a savings book for each one of us and deposited a minimum amount every month for our higher education in the future. Unfortunately, my mother could hardly make both ends meet at the end of almost every month so she had no other recourse but to withdraw most of the money from our savings book to get us through and to meet our needs for our daily survival.

My most cherished childhood ambition was to become a doctor, because I would like to go to the poor regions as a missionary. So the most appropriate personal choice I took at that moment was to enroll in a free public vocational school that would eventually make me learn a vocation and specialize in a trade in a short period which would help me find a regular job as soon as I finish the course in order to make a living. Subsequently, I could pursue my studies at the university as a full-time working student to obtain a diploma, which is the requirement needed to apply for a scholarship or a better post. 

I found the year 1967 to be so hectic and difficult that it left me with many challenges and bitterness to succeed on my own due to family and financial situations. Surprisingly, my life was radically changed from worse to better when I made my most cherished dream come true at the end!

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lThe One Law of Charity

August 21, 2026 Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope Readings for Today Readings for Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

The Temptation of Christ, by Master of the Liechtenstein Castle Video When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Matthew 22:34–36 Today’s Gospel takes place during the final week of Jesus’ public ministry, shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the crowds acclaimed Him as the Messiah, the Son of David. As the week progressed, Jesus faced an onslaught of confrontations from various religious authorities: the chief priests and elders, the Pharisees and Herodians, the Sadducees, and, in today’s passage, a scholar of the law. Notably, these groups were often at odds with one another and were deeply divided over Scripture and doctrine, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees. Yet, despite their theological disputes, they found common ground in opposing Jesus, uniting in their efforts to discredit Him and undermine His authority. The scholar of the law who posed the question to Jesus in today’s Gospel was likely a scribe—an expert in the Mosaic Law and its interpretation within the Jewish tradition. Scribes were regarded as authoritative teachers and interpreters of the Law and were frequently consulted on religious and legal matters. Though their role included drawing up legal documents, their primary religious function was to study, teach, and apply the Law of Moses. This particular scribe approached Jesus not to learn, but to test Him—to expose Him as lacking theological credibility. Perhaps he was driven by his pride, seeing himself as far more learned in the Law than Jesus. However, as with the other attempts to trap Him during this final week, Jesus responds not only with divine wisdom but with a clarity and authority that silences His challengers and reveals the heart of the Law. Jesus meets the question—“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”—with a twofold answer: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart…” and “The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Though Jesus was only asked which commandment was the greatest, it appears that He revealed two commandments rather than one. But did He? Theologically speaking, Jesus not only answered the question thoroughly, He showed that love of God, love of self, and love of neighbor are so interconnected that they cannot be separated into greater or lesser categories. If you love God, this is also an act of rightly ordered self-love, which naturally leads to love of others. Hence, this apparent twofold answer presents the unity of charity, upon which “the whole law and the prophets depend.” Today we use the word love in many and varied ways. Some forms of love are rooted in emotion or passion; others arise from natural bonds of friendship or family, shaped by duty and affection. But the love to which Jesus refers transcends human categories. It is a divine love—agape, or charity—that not only surpasses natural forms of love but also elevates and transforms them. When human love is united with divine charity, it is purified, deepened, and rightly ordered toward God. From there, it flows back to us and through us to others. In this way, our love for friends, family, and even enemies becomes a participation in God’s perfect and self-giving love. Thus, loving God with charity gives rise to charity in every relationship, drawing those relationships into the life of grace. This entire united act of charitable living—God as the origin and source, and others as the necessary outflow of that divine charity—perfectly fulfills the Law and reveals the holiness to which we are called. Reflect today on the quality and source of your love. Is your love for others rooted in your love of God? Does your love flow from time spent in prayer, from a heart purified by grace, and from a desire to glorify God above all? Seek to love not merely with emotion or obligation, but with divine charity. When you do, your relationships will not only be transformed, they will become instruments through which God touches the world. My Lord and Source of all charity, draw me into a deep and purifying love for You—a charity that encompasses my whole heart, soul, and mind. From that divine love, pour forth Your charity on others through me, so that all that I am and everything I do may be a fulfillment of the one glorious commandment to which I am called. Jesus, I trust in You!

Clothed in Grace

August 20, 2026 Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Readings for Today Readings for Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

The Parable of the Wedding Feast, by Francisco de Goya Video But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:11–14 Among the many layers in today’s Gospel parable, perhaps the most sobering is the image of the guest without a wedding garment. He symbolizes a soul who has received the invitation to salvation but failed to prepare interiorly. Though present at the feast, he is not clothed with the “wedding garment,” which the Church Fathers commonly interpreted as sanctifying grace adorned with charity. Outwardly he may appear to belong, but inwardly he lacks the necessary disposition of soul. The wedding feast represents the Kingdom of Heaven—a life of grace in the present and, ultimately, eternal union with God in glory. The invitation went first to Israel and now extends to all nations through the Church. In His mercy, God desires to fill His banquet hall. He wills that all be saved, but His justice, which works in perfect harmony with His mercy, requires proper spiritual readiness. When the king encounters him, the guest without the garment is speechless. He cannot excuse himself; the invitation was free, the conditions clear—you must be clothed with grace and adorned with charity. As a result of his lack of preparedness, he is cast into the outer darkness. This moment reveals the fate of those who presume they are saved without genuine repentance, prayer, and a life grounded in grace. This parable stands as a powerful warning against the sin of presumption—the false assurance that one may enter Heaven without ongoing conversion or a sincere effort to live the Gospel. It is not enough to be counted among the invited: attending Mass, bearing the name Catholic, or fulfilling outward duties. One must be inwardly transformed, clothed with grace and charity, so that the life of Christ shines from within. Of all the sins referenced in the Gospel, none are more spiritually perilous than the sins against the Holy Spirit—presumption being counted among them (cf. CCC 1864; Mark 3:29). Presumption is grave because it twists trust in God’s mercy into a license to sin, rejecting the urgency of conversion. Presumption assumes salvation without repentance or postpones it indefinitely, hardening the heart and dulling the conscience until it is too late. Saint Thomas Aquinas, who identifies six sins against the Holy Spirit, teaches that presumption is opposed to the theological virtue of hope (ST II-II, q. 14, a. 2). True hope rests on God’s promises and grace; presumption mimics hope but lacks substance and action. It arises when one expects eternal life without having lived charitably toward others or believes forgiveness is assured without repentance, presuming that God will grant salvation even to those who have not obeyed His will. In doing so, one rejects the very means by which the Holy Spirit brings about salvation. Reflect today on the man cast out from the feast. Though he was invited, he failed to be properly clothed in grace. Jesus offers this parable not to condemn, but to awaken us to the need for ongoing purification of heart. In many ways, the wedding feast is an image of our parish churches, where the banquet of the Lamb is continually offered in the Holy Eucharist. All are invited—but only those properly disposed through humility, repentance, and faith can enter fully into the joy of the Eternal Feast, which begins here and now through the worthy reception of the Eucharist. Consider your own participation in the Holy Mass and strive to adorn your soul with the beauty of charity, for without this garment of grace, we will be cast out of the eternal Banquet of Heaven. Most merciful and just Lord, though You invite all to share in the Feast of Grace—both the Eucharist in this life and the Heavenly Banquet in the next—Your Divine Justice requires hearts properly disposed to receive Your grace. Grant me, I pray, the grace of continual repentance, that I may always remain open to the gift of sanctifying grace. May that grace transform me interiorly and bear fruit in the charity to which You call me. Jesus, I trust in You.

The Quality of the Heart

August 19, 2026 Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today Saint John Eudes, Priest—Optional Memorial

Tenant Farmers, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Video He said to one of them in reply, “‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:13–16 Jesus certainly cares about economic justice, especially as it relates to charity and human dignity. But today’s Gospel reveals something far more profound: the mysterious and generous nature of God’s mercy. This parable is not merely about fairness in wages; it is a revelation of the Kingdom of Heaven and God’s reign as King, both now and in the New Heavens and the New Earth to come. In the parable, the landowner goes out five times during the day to hire laborers for his vineyard—at dawn, nine o’clock, noon, three, and five. When the day ends, those who worked only one hour receive the same wage as those who labored all day. To earthly ears, this may sound unjust. Indeed, those hired first grumble. From a human point of view, one might even think, “If that’s how he pays, I’ll just come at five o’clock tomorrow.” But this is not a lesson in labor economics; it is a lesson about the generous heart of God. The denarius, the full day’s wage, symbolizes the reward of eternal life. God does not bestow grace based on the number of hours served, but according to the depth and sincerity of each soul’s response to His invitation. When each person stands before God in the particular judgment, God will not weigh good deeds against sins on a balance. Rather, He pierces the depths of the heart and judges according to love, by the quality of one’s conversion. It is possible that someone who faithfully attended Mass, prayed daily, and served others for many years may not have responded to grace as deeply as one who, later in life, underwent a radical and sincere conversion. The latter may have endured profound purification, grown rapidly in holiness, and entered into a more intimate union with God, despite having lived many years in spiritual complacency, or even in utter sinfulness. God’s generosity often confounds our limited sense of justice. But His ways are not our ways (cf. Isaiah 55:8). His judgment is not about the quantity of labor but the quality of the heart—a heart that says “Yes” to grace, however late the hour. In a sense, we should each consider today to be the final hour of the day of our life on earth. Time is short, and there is much work to be done. Just as the landowner went out again and again in search of laborers, so too does God continually seek out souls, inviting them to labor in His vineyard. That vineyard is the Church, planted amidst the world and bearing fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven. If you have already accepted the invitation to labor in God’s vineyard, remember this: The fruitfulness of your apostolic work is measured not by the quantity of your accomplishments, but by the quality of your service. And that quality is determined by God. It flows from a soul on fire with faith, purified by grace, and burning with charity—not from one who, like the early workers, becomes jealous, self-focused, or resentful of others’ blessings. Reflect today on how readily and generously you respond to God’s call. Do you labor with a pure heart, seeking only to please Him? Or do you struggle with jealousy and envy, tempted to compare your path to that of others? Ask our Lord for the grace to serve Him with humility, joy, and love, confident that He will reward you according to the perfection of your response to His invitation. Most generous Lord, Your goodness is never outdone, and Your Divine Mercy is inexhaustible. I pray for all who have grown complacent in their spiritual journeys—including myself. Come to us, Lord. Invite us anew to labor in the vineyard of Your Kingdom, and give us the grace to respond wholeheartedly to Your call. May I give You my entire mind, heart, and soul in humble service to You and to others, so that Your vineyard may bear abundant and eternal fruit. Jesus, I trust in You.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLE?

It was in the summer of 1967, when I felt a deep sentiment of total failure and desperation after I was by passed and replaced by a young recommended who was a newly graduate and a close kin to a high department officer for the post that I successfully passed and qualified for at the foreign office, I thought that of my hope to leave the country was practically gone forever.

Unexpectedly, just a few days after my heartbreaking experience at the DFA I received a telegram from the French consulate requesting me to present myself for an oral examination. I didn't realize that it was the feast of the Assumption the following day. So, I went to nearest church and prayed fervently in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary to help me pass and I made a solemn promise to visit her shrine in Lourdes at the earliest possible occasion when I'd be free. Finally, I fulfilled my promise to the Blessed Virgin when I made a trip to Lourdes in the easter of 1968. What an unforgettable moment when I entered the basilica and sat at the last rang and cried uninterruptedly while I said my prayer of thanks and gratitude for making my wish come true.

When the French attache called me and confirmed a week later. For an instant I cried my heart out. At last, I did make my most-cherished dream come true, What a sentiment of bitterness and oppression I had so much in life that I could no longer contain to withhold my cry of excitement that many of my office colleague could have overheard it in and awe and surprise as if I just went mad and crazy. The rest is history.

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DO YOU WANT TO GO ABROAD FOR FREE?

What a very delicate and a far-fetched question to ask for a person who comes from an ordinary and a virtually poor family background who practically hasn't gone further than his toilet as my friends always replied to me as a remark of derision or envy.

I was only 11 years old when our 5th grade elementary teacher assigned each one of us to draw a flag of any UN member nation of our choice as our class project. Unfortunately, I only had a very limited number of colors that I could choose from at that time because I already used most of them on other graphics.. Eventually, I found the tri-color flag of Belgium which I thought was too simple, fast and easy to draw just following my fancy and temperament at that moment.

I wished so much earlier to discover the beauty and people of Belgium that never transgressed my young mind that someday I would ever live and settle down there. However, the thought came back again later when I visited a schoolmate who lived a block away from my house who had black and white photo murals on their walls collected by his uncle who worked at the Belgian embassy. Some years later, I heard the most popular song "Dominique" which I didn't even realize was sung and composed by a Belgian nun.

Much to my regret, I kept my dream on hold but my heart ached so much that I continued to think of how I could leave for abroad at the shortest possible occasion. I carefully thought of following a plan of action that I thought would succeed.

When I was in my senior year in secondary school, I joined an international pen pal organizaion that was subsequently recommended by the social secretary of the White House in reply to my letter to PresidentI Eisenhower in 1959. At the same time, I subscribed to the "Round the World Program" magazine, advertised on the Reader's Digest that sent me France first series in their collection for free including color world map as a bonus.

Later on, I saw so many pictures of the Bayanihan and the Filipinesca dance troupes in local magazines on their world performances that it incited me to join, but I didn't know the right persons to contact and the moment to do so. As I didn't have any training or experience in classical dancing in order to be able to qualify at a first glance, I first tried to inquire in a ballet school to know what were the requirements needed and the expenses to be incurred eventually just to be able to perform like a famous dancer before the public. When I was told to present myself for the preliminary test in an appropriate outfit like a tutu or a tight, I was so disheartened that I left discreetly and walked away in shame because I wouldn't have the means to pay for all the necessary expenses. So, I immediately gave up the idea rather than to see my mother's reaction to how she could afford to pay me to be part of a dance class and to watch me perform in tights before her and the general public.

I didn't continue the first year at the Philippine College of Arts and Trade, because I hated the practical manual courses in welding and forging that I failed eventually. I thought that finishing the four-course would automatically give me the opportunity to get a job on the ocean-going vessels that would take me around the world for free.

While waiting for the following school year during the summer of 1959, I enrolled at the free first-aid classes sponsored by the local Red Cross, a qualification required to apply for the post of steward at the Philippine Air Lines, Much to my regret, I was not accepted because I did not have a university degree. and worse yet I was short-sighted and I needed to wear a pair of glasses all the time to be able to move and recognize easily how to entertain and serve the passengers correctly.

Finally, I decided to go to a free vocational school to be able to learn a trade and work my way to earn a living so that I could pay for my tuition and to obtain a university degree. While attending classes in the the typing shorthand course, I enrolled in the food trade course in the evening to be able to work in the famous restaurant along the waterfront that was patronized by rich foreign tourists who in my thought would take interest in me for my service who would sponsor me to accompany them when they go back to their own countries.

One evening sometime in the late spring of 1960 shortly before I turned 18 years old, I had the opportunity to work as a trainee in a restaurant along Dewey boulevard. When I left work, I was approached by two American servicemen who could have come down from Clark and proposed to me to join them in a taxi to go somewhere for a wild night of fun. Unfortunately, I was too tired and sleepy to oblige, so I left them by themselves in the taxi to look for a pimp. Immediately, I took the first available passing jeepney to get home as fast as possible and get a good sleep. I could imagine how worried my mother could be if I wasn't back before midnight she might panic and think I was either abducted or killed. In hindsight, however, I had the feeling of regret that they could have made my wish come true had I obliged them. On the other hand, they appeared to be too nice to talk to that they could have helped me easily to recommend for a job inside the American base after I finish my typing course. What a wishful thinking if it were only good to be true!

In a nutshell, I would say personally that to go abroad could be very highly possible for anybody who even comes from a poor family background. Good luck!

Follow my link on how I finally succeeded to go abroad for free.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLE?

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