Comfortable flight, safe arrival...

It's another cold, rainy day. It's been raining for three days now and everything looks gloomy. And during such times  I long for home, where my family and friends are.I miss the runs around the vacant lots in Fort Bonifacio before the area was developed into what is now known as The Fort. The last time I went there, shopping malls, condos and high rise structures already occupied most of the space.That's the price of modernization.

My friend and I arrived here in Athens last January 3 at around 12:35 pm. We had a comfortable flight, 9 hrs from Manila to Abu Dhabi and another 5 hours to Athens. Actually, the first leg of the flight was turbulent. But luckily we were seated in one of the front rows of the economy class, thanks again to Mama Mary. 

Before the flight, I was able to check-in online but the assigned  seats were located way down the end of the plane. I told my friend I would request for better seat assignments. I prayed to Mama Mary to guide us to the nice, accommodating counter lady who would give us the seats we desired. As we lined up for the counter, an airport attendant offered to help us with our luggage. And we were led to the counter who was nice and accommodating as I requested in my prayer. She readily looked for better seats for us: row 13! That was the second row in the economy class.

We did not notice the turbulence. And we arrived safely. Thank God, thank you Mama Mary! 

DECEMBER 2011

It's been quite awhile since my last posting in October of last year. Now it is 2012, how time flies. The year just past is memorable in many ways both happy and sad. Happy because I was able to travel with my fellow devotees within Metro Manila and nearby provinces as we propagated the devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. And it was also the year when one of my prayers was granted: the posting of my friend to a nice place. She was assigned to Greece, a country of great history and beautiful sights.And I went along with her.


But 2011 was also the saddest year of my life with the passing away of our loving mama. I always prayed that God give her long life. But how are we to know when our time is up? At 86, my mama lived a full, happy life. How I wish I could have spent more time with her especially during her last few years. I really miss her so much. Although the Lord has taken her away from us, I believe she is now in heaven with Mama Mary and Jesus.

                               Grand Marian Procession

 
Last December, I joined the Grand Marian procession, a yearly event sponsored by the Intramurous corp. The rains didn't stop thousands of devotees from joining in the procession which started at the Manila Cathedral. Along the way, we recited the five mysteries of the rosary.Various images of our Lady were paraded for everyone to see. It was a moving and joyous occasion, an expression of our gratitude to the blessings and answered prayers through the Virgin Mary.

                             Photo Op with Ms. Kris Aquino

One of the masses last December for the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was offered by the family of Ms. Liz Uy in Quezon City. Ms. Kris Aquino was there too, and obliged us with a photo op.

Before I leave 2011, I would like to post here the image of our own Lady of the Miraculous Medal in our humble house. This was taken also last December.

I survived the fourth night...

My friend arrived five days ago from an official trip outside Greece. Thank God I survived the four nights I was alone in the house. All I did was prayed to  Mama Mary that she keeps me safe. I prayed the four rosary  mysteries every day, as I usually do. And after each prayer session I could feel the Lord's presence as if telling me not to be afraid.And everything would be all right.

This afternoon I went out to buy groceries. It was my third time to commute by bus from our apartment. My friend taught me what bus number to take and where I should get down. But then I decided to go the Philippine Embassy instead of going straight home. That is where the problem started. I didnt have an idea what bus number to take. As I was praying for guidance, I saw a fellow Filipino waiting at the bus station or estasi. I started a conversation and asked for direction. She was also going the the Embassy! My prayer was answered, thanks Mama Mary. So I reached my destination without any hitches.

As I retire for the night, I am confident Mama Mary will be there looking over me.  

I Survived the Second Night!

I survived another night, thank you Mama Mary! Thank God I had enough sleep and woke up to witness another glorious day. Photo below is the sofa I have been staying the past two nights. It is located in one corner of the living room near the veranda. I will spend the next two nights here...