Simbang Gabi Sa Gawing Singapore 2013

As we were getting ready for the mass, awaiting for the mass processional to start, I took notice of what is happening outside before the mass to take place.

Sa labas may mga humahangos , mabibilis ang kanilang mga hakbang, nagmamadali at baka hindi nila maumpisahan ang misa sa gabing iyon, may mga busy rin sa pagkuha ng litrato gamit ang kani-kanilang mga cellphones. They are either taking "selfies" and "checking in" statuses on their respective social network sites. There are those patiently waiting for their wives, husbands, friends whom they have arranged a meet up and attend the holy mass together. there are those friends and acquaintances which after a year or so have seen each other after a long time, some seeing their "inaanaks" after so many years and were so surprised that they godchildren have grown up so fast.

inside the church were also filipino scenes. families who prays together occupying the parallel of seats, saving a seat and "saved"seats were also evident, a very filipino mark indeed. kapansin-pansin din ang gayak ng bawat mananampalataya, gabi-gabing pagsisimba ay naka "pang-gataan" ang gayak. looking good in the eyes of GOD.

a filipino mass for one day is a tough feat what more a filipino mass for 9 days...its very tiring and laborious in all its aspects. luckily, we have those people who have selflessly devoted their time and effort to mount this holy event.

brother rizaldy zapiera, the man.....the guy....the frontrunner of this wonderful undertaking. who would not know "brother zap" a very active catholic and and his own ways serving the filipino community here in singapore. it takes a real heart, commitment, dedication to do all the things he have been doing for the past years.  it is interesting to note that he is surrounded by people who have the same passion as his, to lead a flock and to serve the flock. his wife and kids could be his most accessible and strongest support, beside him, around him, not even getting off his side and it is very obvious how they take care care of each other and love each other. the flock of service team that actively shared their time should not also be taken for granted.

five years ago i met brother bobby, the lectors and commentators coordinator, i asked him if i can join the organisation, and without a second thought he gave me the chance. i took a leave from service and after 3 years i get in touched with him again to ask if  i can rejoin the organisation and activate my service as a lector and commentator member and he said yes. thank you brother bobby for the opportunity and for believing in what i am capable of.

tita belen, whose motherly concern have given me to regain my confidence and have guided me all the way, meeting sister carol, sister mona and brother mark have also been a blessing being with the same organisation as mine.






Father Hans Magdurulang
from Wild Card to Ace Card

simbang gabi as always, have been the means of preparing the parishioners and catholics around the world to reflect before the coming of christ. we are fortunate that we have been gifted with a wonderful priest that would prepare all us filipinos here in singapore in this christmas season. ang kanyang mga homilya gabi-gabi ay kaabang-abang at hindi dapat palampasin. ginagawa nyang simple at kasiya-siya ang mga salita ng diyos,  i would like to call it "homily of humor"
in his modernistic and true to life approach on every homily makes it more appealing and catchy. tumatagos sa isip at puso ng bawat mananampalataya. mga aral na hindi lamang pumasok sa kanang tainga at lumabas sa kaliwang tainga ngunit naiiwan sa kaibuturan ng iyong pagkatao. all the good words may have all been said to father hans, ngunit hindi kayang ilarawan, ni sabihin sa pamamagitan ng mga salita ang pagbibigay nya ng galak sa puso ng bawat mananampalataya na nakatuklas at nakatunghay sa kanyang husay at galing. kudos father hans for your sincere efforts of faith, hope and love for all of us.


tunay ngang buhay na buhay ang diwa ng pasko sa singapore para sa mga filipino. kahit paano ay naibsan ang lungkot na nadarama. malayo sa magulang, malayo sa mga anak, sa mga kapatid at sa mga mahal sa buhay.

 LET US ALL GIVE THANKS FOR ALL THE BLESSING AROUND US, mga bagay man itong nakikita, nahahawakan o mga bagay man na nararamdaman. magpasalamat...

true enough simbang gabi  sa gawing singapore 2013 was mounted successfully, and we look forward next year for another memorable time, to showcase our filipino spirit, of friendship and of unique camaraderie.