Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

A PUBLICATION OF AND FOR THE FILIPINO CATHOLIC MIGRANTS IN SEOUL

December 07, 2008

Writing my own inspirational book has always been a dream a dream I almost gave up because I have been preoccupied with a lot of things; but the Lord indeed works in mysterious ways. In His time, He really makes all things possible.

I had the opportunity to invite Him and say Lord, come and see I invited Him to be with me as I revisited my past, my life, and my experiences. He journeyed with me until I discovered that He continuously smiled back at me. Now I realized the beauty of my life and looked back with His own I am not a good writer, but at eyes as I wrote my experiences least I can express myself and my with Him. Lord, come and ideas pretty well, I suppose. My see. writing skills were never honed during my entire school life. Countless inspirations came There was no opportunity to en- from God through people- my hance it except in writing reports children, family, friends, acquaintand researches. I only discovered ances. The happy and memorable that I can write when I became a experiences became inspirations. contributor of the SAMBAYA- To my delight, the very painful NAN, the newsletter of the experiences became inspirations, Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic too. That was how this book was Community in Korea. I started born, a book which aims on nothwriting my prayers, realizations, ing but to give the glory back to reflections, fears, and joys and had Him from whom this life came them published in the Newsletter. from. One day I found myself posting The title and GOD Smiled Back Back them on my blog and started to is a title of an article written by receive some encouraging comments. I was inspired to write all Prof. Nina San Miguel, Ph.D. about me some years back in Lethe more. tran-Calamba. The title itself inThen, the Lord has gifted me spired me. Thus, I asked her perwith silence the luxury of si- mission if I could use it as my lence; and a lot of free time the books title. Without any hesitaluxury of time, when I taught at tion, she gave her permission. the Korean Missionary Society Back and GOD Smiled Back is a book (KMS) Formation House. I never about my memorable childhood felt bored during those times of being alone because the Lord was experiences; there, making His presence felt, and GOD Smiled Back is a book talking to me constantly in si- about how God used people to lence. reveal His love and presence to

me; Back and GOD Smiled Back is a book about my joys and successes; and GOD Smiled Back is a book about my struggles and pains as a wife, a solo parent, a survivor; and GOD Smiled Back is a book about my experiences as a missionary and a migrant worker; and GOD Smiled Back is a book Back about my weaknesses, limitations; sinfulness and failures; but most of all Back. and GOD Smiled Back. is a love story between God and myself, and your own love story, too. I encourage you to invite Him, too. Say Lord, come and see as you read, reflect, and see yourself in this book. I pray for each

MESSAGE
Sr. Angel Libron, SSpS In a world where everything comes and goes at fast pace, in a world of instants. We have the tendency to go through life without stopping and savoring the beauty of life. To stop and smell the flowers during Spring; or to delight in the graceful falling of snow flakes in the Winter; to appreciate the marvelous blend of colors in Autumn; or to bask in the Summers sunshine.

Vol. 13 Issue 49

Emelys book of reflections reminds us to stop, and savor and enjoy the giftness of life. Indeed, theres much beauty and meaning in life. We, migrants are pople who are always on the move. May we not let people just come in and put of our lives. May each meeting with people be an encounter of Christ, a GODEXPERIENCE. Ems, congratulations and thank you for reminding us that indeed GOD-is-EMMANUEL, God-with-us. More power to you and to your book. Merry Christmas!!!

Quintessential Korean Food

Naengmyeon (Buckwheat noodles in a cold broth)
Ingredients: Noodles made of buckwheat or starch, beef broth, thin slices of beef, julienne cucumber, julienne pear, boiled egg Description: Noodles served in cold beef broththe soup is refreshing. There is also bibim naengmyeon, which doesn't have soup but is mixed with red pepper paste instead.

Description: Beef is added to beef broth and stewed for a long time before being served with rice and various seasonings. The deep, rich taste of the broth, boiled for over 10 hours, is simply delicious.

Galbitang (Beef rib soup)

Ingredients: Beef rib (or pork rib), radish, diced green onion, minced garlic, pepper, sesame oil, sesame seed Description: Ribs are boiled with radishes to create a savory soup. Eaten together with rice, the broth is a delight.

Haemultang (Seafood stew)

Ingredients: Crab, clam, shrimp, fish, radish, red pepper paste, red pepper powder, green onion, garlic Description: Various seafood are boiled before adding red pepper paste and red pepper powder. The broth is both refreshing and very spicy.

Juk (Porridge)
Ingredients: Various grains Description: Water (6 or 7 times the amount of grain) is poured over grain and boiled for a long time. There are many variations of juk such as pine nut juk, sesame juk, jujube juk, red bean juk, beef juk, pumpkin juk, and abalone juk. http://
english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FO/FO_EN_6_3_1.jsp

Kimchi jjigae (Kimchi stew)

Ingredients: Kimchi, pork, sesame oil, green onion, garlic

Birthday Greetings
11/10 Leonora Gonzales 11/13 Steve Voz 11/19 Gerlie Gabral 11/21 Neneth Mari 11/26 Eric Collado 11/27 Mark Angel Manrique 11/30 Susana Dizon 12/02 Maximo Dizon 12/02 Galo Manrique 12/10 12/12 12/12 12/16 12/18 12/24 12/25 12/27 01/01 01/10

Description: First the pork is browned in the Jimmy Villaflor bottom of the pot before water and kimchi are added. If sour kimchi is used, it makes a better tasting stew. Flor Noveno

Dakgalbi (Chicken ribs)

Ingredients: Chicken, red pepper paste, pear juice, molasses, sugar, minced garlic, diced green onion Description: Chicken is seasoned with various spices, then grilled before eating. Chuncheon chicken ribs are famous.

Irene Manzano Edwin Gruta Titing Gadiana Amy Mangunay Brylle Brotonel Genesis Gonzales Wilma Manrique Floralde Raul

Seolleongtang (Beef bone soup)

Ingredients: Rice, beef, beef broth, diced green onion, minced garlic, red

12/08 Nicanor Migue

SAMBAYANAN is prepared and published weekly by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center for Filipino Migrants which is being administered by the Mission Society of the Philippines under the auspices of Seoul Archdiocese.
ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTER FOR FILIPINO MIGRANTS 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020

EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief: Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph. D. Assistant Editor: Jojo Geronimo Encoder/Lay-out Artist: :Frt. Fredy C. Permentilla, MSP Webmaster: Engr. Rogelio Domingo Contributors: Allan Rodriguez, Edgar Balista, Amie Sison, Bevi Tamargo, Joel Tavarro, Michael Balba Circulation Manager: Frt. Moises Robert T. Olavides, MSP Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

Tel No. (02) 765-0870; Fax No. (02) 765-0871 e-mail: alvin_parantar@yahoo.com e-mail: jjgeronimo14@yahoo.com e-mail: emelyabagat@yahoo.com
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One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

PAGNINILAY:
Its been almost 10 years when my Tatay passed away and it was the first day of Simbang-Gabi. It was the dawn of December 16 when he was rushed to the hospital. I was left alone in our house and cleaning his room where he spent almost 3 months of being bedridden. When the phone rang and heard the news, I went to his room burst into tears and couldnt help but shout as loud as I could. I lied down to rest on his bed until I fell asleep and dreamt of him. When I opened my eyes, I found out he was really gone. Though he was out of any riches of this world, my late Tatay was a very generous man. He had a great sense of humor, a good provider, an honest person, a responsible father and a loving husband. Though he was not a religious, he taught us lots of virtues and one of which was humility. My Mom used to attend El Shaddai Prayer Rally in Manila. She would arrive home past midnight and my Tatay was her great persecutor. He never believed in Him until he got sick. He had no choice but to spend everyday with my Mom listening to the radio tuned in at DWXI 1314 khz. He was then touched by God. He asked my Mom to buy a cassette tape of the song Ngayon Na but unfortunately, we were all preoccupied.

Sis. Mel
So, he contented himself by just listening to the radio. A week before he left, he wanted to see all of us, as one family. We gathered together as a whole. I even teased him to wait for my birthday and he did. For the second time, he requested to have that cassette tape so that he could hear the song all over again but unfortunately, we were all still too busy. He passed away. I was able to find time to buy that cassette tape. Ironically, he could no longer hear that song. We decided to play that song during his funeral and I knew through that song, he had been embraced and welcomed in Gods loving grace. Most of the time, weve been preoccupied of many

FREQUENTLY CALLED NOS.

Phil.Embassy (Labor Office) (Consular Office) (Hotline) Taerim (Dan Panti) 3785-3634/35 Worship 011-273-3657 Education 774-35-81 Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP 010-4922-0870 Sr. Miguela Santiago Allan Rodriquez (Secretary) 010-3144-3756 Edgar Balista Edison Pinlac (JPC) El Shaddai (Sis.Irene) 011-9683-7430 016-706-0870 (Ely) (Emely) 796-73-87-89 Recreation (Mike) Youth Ministry (Rowena) 010-5821-7799 Rebeck Beltran (Eucharistic) 010-8671-2761 Neneth Mari (FMAA) Mhar Gonzales (Detention) Center 010-7753-5087
]

+SCRIPTURE GUIDE+
010-8684-7897 010-8061-9143 010-8685-4161 010-5160-2928

Sunday December 7, 2008 Second Sunday of Advent

Tuesday December 9, 2008 St. Juan Diego, Hermit

Friday December 12, 2008 Our Lady of Guada-

Philippine Airlines ( Reservation)

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8

Monday December 8, 2008 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)

lupe (Feast) Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13 Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19; Matthew 18:12-14 12:1-6, 10 Wednesday December 10, 2008

(Ps) Judith 13:18-19 Luke 1:26-38 or 1:39-47

Saturday December 13, 2008
St. Lucy, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)

010-8683-3826 02-2650-6247

Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10

Mokdong Immigration Processing

010-2906-3109 Hwaseong, Suwon Immigration Processing (Detention) Center 031-355-2011/2 794-23-38 Chungju Immigration Processing 010-2273-1215 (Detention) Center Yang Seung Geol Han Suk Gyu 043-290-7512/3 011-226-9237 010-5348-9515 010-5822-9194 (031) 593-6542

Matthew 11:28-30
Thursday, December 11, 2008

Masok Com. (Gil Maranan)

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Psalm 98:1-4 Ephesians 1:3-6 11-12 Luke 1:26-38

Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalm 145:1, 9-13 Matthew 11:11-15

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Matthew 17:10-13

http://www.ewtn.com/Dev otionals/inspiration
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

CATHOLIC FAITH: Advent Today

The Second Vatican Council in its Constitution on Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) emphasizes that the Liturgical Year is an unfolding of the whole mystery of Christ from the incarnation and nativity to the ascension, to Pentecost and the expectation of the blessed hope of the coming of the Lord (SC#102). All liturgical celebrations are primarily centered on Christ. Likewise, the celebration of the mysteries of the Lord must form and instruct the faithful. Hence, by celebrating the mysteries, the faithful should come to grasp the spirit and meaning of such celebrations. It is in this spirit that the Church today is stressing that Advent is a season to meditate and focus on Christ in his coming. We recall his first coming and at the same time look forward to his second coming. Thus, the main concern of Advent is to help in banishing worldly preoccupations in our preparations for Christmas celebration to enable us to recognize the incarnate God present today in our midst, and to awaken a deeper longing for the second coming of the Lord. The liturgy of Advent has been shaped through the centuries with its penitential tone as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas. This was expressed in the purple color of the vestments used and in the absence of the Gloria. These expressions still apply in our present liturgy. Today, however, the season assumes not much of a Lenten penitential character is not very much considered a time for the reconciliation of penitents. The duration of Advent season today is four weeks - it begins with the first Evening Prayer of Sunday which falls on or closest to November 30 and ends before the first Evening Prayer of Christmas. The structure of the season has two distinct parts: the first one is from the beginning to December 16 which dwells on eschatological aspect of Advent by looking forward to the second coming of Christ; and the second part is from December 17 to December 24 which is a Christmas novena celebrated specificially with the Simbang Gabi by Filipinos. The readings and the Gospels during these days recall the events that relate to the birth of Jesus.

Ronaldo Joves Paras Advent Wreath

Among the Advent practices, the Advent Wreath has become a very popular stuff customary in our churches. Originating in Germany, the practice of setting a wreath of evergreen branches or roping with four candles is adapted by many Christians as part of the anticipation to Christmas. This tradition is not only kept in churches but also in many Christian homes. The Advent wreath has become a gathering point for families where listening to scriptures, singing Advent hymns and reflecting together the coming of Christ are few of the commonest customs. The four candles on the wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent. It has three purple candles and one rose candles. The rose candle corresponds to the Gaudete Sunday, the 3 rd Sunday of Advent. Gaudete meaning joy. Each candle is lit on the appropriate day. The increase of light in the wreath signifies the near coming of Christ. Some symbolisms in the wreath include: the green color, which is the ancient symbol for immortality, growth and everlasting love of God; circle, which symbolizes the unending and eternity of God - God who is, was and will be; light, which symbolizes Gods presence and darkness its oppoite is a symbol of his absence. The Advent wreath has become a visual symbol which shows the increase of light in the darkness of this world (cf. Jn. 1,4f; 8,12f.) when people were still anticipating Christs first coming two thousand years ago. Likewise, it shows the increase of light in our days when people are full of goodness and hope looking forward to Christs final coming.

Aguinaldo Masses/Missa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi)

The Novena masses for Christmas known as Aguinaldo Masses or Missa de Gallo has been a long time tradition among Filipino Catholics. These are the nine consecutive days when many people flock their churches for the dawn mass with great festivity. These dawn masses are characterized by the joyful atmosphere accompanied by Christmas carols and various delicacies sold at church patios such as puto-bumbong and bibingka. This practice is traditionally called Aguinaldo Masses (Aguinaldo is a Spanish term for gift) or Missa de Gallo. Novena masses are considered both as a gift of the people to Christ who is to come and also the gift of the Lord to his people waiting for his coming. Missa de Gallo which literally means Mass of the Rooster, is attributed to the cockcrow of the roosters indicating the time of these dawn masses. This practice of dawn masses can be traced back to the Rorate Masses as its origin. These masses were celebrated at dawn to signify that light will overcome darkness. Christ who is the light of the world will rule the darkness of death and sin. This light of the world was introduced by Mary, thus, Mary can be called the dawn that brought forth and announced the coming of the Light. The celebration of masses at a very early hour in the morning is also done for practical reasons. This is to accommodate all the people preoccupied by work in the market or in the fields. Likewise, it is also practiced as a sign of penitence by encouraging the faithful sacrifice and to show readiness in welcoming the coming of the Lord at any time.

What are the Common Advent Symbols and Traditions? Colors of Advent
Purple is the liturgical color of advent as seen in the liturgical vestments used during this season. Originally, the purple color was an expression of a more penitential tone for the season as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas. Purple color has been associated with Advent through the centuries until now. Other colors connected to Advent include dark blue, gray and rose. Such plain and not lively colors are for the purpose of giving Advent an anticipative atmosphere for something glorious and jubilant which is the coming of Christ on Christmas, while the flashy rose color indicates that all the faithful must be glad for Christmas is nearing.

http://www.rcam.org/ADVENT_2004/what_is_advent.htm
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One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

Karunungan:
Matindi at nakaliligalig ang takbo ng panahon! Talagang angkop na ankop ang mga salitang ito na tila naglalarawan ng mga kasalukuyang pangyayari. Hindi maikakaila ang karahasan at kaguluhang dinaranas ng ibat ibang bahagi ng sanlibutan. Wari baga ang tao ay nasa mga huling araw na. May mga bansang nakakaranas ng taggutom, lindol, sakit, at digmaan. Katulad ng inihuhula sa Bibliya, na ang mga ito ay mararanasan ng lahat at walang sinuman ang ligtas rito maging ang mga mananampalataya sa Diyos. Paano man o kailanman, tayong lahat ay dapat humarap sa hirap at kawalangkatiyakan na dulot ng kasalukuyang panahon. Nararanasan na ng maraming bansa ang tinatawag na Global Crisis, magulong sistema ng pulitika, krimen at ibat ibang uri ng karamdaman na labis na nagpapahirap sa buhay. Marami na rin ang nawawalan ng trabaho. May ilang mga kumpanya ang nagsasara maging sa ibang bansa, kung kayat marami na ring mga OFW ang nagsisiuwian na sa Pilipinas. Marahil ay ganito rin ang nararanasan ng ibang mga dayuhang mangagawa. Subalit, alam mo bang marami sa mga lingkod ng Diyos ang nagbabata rin ng sunod-sunod na daluyong ng matinding pag-uusig? Bakit? Dahil habang nagsisikap tayong makasunod sa utos ng Diyos ay wala namang tigil sa pakikipag-agawan si Satanas. Pilit niyang binabaluktot sa isipan ng mga mananampalataya ang katuwiran at nararapat sa kalooban ng Diyos. Bagamat hindi naman lahat ay dumaranas ng pag-uusig, ang lahat ng Kristiyano ay kailangang magpunyagi at makikipaglaban sa lahat ng uri ng kasamaan. Kailangan ang patuloy na pag-iingat at magbantay palagi upang hindi maimpluwensiyahan ng masamang espiritung pinalalaganap sa sangkatauhan. Makikita natin ito maging sa lugar ng ating mga trabaho, sa bahay at kahit saang lugar na doon ay nakikisalamuha tayo sa mga taong nilinlang na ng kaaway. Maging noong mga sinaunang panahon pa ay puspusan na ang pakikipaglaban ng mga Kristiyano. Marami rin ang nalinlang at namuhay sa gitna ng kahihiyan at kalaswaan. Nawalan sila ng pagkakilala sa moral na uri ng buhay, bagkus lumalakad sila sa kawalang-pakinabang ng kanilang mga pag-iisip dahil nalalambungan ito ng kadiliman at nahihiwalay mula sa buhay na nauukol sa Diyos. Nababalot ng pagkamanhid ang kanilang puso at ibinigay nila ng buo ang kanilang mga sarili sa mga mahalay na paggawi, sa karumihan at kasakiman. Ang kanilang pamumuhay ay malinaw na naglalarawan ng mapanglaw na espirituwal at moral na kalagayan ng sanlibutang ito noong panahong yaon at panahon sa kasaluku-

Bro. Allan Rodriguez

yan! Sapagkat maraming Kristiyano ang patuloy na namumuhay sa tunay na kalagayan nito bilang mga pinili at hinirang ng Kataastaasan. Ganunpaman, mas higit na marami ng di-hamak ang may angkin ng pribilehiyong makasunod sa kalooban ng Diyos! Tayo kaya ay kabilang sa mga ito? Kapag taglay ito sa isipan ng isang tao, nauunawaan niya mismo ang kaniyang buhay na lumalakad na kasama ang Diyos at nakikita ng malinaw ang landas na tinatahak na siyang binabalangkas ng Diyos at pawang nakalulugod lamang sa Kaniya. Kaya naman, sa pagtataguyod ng landasing ito ay makikita ng marami at kanilang masasabing ibang iba kaysa iba! Hindi bat napakainam kung mapaiba ka sa karamihan, sa mga taong nakapalibot sa iyo? Ang Diyos ang siyang nag-disenyo sa atin. Sa Kanya bumubukal ang ating buhay at naglalaan ng lahat ng bagay ayon sa pangangailangan ng bawat isa. Tanging Siya lamang ang kailangan natin upang mabuhay. Karapatan Niyang sabihin sa atin kung paano at saan tayo dapat tumahak. At kapag naisip nating sa landas na itinuturo Niya tayo dapat lumakad, iyon ang pinakakapaki-pakinabang at wala ng iba pa. Sa oras na natisod kat bumabagsak, nariyan at palaging nakatuon ang Kanyang mga kamay at naglalaan ng kapatawaran upang muli kang ibangon. Marami rin Siyang payong maibibigay upang makamit ang tagumpay sa buhay ngayon sa kabila ng iyong kahinaan. Ito ay isang desisyon at kusang-loob na paggawa upang naisin ang makasama ang Diyos sa paglalakbay sa ating buhay. Oo, bagamat abala tayo sa pagsusumikap sa pangaraw-araw na paghahanapbuhay, ngunit hindi ito maging sanhi upang hindi natin maramdaman ang kapanatilihan ng Diyos. Ipinakikita natin sa ating landasin ng pamumuhay na talagang kapanig natin ang Diyos at walang-alinlangan natin Siyang inihahayag sa pamamagitan ng pananalita, maging sa isipan at sa paggawa. Kung paanong inihanda ni Juan Bautista ang daraanan ng Panginoon, gayun din, ihanda natin ang ating mga sarili upang kasama Niyang lalakad patungo sa tamang direksiyon. Si Jesus ang daan at ang katotohanan. Siya ang dahilan ng ating paghahanda upang salubungin ang pagdating Niya dito sa sanlibutan na nababalot ng maraming kadahilanan, hindi sa kung ano ang makikita ng tao, kundi sa kung ano ang nakatago ang nakapaloob na katotohanan sa landas na tanging Diyos lamang ang nakakakita.

Thursdays: Praise and Worship Holy Mass............ Bokwang Dong REGULAR ACTIVITIES Mondays: Bible Sharing .............. Incheon Wednesdays: Prayer Intercession..... Itaewon Fridays: Bible Sharing........... Itaewon Sangmun Sokye Myonmok Dong Songsu Dong

Saturdays: Prayer Intercession.. Bokwang Dong Bible Sharing........... Ansan Sundays: Fellowship; Praise and Worship service......... Sungdong Social Welfare Majangdong

*Every 1st Sunday: Mass and Healing

For inquiries, Prayer and Counseling, please call: Sis. Irene T. Diones, Coordinator Office: 02-794-2338 Cellphone: 010-2273-1215

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

Page 5

LIKHAAN
Happy Birthday Nay
Amie Sison Kasiyahan ang aking nakikita Na kumukutitap sa iyong mga mata Sa dalawang buwan nating pagsasama Dito sa mabilis na mundo ng Korea. Naging masaya rin ng makapiling ka Tumutulong kahit sa maliit na problema Sa sandali na kailangan nandyan ka Hindi na ako tatawag o mag online pa. Malungkot man ang iyong paglisan Sapagkat masama ang aking pakiramdam Patawad kung ako ay may pagkukulang Na sarili ay medyo napabayaan. Minsan napaka busy ang buhay ko Takbo doon, takbo dito Salamat, at lahat ay naintindihan mo Buong suporta pa ang binigay mo. Wala na akong regalo para sayo Sapagkat pagmamahal lang ang nais mo Ka simplehan ng iyong pagkatao Hinahangaan ko ang pagiging Ina mo.

Sa Pagsapit ng Disyembre
Johnny Maliglig Muling nagbibigay pansin sa ating mga isipan Ang ganap na pagbabago ng ating kapaligiran Pagsapit ng takipsilim at lumubog yaong araw May ilaw ng patay-sindi na iyong masisilayan. Ito ang unang simbulo na siyang palatandaan Na tila nalalapit na yaong Paskong hinihintay Itoy isang pagdiriwang na hindi pangkaraniwan pagkat itoy kaarawan ng kay Hesus na pagsilang Palatandaay marami na siyang nagpapahiwatig Nagbibigay ng gunita sa Paskong muling sasapit Tulad ng mga awiting unti-unting naririnig Ginigising ang damdamin pagnarinig mo ang himig Ewan ko ba kung bakit kapag sumapit na ang Disyembre Parang ang saya-saya na mapapansin ng marami Lalo kapag nagkaroon agad niyong Christmas party Talagang ang pakiramdam paskong na ngang masasabi Hindi nakakapagtaka lalo na sa ating bayan Pag ang Disyembre sumapit masaya na sa lansangan Sa gabi ay magpasyal ka at iyong masisilayan Ilaw sa mga Christmas tree na ibat ibang kulay Itoy naging ugali na ginagawa taon-taon Bilang isang paghahanda sa Paskoy isasalubong pagkat dito isinilang Mahal nating Panginoon Na ating Tagapagligtas saan man tayo naroroon Kaya kahit malayo pa yaong darating na Pasko Nararapat lang talagang paghandaan natin ito Magalak na salubungit ipagdiwang na totoo Sa pagsalubong kay Hesus muli sa araw ng Pasko.

PSALM OF MY PRAYER
Sis. Mel

Oh Lord of my salvation Let me depend my life on Thee Bless me with the courage from any strife Hold me in Your loving heart.

Oh lord I ask Thy Name Help me soar on the roaring sea Fill me with great strength When temptations surround me.

Enamored with Your delight and beauty Let my heart forever seek Thee For only in You I find solace Let my every breath You will be praised!
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

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One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men

SANAYSAY atbp.
taken for granted until theyre gone. And then, we start to appreciate them for their By: Bevi Tamargo little contributions in our life. Like the way it filled that space in my drawer. My friend Derek just left for South And the way it was just waiting for me Africa. Hes Irish, and last night, he, to make use of it. I never actually did, April and I had a good dinner at a meat but then again it was just alwaysthere. restaurant near e-mart. He is going to I actually asked Chummy then to get manage an army base in Sudan. The job me another pasalubong. But she got me is voluntary. He will get no payment for it, but it will be his stepping stone for a the elephant statue instead. I was kind of career in the UN. This morning I passed disappointed because I already had one by his place and I gave him an elephant just like it. Little did I know that figurine that my other friend, Chummy maybemaybe it wasnt meant for me gave to me. I had been thinking about after all. Maybe it was really meant for what to give Derek, and it crossed my Derek. I gave him a hug before he left. It mind to give it to him. After all, I al- felt good. It feels nice to reach out to ready had my own bigger version of it people. from Thailand, which I would never, I am also saying goodbye to Mr. Kim, ever part with. And the smaller one was my immediate superior. He is resigning kind of, redundant. I figured that I from our company. It will feel really needed to reduce my baggage and sim- weird without him. I think he has a good plify my life anyway. My room is much heart. And he has been a good compantoo complicated with all these small, ion to me. I will miss talking to him. unnecessary stuff. I want a simpler room It seems a lot of people are saying and a simpler life. It was perfect. I felt good bye. kind of sad when I gave it away though. I guess some little things are simply Derek spent the night with candy

A Time for Goodbyes

his house dog. He noticed Candy has been crying a lot these days. Derek said she seemed to know he was leaving when she saw him packing. Goodbyes are difficult. We each have our own path to take. We may travel together for a while, but after sometime we reach the crossroads and we have to part ways. We turn the pages of our lifeand hit the road to who knows where. All the words unsaid. All the things that shouldve been done. All the things we wanted to hear. All the regrets. And all the good memories. We leave them at the crossroads. Its hard to let go of people and things we have gotten used to. But goodbyes are also the beginning of something newin the long and sweet journey that is our life.
(The author is a guest speaker on Talk Around, Arirang TV, Fridays, 8:30pm, Saturdays, 9:30am).

harap ng mundo tungkol sa pananalapi. Ngayon ay hinahanap natin Siya upang hipuin ang naghihikahos nating buhay. Ito na Amie Sison ang nararapat na panahon upang patuluyin natin siya sa ating Financial Crisis ang pangunahing problema na kinakaharap puso. Dahil napakaraming manggagawang Pilipino sa buong ng mga manggagawang Pilipino sa buong mundo. Sila, ikaw, mundo, sapat na kung tayong lahat ay tatawag sa kanyang at tayo ay mga OFWs. Apektado tayo sapagkat nababawasan pagdating? ang ating padala sa ating pamilya at nakakalungkot pa dito Kahit may kaalaman tayo sa kahulugan nito ay patuloy na minsan ay hindi na nakakayanan ng iba ang magpadala. Isa rin magiging palaisipan sa atin ang bawat sinisimbulo ng ibatakong OFW at nararamdaman ko ang kagipitan sa pananalapi ibang kulay ng mga kandila. Bakit kaya? Napakarami na kasi dahil sa palitan ng dolyar. nating pinagkakaabalahan sa ating buhay. Trabaho, pamilya, Unang Linggo ng Adbyento nang nakadalo ako sa recol- kaibigan, at organisasayon. Napakaraming bagay na kailangan lection para magkaroon ng kaalaman sa Adbyento. Ayon kay nating gawin at natatabunan ang bagay na dapat bigyan natin Sister Angel, wala ng mas hihigit pa sa kapangyarihan ng at- ng panahon. At masakit ay naalala lamang manalangin sa ing Panginoon kung ikukumpara natin ang mga Presidente ng panahon ng kagipitan. bawat bansa sa kanyang mapaghimalang mga kamay. Totoo Kahit kailan walang huli sa paningin Niya. Sana bago man nga naman na minsan ay natatapos na sa ating kaisipan na magpasko mabigyan natin ng halaga ang pagdating niya sa bakit napakamahal ng palitan ng dolyar kontra sa won at mundo. Mapag-ukulan natin ng panahon ang pananalangin at susunod na iisipin ang kapakanan ng ating pamilya. hingin sa kanyang mapaghimalang mga kamay na iligtas tayo Mas maganda siguro kung sa bawat pagtingin natin sa mga sa kagipitang pang-ekonomiya na ating nararanasan ngayon. diyaryo, website, bank updates at kung saan man ay magalay tayo ng isang makabuluhang panalangin na sana ay dumating na siya. Makialam upang matulungan ang suliranin na kinakaSa Panahon ng Adbiyento
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

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ULAT KOMUNIDAD
MGA LIBRENG KONSULTA AT GAMOT Doty Hospital42-5 Eung-am-dong, Unpyeong-gu, Seoul 122- 906, tel. no. (02)385-1477 Joseph Clinic - 423 Yeungdongpo-dong, Yeung dongpo-gu, Seoul 150-030, Mon.-Fri. 1pm-9pm, Tel. No.(02)2634-1760 Raphael Clinic - inside Tong Song High School, every Sun. , 2-6 pm. National Medical Center Dongdaemun Tel. No. 2260-7062 to 7063 Seoul Medical Center Gangnam Tel. No. 3430-0200 MIRIAM COUNSELING CENTER For Migrant Women 50-17 Dongsoong Dong Chongrogu Seoul 110-809 near Maronnier Park. Tel #(02) 747-2086 E-mail: kcwc21@jinbo.net (KCWC) Office hours: Mon-Fri. 11 am-5 pm Sat. day off Sun. 3 pm-6 pm Activities: Emotional/spiritual counseling Womans rights and labor issues Korean language/culture study (men and women are welcome).

KAILANGAN SA PAGPAPABINYAG 1) 2) 3) Birth certificate ng batang bibinyagan 2X2 ID pictures (2 pcs) Application formipasa ito sa Catholic Center isang linggo bago dumating ang takdang araw ng binyag.

Katekismo sa binyag na ginaganap tuwing ika-10 ng umaga, araw ng linggo (mismong araw ng binyag). Tanging ang mga pangalan ng mga nakadalo ng katekismo ang mailalagay sa Baptismal Certificate. Ang bilang ng mga ninong at ninang ay hindi dapat lalabis sa dalawampu. Ang lahat ay pinakikiusapang isaisip ang angkop na pananamit para sa okasyon.

KAILANGAN SA PAGPAPAKASAL
1) 2) 3) Birth Certificate ng mga ikakasal Status of singleness from Census (notarized) Parents consent as proof of singleness (notarized)

4) Baptismal Certificate for marriage purposes 5) Confirmation Certificate for marriage purposes 6) Passport (xerox copy) Pre-Cana seminar na gaganapin bago ang takdang araw ng kasal. Makipag-ugnayan po lamang sa Catholic Center para sa schedule. 7)

MIGRANT CENTERS
Guri Pastoral Center Ansan Galilea Center Suwon Emmaus Center Friends Without Borders Counseling Office Gasan, Song-uri International Community Uijungbu, Nokyangdong Migrant Center Masok Chonmasan Migrant Center Bomun, Seoul Foreign Workers Labor Counseling Office 02-928-2049/924-2706 031-566-1141 031-494-8411 031-257-8501 032-345-6734/5 031-543-5296 031-878-6926 031-593-6542

PANAWAGAN PARA SA MGA NAGPAPABINYAG Tinatawagan ang pansin ng lahat ng mga di pa nakakakuha ng Baptismal Certificates ng kanilang mga anak. Maaari na ninyong kunin ang mga ito sa Catholic Center tuwing linggo sa ganap na alas 9:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 12:00 ng tanghali, at sa ganap na ika 4:00 hanggang ika 5:00 ng hapon. Maliban po lamang sa tuwing ikadalawang linggo. Ng bawat buwan. Makipagugnayan po kay Rebeck Beltran (010-8671-2761) o kay Edison Pinlac: (010-2906-3109) o sa kahit na sinong miyembro ng Lay Ministers.
BARYA MO, BUHAY KO Ipinapabatid po sa lahat na ang proyektong Barya mo, Buhay Ko ay patuloy na isinasagawa ng Sambayanan. Sa mga nais makibahagi sa proyektong ito, huwag mag-atubiling dalhin ang inyong mga barya at ialay sa Banal na Misa sa araw ng linggo. Maraming Salamat po!!!

MGA IMPORTANTENG PAALAALA Mga kailangang dokumento sa paga-asikaso ng mga reklamo tungkol sa sahod: 1. Pay Slip or any other proof of payment of salary 2. Daily Time Record (DTR) if available, or self-made record of daily work attendance specifying Regular Working hours, Overtime, and Night Differential. 3. Labor Contract 4. Bank Book/ Passbook 5. Alien Card and Passport

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY

SA LAHAT NG MAY E-9 VISA PARA PO SA LAHAT NA MAY E-9 VISA, MAY TATLO PONG TANGING DAHILAN UPANG PAYAGAN KAYONG MAKALIPAT NG KUMPANYA. ITO PO AY ; 1. KAYO AY DALAWANG BUWANG HINDI PINAPASAHOD 2. KAYO AY PISIKAL AT VERBAL NA SINASAKTAN, o di kayay 3. BANKRUPT O LUGI ANG KUMPANYA

Ang Community Christmas Party ay gaganapin sa December 7, 2008 sa Capital Hotel, 4:00-11:00 pm. Ang lahat ay inaanyayahang makisaya sa araw na ito. Magbabayad ng 33,000 won para sa pagkain at lugar at drinks. Magpalista at magbayad lamang lamang kay Precy Niebres (016-212-3100). Ang huling araw ng pagpapalista at pagbabayad ay sa November 30, 2008.

FILAKOR Announcement
Iniimbitahan ang mga Filipinang may asawang Korean na maging miyembro ng FILKOR-Mirriam Center. Ito ay samahan ng mga Filipinang may asawang Koreano. Sila ay nagpupulong tuwing huling lingo ng buwan sa Columban Mission House (Subway Line 4, Exit 4, Sungshin Womens University Station.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

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One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

ADVENT RECOLLECTION
Ito ay gaganapin sa November 30, 2008, mula 9:00-6:00 ng hapon sa Holy Spirit Mission Center. Ito ay bukas sa lahat ng mga nais sumali. Ang mga nagsisimba sa Hyehwadong tuwing linggo ay hinihikayat na makilahok sa pagninilay na ito.

SIMBANG GABI SPONSORS

Venue: St. Columban Mission Center Subway: Sungshin Womens University Station Line 4, Exit 4 8: 30 p.m. (Holy Rosary, Mass)

KUMPISALANG BAYAN
Gaganapin ang Kumpisalang Bayan sa Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 at 21 bago magsimula ang Misa bilang paghahanda sa panahon ng Kpaskuhan. Ang lahat ay hinihikayat na tumanggap ng Banal na Sakramentong ito.

Time:

Schedules & Mass celebrants:

Dec. 15 Mon..Fr Alvin Parantar, MSP..Sports and Recreation, Quezon Dec. 16 TueFr Mandy Dayao,OSA...FMAA and Lectors, Ilocano Dec. 17 Wed...Fr Willy Jesena, CssR ...Church Stewards Dizon Family, Wilma and Family Dec. 18 ThuFr Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP...Prayer Partners Dec. 19 Fri....Fr Jerry Malatamban..Altar Boys, Youth, & Ilonggo Dec. 20 Sat..Fr Willy Jesena, CssRTaerim, Cavite Dec. 21 Sun.Fr Jun Nohara,OSA.Batangas,Ibaan, Myonmokdong Dec. 22 Mon...Fr Mandy Dayao, OSA...Choir and Bicol Dec. 23 Tue.Fr Jerry MalatambanAguman, Kasammako Dec. 24 WedFr Alvin Parantar, MSP...Catholic Center, Mindoro Venue: Eucharistic Ministers and Flor Noveno

KUMPILANG BAYAN
Sa mga nais tumanggap ng Sakramento ng Kumpil, makipag-ugnayan kay Rebeck Beltran (010-8671-2761) o kay Edison Pinlac (01029063109). Gaganapin ito sa January 2009. FILAKOR Announcement Iniimbitahan ang mga Filipinang may asawang Korean na maging miyembre ng FILKOR-Mirriam Center. Ito ay samahan ng mga Filipinang may asawang Koreano. Sila ay nagpupulong tuwing huling lingo ng buwan sa Columban Mission House (Subway Line 4, Exit 4, Sungshin Womens University Station.

ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS/TRAININGS Lahat ng mga miyembro ng Council at Committee Heads ay inaasahang dumalo sa gaganaping assessment ng education programs at trainings sa November 30, 2008, 4:00pm sa Catholic Center.

Confessions:

8: 30 pm (Before the Mass starts)

Second Collections: Pondo Para sa Batang Pinoy To support HFCC Feeding & Scholarship Projects for poor

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men.

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ADVERTISEMENT Pages
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49

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Philippine/World News
What OFWs need to know about AIDS
MANILA, Philippines - If you finish reading this, you have reduced your chance of acquiring AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome by at least 50 percent. Health experts say that proper information could reduce by half the likelihood of an individual getting infected with AIDS, which has claimed millions of lives all over the world. Although the Philippines has one of the lowest incidence of AIDS or HIV in Southeast Asia, fears arise that the continued deployment of millions of Filipinos in other parts of the world puts them at risk to the disease. While outbound overseas Filipino workers are required to have their blood screened for HIV or AIDS, returning migrants, some of whom have stayed in areas with high instances of the dreaded virus, are not subjected to the same medical screening. As the world commemorates World AIDS day, it is important to arm oneself of information against this global killer. AIDS vs HIV: Whats the difference? AIDS describes the collection of symptoms and infections associated with the acquired deficiency of the immune system while HIV or Human Immunodeficiency virus is the one that infects the human immune system, destroying and impairing their functions. Simply, AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection. Advanced HIV infection weakens the immune system and makes the individual more prone to a variety of infections including severe diarrhea, tuberculosis, pneumonia, cervical cancer, skin cancer, Kaposis sarcoma, and lymphoma. How long does it take before people with HIV develop AIDS? It varies among individuals but it could take between 10 and 15 years or longer for people with a healthy lifestyle. How is HIV transmitted? HIV thrives in blood and blood products, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Since the virus is found in these body fluids, HIV is more likely to be transmitted through sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal or anal); blood transfusions (sharing of syringes); and mother-to-child transmission. For an infection to occur however there must be: 1) sufficient amounts of the virus transmitted and 2) a way for the virus to enter the bloodstream. Unprotected heterosexual vaginal intercourse is the predominant mode of transmission although anal sex has been reported to be ten times higher than that of vaginal sex. Oral sex is considered low-risk in terms of transmission unless ejaculation occurs in the mouth or if there are sores or cuts around the mouth. Most infants who acquire HIV during delivery have been exposed to maternal blood or cervical secretions that contain the virus. Breastfeeding is
the most important risk factor.

Meanwhile, the top 10 destination countries of newly hired Filipino workers are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Canada, Korea, United States of America, and Italy. Of these countries, the UNAIDS identified Italy, Canada, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong as having between 0.1 percent and less than 0.5 percent adult prevalence of HIV. The US has between 0.5 percent and less than 1.0 percent HIV adult prevalence. Unfortunately, no data was available for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

Are OFWs at risk?

Last May, the Philippine Department of Healths National Epidemiology Center reported 35 HIV cases. Twenty percent of the cases were OFWs, mostly males. All OFWs who had AIDS acquired the disease through sexual intercourse. Since 1984 a total of 259 AIDS cases had been recorded among OFWs, 81 percent were males aged between 20 and 69; of this number, 91 had already died. According to a 2006 data gathered by the Action for Health Initiatives Inc., about 2,566 Filipinos are living with HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. OFWs make up 35 percent of this number. Based on the statistics, 34 percent of those affected with the disease were seafarers; 18 percent were domestic helpers; nine percent were employees; seven percent were entertainers; and six percent were health workers. While AIDS and HIV prevalence is low among migrants, it is worth noting that not all returning working is screened for the deadly virus. Maybe we only know a tip of the iceberg," Father Savino Bernardi, Manila director of the CBCPs Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) told GMANews.TV in an earlier interview. Savino also said that the conservative culture and reluctance to disclose their sexuality and sexual behavior could create problems in the future as carriers of the deadly disease remain undetected How is HIV transmission prevented? Using condoms during sexual intercourse effectively reduces ones risk of getting HIV. Unprotected sex with a person or with multiple persons is considered as one of the riskiest ways of getting the infection. Checking whether the blood one is receiving through transfusion has been tested for HIV also prevents the transfer of the virus. People can also avoid sharing needles, razor blades and other objects that have touched blood. Children must be tested at 18 months to see if HIV antibodies are present. Regular HIV testing for sexually persons are also highly encouraged. Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV
* Except for the use of condoms, as well as the date on OFWs' HIV risk and destination countries, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are based on the training manual on HIV and AIDS for Catholic Church Pastoral Workers developed by UNAIDS and given to outbound OFWs by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. www.inq7.net

OFW destination countries with high HIV, AIDS risk

Based on the 2007 data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), the Middle East, Asia and Americas are the top three destination world groups of OFWs.
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One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 49