- by Bro.

Joel Tavarro
Padadalhan kita ng sunod-sunod na tagumpay, parang masinsing patak ng ulan. Dahil dito maghahari sa daigdig ang kalayaan at katarungan. Akong si Yahweh ang magsasagawa nito. (Isaiah 45.8) Ito ang naging tema sa matagumpay na ika-17 Anibersaryo ng El Shaddai Prayer Partners Foundation, South Korea Chapter. Ang pagdiriwang ay ginanap noong Disyembre 6, 2009 sa ganap na ika-9:30 ng umaga sa Tongsong High School Auditorium. Sinimulan ang programa sa pamamagitan ng Panimulang Panalangin na pinangungunahan ni Bro. Alonie Balayo at Pray over ni Bro. Wally Manipon. Lalong pinasigla ang pagdiriwang sa pamamagitan ng mga Praise and Worship at Joyful Songs sa pangunguna nina Sis Chelo Bechayda at Sis Nitz Calleja ng Music Ministry. Ang nasabing pagtitipon ay dinaluhan ng ibat ibang grupo ng kapatiran buhat sa Ansan, Ang samahang El Shaddai PrayerPartner ng Korea sa kanilang pagIncheon, Itaewon, Ttukseom, Myeonmok at Cheongn- diriwang ng ika-17 anibersaryo.
Pinangunahan ng Papal Nuncio ang selebrasyon ng Banal na Misa sa ika17 anibersaryo ng PPFI

A PUBLICATION OF AND FOR THE FILIPINO CATHOLIC MIGRANTS IN SEOUL ARCHDIOCESE

December 13, 2009

yangni. Naki-isa rin ang El Shaddai PPFI Prayer Groups ng Pusan at Taegu. Naging panauhing-pandangal at nagbigay ng Inspirational Talk si Atty Luis T. Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to Korea. Binigyang-diin niya ang pagpapanatili ng relasyon ng bawat Pilipinong manggagawa sa kani-kanilang pamilya, lalo na ang mga EPS sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya. Hinihikayat
(Karugtong sa pahina 5)

Prayer Vigil for Advent Coming and Waiting

The prayer vigil done every 1 Saturday of the month was held last 06 December 2009 at the Philippine Catholic Center. Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D was the speaker for that night and it was attended by the HFCC volunteers. The gathering started with a rosary after which the inspiring talk of Prof. Emely followed. She talked about advent and reflected on two actions: coming of Christ and waiting of man.
st

- by Lyn Laurito

Advent came from the Latin word Adventus which means coming. It is the time for remembering the three comings of Jesus Christ. First, when He was born in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. Second, when He will come at the end of time and third His coming into our HFCC First Saturday (December 2009) Vigil lives when we were baptized, received the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and in our daily encounters with experiences of Jesus coming and presence in their lives. With the shared experiences it was proved that Jesus is Him in prayers and through other people. always present in our lives. His coming to us may come His coming brought us three things: faith, hope and love into different signs, people, and happenings or when our because it is something that is sure and certain. It is a prayers were answered. great blessing because He brought with Him the salvation of all the people and through it, God and man embraced Our feelings about going home, visiting friends and relaeach other again and brought back the love relationship tives is almost the same as waiting and expecting for someone to come. When going home from long years of that was destroyed by sin. At this point Prof. Emely invited everyone to share their
(Continuation on page 3)

Volume 14 Issue 50

HFCC Choir nangaroling . . .

Sa tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng Disyembre naging gawain o nakaugalian na ng Hyewa-Dong Choir ang magkaroling sa mga nais magpakaroling. Ito'y taunang isinasagawa upang maibahagi, gunitain at sariwain ang pagsilang ng ating Mesias.

- by Elisea Torres
dito sa bansang Korea. Masasabing isang karangalan ng Hyewa Dong Choir ang maanyayahan sa ganitong pagtitipon, upang maghandog ng mga awiting pamasko. Kasama na rin sa mga inawit ang sariling awitin katulad ng "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit".

Sa pamamagitan ni Nanay Letty, ang Hyewa-Dong Choir Ang nasabing pagdiriwang ay ginanap noong nakaraang ay lubos na ipinagmalaki ng kanyang "employer" na Sabado ika-5 ng Disyembre taong 2009 sa Gwanghamun, siyang pangunahing tagapamahala ng kanilang samahan (Karugtong sa pahina 12)

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 MIGRANTS PASTORAL CENTER FOR FILIPINO

LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD

Emely Dicolen-Abagat

115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020 Tel No. (02) 070-8161-0870 or 070-8161-0873/74 e-mail: alvin_parantar@yahoo.com e-mail: emelyabagat@yahoo.com e-mail: sambayanan-edboard@yahoogroups.com

Yesterday, I was chatting with my niece and she said they are all going home to my hometown for Christmas. I started feeling blue because I remembered the Christmas and New Year we had last year. It was so much fun having games, dances and songs with my kids, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters. For OFWs like us, we cant help but think about our loved ones back home as Lyn wrote about in her essay. She spoke fondly of her mom. We remember our parents, kids, relatives, and friends. Aside from looking back at our experiences with our loved ones, we also tend to look back at the kind of life we have had back in our home country and we cant help but cry whenever we think about it, turning our back from what we used to do in exchange of a greener pasture in a foreign country as shared by Fhely. But aside from these, I agree with what Amie said in her essay that we should also look into ourselves and examine our faith especially during this Christmas season. Have we really been sincerely and honestly faithful to him in thoughts, words, and deeds? This is one thing we can do during this season: look back at our past, what he have done, how we have been and resolve to move forward with a stronger faith, trust and hope in God for the coming year to come.

EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief: Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph. D. Assistant Editor: Bevi Tamargo Feature Editor: Lyn Laurito News Editor: Ma. Teresa Solis Literary Editor: Bro. Allan Rodriguez / Bro. Joel Tavarro Catholic Faith Editor/Lay-out Artist: Roberto Catanghal Webmaster: Engr. Rogelio Domingo Contributors: Amie Sison, Michael Balba, Johnny Maliglig, Ervie Gloria, Felipe Lagunda Circulation Manager: Ms. Marlene G. Lim HFCC MINISTRY CONTRIBUTORS: Eucharistic: Rebeck Beltran Lectors & Commentators: Lyn Laurito FMAA: Tess dela Cruz Choir: Elisea Torres Sports & Recreation: Mike Panlilio IT: Ma. Lea Wenceslao Youth: Weng Prayer Partners: Sis. Melody Palana LRC and CWI: Mhar Gonzales / Ms. Marlene G. Lim Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP Adviser/Chaplain

D e c e m b e r
01Ramil Alba 02Ma. Wilma Manrique 08Purissa Mancio 11Milette Cajumocan 12Letty Caravana 13Lucy Castillo 14Vicky Cardona 15Irene Diones Marife Basas Mark Anthony Gaspar 16Nenette P. Mari 19Norma Liquido 25Susan Dizon Edison Ordonez Marjon Ordonez 26Allan Rodriguez 27Michael John Pagdilao 30Ervin Ordonez

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

Volume 14 Issue 50

PAGNINILAY:
Fr. Paul J. Marquez, SSP
antulot marahil ang karamihan sa ating mga kababayan na ipagdiwang ang Linggong ito bilang Linggo ng Pagsasaya at Pagdiriwang. Bagamat taun-taon nating ipinagdiriwang ang Ikatatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento bilang Linggo ng Gaudete, marahil marami ang magdadalawang-isip na magsaya pagkatapos ng sunud-sunod na kalamidad na nanalasa sa ating bansa. Makukuha pa nga kaya nating magsaya at magdiwang gayong maraming buhay ang nasawi, maraming ari-arian ang napinsala at marami pa rin ang alipin ng takot at pangamba? Si Propeta Sofonias ang mangungusap sa Unang Pagbasa. Pagkatapos niyang ipamukha sa mga tagaIsrael ang kanilang kabuktutan at kapahamakang kanilang kinasadlakan, tatapusin niya ang kanyang pahayag na punung-puno ng pag-asa. Nasa piling mo ang Panginoong iyong Diyos, parang bayaning nagtatagumpay; makikigalak siya sa iyong katuwaan, babaguhin ka ng kanyang pag-ibig; at siyay masayang aawit sa laki ng kagalakan, gaya ng nagdiriwang sa pista. Maging si Apostol Pablo sa Ikalawang Pagbasa ay punung-puno rin ng pagasa at kasiyahan. Magalak kayong lagi sa Panginoon. Inuulit ko magalak kayo. Ang kakatwa sa pahayag na ito ni Pablo ay ang sitwasyong kinapapalooban niya nang isulat niya ang kanyang liham sa mga taga-Filipos. Kasalukuyang nasa piitan si Pablo. Dumanas na siya ng maraming hirap alang-alang sa ebanghelyo. Nanalig siyang malapit na ang pagdating ng Panginoon, at hindi siya kailanman pinanawan ng pag-asa at tuwa. Nag-uumapaw ang kanyang pasasalamat sa kagandahang-loob ng mga taga-Filipos na nagpadama sa kanya ng pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit. May agam-agam tayo kung magiging masaya ang Pasko natin marahil sapagkat nakagawian na natin na ang Pasko ay katumbas ng masasayang kulay at halakhakan. Sa ebanghelyo, dama ng taumbayan, mga publikano at mga kawal ang pananabik sa pagdating ng Mesiyas. Napagkamalan nilang si Juan Bautista ang Mesiyas. Nang tanungin siya ng madla kung ano ang kailangan nilang gawing paghahanda, malinaw ang sagot ni Juan: tumulong sa kapwa at tupdin ng tapat ang inyong tungkulin.

Sa Salmong Tugunan, ipahahayag natin ang mga salita ni Propeta Isaias ukol sa Diyos na aking awit, ang aking kaligtasan. Hindi pinagsamantalahan ni Juan ang kanyang popularidad sa mga tao. Batid Hihikayatin ng propeta ang Israel: Mga anak ng Sion, umawit kayo nang niya ang kanyang tungkulin na ipakilala lamang ang Mesiyas. Tinupad niya buong galak, sapagkat nasa piling ninyo ang dakila at ang Banal ng Israel. ang tungkuling ito maging katumbas man ito ng kanyang buhay. Hindi lahat ng taoy tinatawag na maging martir tulad ni Juan Bautista, ngunit lahat Kapwa naging mga saksi sina Sofonias at Isaias sa masalimuot na karanasan tayoy hinahamon na maging tapat sa ating mga tungkulin. Mapapasaatin ng Israel. Kapwa nila sinubaybayan kung paanong sinakop at inalipin ang lamang ang tunay na ligaya ng Pasko kung tapat tayong sumusunod kay Israel ng mga makapangyarihang bansa na hindi naniniwala sa Diyos. Kristo, sa kanyang mga turo at aral. Punung-puno ng kasiyahan at pag-asa ang mensahe ng dalawang propeta. Matatapos na ang kadustahan ng Israel, lilingapin sila ni Yaweh!
(...from page 1)

being departed from our loved ones we feel excited, we dont know what to do, try to be our best and expect everybody to be happy and prepared, it is the same feeling we feel when we are expecting or waiting for someone.

But in waiting there are three things we must consider; preparation, excitement, and the acceptance. And it depends on how important the person you are waiting to come. The more important the person is the more prepared and The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed the talk and the gathering excited we become thus, the more we accept the person. was concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass.
FREQUENTLY CALLED NOS.
Phil.Embassy (Labor Office) 3785-3634/3785-3624 Youth Ministry (Weng) IT (Rogie) 010-5821-7799 010-8696-4984 Sunday: Cycle C

But how do we prepare for the coming of Jesus? What do we do while waiting for Him at this time of advent? These are the questions that only we can answer. In her parting words, Prof. Emely made a challenge to each one of us. She said: Go to Confession, Participate in the Mass and Church activities, Pray, Spend more time with your family and loved ones. Do acts of charity such as helping the needy, reconcile with your enemies, and offer some sacrifices. By doing these we may be able to prepare ourselves while waiting for His coming. She ended her talk with a prayer.

2009 DECEMBER

Weekday: Year 2

(Consular Office) 796-7387 to 89 ext. 103 (Hotline) Philippine Airlines 011-273-3657 774-35-81

Rebeck Beltran (Eucharistic) 010-8671-2761 Neneth Mari (FMAA) Mhar Gonzales (LRC) Marlene Lim (CWI) 010-2207-5087

Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP 010-4922-0870 Sr. Miguela Santiago 016-706-0870

010-8683-3826
010-6871-0870

Edison Pinlac (Pres/JPC) 010-2906-3109 Bro. Jimmy Villaflor (VP) 010-2572-8515 El Shaddai(Bro.Henry/Avel) Masok (Gil Maranan) 794-23-38

Mokdong Immigration Processing (Detention) Center 02-2650-6247

Hwaseong, Suwon Immigration Processing (Detention) Center 031-355-2011/2 Chungju Immigration Processing (Detention) Center Yang Seung Geol Han Suk Gyu 043-290-7512/3 011-226-9237 010-5348-9515

010-5822-9194 (031) 593-6542

Taerim (Dan Panti) Worship (Ely) Recreation (Mike) Education (Emely)

010-8684-7897 010-8061-9143 010-8692-4771 010-5160-2928

Volume 14 Issue 50

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

Page 3

CATHOLIC FAITH:
Randy Sly
On the Third Sunday of Advent a rose candle is lit on the Advent wreath. It's anticipating His coming or living within its influence. Even now, there is an Gaudete Sunday, a day to rejoice as we reflect on the wonder of His Coming on-going expectation of His coming again, bringing all things again into order. - both His first and His Second. When we do think of our own lives, we can celebrate the ways in which He has made a difference in us and through us. For me, I can remember growing up actively involved in my local Episcopal parish. I can also remember that, though I walked away from Him during my high school years, he continued to pursue me, find me, and restore me. I can remember my time in the US Navy when I encountered one of His enthusiastic followers who reminded me of Christs Good News. Through this young man, the Lord wooed me On the Third Sunday of Advent we light a rose candle instead of a purple one. back to Himself and to a live serving Him. This is called Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday where we are to rejoice regarding the anticipated coming of Christ in the Nativity and His coming Over the years I have been able to witness the grace of God at work in peragain. In a sense, Gaudete Sunday is our opportunity to pause and just reflect son after person, a veritable parade of passion, as God poured out His mercy and joy in the lives of so many. on His Coming to have an Advent selah! WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - Years ago I preached a sermon entitled Selah the Pause the Refreshes. This homily talked about that intriguing word in the Psalms Selah which most Biblical scholars believe was a liturgical marking or word meaning forever, similar to our Amen. Many understand selah as indicating a point of significance in the reading of the psalm, where reader is to pause and think carefully what had just been said. Its one thing to read and reflect on the Scriptures of the New Testament and, particularly, the Gospel account in terms of the truths and teachings that are revealed. A far greater work, however, is a purposeful pause where we reflect upon the literal reality that Jesus Christ, God the Son, visited us in the flesh and gave His Himself for the life of the world. Our Scriptures do more than reveal Truth, they give witness to an historic event. Jesus came to Earth! C.S. Lewis, in fact, wrote a wonderful short story about this, called The Visited Planet, In the story, a new angel is assigned to a senior angel for training. The two roam the galaxies and finally come close to this one special planet in a solar system. Gazing on the blue sphere, the young angel is in awe as he hears the account of the visited planet. Some of you, no doubt, remember a shipwrecked relationship that was healed by the touch of His love. Others can give witness to His healing power physically or His protection when in harms way. Still other still have a vivid memory of the grace He poured out during a tragic loss due to a death or hardship. One of the great Christmas movie classics is Its a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart. This is the story of a man named George Bailey finds out what life would be like would he have not been born. Truly, the world was richer for his presence, which is a moral for all of us.

How much more, though, would life have been different would our Lord not have come in the flesh, if we had not been the visited planet? What would This is a wonderful time in our Advent vigil to ponder this great mystery our planet be like? What would history have recorded? How would our various cultures developed? What about our individuals lives? that we were visited. We really are the visited planet! In this visit, however, we can be thankful that our Lord didnt just stop by to see how we were doing. He visited with a purpose. He came in the form of a baby and grew, as the Scriptures said, in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) He experienced what it was to be man, even to be tempted, yet without sin. Thus, he not only saw all that we are, but all that we could be if the weight of sin were removed. During our Advent selah, lets think about life without Christ, not just our life but all life. He affected everything. The transformation of lives and cultures over the past two thousand years is not just because he came once. He came, He died, He rose again, He ascended, and he sent the Holy Spirit to guide His Church, and He is coming again. This is our rejoicing Sunday, our Gaudete. This is the time to stop and think, to take a pause that will refresh your soul, reflecting on the presence and power of Christ in your life and the life of the world. After all, we are the visited planet. SELAH ---

Deacon Keith Fournier asks that you join with us and help in this vital mission by sending this article to your family, friends, and neighbors and adding our link (www.catholic.org) to your own website, blog or social network. Let us broadcast, we are PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC!

One could scarcely begin to imagine the world without Christ. History, in Source: Catholic Online (www.catholic.org), http://www.advent2009.org/ fact, is traditionally divided into two historic eras BC, Before Christ and story.php?id=31044 AD, (Anno Domini) The Year of Our Lord. All of history was seen as either
(Continued from page 7)

to school. But the problem was, her age was older for a secondary beginner. Her classmates teased and made fun out of her. Everyday during class break she hid herself away from them and ate her crackers alone. Along the way, she passed many trials and won over them and then the unforgettable moment came, the time of her graduation. She graduated with honors and had Nanay, though there are times that other people misunderstand you and may proven to her detractors that her age doesnt matter as long as you want to go against your ideas and thoughts, always remember that someone is behind reach your dream and you work hard for it. Being a poor is not a hindrance, you. And on your special day, I want to wish you long life to spend with me for it is her attitude towards life that made her succeed. and your loved ones. Good health and happiness as you travel in your lifes In her younger days she also fell passionately in love with a man but unfortu- journey. nately she lost him in a horrible accident. The pain remained in her heart for I am not writing this to praise her nor to brag to everybody what she had so long that she wasnt able to see clearly the other man who courted her. done, but to tell her in my own little way how I feel towards her and to share And when her parents died, she devoted herself in looking after her siblings my precious encounters with her. Nanay, you are one of the few persons who and that was the time she decided not to get married at all. Even up to these made my journey here in unfamiliar place meaningful and colorful. As I days she is still after the welfare of her nephews and nieces, that is why for promised, when it is my time to go back to my family I will always carry them she is their nanang just like as she is nanay to me. with me our memories together and I will never forget them. How she treated and cared for me is beyond my expectation. She brought

back the feeling of being loved by a mother since my own mother had passed away. I really missed those moments with my mother but somehow my longing for her has been filled up with an equally motherly love from a woman I just met here. Her strong faith in the Lord made her survive the trials in her life. Her being appreciative of the little things I do is what brought me closer to her.

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

Volume 14 Issue 50

KARUNUNGAN:
- Bro. Joel Tavarro
Ang pag-ibig ay matiyaga at magandang loob, hindi nanaghili, nagmamapuri, o nagmamataas, hindi magaspang ang pag-uugali, hindi makasarili, hindi magagalitin, o mapagtanim sa kapwa. Hindi ikinatutuwa ang gawang masama, ikinagagalak ang katotohanan. Ang pag-ibig ay mapagbata, mapagtiwala, puno ng pag-asa, at nagtitiyaga hanggang sa wakas. (1 Corinto 13: 4-7) Ito ang pambihirang pag-ibig na inalay ni Kristo para sa sangkatauhan. Kahit naging kapalit nito ay ang pagkamatay Niya sa Krus upang maipabatid sa lahat na kanyang minamahal, kahit na ang makasalanan. Isa sa ginawang hakbang ni Kristo Jesus ay nakipagkaibigan Siya para maipadama sa mas madali at mainam na paraan upang palaganapin ang pag-ibig sa kapwa. Ang pakikipagkaibigan sa kapwa ay mabisang sandata upang makasunod tayo sa nais ng Panginoon. Ito ay hindi isang batas ng tao na ipinagpipilitang ipatupad na gawin natin. Bagkus nais ng Diyos na sundin natin ito na nanggagaling sa ating puso na walang anumang bahid ng pag-aaklas. Dahil ang isang bagay na idinaan sa sapilitang pagpapatupad o ginamitan ng puwersahan ay hindi kailan man paghaharian ng pagibig ng Panginoon. Gawin ito ng bukal sa loob at tandaan na tinutupad ito hindi dahil sa kagustuhan ng tao kundi sa pagmamahal sa Diyos. Maamo at may kababaang loob si Kristo noong tuparin Niya ang iniutos sa Kanya ng Diyos Ama. Hindi Siya nagreklamo kahit bahagya. Alam Niya ang Kanyang sasapitin na kamatayan para lamang iligtas tayo sa ating mga kasalanan. Masasabing si Kristo ay may pusong ina. Na tila misteryo ang nag-uugnay sa ina at anak, subalit isa lamang ang tiyak, dahil sa pag-ibig na nangingibabaw sa puso ng isang mapag-aruga at mapagmahal na ina. Tulad ng isang ina na ang nais nito sa kanyang mga anak ay mapalapit sa kanya ang damdamin at ang lahat ay matuunan ng pagmamahal na may pantay-pantay na pagtingin tungo sa kabutihan. Nais din Niyang yakapin ang bawat isa para maramdaman nila ang pag -ibig na nagliliyab sa Kanyang puso. Katulad ng inahing manok, ayaw nito na magagalaw ang kanyang mga sisiw ni kahit lapitan o masaling ng ibang hayop. Buong-ingat niya itong inaakay sa landas na kung saan ay para sa kanilang ikabubuti. Kapag sumapit na ang takipsilim ang kanyang mga sisiw ay sumisilong na sa kanyang pakpak na nakahalukipkip para hindi malami(Mula sa pahina 1)

gan at maproteksiyunang mabuti. Tayong mga anak ng Diyos ay marapat ding tumulad sa halimbawa na ito. Simpleng pag-ibig subalit tila napakahirap sundan. Kadalasan tayo mismo ang lumalayo sa silong ng pakpak ni Kristo. Sinabi rin Niya, inalagaan ko sila at isa'y walang napahamak, liban sa taong humahanap ng kanyang kapahamakan . Manapay nauuwi tayo sa pag-aaway dahil sa inggitan na kung saan inaakay Niya tayo sa liwanag subalit kagustuhan na rin natin ang mapunta sa dilim. Paano kaya natin paiiralin ang pag-ibig ni Kristo sa mga kaaway kung yung mismong nasa paligid ay hindi natin maunawaan at kayang mahalin. Hindi naglalaon, nalalamigan at dinadala na tayo sa galaw ng makasanlibutan hanggang sa mauwi sa kaguluhan. Ang pag -ibig na walang bahid ng anumang kahalayan na namumuo sa mga magkakaibigan ay isa lamang sa napakagandang halimbawa na hinasik ni Kristo. Subalit pilit itong sinisira ng kalaban upang hindi maghari ang kabutihan dito sa ibabaw ng lupa. Nandiyan ang mga magkakaibigan na may pagtitiwala sa isat isa na palaging nagdadamayan. Dahil na rin sa mas kilala o mas palagay ang kanilang loob sa tuwing sila ay magkakasama. Hindi naman masama ang maging magkaibigan ang lalaki sa babae o babae sa lalaki. Wala namang itinuturo ang bibliya na ito ay isang mali. Basta palaging tandaan, bigyan ng limitasyon at panatilihin ang respeto at paggalang sa isat isa para sa kapurihan ng Panginoon upang magsilbing ilaw din sa iba. Subalit kadalasan, kung bakit binibigyan ng malisya at masamang kahulugan ng mga walang magawa at nanaghiling payaso. Noong sinugo ng Diyos Ama ang Kanyang bugtong na anak, nagkatawang tao siya upang maging gabay at silbing halimbawa para sa lahat. Ito ay napagtagumpayan Niya dahil sa labis na pagmamahal sa Ama. Sa tuwing may mga balakid na dumadaloy sa pag-ibig na dulot ni Kristo, ang unang nasasaktan ay yaong nagpalaganap. Sa reyalidad ng buhay, tayo mismo ay nahihirapang makasunod sa bagay na ito. Masasabi nga bang dahilan na tayo ay tao lamang na may kahinaan? Kung balot lamang tayo ng kabanalan at patuloy na lumulutang sa kabutihan ng Diyos ang lahat ng ito ay ating mapagtatagumpayan. Marahil sa patuloy na pag bibingi-bingihan at bulag-bulagan kaya hindi makaahon sa rehas ng pagkakasala. Kaya naman hindi makamit ang pag-ibig na may kabanalan na walang halong kahalayan.

Sinabi din niya na ang mga Lay at Preacher ay puspos ng Espiritu Santo na ginagamit sa Banal na Ubasan ng Diyos upang palaganapin ang Mabuting din niya ang lahat ng mga manggagawa na mag-impok at magtayo ng kahit Balita. na maliit na negosyo sa ating bansa. Binigyang-pansin din niya ang AgrikuNagkaroon din Banal na Misa sa pangunguna ni Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, lutura na suportahan at pagyamanin upang matulungan ang ating mga kabaDD Apostolic Nuncio to Korea. Ayon sa arsobispo, ang El Shaddai Movebayan na magkaroon ng hanap-buhay at maingat ang ekonomiya ng bansa. ment o Fellowship ay aprubado at kinikilala ng ibat ibang obispo sa PilipiNagbahagi rin ng pamamahayag si Fr. Alvin Parantar, Msp, Chaplain ng nas na tumutulong sa pagpapalago at paghahayag ng Salita ng Diyos at ito ay Hyewadong Filipino Catholic Community na hinango niya sa tema ng nasa- nakapailalim sa Simbahang Katoliko. Binigyang-linaw na ang El Shaddai ay bing anibersaryo. Ayon kay Fr. Alvin, ang pagiging makatarungan at matu- isa sa pangalan ng Panginoon na ang ibig sabihin ay Makapangyarihang wid ang siyang magdadala sa atin sa kaligtasan. Sapagkat sa mata ng Diyos Diyos. ang pagiging isang matuwid ay siyang unang kinalulugdan ng Panginoon.
(Continued on page 12)
Thursdays: Praise and Worship Holy Mass............ Bokwang Dong REGULAR ACTIVITIES Tuesdays: 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: PPFI Center : 02-794-2338 or the ff. persons 1. Bro. Henry Rendon 2. Bro. Avelino Cielo 3. Sis. Liza Bernardo 4. Sis. Linda Aonuevo 010-5815-0130 010-3304-3527 010-2958-2629 010-6872-2844

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MISS KO KAYO
Bro. Allan Rodriguez
SINASARIWA SA TUWINA, ATING PAGSASAMA MGA SANDALING PINAGSALUHAN, LIPOS NG SAYA NAKALIPAS NA MGA TAON, LAGING NAAALALA TINIG NINYONG TILA SA PANDINIG AY MUSIKA. TILA NAIS KONG HILAHIN, MGA ARAW NA KAYBAGAL UPANG MGA MUKHA NINYOY MULING MASILAYAN KINASASABIKANG LABIS, LINGGUHANG PAGKIKITA NANG MULING MADAMA, GALAK NG BAWAT ISA. SA TUWING LINGGONG UMAAWIT TAYOT SUMASAYAW SA ATING MGA PUSO, KASIYAHAN AY UMAAPAW MGA PAPURING HANDOG NATIN KAY EL SHADDAI LAHAT NG PAGPAPAGAL SA KANYA LAMANG INIALAY. PAGKATAPOS NG MAGHAPONG GAWAIN SA UBASAN TULOY SA ENSAYO. LAKAS AY DI NAUUBUSAN SA MERYENDA AY SALU-SALO, PUNO NG HALAKHAKAN SA TUWING MAGKASAMA, NAGHAHARI ANG KAGALAKAN. NGAYON. SA INYONG LAHAT AKO AY NANGUNGULILA PUSO KOY NANANABIK NA KAYOY MULING MAKITA EL SHADDAI MUSIC MINISTRY, MGA KAPATID KO SIGAW NG AKING DAMDAMIN MISS KO KAYO!

KAIBIGANNASAAN KA?
Fhely Poblete De Castro
Kaibigan saan kita makikita? Diyos ang naging daan upang tayoy magkakilala Sa panahon ng unos, ikaw ang kasama Tulad ng ginto, dapat na ingatan kita. Kaibigan na walang iwanan Lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan Hindi lamang sa pera at kagipitan Kundi sa oras ng ikaw ay kailangan. Kaibigan ko, hindi kita kapamilya Pero sa puso ko, ikaw ang nangunguna Mawala na ang lahat, huwag ang ala-ala Na ikaw at ako ang siyang nagpunla. Kaibigan, nasaan ka man, halika na. Abutin natin ang pangarap para sa naiwang sinta Abot-kamay na ginhawa, ngayon nandito na Tiisin natin ang lungkot ng buhay dito sa Korea.

L I S A
Bro. Joel Tavarro (to my beloved wife) L - aging ikaw, saking isipan maha - L
Lalong lumalalim, habang tumatagal Lahat aabutin, kahit na may hilahil Lalaban sa tukso, pag-ibig di mapipigil.

My Mother Lives
Luz Suplico In memory of Dra. Lolita T. Suplico May 12, 1928December 6, 2009
When you sacrifice to give the best for your children and other brethren My mother lives In spite of physical illness when you are determined to have "wellness" My mother lives When you open your door to strangers and the poor My mother lives When you serve your community not only your immediate vicinity My mother lives In any acts of kindness love, courage and forgiveness My mother lives When you give the gift of time to your mother father, friend, children, brother and sister My mother lives Thank you for your prayers and for coming Your gift of time is a blessing My mother lives

I - isa lamang ang tinitibok palag - I Ikaw irog, ang pangarap at minimithi Iniibig kita, pintig sa pusoy tumitindi Ibubuwis ang buhay kung may mang aapi. S - inta, kung may lumapit man huwag maiini - S
Sa iyo hihimlay, pangako natiy binigkis Silay humahanga lamang, hayaang mangahas Sapagkat pagmamahal sayo, tapat at wagas.

A - ko ay sumumpa sa harap ni Bathal - A Alok na pag-ibig, dinala pa natin sa dambana Anuman ang mangyari, kahit na may pagdurusa Ang pagpupunyagiy walang halaga, kung ikawy mawawala.
Dra. Lolita Suplico
Wake schedule December 6 - 9 - Funeraria Paz, Quezon City, Metro Manila December 10- 13 - American Cemetery, Iloilo City Date of Interment - December 13, 2009 after the Mass at St Clement's Church, La Paz, Iloilo City at 1:00pm For queries, call 9281352, 9264544 and 5671539 (Manila) and 3208137 (Iloilo)

ERRATUM: Apologies to the following Poets. The last line of their poems were omitted in the printing of last Sundays issue. BUHAY SA KOREA - by Fhely Poblete De Castro Tumbasan ng pagmamahal, kaunting pagpapahalaga. SA SILONG NG IYONG PAKPAK - by Marl Joshua G. Tavarro Sa matuwid na landas, itinuro Mo yaong daraanan. LESSONS LEARNED - by Ma. Lea Wenceslao That is life and how we all live.

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BALIK-TANAW SA NAKARAAN By: Fhely Poblete De Castro Sa isang sulok ng aking mata nanunulay ang mga luhang nagsisimula ng mag -unahang dumaloy sa mga pisngi kong pulang-pula. Sa bawat notang naririnig ko sa awiting mayat maya inulit-ulit kong pakinggan ah ano ba ang dahilan at nais kong maiyak kanina pa nagbalik-tanaw ako sa aking nakaraan isang dating guro na nagsilbi ng halos sampung taon sa elementary ngayon akoy nasaan na? ang dating Lupang Hinirang na sa tuwing umagay aking sabay sa pag-awit ng munting tinig ngayon. Ngayon napalitan na ng I TOLD YOU SO awit na maririnig moy homesick din ang dulot sa iyo ay naku, ang dating gurong dating kagalang-galang ngayon ay ipinagpalit ang trabaho sa bansa ng Korea. May pera sa Korea yun ang madalas kong madinig ng akoy nasa Pinas pa Oo tama sila nandito nga ang pera kapalit naman nitoy tiis, lungkot at dusa bakit nga ba nauso pa ang pera? Ang dating puno ng ngiti sa labi ay napalitan ng gabi-gabing dalamhati Tiis na lang, ilan pa kayang gabi ang titiisin bago ko masilayan ang aking mga mahal sa buhay Sana ang nakaraan kong iniwan ay madugtungan ko pa ng mas magandang pinta ng larawan ng buhay sana lahat tayo balik tanawin ang nakaraan Sa may Simbahan By: Amie Sison Madalas akong nagsisimba sa loob ng American base. Ginaganap ang misa tuwing 11:45 ng umaga. Lunch break para sa mga sundalo at civilian. Pero hindi ko pa naranasan na lumampas ng bilang 10 ang nagsisimba tuwing Martes hanggang Biyernes. Nasaan kaya mga Katoliko dito? Lagi ko iniisip na pare-pareho na lamang ang mga taong nagsisimba sa bawat araw.

TRICKY QUESTION By: Sis. Mel I read this tricky question when I was a kid, so spare me, if I couldnt remember the title of this book but the thought of it really registered on my mind, although not the exact sentence. Here it goes Mr. Washington went to Washington. He bought a Washington apple at Washington market. Now, how many w are there in all? Write your answer first on a piece of paper, dont cheat and then, you can proceed to read. Is it 6 or 7 or 8 or nothing at all!...Yes, nothing at all, because theres no letter w in all, just letter a and double ll. Before I hear any violent reaction or retaliation from you fellows, let me first tell you that Ive been also tricked with that question. It is just like my so called life. For thirty one years now, Ive been so preoccupied with so many ws in my lifewealth, wants, etc Planning things for my future and where would I be in the next years of my journey. Although its a usual stuff of our very existence here on earth and I dont mean to argue about it. But what I am trying to evoke is that we never know what future lies ahead. All we can hold on to, is at this very moment. And at this very moment of our life, we should attest our self. Were all sinners and travelers of this road and as long as were here, we might have a tendency to turn left. For the road of life is so wide and the door of opportunities are everywhere. Focusing our eyes for what really matters most, will set our priority. Is it our worldly ambition? Or a goal for success even if it means leaving those people who need most of our time. Or is it full of debris from our past where we keep on regretting but dont want to move on? Or grudges that we settle to reside in our very core. Dont worry, I am also convicted with those questions. I myself too, need to evaluate my standing but I strongly believe that with great faith and humility with Him, He will bestow His wisdom and understanding. His forgiveness and His never ending love.

Maayos ang simbahan, hindi malamig o mainit. Hindi masikip at masasabi ko na napaka komportable magsimba sa lugar na iyon. Noong nakaraang Like the tricky question above, concentrate on what really is being asked not Martes, ipinagdiwang ng mga Katoliko ang araw para kay Immaculate Conon what the sentence is all about. ception sa buong mundo. Nagbigay tayo ng pag galang at pag papahalaga sa Becoming my Mother kanya. By: Lyn Laurito Tuwing Linggo naman ay sa Hyehwa kami nagsisimba kung kaya hindi ko na napapansin kung nadadagdagan ba ang tao sa ibang araw ng pag simba. Mothers love is incomparable. Her love for her children is always uncondiNagulat ako ng makita ko ang simbahan na halos mapuno ng mga Katoliko. tional. She will fight for you up to her last breath. She will never give up no matter what it may cause her. Marami pala kami. Nagnilay ako habang nasa loob ng simbahan. Para silang mga Koreano na Katoliko na napaka sagrado sa pagsisimba. Naramdaman ko ang buong puso nilang pagsamba. Koreano, Amerikano o anumang lahi na naniniwala sa Panginoon natin may malaking pagkaka-iba pa rin sa atin. At hindi ko naiwasan na ihalintulad ang aking sarili sa kanila. Patuloy ang pag tingin ko sa kanila hanggang matapos ang misa. Kasama na sa pag halintulad sa aking sarili ang pag husga ko kung anong pananampalataya na meron ako. Paano ko ba masasabi na ako ay isang Katoliko ngunit natatapos lamang sa pagsimba ko sa bawat lingo na hindi ko naman naiintindihan ang salita ng Diyos, na kung pag labas ko naman ng simbahan ay naka kulong ako sa mga tukso ng demonyo, na nagiging alipin ako ng hindi na pantay na pagtingin sa aking kapwa? Pag labas ko sa simbahan naiwan ang tanong ko, Ano ba ako bilang isang Katoliko? Nakita ko sa kanila ang pagsasabuhay ng salita ng Diyos. Ang pananatiling mapag kumbaba sa kanilang kapwa. Hindi pala kailangan ng Diyos ang katayuan mo sa buhay. Kung magkano ang sinasahod mo kada buwan. Hindi pala kailangan ng Diyos tignan kung anong tatak ng damit mo tuwing magsisimba ka. Hindi pala mahalaga sa Diyos kung gaano kalaki ang maibibigay mo na donasyon para sa simbahan. Hindi rin mahalaga kung gaano kataas ng katuyan mo sa lipunan.

But how about if she is not your real mother and you are not her real son or daughter? When we are separated from our families, we miss them and we always find things or someone to fill the gap and longing in our hearts made by the separation. Here, I found someone whom I can call nanay though she is not my biological mother. But she made me feel special in her own way. Our first encounter was very casual. I never thought that she will become my nanay because she was tagged as mataray. Her personality may seem hard to deal with but as I got to know her more, my first impression of her disappeared. Her life story is as colorful as the way she dresses up herself. Theres a saying that you will never know a person until you spend a long time with him/her or you had lived under one roof together.

But as we go along together I have learned many things from her. It is true that each of us has our own unique stories to tell. She was born in a family with eight siblings. After graduating in elementary, being the eldest she stopped her studies to paved way for her younger sister and brothers. She helped her parents to run an errand for the family in order to support the daily needs. She helped her mother in the household chores, took good care of her younger siblings while her mother was out doing the selling. But the hardships and tribulations was not a hindrance in her eagerness to learn. Her Tinitignan pala ng Diyos ang bawat tunay na kulay ng ating puso. Kung will to go back to school and to be able to help her family made her stronger. nabubuhay ba tayo ayon sa mga salita Niya, Kung tinutupad ba natin mga utos Niya.Kung tumutulong ba tayo na gumaan ang Krus na dinadala niya. Years had passed with the same things happening around her, she almost At kung magawa natin ang mga iyon hindi niya ipagdaramot na ibigay sa gave up on her dreams until the circumstances allowed her again to go back (Continued on page 4) atin ang kanyang pagmamahal.

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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: MonFri. 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). 1) 2) 3)

KAILANGAN SA PAGPAPABINYAG 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. 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. KAILANGAN SA PAGPAPAKASAL
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Birth Certificate ng mga ikakasal Status of singleness from Census (notarized) Parents consent as proof of singleness (notarized) Baptismal Certificate for marriage purposes Confirmation Certificate for marriage purposes Passport (xerox copy) Pre-Cana seminar na gaganapin bago ang takdang araw ng kasal. Makipag -ugnayan po lamang sa Catholic Center para sa schedule.

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
MGA IMPORTANTENG PAALAALA

031-566-1141 031-494-8411 031-257-8501 032-345-6734/5 031-543-5296 031-878-6926 031-593-6542 02-928-2049/924-2706

7)

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
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

BAGONG TALAAN NG SAHOD PARA SA MGA EPS JANUARY 1, 2009-DECEMBER 31, 2009 44 Hours/week (6 days) with 19 persons below Per Month Per Day Per Hour OT Per Hour ND Per Hour 904,000 won 32,000 won 4,000 won 6,000 won 2,000 won

40 Hours/Week (5 days) with 20 persons above Per Month Per Day Per Hour OT Per Hour ND Per Hour 836,000 won 29,857 won 3,732 won 5,598 won 1,866 won

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*HFCC Annual Christmas Party*

*SIMBANG-GABI 2009*

Ang taunang CHRISTmas party ng HFCC , kasama ang MASOK COM- Ang pagdiriwang ng Simbang-gabi sa taong 2009 ay gaganapin sa DIMUNITY, ay gaganapin sa DISYEMBRE 13, 2009 sa CAPITAL HOSYEMBRE 15, 2009 hangang DISYEMBRE 24, 2009 mula 8:30PM sa TEL, mula 5PM-10PM. Makipag-ugnayan lamang kay FR. ALVIN o ST. COLUMBAN MISSION CENTER na matatagpuan malapit sa EXIT MS. PRECY NIEBRES para sa ticket at kaukulang detalye. #4 ng Sungshin Womens Univerity Station (Subway Line #4 - Blue).
Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Christmas Party 13 December 2009 Capital Hotel

PROGRAM:
5:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:35 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 10:00 pm Registration/ Start or the Program Opening Prayer Welcome Remarks Buffet Meal Intermission Number c/o Mr. Stephano Yang Dancing and Singing End of the Party

TRAVEL ADVISORY POSSESSION OF FAKE IMMIGRATION STAMP ON PASSPORT IS SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is advising Filipinos in Korea to be alert against the use of fake Philippine Immigration exit stamp on their Philippine passports to expedite travel to Korea. Some unscrupulous individuals entice travelers to apply through them for a fee with a promise to facilitate their entry to Korea through the use of fake exit immigration stamps. Ambassador Cruz appealed to the Filipino community to be cautious and avoid dealing with fixers before leaving the country. It is important that Filipino travelers should be aware that under Korean Immigration Laws, the penalty for this kind of immigration fraud is immediate deportation and ban from traveling to Korea for a period of five (5 ) years. The Embassy has recommended a thorough investigation of this form of Immigration fraud to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

*EL SHADDAI-PPFI*
El Shaddai Prayer Partners, Seoul South Korea Chapter is back to it's original venue for praise and worship every Sunday in Majandong @ 10:00 am. For those who want to get there, here's the way...From Wangshimni Station, exit 7 then take bus no. 3 or 8 going to Sundong Gu then get off at Sungdong Social Welfare...For more info. pls contact 02 7942338. For more info pls contact the said no. ...

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Office Address: Chongro Hyehwa Dong, 7/F 109-4 406 Bldg., Seoul, Korea We are open from MonFri 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00 pm For more information please call: Tel. No. (02)3672-1384 You can remit thru online remittance to any of the following bank accounts of ePadala Mo in Korea: Post Office (010892-01-001084) Woori Bank (512-518974-13-001) Choheung Bank (313-01-148631) Kookmin Bank (031-01-0423-044) Hana Bank (274-810000-82104) Service Charge is only 8,000 won and FREE SERVICE CHARGE for new remitters with

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Volume 14 Issue 50

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Expat Awarded by Native Govt

- by Cathy Rose A. Garcia (cathy@koreatimes.co.kr)
A Filipino factory worker was recently honored by the Philippine government for his selfless efforts in helping his countrymen working in Korea. Rebenson B. Recana recently received the 2009 Bagong Bayani (New Hero) award for community and social service from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a ceremony at Malacanang Palace, Manila last week. The award pays tribute to outstanding overseas Filipino workers ``for their significant efforts in fostering goodwill among peoples of the world, enhancing and promoting the image of the Filipino as a competent, responsible and dignified worker.'' Recana founded the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), an organization for workers under the employment permit system (EPS). These workers usually hold jobs that are commonly referred to as the 3Ds dirty, dangerous and difficult. Seoul-based Catholic priest Fr. Alvin B. Parantar nominated Recana for the Bagong Bayani award. If there is someone who will stand for migrant workers' rights in South Korea, that person undoubtedly will be Rebenson Recana, said Parantar. Recana, who currently works in a factory in Goesan, North Chungcheong Province, knows firsthand about the conditions of Filipino workers in Korea. He arrived here in July 2005 to become a factory worker. Despite his heavy work load, Recana became involved in helping fellow employees with the challenges they were facing in Korea. He would listen to their problems, give them advice and even help negotiate better conditions with employers. On three occasions, he requested a release from his employer who would not allow him a day off on Sundays, the only days of the week Reeve had allotted to serve distressed workers and attend mass at Hyewa-dong church, Parantar said. Many Filipino workers endure physical and verbal abuse, discrimination, unpaid wages and contract violations in Korea. Aware of these challengers, Tis the season: Gen. Walter Sharp, right, commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Recana founded the Filipino EPS Workers Association in July 2006 to raise Command, joins the [HFCC] choir in singing a Christmas carol, along with Ruth Keijdener, second from right, wife of Jean Keijdener, country general manager of Somerset Palace awareness among Filipino workers about their rights under Korean law. Under his leadership, FEWA has conducted labor education seminars, training and symposiums in various workers' communities in Korea. He also established the Sulyapinoy newsletter and its Web site www.sulyapinoy.org, serving as tools to inform and educate workers. Both are run by workers themselves.
(Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/12/176_56922.html) (.. from page 5) Seoul, during a charity gala organized by the American Women's Club, in the lobby of the headquarters of Rebenson B. Recana Citibank in downtown Seoul Saturday evening. - Courtesy of AWC (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/12/173_56925.html) (Mula sa pahina 1) Lounge for Filipinos: Woori Bank CEO Lee Chong-hwi, center, cuts tape with Philippine Ambassador to Korea Luis Cruz, third from left, and Rep. Park Jin of Grand National Party, fifth from left, at the opening ceremony of the mini lounge for Filipino workers it opened in the banks Hyehwa-dong branch in downtown Seoul, Sunday. The lounge has a small library where Filipino books and CDs are available. (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/ biz/2009/12/128_56801. html)

Si Bro. Julio Dhan Habana ng Preaching Force ang ginamit na tagapagpahayag ng Mabuting Balita . Ang kanyang naging paksa ay Ang Pangako ng Diyos . Ayon kay Bro. Dhan, ang Diyos ay hindi lamang Diyos na makatarungan at matuwid kundi Diyos din ng pangako. Sapagkat maraming ipinangako ang Panginoon mula pa noong una sa ating mga ninuno na sina Abraham, Isaac at Jacob. Tulad ng sinasabi sa Banal na Aklat Ang Diyos ay hindi sinungaling gaya ng tao, ang Kanyang sinasabi ay ginagawa at ang mga pangako ay kanyang tinutupad. Sa healing message marami ang napuspos at nalinawan tungkol sa katapatan sa paglilingkod. Marami din ang naniniwala na pinagaling na ng Makapangyarihang Diyos ang bawat karamdamang pisikal at Espirituwal ayon sa kanilang pananampalataya. Nagtapos ang programa sa ganap na ika 5:00 ng hapon. Ang lahat ay umuwing matagumpay, baon ang masagana at sariwang pananampalataya sa Diyos at umaasang makakamit ng siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang inaasam na pagpapala.

City Bank Korea Building na pinamagatang "Deck the Halls"(Charity Fund raising Gala). Ang American Women's Club ng Korea ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa Hyewa-Dong Community, lalo't higit sa Choir sa pangunguna nang mag-asawa na sina Mr. Douglas & Mrs. Marianne Tromvley at kasama din ang isa nating kababayan na si Ruth Keijdener. Nagsimula ang pagtitipon sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng Gabi. May ngiti sa mga labi ang bawat panauhing na naroroon at masayang nakikisabay sa pag-indak at pag-awit. Mga iba't-ibang lahi ang mga panauhin. Nagkaroon ng request Songs ang Choir at doon ay masayang nakisabay sa pag-awit sina General WALTER SHARP Commander ng ROK-US, kasama din sa pagawit si Ruth Keijdener na isang Filipina, na ang kanyang asawa ay si Jean Keijdener isa sa mga opisyalis ng American Women's Club Ng Korea (AWC-K). Ang malilikom ay itutulong para sa AeRanWan Social Welfare and Home, ang tirahan ng mga inabusong kababaihan.

Salamat Po...Merry Christmas po sa ating lahat....

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