Continuity

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

            We met in a student leadership program in Tagaytay during Martial Law.  Students from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila attended the Buklod leadership workshop sometime in 1980.  That was also the first time I met Among Ed Panlilio who was then also a seminarian studying for the priesthood.  Soosot was a young, energetic and very idealistic lady from Maryknoll.  She was popular and an instant leader in the group. Her unique name was and continues to be a useful and even vital feature in crystallizing her unique identity. Sonia Zerudo is Soosot.  Sonia is Soosot.  Soosot is Soosot. 

            We lost touch shortly after that. Soosot went to Vienna and I became a priest and began my colorful journey as a priest in search of God in a country ruled by the gods of violence, corruption and oppression.  About two years ago I received an email from Vice Consul Joy Banagodos that a certain Sonia Zerudo wanted to speak to me.  The name did not quite register.  Somewhere in the deepest recesses of my mind a faint and weak echo began its slow ascent into a more discernible sound.  Slowly, slowly, I remember Sonia Zerudo….So…nia….Soo…sot.  Soosot is still alive.

            Thanks to Joy, I was immediately able to email Soosot.  In a few days we agreed to meet in Central. Soosot suggested a Belgian restaurant somewhere along the Travelator.  It was a happy reunion.  A quick flashback to Buklod and fast forward to Hong Kong. 1980 to 2010 was quite a journey through time.  Soosot has gone through a colorful and adventurous life of an OFW.  I also shared my OFW journey with this lady with whom I shared the passions and idealism of the 70’s and 80’s.  Our youthful idealism was still there and surprisingly alive.  While we ate a typical Belgian meal, we began talking about the idea of forming a group of OFWs who will be trained to be historico-cultural guides along what was to become the Philippine Historical Trail in Hong Kong.

            Our happy reunion and engaging recollection of a dangerous and exciting past did not end there.  On March 14, 2010, after thirty years during another workshop similar to Buklod, Lakbay Dangal was born.  This little organization after a series of training workshops with Professor Vim Nadera, has gone a long way to where it is now . Two years later Soosot walks the streets of Hong Kong with members of Lakbay Dangal guiding various groups and individuals along the Philippine Historical/Rizal Trail of Hong Kong.

            Because of Lakbay Dangal, the spirit of Rizal and the spirit of the Philippine revolution of 1898 is alive in Hong Kong.  Perhaps, it is also because of the same spirit that Soosot and I met and began this exciting and meaningful collaboration.  God’s spirit never tires.  The truth and those who pursue it will be given the strength and the fire to seek and ultimately embrace it.