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.

What and Where is the Water Dragon?

Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth… (Revelations12:3)

            2012 is the year of the Water Dragon.  What exactly does this mean?  In the first place, do dragons exist?  Or are these mythic creatures represented by either actual persons, groups, countries and events in the world?  Are dragons in various forms alive and kicking in the world of global politics, high finance, culture, and religion?  Dragons don’t really appear as they are described in novels and as they are depicted in movies.  The dragons in the world need to be seen and followed with the trained, cautious and discerning eyes of a proactive citizen of the world.  A conversation with a perceptive Hong Kong Chinese opened my eyes to the exciting and challenging world of “dragons” in the year of the Water Dragon. Edith Woo shared the following insights with me.

            The world is shifting.  Leaders in big nations are about to be replaced this year.  China, Russia and America will change their leaders this year.  A new kind of global leadership is emerging. We should watch and be wary.  Leaders affect the world for better or worse.  The attitude of citizens is equally vital in shaping and steering world affairs.

            The world is changing.  Suddenly we are poorer in Hong Kong.  Everything is expensive and we don’t have enough money the way we did before.  Everything has gone up from fuel to electricity, from food to education, etc. Life is harder.  We need to work harder.  Look at that lady constantly running back and forth. She is doing the work of three.  The moment she stops and gives up, someone just waiting out there will step into her shoes.

            There are a lot of Mainland Chinese in this restaurant.  They are high spenders.  They have a lot of money. China is truly rich and powerful.

            In the face of all these, education is paramount.  This is why we in La Salle are working very hard.  We are not only producing educated and successful professionals.  They have to be men who know how to work, lead, find meaning and fulfillment in a world that has and continues to change.

            My thoughts drift back to our country.  I think of our leaders.  I think of the Impeachment at the Senate.  I think of the ordinary citizens, many of whom are poor and have lost interest in the incessant debate between the defense and prosecution.  Shifting the discussion to Filipino does help in making more understand the technical and legal conversation taking place.  But does this truly inspire deep interest and engagement in the majority?  What and where are the dragons in Philippine Society? Do we have eyes that see them; minds to critically understand what they are saying and not saying; hearts that perceive their intentions; hands and feet ready to act peacefully in defense of the rights and dignity of all?