Pedro, Pablo, Pacquiao, Pasko

These eventful days bring to mind a familiar saying, updated to, “Win some, lose some, but actually win more!” When our young Cebuano Pedro Calungsod was canonized last month, we celebrated with the Thanksgiving Mass last Nov. 30 at the South Road Properties. Before that, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, another youthful Filipino, was elevated to cardinal. Then to top all these, the recent devastating Typhoon Pablo spared us in Cebu. Our joy knew no bonds, realizing that God’s bounty granted us even more!

But with all these bountiful blessings, we realize that God also impressed us with our responsibility in praying for and helping to the best of our ability and resources our brethren, not only in southern and northern Cebu, but also other places in the country hit by Typhoon Pablo, but most of all in hard-hit Compostela Valley in Mindanao and adjoining provinces. Other countries and foreign organizations have also responded, but we are duty bound to help even more!

Then last Sunday (Saturday in the States), with the country pinning hopes (and finances) on our multi-titled ring champion Manny Paquiao, he got knocked out in his fourth encounter with Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas. And we were struck dumb and unbelieving, those watching him live there, and those of us watching on TV.

Providing consolation, however, were Dodie Boy Peñalosa, Jr. and Ernie Sanchez of General Santos. To quote Rene Bonsubre, Jr. in his report in Cebu Daily News, they “were the bright spots for Philippine boxing as they carved several victories… in the undercard” of the event.

Truly, “Win some, lose some.” But there were also more in blessings at civic events I attended lately.

Last Saturday at the Women’s Kapihan which I host over Station dyLA from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every second Saturday of the month, on the topic of Violence Against Women and Children, which I previewed in my column last week, we had a spirited discussion. Our guest panelist, lawyer Noemi Abarrintos of the Children’s Legal Bureau, mentioned the importance of two more days highlighting the current 18 Days of Activism discussed in the program: Dec. 10, last Monday, International Human Rights Day; and Dec. 12 last Wednesday, World Anti-Trafficking in Persons Day. She said women have five problems to hurdle in relationships: balay, baboy, banig, bana and bata!

The 18 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign will continue with the global theme “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women”. The Women’s Kapihan panel last Saturday consisted of Cebu Women’s Network officers, board, and members led by militant president Thelma Chiong.

Later, the same day, I attended our combined Zonta Clubs I and II (Z-I andZ-II for short) Christmas Soiree at the Cebu Country Club. After the opening Zonta Prayer and singing of the Zonta Song, Z-I president Lucille Colina delivered her welcome message. The sumptuous buffet dinner followed with us Z-I and Z-II members seated alternately at various tables for warm fellowship. The evening’s program followed, hosted by Lady of Ceremonies Z-I Linda Binghay. Z-II president Myrna Cruz-Tan then delivered Christmas wishes for all. Actively coordinating the program proceedings was Z-I Tina Ebrada.

Special recognition with flowers was given first to Dr. Suga Sotto-Yuvienco, Founder of Zonta Club of Cebu I and II with the Cebuano Christmas song “Kasadya”. The late Z Gloria Escano was also remembered for her involvement in the formation of Z-II. Next recognized was Z Felisa Chongbian as Most Supportive of our Zonta projects, who stood up to acknowledge the honor, also with the bouquet of flowers Zonta honored her with.

Then the Christmas celebration followed with all Zonta participants in Christmas costumes. The first musical number was rendered by the Z-I Glee Club. Colorful program highlight was the Z-II Splendors of Christmas presentation with singing angels in white with full-sized gauzy, glint-tinged wings. Then the main figures in the Nativity apppeared, Mary and Joseph seated in a thatched shelter with the Baby Jesus in the Manger. The Three Magi followed, bearded and appropriately clad. The costumed Drummer Boys came marching in, singing to their drum beats, and the modern touch of white-bearded Santa Claus in red fur-trimmed costume and cap. Admirably, our Zonta ladies ably carried on, even as all of the male characters involved. It all climaxed with all of them singing and dancing to Christmas-songs!

Games and raffles galore with prizes and surprises were followed by a presentation by the Z-I Dance Guild, and concluded with Line Dancing for everyone!

Pre-Christmas season events after Thanksgiving Day for San Pedro Calungsod last Nov. 30 include, on that same day, the Feast St. Andrew the Apostle. Other feasts before that were on Nov. 20, Christ the King; on the 29, and the Alliance of Two Hearts at our Parish Church here in Banawa, Guadalupe in Cebu City.

Feasts in December include the First and Second Sundays in Advent, on the 2nd and the 9th respectively; St. Nicholas (presaging Santa Claus) on the 6th; Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Patroness of Guadalupe, Cebu, last Wednesday, the 12th (12/12/12!) And the day after tomorrow, Sunday the 16th, the Third Sunday in Advent.

In closing, before my exclamation pointed Bystander-ing stream overflows (floods?), do remember in your prayers that her soul may rest in peace, a long-time friend whom I belatedly learned had already passed away last year, Ligaya “Lily” Arriola Mondragon.

Till next week, then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!