A Meaningful Holy Week at Dapit Alim

“There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from,” says Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

It was by no coincidence that on March 20, 2008, Brian, Ma'am Genine, and I finally decided to spend Holy Week at Dapit Alim, Lanao del Norte - a place I was not then familiar with. My curiosity was intensified when we were welcomed at the roadside by a very distinct mark - a unique wooden sculpture of an opened hand.

Consequently, we hurdled two hundred forty-three steps to reach the place and mind you, the stride was breath-exhausting aside from the fact that we brought bulky and heavy luggage.

A beautiful arch on the main entrance entertained us while waiting for the other Catholic Young Professional (CYP) members: Te Juliet, Te Mae, Lowella, and Junjun to lead us because we were newcomers to the place.

 

Before we were fetched, we decided to attend the ongoing Holy Thursday Mass celebrated by Fr. Dong Galenzoga. 

It was then that I observed the captivating shrine of the giant Infant Jesus seated at the heart of the Father. The statue is meaningful with its two hands extended that portray a message: "God embraces and welcomes every creation for a purpose. 

                         

It was not until the second day, Good Friday, when I fully observed the totality of the place because we were introduced to the different areas gradually. That exposure led us to see the statue of the white Virgin Mary, the unique confession area, the fountain designed with two big hands, the sculpture of "tentacles" purposely created for bonfire and three other exceptional concentric circles that added to the ethereality of the place. 

                           

                           

                           

                           

Accordingly, these are works of the famous Kublai, a contemporary artist in the country whom I highly admire for perfectly designing the symbolic statues of God. On that same day, we attended a very elaborative lecture given by Brother Carl Gaspar about important topics like God's creation, social sin, ecology, etc. What struck me was the teaching about avoidance of social sin, i.e. we need to be responsive to what is happening in our society and be involved in our quest for truth. Moreover, emphasis was also given to global warming as the effect of man's irresponsibility to the environment. I really felt the guilt because I neglected some of my actions like improper disposal of some trashes. This is indeed a great challenge for all of us to be environmentally conscious and have the courage to lead others to do the right thing.

                           

On the other side, I was also amazed with the dramatization rendered by the youth of the nearby places to give life and meaning to Christ's sufferings. Indeed, it touched the wounded child in me especially when Jesus Christ received all the painful strikes, curses, and belittlement from the oppressors. The actors were really good in portraying their respective roles that some pilgrims cried eventually. The Stations of the Cross started at 1:00 PM and ended at 6:00 PM in which many of us no longer felt the boredom knowing that we had been into many activities. It was also my first experience not to eat even bread during lunch and I was just worried of the possible dehydration because of the exhaustive procession in a mountain with a gleaming heart of the sun. Despite this, everything was worthwhile. Suffering in the context of sacrifice during Holy Week is realistic and made more meaningful.

Sabado de Gloria approached and at 6:00 o'clock in the morning, we experienced Shibashi, a healing exercise with the help of nature. Everyone felt relief after the ritual. 

                                         

We were also tasked to put flowers on the tables before lunch and we enjoyed it. Brother Carl once again conducted a lecture from morning to afternoon and summarized it. Every day ended with great lessons inculcated in our hearts and minds. Aside from this, we met new acquaintances whom I consider special in my heart. I really miss them.

On the dawn of Easter Sunday at exactly 4:00 AM, we joined the "sugat" or the meeting of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. Some brought lighted torches to enlighten the gloomy path of the dawn. It was then followed with a Eucharistic celebration and happiness surrounded the place because Christ has risen. After the holy mass, the pilgrims from MSU joined together for video and photo documentation. Then we had a meeting at the chapel where everyone shared their experiences. Thanksgiving, suggestions and recommendations were raised and we ended it with the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Then, a hearty and meaty brunch was served for everyone's delight and refreshment. At exactly 2:00 PM, we bade goodbye to Father Dong  and other people. I felt sad because I would miss the bonding that we had. On the other hand, I was also happy because I am now equipped with valuable lessons that will help me become a better person. 

The journey to Dapit Alim is a truly remarkable experience. It has been proven once again that one will have no regrets to visit the place because of its mesmerizing panorama and the realization one can have. Dapit Alim, which literally means "healing place" is indeed a place where all our burden, stress, and pain will be healed; no wonder why at the very foot of the hill, a big hand is well-designed to suggest healing. It is by God's grace that we were renewed and were able to affirm that with God's resurrection, everything will be well.

Thank God.

PHOTO CREDITS: 

uriseapnewsletter.blogspot.com

    panaw-lantaw.blogspot.com

    xony86.tripod.com –

    redgage.com

    dapitalim.multiply.com

    http://sites.google.com/site/khdapitalim/home

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/DAPIT-ALIM/109723432390259?sk=photos

Thank you so much. We barely had copies of photos when we visited the place way back 2008, hence photo credits... 

3 IDIOTS: A MOVIE TO REMEMBER

All is well. All is well. All is well. These are the lines I often hear from people who watched 3 IDIOTS. The remarkable comments would often be about fun, laughter and enjoyment the cast portrayed and the logic behind various subjects. While everyone gets on the buzz, I remained indifferent about the movie that I did not bother to watch it. I can hardly recall when it became a hit; perhaps months ago, even a year or so. Nevertheless, I entertained the idea of watching it if resources allow.

Voila!!! Someone shared with me a collection of movies and I chose what movie films to copy. I usually scan the list and find titles that interests me – this could be based on what other people have recommended to be fun and worth watching.  I have selected at most 10 movies and one of those is the 3 idiots :D

I was on my way to bed last night, around 11pm after I watched ABS-CBN teleseryes that I decided to view the files on my computer and spotted 3 idiots :D I was reluctant at first because I was a bit sleepy and would have loved to take a rest quite early.

Recalling what others say that it’s really fun to watch, I endured watching the introductory part and true enough, the scenarios got my attention and with the academe as the setting, my interest was heightened. I was also thinking though, that I might watch the whole series in instalment, that would mean, spending an hour or less, then pause and watch again the next day :D But the scenes went on without me noticing that I was already hooked with the story. :D That 2 hours and approximately 44 minutes of watching was a bit exhausting :D But the humor and lessons shared allowed me to finish watching the movie until 2:30 AM :D.

These are the things/lessons that inspired me all throughout the movie:

The courage to question the status quo – the existing and obsolete education system that we follow.

I was truly amazed how Rancho insisted his own ways of defining things the practical way. The teacher’s resistance is common among schools at all levels because we have practiced to memorize what the book says and be it the basis for passing the exams. Verbatim is the format to determine whether students learned.

Moreover, the requisites and inculcations in our education system can be reflected in 3 purposive statements: Study hard, get good grades and land a good job. These draw serious implications. For instance, the fear of committing mistakes hinder the creativity of the student. One becomes static and be dependent largely on books, that a minor mistake can be fatal. This poses a challenge among teachers to teach the students more on how to learn the concepts and allow them to apply it in their own ways.

The positive affirmation: All is Well.

This is highly contagious and becomes more powerful when we sincerely express it. Amidst troubles, challenges and frustrations, saying All is Well will be a boost. A new strength will be revived and one will become courageous to face any trials.

The value of friendship and the essence of empathy

Jouie, a friend and a batchmate once said: “Friends will always be friends no matter what one has become.” I so love the bond of Rancho, Farhan and Raju in the movie and the empathy, compassion and love they gave each other make it unparalleled. Overcoming hard and trying times was made easier because of their willingness to help each other in various circumstances.

The will to follow your heart.

What others say often define us and what they dictate influence us in making decisions. This is evident on what our parents, relatives and even the society tell us on what would we be in the future. While we owe them their suggestions, we have a voice within that we need to entertain. It’s the instinct, our desire to realize what we want to become. The will to follow would surely be a struggle considering the various factors but it would really be fulfilling if, once in our life, we follow our hearts J  

Strive for excellence and success follows

I truly find this challenging because excellence is a lifelong commitment. It’s not just an act, but a series of repeated actions. One needs to consistently give the best way towards excellence. It’s a reminder that we should not settle for anything less that what is necessary. Doing things for the sake of compliance for instance is not a good practice.

Always be humble.

Humility is truly a virtue. One need not boast what he accomplished to outwit other people. I was amazed how Rancho remained humble even when he became the most sought scientist with 400 patents already. Chatur on the other hand, was put to shame because Rancho was far more successful than he is.  

I really had a great time watching the movie. Thanks to Ebil for sharing a copy of it.

Have you watched the movie? Hmmm… You should watch it… J