MMC or the CFC-Singles for Christ Metro Manila Conference is a yearly event attended by most of the SFCs in the Metro consisting SFCs from Quezon City to Pasay, from Rizal to Manila. It is being held every July in different places in Luzon but outside metro Manila.
I am an SFC from Guadalupe Makati and this year was my 3rd MMC. Two years ago was in Baguio and last year was in Tagaytay. This year, it was held in the province of Pangasinan specifically Dagupan City (CSI stadia).
I wasnt able to join my chapter mates in going to the venue early Friday (July 15) morning as I was still on shift, doing straight 2 shifts just to be able to attend the event. I dunno, there's a different feeling I get when I attend events like this. It's like refreshing, revitalizing and renewing.
Luckily, I was not to travel alone as some friends also opt to travel in the afternoon. We started our trip past 3 in the afternoon. Af first, I was still trying to really get a sleep because I need it but sleep was very elusive that my eyes keeps wandering on every things they see on the road. There were 3 stopovers making the trip longer. After, the 2nd stopover I finally was able to sleep (of course, not a deep one). The trip took approximately 7 hours.
When we reached the venue, we were reunited with the whole delegation of our chapter and was able to witnessed GLorEE (like the famous TV show GLEE but of course the SFC version). It was nice! SFCs really are talented. We had some photo ops before finally hiring a jeep to our accomodation. I fell asleep in the jeepney ride to the lodging house as it was about 15-min ride. When I felt the jeep had halted, I looked around and saw a classy establishment/hotel (Luxor hotel in Arellano St. dagupan City). I thought that's where we were staying but I thought wrong. hahaha
We were housed in the adjacent inn (Nel-Ars Traveller's Inn). It's affordable for around 150 per night. It wasnt as elegant as the opposite hotel but that was what we could afford. The beddings are clean and there is an airconditioner in the room. Every room has 2 occupants but could accomodate 3 to 4 people. It was okay except for the CR that dont flush well. Anyways, it was manageable. And so i got a real sleep.
Day 2. July 16, 2011 is workshop and talk day. We went back to the venue 7am to claim our breakfast (it's part of the registration fee of the conference which by the wayis 900 for the early birds like and 1100 for not). The food was care of Jam Sweet Jam of Dagupan, and I highly recommend their food. All were delicious, one of the amazing things in the conference. Sadly, they only have one branch and that is the one in Dagupan :( .
Then we have our first session talk by Kuya Aids (Adrian a CFC full time worker). His talk was about how we are wounded, tired and weary of the battle we have after the ICON 2011 and that we are there to rest, to have our Stronghold. The second Session was about Grace as told by Ate Rhea Santos. This session was so full and heavy as she told us her life story and that every thing, trial problem or blessing that we responded, that's grace. In the afternoon, we proceed to our workshops, mine was "Grace ubder Pressure". Our speaker was Kuya Voltaire. For me, he is an ideal father and it was nice listening to him. After the workshop, I realized I was under deep stress and pressure physically that I really need to go back to running.
In the evening, we had mass and then our dinner. The 3rd talk was from Fr Francis of the CBCP. That was light, I mean his talk was just full of laughter at the same time learning. His talk is actually embracing God, Jesus as our stronghold of grace. All the opening workshops and praisefests really were powerful to the nth power. Two new songs were taught "All for You" and "God of All Grace" and I really like them.
Day 3: We were instructed to be at the venue at 5am. day started with a worship and then Kuya Rob started talk 4 about Moments of Grace. We clained our breakfast but not to eat them yet. Then Kua Rob instructed u sto go to our household and share our moments of grace at breakfast. It was really happy experience for me to see my new household members in circle being in MMC for the first time and the discussion was happy, we were graced.
We had our mass after the sharing and then kuya Rob continued the talk to wrap it up with us praying over the sector and cluster heads and full time workers and lastly our chapter heads. Then we have the most powerful worship where I really cried out and cried out I did when the song "to the Cross" was being sang. It's like I was really embraced and that all sorrows, disappointment and hurt in me was released. Amazing!
In the afternoon, we payed for an afternoon tour just to be able to see the places in the province and we're glad we did. We went to the Capitol Building in Lingayen and able to get inside the Governor's office, had a look from afar on the 100 islands from the rooftop of the capitol building. Then visited the Sison auditorium, it was world class for me. The chandelier was extravagant, the CR's inviting and of course the guard, British English speaking. I forgot his name but when I remember it, I'll update it here. He was really amazing though, as in great diction. Trivia, the auditorium was supposedly our venue for MMC nut due to the huge number of delegates for aroung 3k while the auditorium can only accomodate 1500 - 2000 people. Nonetheless, CSI Stadia was a good venue too.
We were also able to buy some bagoong and alamang and some treats for pasalubong at the Malong building still at the capitol grounds. We were able to visit FVR's (ex president Fidel V Ramos) museum. That was their old house,it was simple but beautiful. Then we have a River cruise in the rivers of Dagupan. It's similar to Loboc River cruise as the concept itself was taken there. But the project has just started yet so no floating restaurants yet just the cruise on th boat and it was around 45 mins.
Then finally, back to Manila. til next time.
x.o.x.o rosehyacinth
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Vulnerability of Human
To belong in a community of the children of God where people are followers of Christ, for me is a BLESSING. They are the same people that you'll treat as family especially when you're away from home. They are the one that will pray for you at your ecstatic and down moments. They will serve as your immediate Circle of Friends.
Yes, I am blessed to be in the community of SFC and I'm thankful I found this community or I was found by this community. For the long time I've been away from home, they are my home away from home. In the community, I found not just friends but genuine friends that I know I'll treasure for life. In the community, I found belongingness. But it isn't always like that...
There was a time as well that I felt I don't belong. It wasn't because I was outcasted but more of because I outcasted myself. Human as I am, there were those unexplainable moments where I feel like I dont belong. Gladly, they were there to affirm that I do belong.
However, recently this community I am proud of, was tested. It was shaken. Conflicts arises. Conflicts caused by individual differences that led to insensitiveness to misunderstanding to coldness. It was sad. It is sad. We are stuggling, trying to fix the differences for the greater good and GLORY. Nobody is to blame but everybody has to take charge.
I think it has been human nature to express his utmost thoughts, opinions and principles on some aspects and the fact that each human being is unique makes all expressed thoughts, opinions or principles vary from one to the other. And when all thoughts are expressed, there is that comparison and inevitably the differences will most likely prevail. It is what is happening now. There are a lots of thoughts. I see, all are good and I can't tell which is the greater good. The most probable solution is that each one must compromise. Indeed, COMPROMISE is a big word.
As a community of God, I know and I can see everyone is trying to compromise. But the oppression of the reality of individual differences barred or is barring as now. I believe this is just a trial for this beautiful community and I'm hoping and praying to God that as His community, we all will leave behind the vulnerability of our being human and embrace the will of God.
So Help us God.
x.o.x.o
ROseHYAcinth
Yes, I am blessed to be in the community of SFC and I'm thankful I found this community or I was found by this community. For the long time I've been away from home, they are my home away from home. In the community, I found not just friends but genuine friends that I know I'll treasure for life. In the community, I found belongingness. But it isn't always like that...
There was a time as well that I felt I don't belong. It wasn't because I was outcasted but more of because I outcasted myself. Human as I am, there were those unexplainable moments where I feel like I dont belong. Gladly, they were there to affirm that I do belong.
However, recently this community I am proud of, was tested. It was shaken. Conflicts arises. Conflicts caused by individual differences that led to insensitiveness to misunderstanding to coldness. It was sad. It is sad. We are stuggling, trying to fix the differences for the greater good and GLORY. Nobody is to blame but everybody has to take charge.
I think it has been human nature to express his utmost thoughts, opinions and principles on some aspects and the fact that each human being is unique makes all expressed thoughts, opinions or principles vary from one to the other. And when all thoughts are expressed, there is that comparison and inevitably the differences will most likely prevail. It is what is happening now. There are a lots of thoughts. I see, all are good and I can't tell which is the greater good. The most probable solution is that each one must compromise. Indeed, COMPROMISE is a big word.
As a community of God, I know and I can see everyone is trying to compromise. But the oppression of the reality of individual differences barred or is barring as now. I believe this is just a trial for this beautiful community and I'm hoping and praying to God that as His community, we all will leave behind the vulnerability of our being human and embrace the will of God.
So Help us God.
x.o.x.o
ROseHYAcinth
Monday, April 19, 2010
Champion: Run For Who
No pain, no GLORY!
Yesterday, I attended our SFC Singolympics 2010 in Marikina Sports Park. I had an event as I volunteered myself in the 100-m dash in the track and field. I placed second in the race but it made me feel a CHAMPION not because of the win but because of the great message I obtain from it. So here is what happened:
When our chapter head asked for players who would want to play in the mini olympics, I responded and volunteered myself even though I know that on the same day prior to the olympics, I'll be running 5 kilometers for Earthrun 2010, a run for the benefit of Greenpeace (environmental group.) The 100-m run for the olympics felt like a call from above. It's like God was telling me, "run for ME".
Recently, I have developed this passion in running and everytime I run, there is that fulfillment. I had already run for 3 causes including the latest earthrun. This has been the one thing I've been praying for at times when I felt I'm nowhere and nobody and no one. This is what God give me to keep me going in life and I felt so thankful for this passion. So when God called me to run for HIM, no second thought, I said YES LORD.
Before the events, I kept asking myself, "could I do this?", "Could my body, strength handle this?", "Should I gave up earthrun"?. The answer given to me was YES, YES and NO. So I push through earthrun and ran my 5-K in about 38 minutes then I proceed to our olympics.
While I was going to the venue, I already felt my legs hurting a bit (muscle pains) as I had ran Friday night before Earthrun as well, just to practice and condition myself. I talked to God, "Your will be done". Then out of nowhere I just asked HIM, "Lord, second?". Then minute later it drizzled, I thought to myself maybe they are praying in the venue now and the little drizzles were just blessings. Little did I know, those little drizzles as well was God's answer to my petition.
Came my running event, I was the only runner for Central C as the other one from other chapter was sick and it was not allowed anymore to add players who were not pre-listed. The set-up was that, there are 2 sets per running category. First set is composed of 6 sectors and the other, 6 as well. The top three of each set would compete in a final run to determine the winners. I belonged to the second set. The first set, there were 4 runners while in my set, we are only 2. Since all in all we were only 6 in that category, I thought they would only get the best times and ranked and no need for a final run. In my set, was me and a boyish girl. She finished first with 17.25 seconds while I get 18.10 seconds. It was fulfilling for me as well even though I havent outplayed her cause I run it my best. It was really like my RUN FOR HIM. That 18.10 seconds was like a short but everlasting moment with HIM.
The other running events continued, while I am gaining new friends from other sectors as well. That was what the event was all about, camaraderie, new friendships and friendly games. My company of friends from my chapter decided to eat lunch as it was almost 1:00 in the afternoon already. I have told them to go ahead and I'll follow. I was having my time mingling with other runners too. We were told so stay put as we'll still be having the final run. Supposedly, in 100-m dash, we should be 5 as top 3 from 1st set and the 2 of us in the second set but someone didnt show up so we were four in the final run. Just what I have asked, I placed 2nd.
When the track and field winners were awarded, I was not there so I urged ate Froz that we should ask for it. I want to have that medal for the chapter. I was actually asking Him to make me even just the 2nd place to give honor to my brothers and sisters in the community specifically my chapter. I asked HIM (second place) to give honor to my friends who are supporting me in one way or the other. The awards committee said that there were no unclaimed medals for track and field so I was sad because for me, that was what I could share to my friends, my brothers and sisters in the chapter. I insisted on asking the coordinator of the sector, it could be that a representative has got it.
But it wasnt, what happened was, the results given showed I was not the 2nd and was the last. It broke my heart. My time was interchanged with other runner. I know and He knows. No need to protest. I said, "it was fine" so that it wouldnt bother the organizers anymore. It was just sad because that could have been the tangible proof of my RUN FOR HIM and I could have share the triumph to my friends. I have not avoided my shallow tears so I really shed tears at first specially when my friends were hugging me and consoling me. It was sad.
While we were hearing the holy mass, the priest mentioned about communication to loveones. He asked, "Kinakausap nyo ba ang mga boyfiends and girlfriends nyo?". He said "Dapat lang kasi kaya mo sila kinakausap kasi mahal mo", "diba kapag ang kinakausap mo ay di sumasagot, nakakalungkot?". Then it came to me His message "that is fine, you dont need the medal to share to your friends.". I was struck at a moment and think. Yes, it was my RUN FOR HIM and He saw me. I asked HIM second and He gave me that. It was between us. There is no need of a tangible proof to His glory. All I have to see was HIS affirmation and confirmation of love for me because HE is talking to me and is responding to me because HE loves me. The drizzle, the missing medal and the 2nd place were just HIS simple manifestations that WE have a deep relationship of love.
He said to me during the praisefest, "You asked 2nd place and I gave you that but for ME you are a champion, MY CHAMPION". I saw HIS GLORY and HIS awesome POWER. I was strucked even more. I have asked for 2nd place because He should be the first. I don't need to share the triumph anymore, all I needed is to share HIS GLORY. His GREAT LOVE.
x.o.x.o
ROseHYAcinth
Yesterday, I attended our SFC Singolympics 2010 in Marikina Sports Park. I had an event as I volunteered myself in the 100-m dash in the track and field. I placed second in the race but it made me feel a CHAMPION not because of the win but because of the great message I obtain from it. So here is what happened:
When our chapter head asked for players who would want to play in the mini olympics, I responded and volunteered myself even though I know that on the same day prior to the olympics, I'll be running 5 kilometers for Earthrun 2010, a run for the benefit of Greenpeace (environmental group.) The 100-m run for the olympics felt like a call from above. It's like God was telling me, "run for ME".
Recently, I have developed this passion in running and everytime I run, there is that fulfillment. I had already run for 3 causes including the latest earthrun. This has been the one thing I've been praying for at times when I felt I'm nowhere and nobody and no one. This is what God give me to keep me going in life and I felt so thankful for this passion. So when God called me to run for HIM, no second thought, I said YES LORD.
Before the events, I kept asking myself, "could I do this?", "Could my body, strength handle this?", "Should I gave up earthrun"?. The answer given to me was YES, YES and NO. So I push through earthrun and ran my 5-K in about 38 minutes then I proceed to our olympics.
While I was going to the venue, I already felt my legs hurting a bit (muscle pains) as I had ran Friday night before Earthrun as well, just to practice and condition myself. I talked to God, "Your will be done". Then out of nowhere I just asked HIM, "Lord, second?". Then minute later it drizzled, I thought to myself maybe they are praying in the venue now and the little drizzles were just blessings. Little did I know, those little drizzles as well was God's answer to my petition.
Came my running event, I was the only runner for Central C as the other one from other chapter was sick and it was not allowed anymore to add players who were not pre-listed. The set-up was that, there are 2 sets per running category. First set is composed of 6 sectors and the other, 6 as well. The top three of each set would compete in a final run to determine the winners. I belonged to the second set. The first set, there were 4 runners while in my set, we are only 2. Since all in all we were only 6 in that category, I thought they would only get the best times and ranked and no need for a final run. In my set, was me and a boyish girl. She finished first with 17.25 seconds while I get 18.10 seconds. It was fulfilling for me as well even though I havent outplayed her cause I run it my best. It was really like my RUN FOR HIM. That 18.10 seconds was like a short but everlasting moment with HIM.
The other running events continued, while I am gaining new friends from other sectors as well. That was what the event was all about, camaraderie, new friendships and friendly games. My company of friends from my chapter decided to eat lunch as it was almost 1:00 in the afternoon already. I have told them to go ahead and I'll follow. I was having my time mingling with other runners too. We were told so stay put as we'll still be having the final run. Supposedly, in 100-m dash, we should be 5 as top 3 from 1st set and the 2 of us in the second set but someone didnt show up so we were four in the final run. Just what I have asked, I placed 2nd.
When the track and field winners were awarded, I was not there so I urged ate Froz that we should ask for it. I want to have that medal for the chapter. I was actually asking Him to make me even just the 2nd place to give honor to my brothers and sisters in the community specifically my chapter. I asked HIM (second place) to give honor to my friends who are supporting me in one way or the other. The awards committee said that there were no unclaimed medals for track and field so I was sad because for me, that was what I could share to my friends, my brothers and sisters in the chapter. I insisted on asking the coordinator of the sector, it could be that a representative has got it.
But it wasnt, what happened was, the results given showed I was not the 2nd and was the last. It broke my heart. My time was interchanged with other runner. I know and He knows. No need to protest. I said, "it was fine" so that it wouldnt bother the organizers anymore. It was just sad because that could have been the tangible proof of my RUN FOR HIM and I could have share the triumph to my friends. I have not avoided my shallow tears so I really shed tears at first specially when my friends were hugging me and consoling me. It was sad.
While we were hearing the holy mass, the priest mentioned about communication to loveones. He asked, "Kinakausap nyo ba ang mga boyfiends and girlfriends nyo?". He said "Dapat lang kasi kaya mo sila kinakausap kasi mahal mo", "diba kapag ang kinakausap mo ay di sumasagot, nakakalungkot?". Then it came to me His message "that is fine, you dont need the medal to share to your friends.". I was struck at a moment and think. Yes, it was my RUN FOR HIM and He saw me. I asked HIM second and He gave me that. It was between us. There is no need of a tangible proof to His glory. All I have to see was HIS affirmation and confirmation of love for me because HE is talking to me and is responding to me because HE loves me. The drizzle, the missing medal and the 2nd place were just HIS simple manifestations that WE have a deep relationship of love.
He said to me during the praisefest, "You asked 2nd place and I gave you that but for ME you are a champion, MY CHAMPION". I saw HIS GLORY and HIS awesome POWER. I was strucked even more. I have asked for 2nd place because He should be the first. I don't need to share the triumph anymore, all I needed is to share HIS GLORY. His GREAT LOVE.
x.o.x.o
ROseHYAcinth
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