OPHEL Valencia and Amy Cendana would have to beat the midnight candle again to prepare things well for the CUBCL Christmas program scheduled to be held at the Golden Pines Hotel Function Room, along Carino St., on December 21, 2018. Twenty primary cooperatives that had confirmed their attendance indeed came, albeit by limited representation to pre-empt accommodation problems. Something new that they saw for the first time was the program number on the installation of a Mr. and a Ms. CUBCL. The fortunate chosen pair among three that responded to audience glee for them to trip the ramp was that of BAMARVEMCO’s unassuming Atty. Sozimo Abratique and Progressive’s strong-personed Norma Abad. We wish “Susi-mo” similar luck in his venture to a “new world” for him in 2019.
If we now go to the super-organization that is BARP, a pre-Christmas activity that called its attention to the level of a limelight was one that was foreign-requested. It should, however, not to be wondered at because, after all, BARP is an international organization. The request was made through channels by Film Director Koji Imaizumi, Volunteer Social worker of the non-profit organization Salubong (Tokyo, Japan). His outfit came to the BARP Center about two weeks before Christmas day to interview for live show living Filipinos who had experienced and, therefore, can give personal testimonies of whatever nature about what the Japanese military soldiers did to Filipinos during their campaign and conquest of the Philippines in World War II.
Post-war Japanese , according to Koji, including him, were not told by their school system of such important part of history so that wrongs should be repaired and not repeated. They want to know why and if they should pay reparation to Filipinos, millions of whom died during the War and many more suffered pains and indignities, especially women and children, as what their war machine inflicted to other Asian neighbours. His call for understanding and peace among nations, especially between Filipinos and Japanese today was very laudable and very much in consonance with the spirit of Christmas. It was, therefore, not to recall things that are, to Christian estimation, to be better forgotten but to mend, amend, and change to the better, much better. When octogenarian Balanag asked him, “Why come to BARP?” he nonchalantly replied, “Because the elderly are here, they experienced the War and they know value to say.”
That did it. We are trusted for truth. We in BARP can be apostles of freedom and joy. To carry on the APIP (Asia Pacific International Peace Memorial) vision and mission for peace as Koji’s group is doing,is really Christmas in action. How good to sing and hear: “Peace on earth a mercy mild/ God and sinners reconciled/ Joyful, all ye nations, rise/ Join the triumph of the skies . . .” Wow, with such venture and atmosphere, Christ will surely be born anew in the whole of all mankind’s Bethlehem. And much more so good to see that BARP, under never-say-die Balanag, is now being taken as an active information partner to bring about international camaraderie in the Far East where the Philippines is turning to be redirected to its orginal destiny—Maharlika of the Orient.
Speaking of Maharlika, it has started in Baguio where the towering pines are, thanks to the action of BCCSF(Baguio City Credit Surety Fund). The Surety Fund did it first in the re-examination and finalization, provision by provision, led by diligent Baguio’s myoral office staff Dolormente, of the BCCSF Constitution and By-Laws, then secondly in the action of what to do and how to do in the matter of actual amortization of loans by member-borrowers who have suddenly found difficulty in fulfilling their obligation on time despite doing home work to comply in doing so.. Even the BSP lent its hand by sending a representative to act as consultant in the monthly meetings to resolve problems and/or give advises needed. Agenda for the coming year have been prepared. Exact dates and venues will be duly disseminated.
Christmas and New Year greetings to each an all!
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I wish to repeat the reminder to the relatives, friends all interested to attend the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the ordination of Fr. Bernard Lomioan Beneza, SVD, to the holy priesthood scheduled in Buanao, Bangilo, Malibcong, Abra on December 29 (Saturday), 2018. Expected arrival of visitors will be thae afternoon of the 28th (Friday). See you all there, thank you. Cp. 09562830787