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Inspiring You to Live a Fantastic Life

No. 317 Vol. 27 NOVEMBER 2016

believe in your capacity


to make money

how to death-proof your


wealth

behavioral economics tips


for your holiday shopping

BE A WEALTH
CHAMPION ow n Y o u r
k D
Knoc Financial
i g g e st
B e m s
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10 YEARS OF MOVING LIVES AHEAD

This Kerygma Conference 2016, our hope is


to give to you what God has intended for you to receive in
this inspirational learning event.

The best speakers, the best motivators, and the best leaders
will move forward to give you God’s message for your life.

It will be an amazing place to come together and celebrate


your destiny with Him.

It’s time to think forward, move forward, and pay it forward.

It’s time to live forward to that place God has promised


for your life.
If you lost your job today,
how long would you survive?
Benj and Fely Santiago were debtaholics who thought they were doing OK.
They had great jobs, earned well and spent even better. They treated
every new credit card they acquired as an additional income source.
They squandered money they hadn’t even earned. In no time, they were
buried in seven-digit debts.

In this book, Benj and Fely share their horrendous experience of financial
disaster, but even more importantly, how they rose from the debt. Today,
they are financial advisors who’ve helped many families break free from
the debt trap.

You will learn how to:


• Craft your own financial plan
• Build a solid financial foundation
• Manage and eliminate debt
• Invest with a purpose
• Earn passive income Now
• And many more concepts that will set you on the road to financial
freedom!
AvAilAble!

Shepherd’s Voice
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The Boss

Enjoy Your
Wealth
B
efore anything else, please read this verse carefully:
“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and
the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil
— this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18).
Did you pick up the line where God also gives us “the ability to
enjoy them”?
I know some people who have money but can’t enjoy them for various
reasons. Some feel guilty that they’re blessed because they feel they don’t
deserve it.
But God wants you to enjoy His blessings.
This will bring balance into your life. And these little rewards will add
motivation for you to continue to work to increase your income — because
you want these little pleasures to continue. I encourage people to set aside
five percent of their income to do what they enjoy. This includes vacations,
movies, restaurants, etc.
Write down a “Joy List.” Some of them are very inexpensive.
My Joy List is very simple. Let me share with you those at the top of my
list:
I love having dates with my wife, my sons, my family (my sisters,
nephews, nieces)…
I like taking my family for vacations — beach, mountain, etc.
I also love sitting by myself in a quiet café, with a hot cup of coffee
on the table (that I sometimes don’t even drink but just like to smell),
reading and writing.
I also like sitting on the shore, staring at the sea and sky, and
drinking in all that beauty. And if I’m able to read and write amidst
that backdrop, I’m in heaven. If you notice, the activities in my
Joy List don’t have to be very expensive.
Once, my wife and I dated in a hotel lobby — and just drank
juice. (I ordered, she didn’t. Ha,ha!) We talked for two hours.
As I write this piece, my family will be taking a little
vacation in a friend’s farm.
It’s amazing how much joy you can squeeze out of that
five percent!
As long as you’re generous to God’s work, tithing to your
spiritual family that supports your faith walk, and generous to
the poor, enjoy your wealth without guilt.

May your dreams come true,


 

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 1


Mailroom

I am a young Pinoy nurse here in Australia. I am an avid Kerygma magazine is distributed in our school
reader of Kerygma magazine and Shepherd’s Voice monthly and, to be honest, I’ve been hooked! I
books. I am truly inspired by your stories and articles. read Kerygma from cover to cover. Why? Because
More power and God bless you all. Looking forward every word gives me inspiration and motivation.
to more issues of Kerygma magazine and books from Every page brings new hope. Every article has a
Shepherd’s Voice. little something for every area of my life. It makes
me laugh and cry at the same time. It nourishes
Paula Ramon and feeds my soul. It inspires me. And most of all, it
Australia strengthens my faith in God.
Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to
Hello, Kerygma! May God continue to bless your staff say a big thanks to the Kerygma family. I believe
and mission. I pray that you won’t get tired of doing this God is using you in a very wonderful way to inspire
ministry because you are an instrument of God’s love others and to draw us closer to Him. I look forward
and miracles to many lives, including mine. Your stories to many more stories of hope and love.
give me hope and your articles teach me how to live a God bless and more power.
better life.
Thank you, Kerygma! God bless. Thaddeus Austin Villegas
St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Shiela Azcarlon Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Antipolo, Rizal

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2 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


Just Breathe
Living by Grace
By Rissa Singson Kawpeng

Truth Has a Name


And He will set you free

T
his morning, I had breakfast at my can destroy a person at the speed of light. The Lie justified that if I told the truth,
mother-in-law’s house where I saw Say something now to discredit a person, Mommy would ground me. But the Voice
something on the dining table that and even without proof, it morphs into persisted, “The truth shall set you free.”
was current and archaic at the same truth the more viral it becomes. Truth is By the time I was a few yards away
time. It was a newspaper. I haven’t no longer what’s real but what garners the from the house, I had made up my
seen or read those since we had our own most likes or shares. mind to tell the truth no matter what
home six years ago. I have to admit it can get confusing the consequences were. I entered the
On the front page was the latest at times, even for a truth hound like me house ready for Mommy’s sermon and
House inquiry where convicts pinned who digs up back stories and opposing punishment until I realized she wasn’t
down an incumbent senator for allegedly opinions to ferret out the facts. Often, home. All that moral push and pull was
financing her senatorial bid from drug things are not what they seem. God teaching me the value of standing by
money. Since I had already heard their I learned the value of abiding by the the truth no matter what the cost. And it
testimonies live on TV the day before, I truth as a young Christian. I was a tween did set me free!
didn’t read anything on the front page that just beginning to enjoy hanging out with It was a lesson I will carry with me for
I didn’t already know. friends when my mom threatened to the rest of my life.
Before the age of live TV broadcasts ground me for staying out too late at the In our constantly changing world of
and the Internet, the neighborhood park. She wanted me home moral ambiguity, truth has a tendency to
newspaper was the source before sunset, or else. become archaic. Obsolete. Unnecessary.
Rissa’s outfit courtesy of Elite Garments/Ensembles.

of the freshest news. As One summer day, I had too much That’s why we all the more need to anchor
a writer, I know all the fun playing volleyball at the park. ourselves in the Truth. This Truth is a
hard work that goes The sun was beginning to set but a compass that keeps us heading towards
into a story — from few more minutes wouldn’t hurt, I the right direction when many voices coax
reporting to writing thought. Before I knew it, dusk had us to go this way or that.
to editing to layout turned to night. I was hurrying home This Truth, my friends, has a name. He
and proofreading — on foot as darkness blanketed is unchanging yet ever fresh. He died but
before it appears on the streets. forever lives. And although some may have
the front page. Only The resident spin brazenly claimed they were more popular
then can it scatter doctor in my head went than Him, His flock continues to grow
the truth or untruth to work to cover up for centuries after He established it.
of a matter. The my misdemeanor. But a Anchor your life on Him and you’ll
power of the pen Voice would counter the never be wrong for long.
is unleashed to excuses I was making
demolish or build up. “The truth shall set Teach me your way, O Lord, that I
up an idea, issue you free.” It was a Bible may walk in your truth… (Psalm
or even a person’s passage that I had 86:11)
reputation. begun to read daily.
But today, you E-mail Rissa at justbreatherissa@gmail.com
or follow her on Facebook.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 3
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November 2016

SPECIAL
SECTION
DEPARTMENTS 21 Intro to the Teaching
Series
2 Mailroom Be a Wealth Champion:
6 DAILY PAUSE Knock Down Your
8 New You Biggest Financial
9 Real Stuff Problems
COLUMNS 10 KFAM INSIDER The Single 24 Teaching Believe in Your
Men Before and After Capacity to Make Money
the Jeremiah Experience (Especially When You
3 Just Breathe Truth Has a
13 Dear K Need it More)
Name
15 FEAST SNAPSHOTS KCON: 28 Testimony Building
38 WEALTH & WISDOM
A Decade of Spreading Houses, Building
Behavioral Economics
Inspiration Success
Tips for Your Holiday
17 It Happened To Dream the 30 Teaching How to Death-
Shopping
Impossible and to Live Proof Your Wealth
39 Health & Home Stress and
It 34 Testimony Millionaires
THE BO FILES Disease Connection
36 K-TECHISM Revisiting the in Heaven
41 SEASONS Love? Ano ‘yun?
1 THE BOSS Enjoy Your Holy Doors
Nakakain ba ‘yun?!
Wealth 43 CATHOLIC SOUL Church of
47 ONE LAST STORY
48 POINT OF CONTACT Miracles Every Step of
the Poor
the Way
45 K PREACHER What Would
Jesus Do?

founder and publisher BO SANCHEZ • editor-in-chief RISSA SINGSON KAWPENG • managing editor TESS V. ATIENZA • asst. managing editor MAYMAY R. SALVOSA
• creative director MIKE CORTES • asst. layout artist LEAH KIM RECTO • graphics director REY DE GUZMAN • staff writers MARJORIE DUTERTE, DINA PECAñA,
KRIZELLE TALLADEN • contributing writer ELEONORE TEO • photographer DANIEL SORIANO • columnists ROSE FRES FAUSTO, NIKO CAPUCION, DIDOY LUBATON,
MONCHING BUENO, EDGARDO DE VERA • production asst. ANGIE ESPUERTA
chairman of the board and CEO BO SANCHEZ • president HERMIE R. MORELOS • vice-president for corporate services WENG CEQUEÑA • assistant vice-president
for production RISSA KAWPENG • production manager TESS V. ATIENZA • sales director JOSEPH MARTINEZ • marketing manager KRISTINE MUTUC • digital
operations KARREN RENZ SEñA
Kerygma. A Greek word meaning “Proclamation of the Gospel.” It is a Catholic inspirational magazine. It aims to be an evangelistic tool for all nations, providing
Scriptural, practical and orthodox teachings to Catholics, particularly those in the Catholic Renewal, as an alternative to present-day magazines. It is also
committed to fostering the renewal and unity of the whole Christian people. Philippine copyright Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Inc. 2016. No part of this
magazine may be reproduced without permission. Published monthly by Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Inc., whose editorial and business offices are located
at 60 Chicago St., Cubao, 1109 Quezon City. Tel.: (632) 725-9999, 411-7874, 725-1190, 470-4091 and 881-3082 (Production Department). Fax: 727-5615. E-mail:
editsvp@shepherdsvoice.com.ph. Website: www.kerygmabooks.com
Daily Pause with Pope Francis

1 2 3
“God loves us the way we are, and “Don’t be ashamed to bring
no sin, fault or mistake of ours everything to the Lord in
makes Him change His mind.  As confession, especially your “Great compassion guides Jesus’
far as Jesus is concerned — as the weaknesses, your struggles and actions.”
Gospel shows — no one is unworthy your sins.  He will surprise you
of, or far from, His thoughts.  No one with His forgiveness and His
is insignificant.” peace.”

7 8 9
“The powerful word of Jesus can make “It will do us good to pray every morning: “Say a firm ‘no’ to the narcotic
us rise again and can bring about in ‘Lord, I thank You for loving me; I am sure
of success at any cost and the
us too the passage from death to life. that You love me. Help me to be in love
with my own life! Not with my faults that
sedative of worrying only about
His word revives us, gives us hope, yourself and your own comfort.”
need to be corrected, but with life itself,
refreshes weary hearts, opens us to a
which is a great gift, for it is a time to love
vision of the world and of life which
and to be loved.’”
transcends suffering and death.

13 14 15
“This is our real ‘stature’, our spiritual “Those who choose to model
“Jesus looks at you, He heals you with identity: We are God’s beloved their entire life on Jesus no longer
His mercy, He says to you: ‘Arise!’ and children, always.  So you can see choose their own places. They
your heart is new.” that not to accept ourselves, to live go where they are sent, in ready
glumly, to be negative, means not to response to the One who calls.”
recognize our deepest identity.”

19 20 21
“I understood more than ever before “God wants to enter your homes,
“The life of Jesus’ closest disciples, the value of remembrance, not only as to dwell in your daily lives: in your
which is what we are called to be, is the recollection of past events, but as studies, your first years of work,
shaped by concrete love. A love, in monition and responsibility for today your friendships and affections,
and tomorrow, so that the seeds of your hopes and dreams. How
other words, marked by service and
hatred and of violence do not take root in
availability.” greatly He desires that you bring all

25 26 27
the furrows of history.”
these to Him in prayer!” 

“How much He hopes that, in all the


‘contacts’ and ‘chats’ of each day, pride “Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to Him with
of place be given to the golden thread of all your heart, to respond generously “God demands of us real courage:
prayer!  How much He wants His word to and to follow Him! Don’t let your soul the courage to be more powerful
be able to speak to you day after day, so grow numb, but aim for the goal of a than evil by loving everyone, even
that you can make His Gospel your own, beautiful love which also demands our enemies.”
so that it can serve as a compass for you on sacrifice.”
the highways of life!”
6 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016
4 5 6
“‘Download’ the best ‘link’ of all, that “‘Even today we can risk not getting
of a heart which sees and transmits close to Jesus because we don’t feel
goodness without growing weary.  “We are certain that, at the Holy Door, big enough, because we don’t think
The joy that you have freely the Lord comes near to meet each one ourselves worthy. This is a great
of us, to bring and offer His powerful temptation; it has to do not only with
received from God, please, freely
self-esteem, but with faith itself. For faith
give away (cf. Matthew 10:8): so consoling words: ‘Do not weep!’”
tells us that we are ‘children of God… that
many people are waiting for it!  So is what we are’ (1 John 3:1).”
many are waiting for it from you.”

10 11 12
“We have been created in God’s
own image; Jesus has taken upon
“In Jesus’ merciful care, God meets Himself our humanity and His heart
His people, in Him all of God’s grace “God is always ‘cheering us on’; He is our will never be separated from us; the
appears and will continue to appear biggest fan.” Holy Spirit wants to dwell within us. 
to mankind.” We have been called to be happy
forever with God!”

16 17 18
“As Jesus told Saint Faustina,
“Because, precisely in this world He is happy when we tell Him
at war, fraternity is needed, everything: He is not bored with our
“Mercy is a journey that starts in the
closeness is needed, dialogue lives, which He already knows; He
heart and ends in the hands, namely
is needed, friendship is needed. waits for us to tell Him even about
in the works of mercy.”
This is the sign of hope: when the events of our day (cf. Diary, 6
there is fraternity.” September 1937).”

22 23 24
“This is the secret of joy: not to stifle “I immediately thought of the cruelty “We are all called to experience the joy
a healthy curiosity, but to take a risk, that is similar today: everywhere that flows from encountering Jesus, to
because life is not meant to be tucked throughout the world, this world that vanquish our egoism, to step out of our
away.  When it comes to Jesus, we cannot is ill with cruelty, with pain, with war, own comfort and to have the courage
sit around waiting with arms folded; with hatred, with sadness. And for this to reach all the peripheries in need
He offers us life — we can’t respond by of the light of the Gospel (cf. Evangelii
reason I continually ask you to pray:

28 29
thinking about it or ‘texting’ a few words!” Gaudium, n. 20).”

30
that the Lord give us peace!”

“People may judge you to be dreamers,


because you believe in a new humanity,
“Trust the memory of God: His
one that rejects hatred between peoples, “Jesus sends.  From the beginning, He
one that refuses to see borders as barriers memory is not a ‘hard disk’ that
‘saves’ and ‘archives’ all our data. His wants His Church to be a Church on
and can cherish its own traditions without the move, a Church that goes out into
being self-centred or small-minded.  Don’t be memory is a heart filled with tender
compassion, one that finds joy in the world.  And He wants it to do this
discouraged: With a smile and open arms,
you proclaim hope and you are a blessing for ‘erasing’ in us every trace of evil.” just as He did.”
our one human family.”
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 7
New You
Tips for Personal Development

1. They wake up early. According to a survey of 20 executives, 90


percent wake up before 6 a.m. on weekdays. This makes them
have more productive mornings. PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi wakes
up at 4 a.m. and Disney CEO Bob Iger gets up at 4:30 to read.
2. They exercise. A pre-breakfast workout helps reduce stress later
in the day, improves sleep, and counteracts the effects of high-
fat diet. Xerox CEO Ursula Burns has a personal training session
at 6 a.m., two times a week, and Starwood Hotels CEO Frits van
Paasschen runs for an hour every morning at 5:30.
3. They spend quality time with their family. Some successful
people invest their mornings in family time. They cook a big
breakfast together or read stories to their kids. Judi Rosenthal, a
financial planner in New York, shared that when not traveling, she
spends mornings with her daughter.
4. They meditate to clear their minds. Before going out, many
successful people devote themselves to a spiritual practice
such as meditation or prayer. Meditation is the morning ritual of
Manisha Thakor, a former corporate executive who founded and
now runs MoneyZen Wealth Management.
5. They write down things they’re grateful for. Saying thanks is
a way to get the right perspective and to center yourself before What Successful
working. Wendy Kay, a pharmaceutical executive, spends a
couple of minutes in the morning to “express gratitude, ask for
guidance, and be open to inspiration.” She always has a clear
People Do in the
vision for herself and her staff when she does this before heading
to her office. Morning
Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/

Effortless Ways to Save Money Quick Health Tip


and Make Things Last Longer Pomelo, locally known as suha, belongs to the
group of citrus fruits similar to orange and
1. Separate bananas. Separating a bunch of dalandan. It contains vitamin C that helps in
bananas can keep them yellow longer and strengthening one’s immune system. Just
can slow down the production of ethylene like the apple, it also has pectin which helps
that causes ripening. in lowering cholesterol. Due to its low calorie
2. Extend the life of your disposable content, those who are on a diet can enjoy eating
razor. Shake the excess water off your razor, this fruit. It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1,
dip in alcohol, and store in a dry place. This vitamin B2, calcium and iron.
will prevent rusting, prolonging its shaving
capacity. Source: http://www.philstar.com/psn-opinyon/

3. Use up your lipstick. Use a lip brush to

tube.
scoop out the remaining lipstick from the
POMELO
4. Maintain your leather shoes. It’s best to have your shoes lined with
rubber. Because they’re susceptible to moisture, they last longer if you don’t
wear them two days in a row.
5. Make lists. Do this before going to the store and stick to it to prevent
impulsive shopping.
6. Cook in bulk. Make bulk servings of your favorite food and store it in the
freezer. Just heat a smaller portion when you need a quick meal.
7. Go dark. Turn the lights off during the day or when you are outside the
room to save energy and money in paying the electric bill. Invest also on LED
and CFL bulbs which use less electricity and have much longer lives than
normal incandescent bulbs.

Source: http://www.rd.com/
8 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016
Real Stuff

The Olympic Athlete

By Clemed - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18158946


turned Diocesan Priest
Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York

Among thousands of athletes who competed in


the Rio Olympics last August, how many of them
would possibly consider being a priest later on? We
might not have the answer now. But going back to
the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, where
the Philippines bagged a silver medal for boxing, a Tim Tebow Partners with
handball player named Joe Fitzgerald eventually
decided to take on a priestly vocation. Cure Foundation to Help
Father Joe was 25 years old when he competed
in the Olympics. Although he didn’t win any medals Filipino Children
that year, the experience was invaluable to him.
He was inspired to become a priest when he Tim Tebow, an American football player who was born and spent his
attended a Eucharistic adoration prayer service teenage years in the Philippines, doesn’t have to wait for Christmas
in a retreat. It became clear at that moment that to help the less fortunate. His Tim Tebow Foundation partnered with
encouraging others to follow Christ is not enough; he Cure Foundation to build Tebow Cure Hospital in Davao City which
himself had to follow Jesus more. began operating in November 2014. This hospital, like any Cure
He entered the Immaculate Conception Hospital in 30 countries around the world, serves children who have
Seminary in New York on his 30th birthday, August 30, clubfoot, bowed legs, cleft lips, untreated burns, and hydrocephalus,
2001, and was ordained six years later. among others. The foundation wants these children to “experience
Fr. Joe now serves as a diocesan vocations the life-changing message of God’s love for them, receiving surgical
director in New York. Instead of encouraging young treatment regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity.”
men to join the Olympics, he invites them to the Tebow Cure Hospital mostly relies on donations to support its
priesthood. He said that he was very happy and works of charity. For more information on the hospital and how to
at peace when he left handball, and that there’s donate, you may contact Leron Lehman, the executive director,
something in his vocation that he could have never through http://tebowcure.pe.hu/donate/.
gained as an athlete.
Sources: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/
Source: http://www.ncregister.com/ http://tebowcure.pe.hu

Saints-at-a-Glance
Saint Engelbert
Feast Day: November 7 | Birth: around 1185 | Death: 1225

Saint Engelbert was born into a royal family in Germany. He was excommunicated by the pope due to his
worldly living and getting involved in the conflict between two archbishops. He was reinstated in 1208 after
his submission to the pope and joined the crusade against the Albigenses in 1212 to atone for his sin. He
became the archbishop of Cologne in 1217 and was considered a friend of the clergy and a helper of the poor.
He also became the tutor and guardian to Henry VII who became the next king. He tried to protect the nuns
of Essen from his oppressive cousin, Count Frederick of Isenberg, but the latter had him killed at Gevelsberg.
His body was placed in an old cathedral in Cologne and a convent of nuns was built at the place of his death.
Sources:
http://www.catholic.org/, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
Photo by: By Sir Gawain - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5037146
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 9
Kfam Insider

The Single Men


Before and After the Jeremiah Experience

T
he Singles Ministries of The Feast Bluewave Marikina (FBM) and The
Feast Sta. Lucia (FSL) joined forces in an outreach program to the
Jeremiah 33:6-7 Foundation in Pasig City on June 26, 2016, as part of
their monthly big Light Group (LG) meeting. Jeremiah is one of the
mercy ministries of the Light of Jesus Family (LOJF), which serves and
shelters child victims of sexual abuse.
Ronald Escorpiso, the ministry head who had been there several times
By Krizelle R. Talladen before, thought of this outreach as an alternative to the usual LG where the
Photos by Krizelle R. Talladen singles would sit down together and share insights and experiences. He also
and Grace B. Madriñan wanted his fellow singles to be blessed with the experience of spending time
with the children in Jeremiah. Fortunately, they didn’t just feel blessed. They
were inspired, especially the men. Here’s why.

The Worried Men


How will I approach and interact with the abused children? Will they be
traumatized if they see boys? Should we avoid hugging them and putting our arms
on their shoulders?

10 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


These were the questions of some of the single men before
the outreach. Despite their hesitations as first timers, they still
joined the activity. They wanted to have an open mind and be
aware of the condition of these abused children. Some of them
also said that they wanted to empathize with the kids and learn
how to deal with someone who might have the same condition
after that encounter.

Shattered Expectations
Some admitted that they were surprised when they arrived
at Jeremiah. They didn’t think that it would look like a normal
house inside a village. They thought that it was a secluded
institution. They were also surprised that one of those who
opened the gate was a happy young girl who had a smile on her
face and welcomed them warmly. This happy young girl turned
out to be one of the children that the foundation was taking
care of.
The single men also thought that the girls would all
be frowning, sad and aloof. But when they went out of the
house and into the garage, they were smiling, respectful and
confident when they introduced themselves. When the program
and games started, the children were all excited, happy
and energized. They even prepared several dance numbers,
including folk and modern dances, for the Singles Ministry.
Laughter and positive energy filled the small garage of the
house despite the gloomy and rainy weather outside.

The Men’s Realizations


JayAr Esquillo from FBM expressed how happy he was after
the outreach. He shared how he appreciated the strength of
women. Even at a young age, the girls in Jeremiah still chose to
be happy and share their dreams despite their past experiences
of abuse.
He further said that the outreach served as a reminder for
him, and hopefully for the other men as well to value women.
“As men, we should protect women from all kinds of abuses.
We should always provide security for them, and most of all, we
should always guard their heart,” JayAr added.
He strongly suggested for more men to spend time with
these abused children to remind themselves how to be a
gentleman and have a sense of duty to protect women.
Roarke Patrick Sun, another member from FBM, added that
this outreach reminded him to respect women and children
more. He said, “Men are made physically strong to protect
women, not to hurt them. To raise them up and not to step on
them.”
Carlo Ambata, who attends both FBM and FSL, was
reminded that as men, they have to keep chivalry alive.

To know more about the mercy ministries


of the Light of Jesus Family,
visit www.lightfam.com.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 11


Dear K

my husband blames himself for our daughter’s death


We lost our daughter due to a Dear Grieving Mom,
car accident more than a year My heart grieves for you and your husband. I can imagine how deep your grief is. As a
ago. My husband and I are quote says, “No parent should bury a child.” It is not in the normal course of life.
still both hurting, but the news I had three miscarriages before I finally had a child. Each miscarriage was more painful
hurt him more. Until now, he than the previous one. So I can just imagine how it hurts all the more to lose a child whom
cannot move on. He used to be you’ve held in your arms, nurtured and seen grow. However difficult it may seem, we need
an Overseas Filipino Worker to move on. But first, let your husband grieve. Let him cry. Assure him that it is alright and
and he wasn’t here when the you are just by his side. Allow yourself to grieve also. You lost a daughter, too. The ride will
accident happened. He is not be easy. There will be days when both of you will be OK and when you’ll feel so down.
consumed by guilt for being Keep yourselves busy so you will not wallow in sorrow.
an absentee father and blames May I also suggest that you seek professional help. There are grief counselors you can
himself for not driving for our approach. You may call the LOJ Pastoral Care Center for help on this. Numbers are below.
daughter that night. He lost his They are trained to help people who experience losses. Join a support group of parents
positivity, always locks himself who lost a child. You can learn from their experiences as to how they were able to move on
in the room and watches the and accept their loss.
videos of our daughter, saying Most importantly, don’t forget to call on God . Surrender your loss to Him and allow
that it’s the only way he could Him to heal you. He will not let you down.
spend time with her. May God’s peace and joy reign in your hearts again. God bless.
I am grieving, too. But now I
E-mail your questions to editsvp@shepherdsvoice.com.ph. Or Reng
feel that I lost both my husband if you need to talk to someone, call (632) 726-4709 or 726-6728
and my daughter. When I tried to contact a Light of Jesus Pastoral Care Center counselor.
to ease his guilt, he says it makes Pastoral counseling by telephone is 24 hours from Monday to
him feel more at fault. How do Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Face-to-face pastoral
I talk to him about it? How can I counseling is by appointment. For correspondence pastoral
counseling, e-mail lojcounseling@yahoo.com or go to www.
help him cope with our loss? kerygmafamily.com.
or Call (632) 725-999
Grieving Mom
Reng Morelos gave up her corporate job years ago to become a full-time wife
and mom. She supports her husband, Hermie, in his ministry as one of the
leaders of the Light of Jesus Family. She has been with LOJ since 1981 and
once handled the single sisters of the community.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 13


Feast Snapshots

spreading inspiration
KCON: A decade of

By Krizelle R. Talladen

K
erygma Conference theme “Awaken the Miracle in You,” Bo event with seven plenary talks, 20
(KCON), the largest Sanchez, LOJF Founder, shared to 7,000 streams, and 63 classes expounding on
Catholic inspirational participants that becoming like Jesus is the the theme, “Be Empowered.” Twenty
and learning event in the greatest miracle. thousand people gathered that year.
Philippines, celebrates its From PhilSports Arena, the next KCON KCON 2014 had three venues: PICC,
10th anniversary this month. What with the theme “Dream Big, Win Big” moved SMX Convention Center and Mall of Asia
better way to celebrate this than to to a bigger venue — the Araneta Coliseum. (MOA) Arena. For the first time, KCON
look back on how it started. It was filled with close to 10,000 attendees. Grand Feast happened twice — morning
KCON has two main goals: to and afternoon — to accommodate
provide a learning event that would More Streams, Dates and Venues thousands of participants at MOA Arena.
make people live life to the fullest In 2010, Kerygma Conference offered new Last year’s KCON faced one of the
by experiencing God’s love and for streams such as Leadership, Marriage, decade’s toughest challenges when
new people to get to know Light of Singles, Youth, Faith and Inner Restoration the schedule was shortened to only
Jesus Family (LOJF) more. There are which were all connected to the theme two days due to the APEC Summit in
people from all walks of life who didn’t “Restoration.” The local KCON in Cebu and the Philippines. It didn’t discourage
know anything about LOJF until they Davao also began in the same year. thousands of attendees from “Coming
attended the Kerygma Conference. The first KCON held in two separate Home,” the theme of KCON 2015.
venues started in 2011 with the theme This year, be ready to move “Forward”
The First Three Years “Glory to Glory.” from November 17 to 20 for another four
KCON started as a two-day event held With the theme “Champions, Arise,” Bo days of worship, praise, learning and
at PhilSports Arena in 2007. With the exhorted that KCON 2012 would be like the transformation.
theme “You Have the Power,” 5,000 Emmaus journey of two disciples where
attendees gathered for the Holy Mass, Jesus would reveal Himself to the 18,000 All for Him
worship, plenary talks, entertainment participants. Since its first decade and no doubt, even
and healing service. beyond, KCON continues to inspire
KCON 2008 was also held in From Seventh to 10th Year people, touch lives, and spread God’s
PhilSports Arena. In line with the In 2013, KCON expanded into a four-day unbounded love — for His greater glory.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 15


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It Happened

To Dream the Impossible


and to Live It
By Rome Maranan as told to Eleanore Teo

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 17


C
hildren have a tendency University Glee Club European tour in the summer of
to yearn for what is 2006. Jill was a soprano and I was a fresh graduate looking
impractical, improbable for a cheap way to visit Europe. So I joined the production
and impossible. The staff by pretending to be a photographer with a camera
simplest things would that I just borrowed from my cousin. We toured for 70 days
fascinate us when we were together and we fell in love under the stars in Germany
young. Do you remember while stargazing along the Rhine River. I never imagined at
how you believed that the time just how great a role she would play in my life and
you could do anything in this journey.
— whether it was to When we arrived home from the tour, it was back to
shapeshift into an animal reality and I realized that I had to start looking for a career
or even to fly? When my path. There were a lot of options available and the United
parents took me to New Nations was still very much a part of that checklist. So with
York City for the first time the blessing of my amazing parents who worked blood,
as a child, I remember sweat and tears to give me all the opportunities they could,
being mesmerized by a and with the help of my aunt who was based in the US, I
row of colorful flags raised took a chance and flew to New York to apply for the UN
at full-mast while they flapped resiliently against the wind. Assessment Test. Although she insisted that I stay on, the
They each shone bright hues decorated with stars, stripes urge to go back to the Philippines to be with Jill was too
and other different symbols. It was a beautiful sight. Amidst strong.
all the high-rise office towers in New York that housed the I eventually received multiple invitations to fly back to
biggest multinational companies in the world, I pointed to New York for an interview with the UN but I turned down
the building of flags and said firmly to my parents with wide- the offer each time because I felt that my relationship was
eyed innocence, “That is where I want to work one day.” more important. Only after working for four years as an
So 22 years later, here I am, working in my building of outsourced Human Resources assistant did I realize that it
flags, also more popularly known as the United Nations wasn’t something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Headquarters. And while they still make me smile when I The desire to pursue my dream of working for the United
see them every morning before stepping into the office, I am Nations was growing stronger. Although Jill had always
humbly living a childhood dream because of what those been supportive of all of my ambitions, she also made
flags represent. To me, they are a symbol of hope for a world it clear that she couldn’t follow me to the US and leave
that is inclusive and not divisive, a world that resonates behind her own career that she had worked so hard for.
compassion not condemnation and, most importantly, a Despite all the uncertainty surrounding our future
world that will work for peace and never fight for war. together, I took a leap of faith, quit my job and finally took
the interview at the United Nations. I wasn’t offered a
Pursuing the Dream position after the meeting so I wasn’t sure whether to stay
But like any goal that seems impossible, achieving it was in the US or to fly back to Manila. One night, I suddenly
not an easy task. In fact, working for the UN was admittedly received a long distance phone call from Jill and what she
not on my priority list when I turned 20 because I was busy said changed our lives completely — we were expecting a
focusing on another dream of mine — catching true love. Her baby. Immediately, I told her that I was going home. With
name was Jill and we met right before the Ateneo de Manila or without my dream career, my responsibility to Jill and
to our child became my first priority. Out of respect for
Rome now soars high and lives his dreams. our parents and our faith, I was determined to marry her
because it was both the right thing to do and because I
knew that it was inevitable — she had always been the one
sure thing in my life.
Then two days before I was scheduled to return to
the Philippines for good, I received a call from the United
Nations. The job was mine.

Trials and Triumphs


They say that God never fails to provide. I can attest to that
because at a time when I had never prayed harder in my
life and when everything seemed clouded in doubt, He
found all the missing pieces to my puzzle. First and forever
first in our hearts, He gave us our son, Zig, and our beautiful
baby boy was the unexpected blessing that made us see
clearly what we should always place above all — love and
family. Then He generously decided opened the doors to

18 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


Rome typing a speech while the leader of the United Nations, Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon, looks on.

a career that would not only provide me financial stability but one survived unimaginable atrocities, such as the
that I knew would bring me the life-long fulfillment I had yearned grieving mothers of the Srebrenica Massacre or
for. And lastly, He gave me the most important piece that made my the bombing of schools in Gaza where innocent
life complete — He gave me Jill, my incredible wife who selflessly children and women had sought refuge, I can
put aside her own aspirations to singlehandedly raise Zig in a foreign honestly say this job has humbled me. Seeing
country and to be the backbone and the center of what we have how death and pain are part of the daily lives of
achieved together. others, there are times when I cannot sleep at night
Like I said, it wasn’t easy. My first position at the United Nations because I think of Zig and the kind of world we may
was working as a library assistant at the Dag Hammarskjold Library in leave behind for our children.
charge of stacking books at the third basement archives. I used to joke So many horrors exist from the lack of
that I prayed a lot during that time because I was on the same level as tolerance and greed for power. Or perhaps it’s
the subway. I worried that the rumbling of the passing trains would simply human nature to prove that we are right and
cause the books to fall on top of me. My job was also contractual and others are wrong to the point that we’re willing to
my extensions ranged from two months to a mere four-day working sacrifice lives in the process. It takes a great amount
contract. At anytime, they could let me go and I would have been of strength not to lose faith in humanity and to
jobless trying to raise a family in New York. We were living paycheck wonder what we have gotten ourselves into. But if
to paycheck at the time. But I guess, when we chase our dreams my work in the United Nations has taught me one
wholeheartedly, we are willing to hurdle through any challenge that it thing, it’s that being a source of hope is motivation
may take to realize it. enough to keep pushing forward. Even if we cannot
achieve world peace in this lifetime or our efforts
The Bigger Dream may seem futile, the fact that my job entails us to
Five years later, I am now the personal assistant to the right hand become a light in the face of darkness gives me
of the Secretary General of the United Nations. As I am responsible great pride in my work.
for making sure that all his speeches, talking points and briefing And one day, if the United Nations ever meets
materials are complete, I’ve been present in 23 of his official trips all its objectives and we are no longer needed, I will
and have visited over 66 countries in a span of four years. Despite happily lose my job without complaint. Because
the 22-hour work schedule while traveling and functioning on two that means that I have witnessed another dream
hours of sleep at times, this career has surpassed all my expectations. come true — to see people using their faith to build
It’s been a surreal experience — from being in the same room as and not break relationships. It means we have
some of the world’s most influential leaders to exposing myself to come to understand that regardless of the shape or
the unique and profound cultures of places whose names I have form our belief takes, there will always be room for
trouble pronouncing. And after witnessing the stories of people who God, for goodwill and for hope.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 19


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Special Section
Introduction

Be a Wealth Champion:
Knock Down Your Biggest Financial Problems

By Bo Sanchez

L
ast year, I was in Palawan for our Truly Rich Club
Superconference. It’s my annual four-day event
for entrepreneurs as well as those who want to
become one.
At the start of the conference, I was shocked
when a young woman came up to me and said,
“Brother Bo, I’m not an entrepreneur. I’m a domestic helper from
Hong Kong.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. In my mind, I was asking, “How can
this girl afford the Superconference?” I knew she spent serious
money to buy the conference ticket, the plane tickets from Hong
Kong to Manila and from Manila to Palawan.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 21


I didn’t have to ask her. She told
me her story. She said that it was
always her dream to attend the
Superconference. And she wrote it
down in her Novena to God’s Love, a
little prayer book we use at The Feast
where you can write seven dreams.
For one year, she prayed for it and
asked her friends at the Hong Kong
Feast to pray with her. But she didn’t
just pray. Every month, she saved up
for it.
Honestly, when I heard her story,
I wanted to return her money. I felt
she didn’t need the Superconference
yet. I felt she needed more basic stuff,
like first joining the Truly Rich Club so
she could learn to invest a part of her
paycheck in the stock market.
So I asked her, “Are you already
part of the Truly Rich Club?”
She said, “Two years ago, I joined
the club. And I started investing in the
stock market.”
“That’s great,” I said. But I was
curious. I asked her, “If you don’t mind,
how much do you have in the stock
market today?”
Her answered floored me. She
said, “Almost P2 million.”

22 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


When she told me that, I didn’t
want to return her money anymore.
(Ha, ha!) I knew she was ready for
the Superconference. I asked her,
“How did you do that?”
She said, “I invested 90 percent
of my salary into the stock market.”
“Wow!” I was floored.
She continued, “I know I won’t
be a domestic helper forever. My
dream is to be an entrepreneur.”
How did she receive financial
blessings?
First, she followed the first Law
of Wealth: If you want to grow your
net worth, you have to grow your
self-worth.
Remember that wealth is in the
mind. She was a domestic helper
on the outside, but in her mind,
she was already a millionaire. She
already saw it. She prayed for it. She
visualized it. And she worked for it.
Second, she followed the
second Law of Wealth: The first
income you should look for is
wisdom — and the money will
follow.
What set her apart from other
domestic helpers was that she
was hungry for financial wisdom.
In her case, she looked for it by
joining the Truly Rich Club. And
because financial wisdom was
such a priority for her, she spent
her own money to join us at the
Superconference in Palawan. She
could have spent that money on
clothes or a new phone. Nope. She
valued wisdom.
This issue contains wisdom
that can help you handle and grow
your wealth — temporal and eternal.
Read on. Be a wealth champion.
And knock down your financial
obstacles.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 23


Special Section

Believe in Your Capacity


to Make Money
(Especially When You Need It More)

A
By Bo Sanchez

ll my life, I defined myself as a C-student.  My night classes.  I told him I wasn’t qualified
most sublime goal in school was to get a because I wasn’t a college graduate.  But
passing grade of 75.  Why?  Because that when the dean of the school talked to me
was my self-concept.  I never saw myself and learned of my volunteer work, he said I
as academic, studious or intelligent.  could take the course if I wanted to.  They’d
That wasn’t me. just keep my Masters diploma until I finished
But something happened along my college degree.
the way.  On my third year in college, In the Theology classes, I was
I had to quit to work full-time for surrounded by priests, nuns and
a community project.  One day, seminarians, and my mind was challenged. 
someone asked me if I wanted But my paradigm shift took place after
to take up post-graduate my first exam.  Our professor wrote down on
studies in Theology as the blackboard the five students who topped

24 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


one generation to another.  Their
very family identity is indelibly
wedged and welded with poverty. 
They see themselves, define
themselves, describe themselves as
poor.  I’ve seen this phenomenon so
many times in my work, I think it’s an
epidemic.
I am totally convinced that we are
limited by our own core beliefs, and if
we have small beliefs about ourselves,
then we will remain small forever.
But if you believe in your heart
that you can create money, then you
can.
Your Creator has given you this
capacity to earn money — for yourself,
for your family, for your life dreams. 
Use it!

Make Yourself Valuable


Once you break free from your
limiting beliefs, you start to see your
value. Work from there.
Anthony Robbins, an American
forever.  I went through that Masters motivational guru and philanthropist,
program garnering A’s every time I says, “The single most important and
took an exam.  I then went back to potent way to expand your income
finish the last two years of my college is to devise a way to consistently add
course with a vengeance.  Whatever real value to people’s lives, and you
class I took, be it Statistics, Science, will prosper.”
Philosophy or Literature, I was in the If you can add to your life more
honors list. I was a changed man! skills, more ability, more intelligence,
How you define yourself will be more creativity, more caring, more
how you will act.  If you believe that personalized service, more organized
you’re a lazy, inept, weak, dim-witted systems — and thereby increase the
individual, that’s how you will act.  quality of life for the people around
Your definition of yourself is a self- you — you’ll be able to earn more
fulfilling prophecy.  Why?  Because money.
as human beings, one of our greatest I’m not just talking about
needs is consistency.  You will find entrepreneurs.  If you’re employed
yourself acting consistently with your right now, make yourself more
self-concept and self-definition. valuable to your company.  Don’t
the test.  I wasn’t even paying attention
American philosopher Ayn expect a raise every year simply
until someone tapped my shoulder
Rand says, “Wealth is the product because you show up every workday! 
to take a look.  I found my name in
of man’s capacity to think.”  If in Develop your job skills, learn new
the number one position, beside
your thinking, you believe that ones, look for ways to improve your
the words, “perfect score.” I couldn’t
you can’t earn enough money for company’s products and systems,
believe my eyes.
your family, then you won’t.  If you search for procedures to make the
After class, I remained glued to
see yourself as a C employee, or work of your boss easier, and think of
my seat, still gazing at that blackboard. 
worse, an F businessman, then ways where your company can save
My whole being was in shock.  “You
that’s what you will be.  If this is your money.
mean all this time,” I reprimanded
self-concept, then that’ll be your           I know of someone who entered
myself, “I was wrong?  That I can be
life forever.  Sometimes, people are as a clerk in one of the biggest
bright?”
trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, companies in the country.  This guy
That day changed my life. 
handed down in their families from simply didn’t stop making himself
My self-concept was transformed

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 25


more valuable, he enrolled in any course he found useful On the side, he impacts them with his faith perspective.
to his profession.  His bosses noticed his drive and kept I know of someone else who wanted to give jobs to the
giving him new responsibilities until he ended up as the poor people who lived around her home.  She always loved
company’s assistant vice president.  Sounds like a fairy artwork, and so directed her attention in that field. With
tale?  Not to me.  I’m talking about my father. some encouragement from her husband, she designed
If you are self-employed, ask how your business can some very simple gift items using native material, and
touch and bless the lives of your customers.  Again, by entered a big-time exhibit in Manila.  In her mind, she
making your business more valuable to people, earning doubted whether anyone would like her plain and easy-to-
profit can be the only consequence.  My friend expanded make creations.  But in that exhibit, an English businessman
his restaurant business considerably when he asked saw her products, liked them, and made his first order.
what his customers wanted to eat and at what prices.  He Her little “hobby” is now a successful export business
asked questions.  He took down notes.  He experimented.  that gives livelihood to 80 poor families.
Marketing people will say that he did a market analysis, What do you have that others observed as
but in my language, he simply learned how to love his significant, beautiful, useful and very good?  First, expand
customers in a better way. whatever that thing is.  Increase it.  Multiply it.  Enhance it. 
Allow me to share an effective way to do this. And second, do some research.  How do others who also
have what you have make a living from it?  Continue to be
Discover Something That You Have That Others Need open.
You have something that people need.
 I don’t know what that is, but I know it’s there. Opportunities Are All Around You
This is the basis of the entire world of business. Many years ago, during one summer vacation, I enrolled
This is why people like you and me can make a living, the Anawim orphans for vocational courses in a
work in jobs, and earn a profit.  “Having something that government-run school just for fun. (Note: Today, our
people need” is the foundation of any trade — whether it’s orphans ministry is Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, while
the guy selling peanuts down the street or the multibillion Anawim is focused on the abandoned elderly.) The choices
corporate empires of the world. were many, but my little girls took up cosmetology and one
You have something that people need, and you need guy took up air conditioning maintenance. 
to discover what that something is.  It could be some latent They weren’t studying these courses to work but just
talent or skill or preference that you have.  It could be your to expand their horizons.  But I was amazed at this little
creativity.  Or your patience.  Or your dreams. Or your government school: After graduation, they actually assist
cooking.  Or your talkativeness.  Or your silence.  Or your the students to find them real jobs.  And my kids had
knowledge.  Or your hobbies.  Or your interests.  Or your classmates who started working and earning money on
taste.  their own before they even graduated from that measly
But somewhere out there, someone needs what you three-week course.
have — and they’re willing to pay good money for what you When we drove back home and passed through the
have. little barrio where Anawim was located, I saw the same
The Bible says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work?  sorry site I see every day: jobless people sitting in front
He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure of their homes, doing nothing.  I remember asking some
men” (Proverbs 22:29). of them, “Why don’t you apply for work?”  They’d tell me,
I love the simple life.  And the simple life is not poverty.   “I didn’t finish school.”  When I encourage them to study
The simple life also means earning efficiently — utilizing the something — anything — they’d say they don’t have money,
least amount of time and energy for the most profit — so that they don’t have the time, they don’t have the courage.
you have time for spiritual growth, enriching family life, and But in reality, they’re trapped in a scarcity mentality. 
loving service to others.  I’m not talking about giving in to They believe the rich have cornered the wealth of this
greed.  I’m talking against underselling yourself and being world and they now can only collect the breadcrumbs that
inefficient in your use of time. fall from their table.
I know of someone who was an excellent religion That’s not true.  Money is everywhere.
teacher in a school.  For years, he loved sharing his faith Do you believe that there is money out there waiting for
to his students.  But one day, his youngest child acquired you?  And do you believe that it’s just a matter of hooking up
a severe illness that needed expensive medical care, yourself to the right opportunity?
something he couldn’t afford with his current pay.  Forced to By the way, this is not the prosperity gospel that I’m
look for a more profitable income, he asked himself what he preaching, but a practical gospel.  I believe that God has
had that others needed.  One day, it just clicked in his brain: provided enough for our needs and more than enough to be
he’s a great teacher, but this time, he can teach professionals. generous if we open ourselves to that provision and work.
Today, my friend is an in-demand speaker at human When you need more, don’t zero in on what you don’t
resource seminars, giving self-development courses for have. Be positive. Open your eyes to see the opportunities.
executives to rank-and-file employees all over the country.  Open your heart to God’s miracles.

26 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


Have an abundance mindset. a prayer meeting, she now drove a brand-new
car.  Ironically, she stopped attending the prayer meeting
Work on Your Soul First — And Later on, Your Money because she said she became too busy with her “new”
But remember: If your spiritual and emotional life can’t life.
handle the financial blessing, it will destroy you.  Because   But two short years later, we were shocked to hear
your spiritual and emotional life is the basis for your that Sally sold her car as all the money she had was now
financial life.  gone. Soon, Sally went back to begging for transportation
Why? I believe a healthy spiritual and emotional life money so that she could attend our prayer meetings
will make you faithful, loyal, humble, loving, honest and again.
responsible — stuff you need for earning and managing Such a sad story. What happened?
your money.  Sally’s spiritual and emotional life wasn’t ready for
Let me tell you a story about my friend Sally (you the amount of money she received.
know this isn’t her real name).  For years, Sally was  I urge you: Work on your soul first.
struggling financially.  Because she couldn’t keep a stable Believe in your worth.
job.  I remember she even had to borrow money from me Make yourself more valuable.
to attend our prayer meetings. Anchor your drive for wealth to your passion and
 One day, Sally’s father was killed in an accident at service to others.
work and his company was partly at fault.  The company Work on these essential matters first — and later on —
was afraid of being sued so they gave my friend’s family your wallet.
millions in an out-of-court settlement.
 Sally was now awash with a sea of money!  From E-mail Bo at bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com.
someone who had no transportation money to attend

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 27


Special Section
Testimonial

(L-R): Maves, Nica, Randy and Ruth during the


2016 Asean Real Estate Network Alliance.

Building Houses,
Building Success
T
ogether let’s conspire and inspire to make our dreams come true for the glory
of God.”
I live by this principle. As I grow more in my finances and knowledge, I
realize that God opens opportunities for us to prosper.

Humble Beginnings
I used to live in a squatters’ area beside creeks where six people tried to fit
in a 20-square-meter “house.” Because our location was prone to flooding,
we transferred from one house to another more than 15 times in a span of
20 years.
By Maves Angeles
When I got married, my husband and his brother inherited a property which could be
used for development. During those times, I earned money by buying and selling properties
of other people. But I didn’t want to interfere with their land discussion because I was afraid
of what other people would say. We were also facing financial challenges. We didn’t have
sufficient cash because we spent nearly P1 million for taxes alone, plus all the expenses for
paying debts, illegal settlers who lived in the area, and incidental legal procedures.
Eventually, I decided to give them a helping hand out of love. I came up with a good
business plan where we could maximize their property — building and selling townhouses.
I am neither an engineer nor an architect, but eventually, we established our name in the
industry by successfully building and selling townhouses. Indeed, God opens opportunities for
our prosperity.
But I knew I had to grow more.

28 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


Finding Mentors and Partners waterfalls and beach. The more we go out together, the more
In a Truly Rich Club Wealth Summit, I heard Rampver we admire each other. We become more amazed at how we
Financials owner Rex Mendoza said that he invested in several want to make things happen in the real estate world. When
businesses. He is into apparel, watches, real estates, events I am with them, I am reminded of this Bible verse: “Do not
place and many more. One thing that caught my attention was withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in
when he remarked, “I do not invest on business. I invest on your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).
people.” Everybody is generous most especially our mentor,
Randy Manaloto, founder of Citydorms and a real estate Randy. He is generous in sharing his experiences, long-term
expert who owns hundreds of rental apartment units in Makati, goals for business, and making the company grow to achieve
shared his criteria for business partnerships: its highest potential.
1. Integrity CentroMavens will soon finish the construction of
2. Skill set its first real estate venture in Makati, a real estate project
3. Chemistry in working relationship where you can earn passive income while learning rental
apartment and hotel operations.
He used this formula in his WOFEX business, the biggest And it all started when I stepped out of my comfort zone
World Food Expo in our country today. They used the same and embraced the opportunites and skills that God blessed
formula to get a listed British company as their international me with.
partner.
Today, Randy Manaloto partners with me, Ruth Ang, and
Nica Masilang in our business called CentroMavens. We formed
CentroMavens Corporation with the mission to develop real
estate investment where real estate investors can learn and
earn passive income.
Allow me to describe our two-year-old company based on
Randy’s criteria.

1. Integrity
We are one with Truly Rich Club founder Bo Sanchez’s
financial literacy mission. My partners and I have known each
other for a long time now through the Platinum Wealth Circle.
We travel together attending the Superconference every year
as speakers and facilitators. We all have our own thriving
businesses in real estate. Most of all, we all have our own way
of serving the Lord.

2. Skill set
Ruth Ang’s expertise is in managing dormitories. Nica Masilang
Maves enjoys working with her team. More than being
is into bedspacing and I am into brokering, buying, building business partners, they are friends.
and selling townhouses.
Today, we are all licensed brokers. Janica and I are Licensed
Appraisers, not to mention Janica ranked top seven in
the Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination.
We continue to attend different real estate
seminars and conferences locally and abroad to
develop our skills.

3. Chemistry in Working Relationships


Ruth Ang focuses in management details. Janica is
our IT expert. Randy is in construction and I am in
charge of marketing. We respect each other’s decision
when it comes to our expertise. Randy plays the big
role in resolving the disagreement. He has the final
say.

Building Success Together


I look forward to more projects with my group.
Recently, we had our mid-year business planning.
Partners to success together (L-R): Randy, Ruth, Maves and Nica.)
We enjoyed the beauty of nature in the mountains,

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 29


Special Section

How to Death-Proof
Your Wealth
By Bo Sanchez

30 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


s a financial mentor, I teach people to Giving Will Change You
invest in my favorite investment vehicle When God created you, He created you
on Planet Earth — the stock market. I to give. He built you to give. Every cell
teach a simple strategy whereby you in your body was designed by God to
invest small amounts every month give. If you don’t give, you malfunction.
for 20 years or more, buying only If you don’t give, you warp your very
gigantic companies, and in the end, existence. (Here’s an experiment to
you become a multimillionaire. prove my point. I want you to inhale,
So far, thousands are and you can inhale as many times as
following my simple strategy you want. But for just five minutes,
and are becoming financially don’t exhale. By the way, just in case
free. something happens, see you in
But I must tell you, as heaven.)
much as the stock You’re made to give. You don’t
market is fantastic, give to get; you give because you were
it isn’t the greatest designed by God to give. But even if you
investment in don’t give to get, you’ll end up getting.
the universe. I believe the greatest Because God has written in the very
investment you can ever make is giving DNA of this universe the unbreakable
to God. Law of Reciprocity. That means what
Why? Because your giving will last you give, you receive. What you sow,
forever. It makes money death-proof. you reap. What you plant, you harvest.
Jesus said, “Don’t hoard treasure down And you receive it multiplied. You plant
here where it gets eaten by moths and one mango seed, you don’t get one
corroded by rust or — worse! — stolen by mango fruit — you get thousands of
burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, mango fruits.
where it’s safe from moth and rust and I’ve been tithing ever since I was
burglars” (Matthew 6:19, The Message). a 12-year-old kid. I used to receive P25
I’m intrigued by the words used for my weekly baon (allowance), and
in this version of the Bible: “stockpile each week, I’d give P2.50 at our prayer
treasure in heaven.” It’s as though you meeting.
have a bank account in heaven. And As a kid, I didn’t understand how
when you give to God, you’re depositing my P2.50 would help our prayer
to that heavenly bank account. In our meeting. Will it buy one guitar string?
bank accounts on Planet Earth, we earn But later, I realized something that
less than one percent. But I can assure changed my thinking about giving:
you, the interest rates in heaven are out When you give, the receiver gets
of this world. I wonder, is it one million blessed, yes, but the giver gets blessed
percent? One trillion percent? One zillion even more.
percent? Through my almost 40 years of
Truth is, the only money you keep is tithing, God has blessed me financially
the money you give away. beyond my wildest dreams.
But you’re probably asking, “Bo, I read about Robert LeTourneau, a
when I die, I won’t need money!” That’s successful entrepreneur and inventor.
true. When you give to God, a currency He has over 300 inventions to his
exchange takes place. When you give, name. Because he was a God-follower,
you convert earthly wealth to heavenly he always tithed or gave 10 percent of
wealth. his income. But as more money flowed
Here’s a big point I want to make: back to him, he kept increasing his
When you tithe, you’re not just giving giving. He reached a point when he was
money. You’re giving yourself to God. giving 90 percent of his income to God.
So you, as the offering, change. Giving When someone asked him why he was
will change you. (You become death- getting richer despite giving so much
proof.) away, he explained (and I love this
And that’s the greatest blessing of all. quote): “I shovel out the money, and God

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 31


shovels it back — but God has a bigger We never asked the kids where
shovel.” they wanted to eat. And we told them
Next, you’ll learn one of the best what to order. When our son asked,
benefits of giving. “Mom, may I get the double burger with
bacon and cheese?” my wife would
When You Give, You Receive say, “Son, you don’t like that. Order
Spiritual Healing the single burger without bacon and
Financial blessings are a tiny blessing cheese.”
compared to the spiritual blessings you But we were soooooo happy. Not
receive from giving. I really believe that once did my son complain, “Can we eat
the biggest blessing of giving is change. in an expensive restaurant?” Or, “May
Giving will change you. I order the more expensive item?” We
When you give, you heal yourself were just happy being together as a
of two “terminal” spiritual diseases. family.
These are deadly sicknesses that will Today, things are different. We have
ultimately steal your true happiness a little bit more money now. I can now
and real prosperity. afford to bring my family to eat in any
restaurant my kids want — and they can
1. The Sickness of Materialism order anything in the menu. No more
A lot of people believe in this formula: restrictions.
More Money = More Happiness. So everyone will presume we’re
But this is not the experience of happier, right? Not true. We’re as happy
many who accumulate more and today as we were 10 years ago. Why
more money. They experience the not happier? Because eating out is a
exact opposite: More Money = Less bit more complicated today. It’s more
Happiness. difficult to choose where to eat. Why?
One day, a wealthy woman who Our standards have gone up. Our tastes
built a real estate empire cried to me. are now more cultured. Our wants are
“Bo, when life was much simpler, my more discerning. Because now, I hear
family was happy. Our family was my kids say things like, “I think I’m in
always together. My kids talked to each the mood for Italian today.”
other. But now that we have everything, Mood? I never heard of that 10
houses and cars, I’m losing my family. years ago. Then, all I heard was, “I’m
My kids are fighting each other. What hungry!” and they ate almost anything
went wrong?” you put in front of them.
I told her, “It’s not money that made My point? More money doesn’t
you less happy. It’s materialism.” make you happier. More love does!
Materialism is when you make More kindness, more compassion,
money the center of your life. Above more care does. At the end of the day,
relationships. Above family. Above love. it’s love. It’s always been love.
Above God. Materialism is a cancer of Let me share you God’s formula: boy. Which meant that sharing was not
the soul. It kills your joy. It kills your More Giving = More Happiness. good; it was dangerous.
family. It kills your relationship with Because the only antidote to When I had my favorite bag of
God. materialism is giving. chips, I didn’t want to share. I wanted
It’s not money. I know of a lot of Yes, be the best in your career and to hide in the closet and munch it all by
people who are very rich and very business and earn as much as you myself.
happy. Why? Because they are not can. But don’t stop there. Earn to give. But because “sharing is good,” I had
afflicted with materialism. Their Because giving will change you. no choice. I counted 25 chips inside
happiness doesn’t come from money. It Here’s the second sickness that my bag. I figured if each of my wicked
comes from love. giving heals… sisters would get two chips each, that
Let me give you an example. will leave me with 15 chips.
Many years ago, when I was still 2. The Sickness of Scarcity But do you think my sisters would
building up my businesses and had When I was a kid, my mom drilled into be happy with two chips each? Of
very little money, I would try my best me that “sharing is good.” I heard that course not. They were bullies. So when
to take my family out for a meal, but line 300 times a day. I complained, “You already got two
we would always eat in the cheapest The problem was I was the chips!” they’ll ask with their pouty lips,
fastfood joints. youngest of six kids — and the only “Two more, pleeeeeeeease?”

32 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


goal? Because I want to give insane
amounts to God’s work. It’s my
insane giving that fuels my desire
to earn more. Every year, I search
for ways to earn more so that I can
give more.
Earn for a purpose. Earn to
give! Because giving will change
you.

God Prospers Those Who Give


Their Firstfruits
The Bible says, “Honor the Lord
with your wealth and with the
firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled
with plenty, and your vats will be
bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:9-
10, ESV).
What does firstfruits mean?
When farmers harvest their
crops, they offer to God the first
batch of crops. Why? To thank
Him. Because they want to
proclaim to the universe that the
entire harvest was given by God.
Sometimes, we do the
opposite.
We don’t give God our
firstfruits, we give to God our
lastfruits. Leftovers. When we
receive our salary, we spend on
our needs first, and then if there’s
something left, we give the leftover
to God. I encourage you, when you
receive your salary, withdraw your
tithe, put it in an envelope, and
bring it to the spiritual community
that supports your spiritual life.
Give your tithe first — and see how
So there were days when I ended give me an entire bag of chips and tell He multiplies what is left to cover
up with two chips! Looking back, the me to go away.) Scarcity thinking makes your needs.
reason I felt bad was I saw my entire people selfish.
wealth limited to one bag of chips. I was If you tithe regularly, you’re Give Your Life to God
afflicted with scarcity thinking. I didn’t retraining your mind from a scarcity By the way, I’m not only talking about
understand that there were other bags mindset to an abundance mindset. money. I’m talking about giving your
of chips in the universe. When you give regularly, you’re telling life to God.
So here’s what happened: My yourself, “My wealth isn’t limited to Money is a symbol of value. When
sisters had suitors, and they started what I’m holding now. I’m swimming in you give money, you’re telling God, “I’m
giving them all sorts of presents. an ocean of wealth!” giving all that is important to me.”
Usually food. Usually, junk food. And Every year, I write down on my Today, I invite you to give yourself
guess who got the chips? copy of Novena to God’s Love (a tiny totally to Jesus.
All of a sudden, my sisters became prayer booklet we give away to all first- Let Him be the Center and Lord of
very kind to their little brother. (I had timers at The Feast, our weekly spiritual your life.
a simple strategy. Whenever a suitor gathering) a financial goal that is insane.
was around, I’d just sit there and watch Unthinkable. Excerpt from Bo Sanchez’s book, How Good
them. To get rid of me, my sister would Why do I have an insane financial People Like You Can Become Rich. Available
at www.kerygmabooks.com.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 33


I
Special Section
Testimonial

Millionaires in Heaven By Michael and Melchie Ortiz

34 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


I
t was early 2012 when my boyfriend and I were moved by the my husband’s turn to be promoted — a
Holy Spirit to heed the call after listening to The Feast talk on few months before I gave birth to our
tithing. We knew about tithing even in our old community but it second child.
was a taboo topic that we always tried to avoid. Things were doing good before
After that powerful talk of J Yogawin, one of the builders in we learned to give back to God; they
Feast Alabang, we decided to start tithing. I keep all the funds became great when we became faithful
and maintain a record in Excel where all our income, tithes and in our giving. We had been working
expenses are recorded. All sources of funds have a share in our hard for almost 10 years only to earn a
tithing sheet, no matter how small or big it may be. little extra for ourselves. But when we
In June 2016, after four years of diligent tithing, our record started to tithe, blessings flooded in.
showed that we have already deposited a million-peso worth We did not win the lottery, receive an
of treasures in heaven! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know how early retirement package, or receive an
we could have done it. I’m sure that our monthly salary couldn’t inheritance from our parents (thank
support that but I can’t argue with figures and have no choice God both our parents are healthy). So
but to obey my Excel file when it says there is still so much that the real deal is the presence of God’s
we can give to our tithing pot. instruments to help us achieve what
But there must be something surprising about giving. we want plus the powerful anointing of
ease, which allows us to breeze through
A Difficult Investment the road of abundance.
Tithing wasn’t easy at first because we started when we were After four years of faithful tithing,
preparing for our wedding. (We got married June 2012.) It we now have our own house, a brand-
became more difficult after we got married and left the comforts new car (we got used to with one),
of our parents’ homes. We then realized how expensive it was a lucrative stock portfolio, three life
to live on our own, making our tithing more difficult. There were insurances, sizeable savings in the
times when I wanted to cheat on our tithes but my conscience bank, a growing (registered) solar panel
would get in the way. I knew in my heart that I couldn’t cheat installation business and the best
God. I remember one instance when I was about to tithe from gift of two wonderful kids! Through
our cash wedding gifts, I told myself I could have asked for gifts our income, we are able to give jobs
in kind instead so I wouldn’t need to deduct from them. Those to people. We have two permanent
moments made me guilty and ashamed of myself but those helpers at home and eight part-
also kept me going because God reassured me that it’s OK to feel timers whenever we have solar panel
that way. I was tempted to cheat because it was already painful installations.
and this is how we should give — until it hurts. And because of God’s unstoppable
Finally, we got used to it. We learned how to live within 70 revelation of generosity, we decided to
to 75 percent of our income and give 10 percent of our gross give 20 percent tithes and 10 percent
income (before tax). That means having to sell my husband’s charity funds from our business
car since his was older, so we would only maintain one car. income.
Believe me, it was a difficult decision for my husband. I had to
present a strong case that it was too expensive to maintain two Accumulating Eternal Wealth
cars and we should live with only one. It was a lifestyle that we God is true to His promise that He
must keep especially since we didn’t have our own house yet. cannot be outdone in generosity. The
It was not as if we lived in scarcity, but it was the adjustment Book of Malachi dared us to test God on
that was challenging. We lived a carefree life when we were tithing. We never intended to actually
single. Suddenly, we became conscious of our spending to test Him; we just thought that tithing
prepare for our future family even while tithing. was an overdue thing for us as long-
time servants of God. We needed to
Return on Investment give back what is due to Him. Yet, God
While it was difficult, we can say that tithing was one of the best still proved Himself to us.
investments we made as we started to build our own family. It is with so much joy and pride that
Blessings would come before we would need it. our investment in heaven doesn’t only
In 2013, I moved to a new position and office nearer to our give us significant dividends here on
place just before I gave birth to our first child. I rejoiced not only earth but an assurance that we will reap
for the increase in salary but also because nothing beats the a better future that goes beyond our
gift of proximity, especially for a first-time mom. In 2015, it was lifetime.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 35


Join Me in a
“Receive Your Miracle”
10-Day Pilgrimage
to the Holy Land
February 10 to 20, 2017
Special Bonus:
You’ll Also Join a Feast
Right in the Old City of Jerusalem!

 
Hi!
I know a lot of people who travel often. 
I know a lot of people who take lots of holidays and vacations in different parts of the world — Hong Kong, Bangkok, US,
Europe — but they never consider taking a holy pilgrimage to Israel.
Friend, why not take a trip to the Holy Land and experience profound spiritual blessing?
  I’m leading a holy pilgrimage to Israel on February 10, 2017.
  And I’d love you to join me. 
  You can walk where Jesus walked. 
  We’ll go to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Galilee, where Jesus preached Calvary where Jesus was crucified — and so many
other incredible places. 
  The first time I was in Israel was when I was 16 years old.
Since then, I’ve gone back over and over again.
  It’s always a joy to see the actual places that you read in the Bible.  It’s like the Bible coming alive — in technicolor — before
your eyes.
  I’ll be bringing with me a friend priest. 
He’ll celebrate Mass with us every day. 
I’ll also be bringing with me my fellow leaders.
It’ll be a ball!
We’ll have lots of fun, I can assure you.
Even now, I’m praying for all those who’ll go with me (I call them pilgrims). May God give my pilgrims a deeper spiritual
connection!
May the Lord inspire my pilgrims to new directions in their life. May my pilgrims discover their mission and embrace it more
fully, through this pilgrimage.
  I see a pilgrimage as a long holy retreat. 
Except that instead of staying in one place, we’re constantly moving. We’re moving towards God.
If you want to join me and be my pilgrim, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now. Once the details of
the pilgrimage are set, we’ll e-mail the details to you.
  See you soon!

May your dreams come true,

 
Bo Sanchez
 
PS.  Muslims go to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.  I think Christians can take a pilgrimage once in their lifetime too.  I’m personally
inviting you to join me to Israel on February 10, 2017.  For details, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now.

PS2. Why Do I Call It “Receive Your Miracle” Pilgrimage? Because that’s my earnest prayer for you. That as you seek God in the
Pilgrimage, your heart will open wider to receive His great miracle for your life. For details, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@
gmail.com now.

36 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016


K-techism

I
n his constant invitation to be “merciful like the
Father,” Pope Francis declared the period of

Revisiting
December 8, 2015, Solemnity of the Immaculate
Concepcion to November 20, 2016, Solemnity of
Christ the King, as the Extraordinary Jubilee Year
of Mercy. Pope Francis assigned certain churches as
“Holy Doors” where the faithful can pass through and

the Holy
receive plenary indulgence.
Let’s take a deeper look at the catechism behind
plenary indulgences.

Double Consequences
The Church teaches us that sins have “double
consequences.” The Catechism of the Catholic

Doors
Church (CCC) explains, “Grave sin deprives us of
communion with God and therefore makes us
incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is
called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin. On the other
hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy
attachment to creatures, which must be purified
either here on earth, or after death in the state called
Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is
called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin” (1472).
This is where the grace of plenary indulgence
comes in. Plenary indulgence refers to the full
pardoning of all temporal (earthly) punishments
for our sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation
(Confession), on other hand, remits the eternal
punishments of our sins.

Indulgence Explained
The CCC states that, “An indulgence is a remission
before God of the temporal punishment due to sins
whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the
faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under
certain prescribed conditions through the action of
the Church which, as the minister of redemption,
dispenses and applies with authority the treasury
of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. An
indulgence is partial or plenary... as it removes either
part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The
faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply
them to the dead” (CCC 1471).
Aside from passing through the Holy Doors, one
must confess, receive the Eucharist, and pray for
the Pope’s intentions to receive indulgence. Plenary
indulgence can be gained once a day.

Continuing Call
On November 20, 2016, all Holy Doors will be closed,
and it may take another 25 years before they will be
opened again. Let’s avail the special grace that this
season offers.
By Maymay R. Salvosa Check out https://catholicpilgrimagesites.
wordpress.com/holy-doors-of-mercy/philippines-
holy-doors/ for the list of Holy Doors in the
Philippines.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 37


Wealth & Wisdom

Behavioral
Tips on Behavioral
Economics
Economics
Tips for for
Your
Your
Holiday Shopping

I
t’s November and of enumerating the usual holiday shopping tips, I’ll share with
Christmas is just you tips that I gathered from different Behavioral Economics
around the corner. (B.E.) principles. Behavioral Economics is a field of study that
With the longest highlights the effects of psychological, social and emotional
Christmas season aspects in the actual consumer behavior as opposed to
in the world, Filipinos Traditional Economics, which assumes that the consumer is
would probably rank on always rational. Here they are:
top if we plot spending
as a function of income 1. Have a shopping plan. Treat it like a mission with
during this time of the time, strategy and end goal all listed down. Choose your
year. What more, Pinoys shopping venue well to avoid driving from one place to
have long Christmas gift another. Time is a valuable resource.
lists that could rival that 2. Sleep well, eat well. Have a restful sleep at night then
By Rose Fres Fausto of Santa’s! have a good breakfast at a strategic time (not too early
I’m sure you’ve heard of so as not to be hungry after only an hour of shopping).
the usual holiday shopping tips such as: It’s been established in B.E. studies that we tend to make
1. Make a list. irrational decisions when we’re in a “depleted state” (i.e.,
2. Group the recipients and have a budget for each hungry, angry, etc.)
group. 3. Leave the credit card. If you’re not yet disciplined with
3. Start shopping early. the use of your mighty plastic, don’t bring it. The pain
4. Go to Divisoria and enjoy great discounts. of paying is more intense when departing with cash
5. Better yet, give something that you can make. compared to signing those charge slips. What more,
shopping with cash automatically puts a stop when the
Of course, the above are still very useful and I cash supply runs out. But if you want to bring your credit
hope you can do them. I even suggest that your list card just as a “security blanket,” agree on a trigger with
be in an Excel file which you can update every year. your spouse or FQ Buddy, similar to a password that
This way, you have a record of what you have given should be activated by both of you before you can start
the recipient year after year. It would really be nice if using it. I’ll leave that up to your creativity.
you have the luxury of time to make your own gifts, 4. Self-affirmations before shopping. B.E. studies show
shop early, or have the energy to go to Divisoria. that when we remind ourselves of our positive traits
However, the reality is that a lot of us end up before we go shopping, we tend to shop less. Friend, this is
squeezing our Christmas shopping in our busy the very basis of retail therapy. Someone who feels terrible
schedules. We go beyond our budget due to lack would need more stuff to feel better about herself. The
of planning, time and the proper disposition problem with this is that it seems to be the opposite of
conducive to making rational decisions. So instead the meaning of the word therapy (treatment). At best, it’s
continued on page 40...
38 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016
Health & Home

May, pls copy my edited version of this fr


Stress and Disease Connection
his book

M
arjorie, a 48-year-old Here’s a powerful equation I learned from
government executive, motivational speaker and author Jack Canfield
is separated from her that we can apply to our health:
husband and has a
strained relationship E+R=O
with her only son. She’s burned out at E stands for Events
work and was recently diagnosed with R stands for Response
breast cancer. She had a masectomy and O stands for Outcome
now feels afraid of her future. She’s at the
lowest point of her life. Events happen spontaneously and we
During our sessions, I asked her to don’t have control of them all the time.
listen to what the events of her life could Response is our reaction, emotion or action
be telling her. Desperate to get well, she towards any event.
changed her lifestyle, upgraded her Outcome is the direct result of events and By Dr. Didoy Lubaton
nutrition and slept more. our actions towards them.
She made peace with her husband Your health is an outcome. If you do not like
and now takes her son out on weekly the current state of your health, don’t blame it on the stress (event). Rather, deal
dates. She surrounded herself with with the stress differently (response) so you can have the outcome you desire.
positive and happy friendships. She For example, we could be surrounded with different stresses at work, like:
also reconnected with God by going to • Pressure to meet quotas
confession and attending Mass regularly • Cluttered work environment
again. She joined the weekly Feasts, too. • Toxic people at work.
She’s still in the process of recovery, But we can choose to react positively to it. We can:
but the healing process is powerful and • Have a “can-do” and “it’s OK” attitude
beautiful. She said that if not for her • Clean up our workspace and files
current situation, she wouldn’t have • Surround ourself with meaningful relationships.
recognized how toxic her life was and By doing this, we influence our stress response to turn into a relaxation
she may not have done any significant response. We are mindful of the stress and manage the stress first in our mind.
action to change her life. Her sickness And what our mind commands, our body will follow.
has become her biggest blessing. Let’s take a pause. Look into your health and life now.
She has regained control of her life Are you in toxic stress?
and is slowly regaining wholeness of What areas in your life do you need to check up on?
health. What action steps do you need to do now to restore balance in your life?

Excerpt from Dr. Didoy’s book, Don’t Let Them Lose You — How to Take Care of Your Health So You
Can Take Care of Others. Available at www.kerygmabooks.com. For health mentoring, e-mail Didoy at
wholenessinyou@gmail.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 39
continued from page 38...
palliative. But of course, retailers don’t want to use that word. you purchased together with their prices and
5. Dress up well. We always hear the advice to shop in comfy tick off the items done. It will give you a sense of
clothes but please don’t overdo it. You still have to look good accomplishment. If you’re not yet done, plan your
(comfortably so). Why? Salespeople are only human and they next trip and follow the 10 items all over again.
have a tendency to treat well-dressed customers well, and do
the opposite to those who are not. I know a story of someone Holiday gift-giving can be a source of stress.
who was not treated well by the saleslady because she Billions of hard-earned cash seem to be put in
wasn’t properly dressed. To show her financial capability, she oftentimes “useless” gifts that we both give and
exaggerated her purchases on that day. We see two irrational receive. This is why some have made a stand to
behaviors at work here. Unfortunately, the cost was carried boycott the Christmas gift-giving frenzy. But if you
by the customer. feel that it’s a tradition worth continuing, just do your
6. Schedule a break. Hungry stomachs and tired feet make best to enjoy it. Remember, Christmas gift-giving is not
irrational decisions. an “economic exercise.” It’s not all about the utility of
7. Shop alone. We are affected by our companion such that the gifts. It’s a “social exercise.” We belong to a society
when she starts buying stuff that’s not within our budget, that observes certain norms of behavior. It’s a cliché
we might do the same. There’s also pressure to make the because it’s true: In the end, it’s really the thought that
purchase right away if someone’s waiting for us. counts.
8. Stick to the plan. Detours will most probably increase your
purchases, or at the very least, waste your time. FQ Tip: Check your FQ Score. Take the short test on
9. Buy the less expensive items first. There is a B.E. principle http://tinyurl.com/FQTest
called anchoring, which is the human tendency to use the
number first suggested to us as a basis or anchor. So if we’ve Rose Fres Fausto is an investment banker turned full-time homemaker
and now a writer and speaker. She wrote two books, Raising Pinoy
already made a big-ticket purchase at the start, chances are, it Boys and The Retelling of The Richest Man in Babylon (English
would be easier for us to purchase higher-priced goods after. and Filipino versions). She’s also a behavioral economist and Gallup-
10. Record your purchases. Once you get home or as soon Certified Strengths Coach. Follow her on Facebook and You Tube as
as practicable, update your Excel file and input the items FQ Mom, and on IG and Twitter as theFQMom. For questions, e-mail
Rose@FQMom.com or FQMomm@gmail.com. 

Ultimately, it all comes down to love.


The collection of personal stories and reflections in this book, Taken by Love, traces
the author’s experiences of encountering the immense love of God — from her
conversion to her entry into the renewal; her life of discipleship in community
and on mission; and her experience of God’s love even amidst sickness.

This book speaks of amazing miracles and numerous blessings the author received
from God. The stories relate how God leads His Beloved in this wonderful
pilgrimage of life from a once rebellious youth to a missionary in China.

Finalist in the
Inspirational category,
2016 Cardinal Sin
Catholic Book Awards

For orders, call 725-9999 local 101 to 108


or log on to www.kerygmabooks.com

PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Seasons

Love? Ano ‘yun? Nakakain ba ‘yun!?

L
ove, courtship and relationships have. How can you expect to love others if
are some of the most puzzling and you cannot even love yourself? You can only
confusing topics that haunt teens accept, understand, forgive and love others
right now — just like the enigma as much as you accept, understand, forgive
surrounding the mystery girl for and love yourself. Start with yourself.
whom Jacob Sartorious wrote Sweatshirt
and why “Papa” Marlou is so full of 2. Be confident in who God says you are
himself. Young people ask each other beloved. “This is my Beloved Son, in whom
questions like, “Is love really like a rosary, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is
full of mysteries?” “When is the right what God the Father said about who Jesus
time to get into a relationship?” “How do was, which, in turn, made Jesus confident
I know when I’m ready for it or not?” But in His identity. It allowed Him to overcome
the ultimate question still remains: What temptations in the desert, perform miracles
is love? Will it really keep us alive? (I’m publicly, and form His first core team of
not even sure if you still know that song. disciples. Well, guess what? You are His
Gosh, I’m getting old!) Let me try and beloved as well. You don’t need to beg By Niko Capucion
answer these questions. for anyone’s approval and earn anyone’s
affirmation.
Love is more than just what you feel.
It is, most importantly, a decision. It’s 3. Find God’s love in every season of your life. “The Lord is close to the
a choice you make in spite of all the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:19). In anything and in everything, God’s plan is
imperfections of the other person. It’s a consistent. It is to turn us into people capable of giving the same love, grace and
decision to go beyond what we feel to mercy as He does. It happens slowly the more we receive His love and give the
give the love that people need. same love to others. At any given moment, God loves us and loves through us.
As we encounter Him in a deeper way, we see that God’s love is everything that
Get ready to love. we’ll ever need.
Before picking which among the best
#breezy and #hokage moves you’ve seen The Ultimate #HokageMove
online that you’ll use to express your love, Are you ready for the ultimate secret weapon? This really blew my mind. It truly is
consider these three moves I’ve learned the ultimate relationship hack I’ve learned: to truly love is to love beyond what you
from the master #hokage Himself, Jesus feel and what you need. Let God take care of your needs. Let God be your comfort,
Christ. acceptance, understanding and forgiveness so that you can become God’s love to
the people around you.
1. Love yourself enough. “Love your It works for me! I’m getting married to my bestfriend soon!
neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
You cannot give what you do not Niko Capucion is the current Youth Ministry Head and Campus Life Head of Feast Alabang District. Aside
from leading worship in Feast Bellevue, he is also a singer, songwriter and a resource speaker. Drop him a
message at stefannikolai@yahoo.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 41
You’re Weird and You Know It.
So many people today don’t like themselves.
They’re ashamed of many parts of their life. And they’re actually very nasty to themselves.
They neglect their own needs. They’re addicted to toxic stress every day (which is slow
suicide). They don’t respect their limits, and they stay forever in poisonous relationships.

In this life-changing book, bestselling author and spiritual leader Bo Sanchez offers
the solution: Give yourself permission to be you. Embrace your past, your pains, your
personality, and your purpose. Through this book, you’ll learn to relax more, love yourself
more, and find your place in the world.

www.kerygmabooks.com
www.kerygmabooks.com
Catholic Soul

Church of the Poor

W
hat is the Church of the for all the people (universal) and above all, as the
Poor? Pope St. John XXIII Church of the Poor.”
first used the term in his Since the earliest times, the Church has
inaugural address to the always had a preferential treatment for the poor,
assemblage of bishops consistent with the Sacred Scriptures from the
at the opening of the Second Vatican Old Testament to the New, prevalent all over the
Council. Among his concerns was for Bible. The Law of Moses decreed aiding the poor
the Council to shed light on the social (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy
conditions of the times. It was the 15:7-9). Almsgiving was extolled. Social injustice
height of the Cold War and the major and neglect of the poor were condemned. Isaiah,
superpowers — the United States of Jeremiah and Ezekiel compared Judah to Sodom
America (USA) and the Union of Soviet and Gomorrah for their indifference and neglect.
Socialist Republics (USSR) — used In biblical context, the poor were the anawim, the
undeveloped countries as allies and needy, oppressed, vulnerable, the lowly in social By Edgardo de Vera
pawns to advance their political agenda stature who were unjustly oppressed in all life’s
at the expense of human rights and aspects, whose only recourse was total dependence on Divine Providence.
impoverishment of people. Christ’s first teaching at the Sermon on the Mount defined the anawim:
Addressing social conditions in “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” and gave
the Gospel context has always been it a new dimension: membership in His Kingdom — the Church — which
alongside the Apostolic preaching means embracing spiritual poverty. In His preaching and parables such as
throughout two millennia: almsgiving, the prodigal son, the dishonest steward, the rich man and Lazarus, He warned
care for widows, orphans, poor and of the dangers riches could bring. In the Church’s social teaching, nobody is
infirmed. They are one with the rich before God; man is simply a steward of wealth in this transient material
marginalized and less privileged. The world, owning nothing in this life. Wealth in temporal life is measured in three
beloved Pope spoke of social justice categories: time, talent and treasure. These riches are generously shared with
echoing the crux of his predecessors’ the disenfranchised society in the Church of the Poor.
encyclicals — Leo XIII in Rerum Pope St. John Paul stressed that, “The Church is firmly committed to their
Novarum and Pius XI in Quadregesimo cause, for She considers it Her mission, her service, a proof of fidelity to Christ
Anno, and the Church’s missionary so She can be a Church of the Poor.” He preached that everyone is a gift to one’s
thrust. St. John XXIII remarked, “The neighbor, thus, “Our freedom has a relational dimension; we find fulfillment
Council ought to contribute or help through the gift of self to others.” This is really what comprises the single,
in the diffusion of the social and twofold commandment of love for God and neighbor.
communitarian which is immanent, The Church is a community of the anawim where the wealthy cannot think
inherent to authentic Christianity in of being self-sufficient or the poor hopelessly deficient. Both need each other:
its entirety: only in the manner can The poor need the rich in this life and the rich need the poor in the next.
the Church present Herself as the poor
E-mail Ed at catholicsoul@gmail.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 43
A FinAnciAl Revolution is HAppening —
Don’t Be leFt BeHinD!
For 18 years, bestselling author and spiritual leader Bo Sanchez has taken on a
controversial journey that has gained him a few enemies. He helps good people
become rich. Some religious critics have called him nasty names for his work.
But this work has freed thousands of people trapped in poverty, debt, greed and
misery. They’re now enjoying financial freedom, generosity
and abundance.

Join him in this exciting journey. Join the financial revolution that’s taking place right
now. Read his newest book, How Good People Like You Can Become Rich, and learn
how you can earn more. Follow these liberating principles and change your financial
destiny — and the destinies of the people you love. Make it happen!

PUBLICATIONS, INC.
www.kerygmabooks.com
K Preacher

What Would Jesus Do?


“So in everything, do to others what you woman walked to the next vehicle and passed
would have them do to you, for this sums by the man in his bike and cart.
up the Law and the Prophets” The woman didn’t even bother to beg from
– Matthew 7:12 the guy for some change. But to my surprise,

O
the man emptied his pockets and handed it to
ne day, my wife and I were the woman. What surprised me more was the
driving along Marcos Highway big smile on the man’s face. He looked as if life
going to SM Masinag. We was so easy and he had an unlimited supply of
stopped at a red light where money that he decided to give everything he
the road inclined upwards. I had with all his heart to someone who didn’t
noticed a man slowly pushing his bike even ask him for help.
and cart filled with kalakal (scrap metal, I felt like someone had slapped my face in
old newspapers and used bottles) shame. I had coins to spare but didn’t give, while
beside our vehicle. The man wore this man, bathing in his sweat and pushing with By Monching Bueno
his shirt around his head because of all his might to make ends meet, gave all he had
the extreme heat. Instead of pedaling to someone who needed it more. I wanted to
his trike, he painstakingly pushed his jump out of my car to have a selfie with the guy
heavy load up the slope. I stared at his and give him all the cash in my wallet but cars behind me honked to signal the
calf muscles as he pushed with all his green light.
strength. I felt sorry for the guy thinking Pope Francis challenged us to move out of our comfort zones and act.
he had to bring his precious cargo so I imagined myself in front of Jesus with that man pushing his bike and cart.
he could put food on the table for his Who would Jesus say loved and served Him more? Me, a preacher, or this man
family. who may or may not even believe in Jesus?
At the same intersection, a This was a wakeup call for me. I thought what I did was right, but at that
woman carrying her almost naked point, I’d rather be loving, kind and generous than be righteous.
baby knocked at our window begging There are a lot of people who suffer and need our love and generosity.
for coins. I usually give some change Giving should never have boundaries. Helping can never be measured. There
to beggars but, at that moment, I are no small or big gestures, no small or big amounts, no small or big words
remembered people telling me not to when it comes to giving.
do so to discourage vagrants off the At the end of the day, ask yourself, have you eased anyone’s burden? Have
streets. She stared at me for almost a you showed anybody some love, even in the smallest of ways?
minute and all I could give her was If you’re in doubt and don’t know what to do, ask yourself this question:
a sad, sorry look. She moved to the What would Jesus do?
next car and the next but got the same
response from the cars behind me. The Monching Bueno is the builder of Feast Marikina-Bluewave and Feast Sta. Lucia.
E-mail him at ramon_bueno@yahoo.com.

Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 45


Come Back to Your Spiritual Home!
Join me in my 14-Day
“Come Home” Spiritual Pilgrimage 2017.
We’ll go “Home” to Rome, Fatima and Lourdes
And visit six other holy and breathtaking sites in Europe!

Travel Dates: April 18 to May 1, 2017


Hi,
Come home to God.
Everywhere I go, I meet people who are wandering about, tired, seeking, searching, and thirsting for their spiritual home. Because deep in
each person’s soul, everyone wants to come home to God.
In next year’s “Come Home” Spiritual Pilgrimage 2017, I want to take you back to your spiritually home. For me, a pilgrimage is a “traveling
retreat” where you commune with God in the most beautiful holy places — while enjoying the company of wonderful friends.
I’ll bring you home in three important ways…

1. Home to Mama Mary

Mama Mary will always lead you to Jesus. (She will never rob the glory of Jesus but always point to Him.) She became the first Disciple of
Jesus when she said YES to the Holy Spirit after Angel Gabriel announced to her that she would be carrying Jesus in her womb.
I’ll take you to Lourdes and Fatima — two of the most miraculous places in the planet. In those charming towns, Mary draws us closer to
Jesus in a way that no preacher, evangelist, priest or pastor can.
Just seeing thousands of pilgrims there is an incredible experience that will take your breath away. You’ll feel God’s presence in a very
palpable way. Through the years, many sick people have been healed in the waters of Lourdes.
I’ll also take you to many other beautiful Marian sites in Europe.
Next…

2. Home to Your Brother and Sister Saints

People need heroes. We all do. That’s why people flock to watch Spiderman, Batman and the Avengers. But unlike these “figments of the
imagination,” the Saints are my real-life heroes. They’re the “heavenly cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) surrounding me, inspiring me to run towards
Jesus. I tell myself, “If they can do it, so can I!”
We’ll visit their hometowns and where they did their ministry work. I know you’ll be inspired.
And finally…

3. Home to Mother Church

If you’re Catholic, I’d like to take you back to your spiritual home: Rome sweet home. Rome is the heart and home of the Catholic Church.
Rome was where thousands of Christians gave their life for Jesus — killed, burned, crucified by cruel emperors. Rome was where St. Peter
— the first Pope — became a martyr for God. Together, we’ll visit the majestic Saint Peter’s Basilica, the most important Catholic church in the world.
In Rome, you’ll go back to your spiritual roots and rediscover the treasures of our Mother Church.

Extra Big Bonus: I’ll be bringing with me my friends and fellow preachers. In every city, we’ll be sharing God’s Word to you, praying with
you and for you.
Join me in this beautiful 14-Day “Travelling Retreat.” We leave on April 18, 2017.
But don’t be mistaken. I assure you we’ll have truckloads of fun, too. The entire pilgrimage will be a transformational experience that you’ll
actually enjoy!
If you want to join me and be my pilgrim, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

PS. For more information on “Come Home” Spiritual Pilgrimage 2017, download the details by sending us an e-mail.

PS2. So sorry, we’re closing the doors by March 10 — because it takes a lot of preparation time. You need to hurry in telling us you’re joining. E-mail
us now.
One last Story

N
othing is impossible for God or for those who believe Love and Concern from Parish Community
in Him.” This is written in the stampita of Sister Mary The surgeon texted me that his earliest available schedule was
Catherine Irigoyen Echegaray, a nun of the Servant of more than a week away. A priest friend and a sister in the Lord
Mary, and a candidate for sainthood. She was one of from the Third Order Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity,
several saints I asked to intercede for my successful helped me get a second opinion. They were hoping the surgery
liver surgery. can be dispensed with in lieu of alternative medicine. However,
a second ultrasound confirmed the urgent need for surgery.
The First Miracle They transferred me to a government hospital in Quezon City
The miracles began in the discovery of a mass in my liver. so I could be nearer in the parish. It also had better laboratory
One Wednesday morning, I woke up with a pain in my side. facilities and a specialist liver surgeon. It was more expensive
Later in the afternoon during our Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle, though, but they promised to help raise funds.
one of our members noticed I was in pain and suggested I see A few counselors from the Light of Jesus Pastoral Center also
her nephew – a nephrologist. The doctor prescribed a whole helped in the finances. I was a bit worried I may not have enough
abdominal ultrasound and painkiller. He suspected kidney stones. resources, so I asked Bo Sanchez, our LOJF founder, for “standby”
Laboratory results showed a mass in my liver. I was to learn financial help just in case I’ll have a problem getting discharged.
later that a mass in the liver is asymptomatic – it doesn’t hurt. No By this time, I wasn’t the only one asking for Sister Mary
wonder it already grew to 17 centimeters. The pain was God’s way Catherine Echegaray’s intercession. I introduced her to my family,
for me to discover the existence of the mass. I was referred to a friends and classmates. I told them that my healing can be the
liver doctor. The size of the mass made her suspect it was cancer. miracle needed for her sainthood. I admit though that I also
She immediately prescribed blood tests and CT scan. I talked to a prayed through several other saints, Mama Mary, and of course
neighbor oncologist, who also suspected cancer. He was honest to Jesus in His Divine Mercy. My prayer was of preparedness and
enough to tell me that there’s an almost nil chance of survival for surrender. Should God still want me here, my answer was yes, I
liver cancer, especially for a mass that big. will continue to live for Him.

Love and Concern from Family, Friends and Co-Prayer Warriors God’s Mercy and Miracle
Members of the Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle bombarded heaven I had my surgery on August 12, 2016. The surgeon cut one-fourth
on my behalf. I prayed a prayer of surrender. God’s grace helped of my liver and gave the specimen for biopsy. Family, friends,
me face death. I assured my siblings and friends that I was ready. and our Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle continued to pray until the
I made it a point to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation result came.
before being confined in a government hospital in Manila for On September 1, while waiting to see my doctor, my friend
biopsy through laparoscopy. My siblings prayed the rosary got a copy of the result and at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, during
nonstop and offered Masses. Friends and Cenacle members prayed the hour of mercy, I read the biopsy result. It was not malignant.
for benign result. But there was a turn of event – a shadow of the God is good! I thank Him for giving me additional years to
miracle. serve Him. Honestly, I felt my colleagues wanted me around
When the surgeon saw my CT scan, he suggested surgery more than I did. And it was one of several affirmations I got from
instead. Whether the mass is cancerous or not, it had to be this experience. At the time when prayers and donations were
removed anyway. The procedure would cost P124,000. I was pouring in, I literally felt the Lord’s embrace telling me how much
rescheduled for confinement as soon He loves me.
as I was ready with blood donors. I felt the bonding through prayers,
concern and love was a greater miracle
Theresians, Let Their Light Shine than the news that it’s not cancer. I
Beth, our high school class don’t know if this “virtual” miracle can
valedictorian arranged my result in the sainthood of Sr. Catherine. I
confinement in the hospital where thank her anyway for her intercessions.
she worked as a doctor. She solicited I also thank St. Philomena, St. Claire of
financial help from our batch through Assisi, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Ezekiel
Facebook, with the help of my best Moreno, San Nicolas de Tolentino St.

Miracles
friend. Joseph, Mama Mary, Jesus in His Divine
The response was overwhelming! Mercy, and family, relatives, classmates,
But more than the funds raised, the parishioners, friends and many others
prayers and concern moved me. It
was so affirming to receive help from
people you’ve not been in touch with
Every Step who love me and prayed for me.
As for me, I will continue living my
life for the Lord. As what the Scriptures
for years. If I had cancer, I would die
a happy death after receiving all the Of The Way say, “So let us not become tired of doing
good; for if we do not give up, the time
love and support. By Cristy Galang will come when we will reap the harvest
(Galatians 6: 9).”
Cristy (R) with Dr. Beth Tianco, her highschool classmate who
became an instrument of God’s miracle to her.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 47
Point of Contact

I Pray That You


Receive Your
Miracles In
Jesus’ Name!
I pray that God lift your trials,
heal your diseases, bless your problems
and direct you to the path He wants you
to take. I pray that God remove your fears
and give you the courage to surrender
your burdens to Him.
So place your hand over my hand,
and let’s pray with trust, together with
our prayer team of intercessors praying
for you right now…

This page is our Point of Contact, our


spiritual connection.
Say after me…

In the Name of the Father, and of the


Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I surrender to You my worries
and anxieties. I surrender to You my
needs, my problems, my trials. I place
them all in Your big hands. And I open
myself to all that You want to give to
me. On this day, I say yes to Your love, to
Your blessings, to Your healing, to Your
miracles. And Lord, specifically, I ask for
the following miracles for my life...
I believe that You answer my prayer
in the best way possible! And I thank
You in advance for the perfect answers
to my prayers. I also ask for the special
intercession of Mama Mary. I pray all this
in the Name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SPECIAL INTENTION FOR THIS MONTH:

Father in heaven, we glorify You. Thank You for the talents, resources and opportunities
that You bless us with. Thank You for entrusting us with abilities and opportunities to E-mail your prayer requests to me
grow, learn and prosper. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and work at bosanchez@kerygmafamily.
with Your grace towards success. com or write to me at Shepherd’s
May each of us be an instrument of generosity, sharing the blessings that You have Voice Publications, #60 Chicago
given us with others, especially the poor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. St., Cubao, Quezon City,
Praying for you, Philippines 1109.

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