Tuesday, 15 May 2012

A Double Treat Mother's Day Celebrations


Isang Araw ng Linggo sa Buhay ng mga Manggagawa sa Abuja
May 13, 2012 is fully marked in every offspring ’s  calendar – to appease, to bribe or to really show their appreciation to their mother – it’s MOTHER’S DAY! 
Although 24 hours-a-day IS always Mother’s day (meaning Mother does this, this, this and this for her brood), this particular day out of the 365 days, Mother can linger longer in her bed, can sit with her legs up while enjoying her morning coffee and stretch, hmmmmmmm…..

And we’ve got a double treat on this day as well.
The Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican/Holy See Embassy) Chapel is where the OFWs faithful attend the celebration of the Holy Mass every Saturday;  where the Reverend Fathers (a truly universal apostolate) had always been their source of temporal and spiritual strength.
This Sunday, the Filipino MCST Sisters from The Nunciature and the OFWs celebrated a birthday and an anniversary.

Reverend Monsignor John John Kallarackal celebrated his birthday. 
And Ampy Ronquillo of the Italian embassy got married on this day FORTY years ago! WOW!!!



Rev. Msgr. John John Kallarackal - the celebrant

Ampy Ronquillo - her 40th years Wedding Anniversary
 

Ampy, Msgr. John with Philippine Ambassador HE Nestor Padalhin and Rev. Fr. Andrew. In the mirror is Maris and Tickboy celebrating Mother's Day.


Sorry, o. No be Alhaji!!! He's Rev. Fr. Dong-Jin Andrew Shin

Vangie, Sr. MaryGrace, Khaye, John, Tess, Sr. Marilou, Sr. Aurea and Sr. Efling (before meals - kung after 'yon, hindi na kami kasya)



Blessings before meals led by the celebrant Msgr. John, Sr. Mary Grace, Khaye, Amb. Padalhin, Benjie, Maris and Fr. Andrew


And a rousing Birthday Song....


On the menu - Filipino fares





Mealtime: Sr. Aurea, Angie, Sr. MaryGrace; Doods, Sheda and Otie; Tess, Khaye, Sherwin and Tickboy; Ampy and Amb. Padalhin


...see THAT? nasa mahjong table sila!!! at ang nabunot pa ni Sr. Efling ay 7 balls. at ang sabi ni Sr. Marygrace pwede namang ipagpalit-palit ang mga iyon kasi pare-pareho ng mga kulay! Approved naman ni Sr. Marilou at parang learner din si Sr. Aurea!
(pero actually naki use lang sila ng table!)



some serious talks for easy digestion....

V for VIVA OFWS, Maris at the back; Sr. MaryGrace; Msgr. John giving a parting look at The Pinoy Corner (his coined name for Pinoys in a group)
                                                      



Time to go: Fr. Andrew wishing Doods and Sheda well; Ampy to celebrate with her kids; Tickboy and John? bumalik sa lamesa




...ano pa kayang sabaw ang natapon at balak pang sambutin sa mga palad?

For Mother's Day, here are the fathers: Nonits, Tickboy and John; with Otie and Sr. Efling
     







Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Part 3: Isang Araw ng Linggo

Pangatlong Bahagi:  Isang Araw ng Linggo sa Buhay ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino sa Abuja, Nigeria

Isang maliit na salo-salo sa tahanan ni Tickboy at Marisa Mercado sa paglipat nila sa SETRACO Life Camp Cedar Building. Ginanap nuong ika-18 ng Marso.




...ang pang-almusal na tsamporado con pusit na tuyo at daing na pinirito at prutas...at sunny side-up at tapa. meron ding sinangag.


Prayers before meals - John, Maris at Angie


Tickboy, Rex, Willy, John

Lito, Jimmy. Si Benjie ay nasa balcony

 Good Friday April 6
 A very simple lunch as prepared by Marisa in commemoration of  their son's (Brian) death anniversary.
 The rosary was prayed for his eternal repose.





...that's Lito (tinitikman na)


Lito, Sherwin and Tickboy

Lito, Angie ...and KIKO

Part 2: House Blessing


Pangalawang Bahagi:  Isang araw ng Linggo sa Buhay ng mga Manggagawa sa Abuja, Nigeria
March 11, 2012 - House Blessing of Vangie Novio at No. F 07, Dantata & Sawoe Life Camp, Gwarinpa, as officiated by The Papal Nuncio with Msgr. John and Fr. Andrew.

House Blessing: at the entrance
The Papal Nuncio assisted by Nonits carrying the Holy Water
Add caption


Living Room

From the living room to the dining hall and to the kitchen
Blessing of the hallway
Master bedroom
Guest room


Bathroom
Khaye, Tess and Mercy - sa bedroom nag lunch...

Sr. Efling and Otie; Ampy and Angie

Rosa and Sr. Efling and Otie; Leila Seidel

Sa bedroom...and a little hairstyling done - sa tagalog - tirintas baga! that's Rosa and Mercy with new found hairstylist - Ampy!


...wouldn't be complete without them!

D & S MTA Plant Manager Mr. Max Egner having a nice conversation with the Papal Nuncio HE Kasujja and Msgr. John
 
...naku medyo namali 'ata ang timpla!

hmmmmm...viewing Ampy's handiwork!

...framed work!

Mr. Egner trying to convince the Papal Nuncio to taste a local wine - Davino (kai kai)  and the Nuncio in turn asked the sisters if they would want to taste. (Everybody said 'No, thanks!')

Seems Msgr. John was persuaded to taste it.

Fr. Andrew with Nonits; Maebs and Mare Maris

Vernie, John,Jimmy, Sherwin, Rami, Rex; Tickboy, Fr. Andrew, Nonits and Willy. Fr. Andrew happiest mingling with the crowd. And the Pinoys respond to him warmly.