The day started with no rain waters gushing down the streets. Just a colorful mural, saying Next was my theme for the night. And a purple lighted Christmas tree in Glendale.
Bishop Albert Bahhut was greeted and welcomed warmly by Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas. The Bishop acknowledged his adopted congregation, as he was the pastor of Holy Family, until promoted to Vicar and now, Bishop, “I hope you don’t mind my frequent visits.”
The mass was opened with a prayerful dance interpretation to ‘Holy is thy Name’ by John Talbot, with a robust choir singing. 5 women were led by Jo Solomonson, and they were wearing Maria Clara scarves and dresses, reminiscent of the Spanish times. I was observing their hand movements and they were gracefully pointing upwards and their eyes looking upwards, in veneration.
His homily, excerpted here, with additional help in deciphering the playpen metaphor, by Myrna Cunanan-Cruz, a layleader.
“Roberto entered the house through the garage. “What’s for dinner,” he asked Maria? She replied adobo and pancit. The congregation laughed.
It was an icebreaker that resonated with Filipinos here in this Church. Yet, non-Filipinos have also actively joined in the last two days of Simbang Gabi.
“Dada,” the boy in the playpen, greeted him. About to pick up his son, Roberto was stopped. Son has a time out, says the Mom.
“What would you do,” Bishop asked? He presented a dilemma of a father greeting his son and honoring the timeout of 15 minutes, given by the mom. It was not quite the end of 15 minutes, she added, perhaps feeling concerned.
He sat down in the couch, and rested awhile, then he got on the floor and hugged his son, while the son was in the playpen. It reinforced the concept of timeout or is this God’s challenge?
Timeout is ours, keeping us away from Jesus, because of our sins. Of course, justice makes us finish the timeout.
But, the Lord goes inside our playpen, a metaphor for life, and embraces us, to be with us, to accompany us in our life’s journey, regardless of circumstances.
Remember the angel who told Mary, and the shepherds to not to be afraid? Because the Lord is with us, now. Just like Roberto.
That God chose to be with us, to be not afraid, you are not alone, we need not be afraid, just open our arms to receive Jesus and Jesus is with us in our playpen, called life.
Mary trusted the word of God. She overcame her fear and she let it be done, according to God’s will.
This Christmas, let’s pray that the Lord gives us a listening heart, an understanding mind, and that’s why we celebrate with joy.
Stay in the playpen mess of life, allow Jesus, for each Eucharist you receive, the Lord says you are not alone anymore. With Him, we can do the impossible.”-Bishop Albert Bahhut, 2023.
Reflections:
I was confused with the playpen metaphor, as it excavated prior images as a toddler left in the playpen, while my mother went to work as a teacher.
Excerpted here, this offers a much more coherent one: “Good morning, my idol PThis is my understanding!
When the father got home, the son was so excited to see his father. The feeling is mutual. The father was about to pick up the son from his playpen when the mom forbids him to do so since the son is on TIME-OUT.
What the father did was to either embrace the son while on time-out or stay in the playpen with him (embracing him) till his time-out is over.
That is what our Lord does for us. He is with us during our TOUGH times; He DOES NOT leave us alone.”- Myrna Cunanan-Cruz
——–
After the liturgy, Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas exclaimed what a great liturgy we had. Indeed as the congregation shared their loudest applause. He thanked everyone: the choir, the lectors, Ben Aranda, the sacristans, the musicians, and all the volunteers.
After thanking all, including the Bishop, who got the applause as well, Bishop stood up and said:”You forgot one. You, Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas. You led these efforts.”
The community of attendees clapped boisterously, as if an encore is being requested, and more applauses followed.
I shared his enthusiasm. The choir, led by Les Santos, had a talk with the choir before the mass. Each person stood up, after he acknowledged them. It created a feeling of motivation. They started singing with much joyful gusto and exuberant energies.
The exit processional was marked with collective joys, some were dancing on their way out to the school auditorium.
Inside, the auditorium had been refurbished with new lighting, newly painted ceiling, and a renovated bathroom.
The decorations were tastefully done by Ed Rame with decorations that he donated and he was acknowledged and thanked by the community. He is such a generous person, donating his time and talent. Hopefully, his treasure will be provided for by a generous congregation.
Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas spoke of leading a group of generous volunteers to go to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and gave toys for the children. He described their collective feelings of uplifted energies from generosity and of cheering up the children during this Season.
Speaking of children, tonight’s lectors were the children, even one of the lead singers. I also watched the children perform Carinosa, taught by Jo Solomonson. She also taught Grades 2 to 7 schoolchildren, with some folk dances that required 4 rehearsals. Thanks to the parents who came to facilitate with these rehearsals and performances.
The church community fed 400 plus folks with a healthy dinner: lumpiang ubod, fish with sweet and sour sauce, sotanghon pancit, rice, chicken apritada, lechon and several types of bibingka. Numerous volunteers, with 4 serving stations, made for a short wait, though lines were long. It was quite efficient.
Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas recreates 9 days of Simbang Gabi as solemn days of reading, meditating, reflecting on God’s grace to all of us, he even makes phone calls and goes out of his way to check in with folks. He has done this consistently for 15 years now. He takes the time to know about each family’s story.
He truly walks his talk of authentic love for God and others. I overhead someone remarked:”Fr. Rodel improves every Church that he goes to, he makes it better than what he found it.”
I truly am more energized to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s greatest gift to us – His begotten son for 33 years, for his divine son to be human, to connect to us, multibillion human beings, to be holy, to be divine, and to join him in His Divine Home, our home should we choose it, after our flesh is gone.-Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
——–
“God has done everything; he has done the impossible: he was made flesh. His all-powerful love has accomplished something which surpasses all human understanding: the Infinite has become a child, has entered the human family. And yet, this same God cannot enter my heart unless I open the door to him.”
Hubby and I are in good spirits, expecting all our children and grandchildren. Our Christmas celebration will happen day after, as my children and their cousins are taking a trip to a place where a destination wedding can happen. One of their cousins got engaged recently.
I am quite congested and sick but hubby made an anti-inflammatory cocktail and another green one and both helped me breathe easier.
This year was memorable as my daughter and her hubby have a newborn son, the youngest in their family and ours. Two precocious, smart, loving and kind grandchildren. At almost one year old, R has a joyful personality, quite active, climbing, standing, walking, and going down the stairs.
My granddaughter, E plays the ukulele, performed today onstage, climbs hills, rides her bike, and is in third grade. She wrote a 3 chapters-book on the environment and illustrated it.
My daughter has a new job that cuts her commute by 2/3 and increases her pay by a 1/3. She is full of joy as she can pick up her child from our home more days each week. It is a much bigger firm and her smarts can be broadened by equally smart folks.
My granddaughter has a running conversation with her mom:”no, Mom.” “YES, love,” Mom says! My daughter is quite patient with her and knows her 8 yo likes to challenge anyone. 8yo turns her into a critical thinking girl and knowing that in days, she turns 9yo, this period is an adjustment for her.
My son just came back with his partner from a 2 week trip to Japan, Kyoto appealed to him the most. Both are happy with the cities they visited.
As for me, I am enjoying being part of a professional foodies group, professional in their choices of eating places, with various themes: quest for best paella, best Filipino food, best Italian food and in 2024, discovering more. Joy, laughter, sharing stories with good food, sharing perspectives with no debates can bring a new dimension of joy and collective humanity.
As for personal projects: I took on renewing both bathroom and kitchen on the first floor. Bathroom was done in 9 days and kitchen in 36 days. Hubby chose the longer period to go on his 3rd Camino and his photos are remarkable. I had a great contractor and his artisan crew are professional too.
Hubby and I attended a wedding in Guatemala and I met him in Portugal, after he finished his 3rd Camino. I enjoyed the itinerary and the five star restaurants he chose for us.
This year, we went to as many jazz concerts by Mon David, Josh Nelson, Nicole David Yalong and Carlo David. Also, Ted Benito’s productions in Disney Hall and Wilshire Ebell Theater.
I am most grateful to my family, my children, my grandchildren, my beautiful and handsome friends: gays, transgenders, straights, artists, non-artists, creatives, and surrounded by their love, I greet you all with love and peace this Christmas 2023!
May 2024 get our hearts cloned for more kindness!
Take care one and all,
Current LA City Commissioner Enrique de la Cruz and Former LA City Civil Service Commissioner Prosy de la Cruz, 2005 to 2008
Renovated Balingog United Methodist Church Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church
Focus: Rev. Pastor Adiel DePano and Legay Square in Santa Ana
“The joy in loving is guaranteed by loving one another as Jesus loves us. God’s love goes round and round! His circle of Love is humankind! Thank you for giving me that kind of love. – With the love of the Lord, Fr. Camilo Pacanza, 2016.
Fr. Pacanza wrote that, in giving me Pope Francis’ book: ‘The Joy of Love.’ It meant a lot that he understood my life’s theme: leave a legacy of service to others, each place better than you found it. He made it simpler – to write love in people’s hearts.
Hearts Expanded with Indescribable Sweetness of Love
Two weeks after the wildfires and the crazy winds whipping them in Lahaina, as if aerosolized gasoline, frenzied fundraising was held in Chino Hills by small businesses, around Kokua Maui, the call of Chef Charles Akau, who shared that Kokua is unconditional support without expecting anything in return, on September 9, 2023.
His beautiful wife, Jamie Borromeo Akau, was days from defending her dissertation, “The Polysemy of Diversity in the State of ChaosMos: A Design Thinking Approach to Diversity Management.” towards a doctorate, which she obtained with high honors. Had we not responded to Chef Charles’ call, we would be weaker and more anxious.
Amy Besa, who lives in New York, graciously took the time to design a new post on Facebook and led her New Yorker friends to give, as she did. We did, too. Jamie and Charles reported exceeding their goal of $10,000 reaching $12,000, selling plate lunches, orchid arrangements, and t-shirts. Days after, the monies got remitted and confirmed by texts, as received.
“That we may awaken,
To live to the full
The dream of the earth
who chose us to emerge
And incarnate its hidden might
In mind, spirit and light
-John Donohue’s ‘Bless The Space Between Us’, who was a poet, scholar, and had a Ph.D. in philosophical theology.
Pope Francis described the Benedictine Nuns, with “their hearts expanded with indescribable sweetness of love,” similar to what these folks did.
The goodness to Lahaina is also what Pastor Adiel DePano’s life as a Pastor of the United Methodist Church is all about. Having served in six churches, he ascends with unwavering faith, and in his abilities to collaborate and unify diverse cultures and languages, with his signature warmth and love for all.
DePano Embodies the Wesleyan Spirit: The World Is My Parish!
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, resident bishop of the California-Pacific Conference, is described as a catalyst for church transformation in the United Methodist Church. She describes herself as “I am Immigration,” embodying both cultures of American and Mexican. She has pioneered founding a church Farmer’s Market, including working with immigrants and opening a hospitable transition place, called “The Inn,” for gathering the community folks crossing the borders and looked upon as potential residents with diversity richness to offer. I requested her to describe DePano, who reports to her.
“Rev. Adiel DePano embodies the Wesleyan spirit of “The World is my parish!” He cares for his community and works tirelessly to bring hope and Christ’s love in all spaces and places. Grace y Paz, -Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, 2023.
It is a beautiful statement of “I see you, I see your essence.”
DePano graduated in Ateneo in 1981, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, where he learned to be “a man for others,” while Claremont broadened his scope to “The World is My Parish.”
DePano was hailed by Claremont School of Theology as one who lives the values of his alma mater, as seven others who embody Compassion, Justice and Belonging. He was a 2021 Distinguished Alumni. The School recognized their lives are in moral alignment, leaning more to altruism for others, as well as self-sacrifice.
I wondered how DePano’s family thought of him as head of the household? Katerina DePano, the eldest daughter of Pastor Adiel, wrote: “When I think of Dad, I think of his faith, leadership, and love for our family. Everything about his life and leadership is rooted in his faith, and he has blessed many people with his ministry and service. When I think of Dad and our family, I think of him in the kitchen! He enjoys cooking for us and I’m thankful for his spaghetti and sinigang (Filipino sour soup with meats and vegetables) – my faves! Dad has always been and continues to be an example of unwavering faith, service and love for our family and community.”
God’s Favor in Leading Six Churches and Leaving Them Better Than He Found Them
He served at the First Filipino-American United Methodist Church (7 years) in San Gabriel Valley, his greenhorn assignment. As luck would have it, this is where he met Brenda, the granddaughter of two parishioners, and got married after a year. He credits the congregation for hosting their wedding with 500 guests, from all over the country and Manila, “Both of us immersed in growing the Christian education ministry, youth group’s camps and retreats, adult ministry. He led the transfer of the church from Covina UMC to its present home, Hacienda Heights.”
He got transferred to National City (7 years) where he united the Filipino Ministry with the chartered Caucasian congregation and together, “addressed the deferred maintenance of the church campus, built up Christian education and family ministries, undertook the contemporary worship ministry, youth ministry and together with his wife, Brenda, introduced family camp program, and participation in ecumenical grouping of churches.”
“My family and I found ourselves totally at home in this multicultural congregation, St. Paul’s Oxnard (7 years) and we were deeply involved in leading the church in developing a discipleship system, renovating the campus with new roofs, upgraded church office and classrooms, “Turning Point’ coffee house, confirmation classes, Friday study and prayer groups, active membership in the Interfaith Clergy Association in town, membership in the choir.”
He was then promoted to become the New Pasadena District Superintendent. Little did he know that this promotion would present challenges for growth and mental fitness.
“Becoming part of Bishop Mary Ann Swenson’s cabinet for 5 years represents the pinnacle of my service as a United Methodist ordained elder. I never imagined nor did I seek to be part of the bishop’s cabinet. My ministry was focused on administration and conflict management. I am strong in administration. But, I loath managing conflict (my DNA at work). This deflated me, causing two stress-related episodes of anxiety attacks that landed me in the emergency room and soul-searching and self-doubts. Through Bishop Swenson’s encouragement and colleagues’ support, I recovered and fulfilled all my responsibilities. Before I could finish another year to a 6-year term, the Bishop appointed me to lead Pasadena UMC. Being a district superintendent opened up the world to me, taking me to travels like Lake Junaluska, in North Carolina; Kauai and Oahu in Hawaii, South Korea, Japan, Saipan, and Philippines.”
Fellow clergy whom I served, he continues, “express their continuing gratitude for my leadership, kindness, support, wisdom, guidance and spirituality, leading to a bishop nomination, which I gratefully declined.”
He was then presented with another challenge at FUMC, Pasadena (2 years), where the congregation was in transition from their predecessor’s departure and healing their collective wounds from a dysfunctional atmosphere under the prior pastor. He had to endure the suffering with them.
This prepared him for his next assignment at St. Andrew’s by the Sea (3 years) where “I learned to suspend my views, in favor of a higher calling of being a shepherd to God’s flock in the community.”
DePano now heads the Santa Ana United Methodist Church whose parishioners speak Cambodian, English, Filipino, French, Korean, Spanish, Peruvian, Puerto Rican and Tongan. Imagine how he immerses in their cultures, being particularly sensitive to each by balancing their needs with all others.
How do they become all grace-filled people, I asked? They agreed to love others, as they love God, being a positive force for goodness, towards gentle humanity.
Legacy Square: A Triumph of Humanity
Abraham Verghese described the Cochin heat as “The Cochin [Santa Ana] heat and humidity are so stultifying that houseflies lose altitude and tumble to the floor. Shop boys sit heavy-lidded after lunch, as unmoving as the cement barriers in the harbor. The city will come to life again only in the evening, when it is cooler.”
It is similar to the Santa Ana winds, dry, humid, and deaden folks. Picture downtown with encampments from the street – living folks inside their tents, drenched as they attempt to stay incognito, but cannot. They change into their clothes on the sidewalks; do their basic necessities, even brushing their teeth, while trash litter and stench permeating your nostrils for at least a thousand feet mark their daily existence.
Next to downtown Sta. Ana is a row of century old, well maintained French style houses in a row called French Street. The contrast is glaring, in your face, asking you to do something,
Santa Ana United Methodist Church (SAUMC) had to talk to these residents about building a complex of 93 apartment homes.
From 2017 – 2018, the congregation was persuaded to approve the idea of repurposing their downtown site into an affordable housing complex.
The following year was on vetting developers and the Renaissance Corporation was chosen, their first collaboration with a church. For 3 years, 2019 – 2021, community support, permits and funding have to be lined up and finally, two years to complete the construction.
Legacy Square is situated near a Metro station, a bus stop and a stone’s throw away from downtown. Its courtyard is inviting with a children’s playground and some picnic tables. SFUMC inaugurated the complex June 21, 2023 and residents were just moving in. Each unit is spacious and the rent is based on their income, 30 to 60% of $15,000 a year. They had 6,000 applicants for 93 units, an indicator of a huge need for affordable housing.
I found it to be well designed which allows tradewinds into the open hallways and to move warm air, and other improvements to make it eco-friendly. It included improvements to the streets, to the sidewalks, and turnabouts for controlled traffic. It has a community center as well as flexible space that could be used for piano lessons, computer lessons and other workshops needed by the residents.
In Oakland, then led by Mayor Jerry Brown, who was behind the construction of a multistory apartment building where students are co-residents of low-income working mothers and those on welfare.
Much like the First AME Church that is now managing over 300 rental units for working families while offering training on HVAC, air conditioning and electrical to prepare the residents for living wages – jobs. Its membership has grown to 19,000 and several ministries within 13 corporations. It is a church that is prayer-empowered, Christ-centered in spreading love to the community and Holy Spirit-led Church, socially active, a church of growth that is a result of God’s faithfulness and care for others.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has succeeded in cutting the construction period of affordable housing from the usual 2 years to 47 days. Imagine what city permitting expedited process has changed to.
“That interior law of charity and love begins with vision. Long before love is a corporate virtue that improves team performance, it is a personal leadership stance. The love-driven leader possesses the vision to see and engage others, as they are, not through the cultural filters, prejudices, or narrow-mindedness that diminishes them. Jesuits view [AmerIndians] with the same divine energy that gave them “existence, life, sensation, intelligence” and made them God’s temple. If the interior law of charity and love begins with a vision, it is completed in action…to achieve what Voltaire called “a triumph of humanity.” – Chris Lowney on Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-year-old Company that Changed the World.
Adiel means an ornament, a treasured jewel of God. True to his name, “I want people to know me as somebody who tried to follow Jesus – sa aking pagkatao si Cristo. It is a daily battle. As I learned in Ateneo to be “a man for others,” I also know that we are inherently good and we are inherently flawed. I have my demons to fight.”
For example, St. Photini who said to Jesus: “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and whom it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
DePano also heads the Fil-Am United Methodist Foundation, now in its 50th year. He is nearing the end of his 2nd year two-year term, which ends December 2024. Recently, the foundation raised funds to support [ a church whose membership ] is 95% farmworkers in rebuilding their chapel of worship. Nearly 800 came to the concert featuring Dodjie Simon and Odette Quesada, exceeding the goal of $15,000 to $25,861, about 172%.
Pastor Adiel DePano and Dodjie Simon Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church
Dodjie Simon is a composer and songwriter of over 100 songs, some popularized in commercials, film and television, and a friend of Pastor Adiel DePano for 45 years, wrote: ”Reverend Adiel DePano is a humble, kind, and committed servant of God. His leadership is founded on the principles of teamwork, democracy, dedication and alignment with God’s will. My brother and I have a long history of friendship with the DePano family since our teenage years at Kamuning First United Methodist Church in Quezon City.”
Telly Encarnacion recalls growing up as a Methodist in Quezon City, where she credits the Methodists for her fond childhood memories: “attending daily vacation church school every summer, becoming a teacher in the kindergarten level one summer, a member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and annual 5-day Christmas Institute (sleep away camp for 5years). I was shy and this structure was very helpful for me to have regular fellowship with youth from other churches.”
Adiel DePano might have been named God’s ornament, but each day, he lives as God’s humble servant, where community service is a component of worship. “There is no personal piety without social impact. Social holiness rests on personal holiness – they feed into each other. We are meant to be in community. We are poorer by our inability to come together in person.”
Renovated Balingog United Methodist Church Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church
Part I of II
“WE were sent here to search for the light of Easter in our hearts, and when we find it we are meant to give it away generously. Maybe it is the role of the artists and mystics to attend to the seeming emptiness about us and find incredible riches there.” – John O’Donohue, Ph.D, in Philosophical Theology, 2015
In that role as artists, we go among the trees, the rice fields, the corn plantations we see stretching beyond the horizon, seeming endless in riches. We breathe in the serenity of the green farm, the blue skies and the warm winds caressing our cheeks as we ride through Balingog, Nueva Ecija.
In that place of seeming abundance of crops, one gets confronted with torn and dilapidated church building and dearth of bathrooms for families to use.
The Filipino Caucus Foundation, now in its 50thyear of existence in the USA, donated funds to renovate the Balingog East United Methodist Church, once with missing sheets of roofing, bare, and allowing rain through its exposed slats of wood frames.
The parishioners are 95% farmers, with young families, and although they banded together to aggregate their savings to support rebuilding, it will take another decade to give the church new roof, new walls, new windows, new fans, and new church pews.
With funds donated by the Filipino Caucus Foundation, the church was restored to its former glory, and in addition, ten bathrooms, gravity fed, composting the waste, as eco friendly toilets, were constructed. Each bathroom is currently used by ten family members, and in total, a hundred folks use them, daily. Think of some gravity fed toilets in some national parks that you have visited in the US.
Imagine if you were one of these farmworker families – wouldn’t your sense of dignity and trust in humanity increase when strangers enable your faith worship and daily comfort? Much better than your own abilities and capacities, even if threaded together, can achieve?
It makes me recall the story of 15 sakadas who were recruited from the Philippines by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association in 1906 to work in the sugar plantations of the United States. The plantation camps where they lived were crowded and provided minimal amenities.
Despite those hardships, they banded together to deal with the harsh working conditions and with their exceptional work ethic, persevered. That intersecting memory with the present conditions of rice plantation workers in Nueva Ecija, with the critical need for working toilets, compelled me to write about this foundation.
For half a century, these Filipino Methodists have collaborated and perhaps could not sit still to enjoy their lives in America unless they can contribute to others’ sense of peace.
The best of humanity
“We are made to be in community. We are poorer by our inability to come together in person. Although zoom is a platform of choice, this is a poor substitute for gathering. Mental health became a leading issue [during the pandemic].” – Pastor Adiel DePano, 2023
The pandemic did not shrink the fulfillment of this foundation’s mission. With sustained energies, now in its 50th year, this organization that he leads, supports four core programs: Christmas Institute, Faith Festival, Philippine Fiesta, and Philippine Mission.
Nearly 800 attended the Concert ‘Stories behind the Songs’
The concert, ‘Stories behind Songs’ showcased Dodjie Simon, winner of two Metro Pop competitions: 1997 Second Place (If I Could) and 1999 Grand Prize (Can’t Stop Loving You).
His repertoire that night included ‘Can Find No Reason,’ ‘Ikaw Lamang’, and movie themes for ‘Dysebel’, ‘A Mother’s Story’, ‘Tatlong Mukha ng Pag-ibig’, ‘Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na’ng Langit, ‘Kung Aagawain ang Lahat sa Akin’, and ‘Nagsimula sa Puso.’ He was effusive in sharing his muse, Elisa who is his wife.
Dodjie Simon and Dr. Elisa Simon
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, national artist of the Philippines, gave a recent review of Quesada’s 40thanniversary concert in Manila, September 3, 2023: “Odette Quesada’s concert was so outstanding in many ways: great songs, great singing voice, strong stage presence and personality and best of all, straightforward, no gimmicks and pretenses, no production numbers, no unnatural sounding script, with a very easy gait and pacing (tapos ang warm pa ng audience). Odette is a natural – ang galling ng communication skills, very sincere and spontaneous and walang sinasanto. Nakakatawa siya just being her natural self – kaya very endearing siya.”
Equally endearing to the audience was Quesada when she performed at Asuza Pacific University on August 12, 2023. The audience roared with loud applause, as she walked onstage, dressed simply in all black shirt and pants. They sang along with her, these popular hits: ‘Till I met you’ (1983 Metropop Grand Prize winner), ‘Growing Up’ (Bagets Movie), ‘To Love Again’, ‘A Friend of Mine’ and ‘Give Me a Chance.’ She invited the community to join her, a community karaoke almost, with swaying hands in the air, and with Odette on the piano, and a few songs, accompanied by Dodjie Simon.
Pastor Adiel DePano with Odette Quesada and Brenda Faye Reyes DePano
Their interplay and dialogue made for a very relaxed evening, and the joyful warm reaction from the audience was quite touching. If only the sound engineering at Asuza Pacific kept up with their beautiful harmonies and good singing voices, but the sounds were uneven and the reverberations interrupted the enjoyment of the audience, including my husband, Enrique and myself. Even with the unevenness in sound delivery, the success was inspiring.
“Thanks to our community’s overwhelming support, the fundraiser had gross revenues of $41,676, netted $25,861! This is well over and beyond the original goal of $15,000 that we set for ourselves. Glory to God and Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat!”- Pastor Adiel DePano, shared in a direct message and later, his Facebook post.
Legacy and movement of goodness of giving to others
“How long will you and I live, “ wrote Susan Ople, “we need to ask that question because tomorrow, we could die. That we, humans, are gifted with the knowledge that our umbilical cords come with an expiration date appear to be lost on people who live aimless lives. Every sunrise is an opportunity to live a day better and more productive than the previous one. Divinity has its own penthouse, and only those authorized by Heaven reach that holy floor. So, live. Do not aim to merely exist. Leave an imprint, perhaps not as huge as Gandhi’s, but something precious to those who truly love you. Be good.”
When I read that excerpt, I recall seeing this beautiful African-American woman with a huge Afro passing by my house. Her radiance was inviting. I ran outside my front door and asked her, boldly: ”Excuse me, you look so radiant. What’s your secret?”
If I had been approached with that wild query, I might have instinctively ran away. Not her, she stopped, and responded with a smile: “Why thank you! I just live my life leaving the place, better than I found it, the workplace, the church, anywhere I am.” I wanted to ask more, but she was gone in no time. To this day, was she an angel, I asked myself? She had that unmistakable golden aura, a radiance I could not explain.
Legacy square
It is the same feeling I now have in my heart, inspired by a visit to Legacy Square with Pastor Adiel DePano and following an interview with him in Simon’s presence.
Pastor Adiel DePano and Dodjie Simon
Why would Dodjie, an accomplished songwriter of 100+ songs, used in commercials, films, and sung by celebrities like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, and author of two books on Artificial Intelligence go out of his way to organize this interview? Simon lives two counties away, while DePano lives one county away from me.
Hidden to us three was the ultimate purpose of this interview. Trusting in the Holy Spirit, we prayed together and later, at the end, we collectively said that the purpose was to write about our common patrimony, the wisdom of gentle humanitarians working for the overall common good.
By our efforts, we can all support and grow the movement of goodness propagated for 50 years by the Filipino Caucus Foundation aka The Filipino American United Methodist Foundation.
What a beautiful evening to know how much impact this foundation has had on our kababayans back home in the Philippines.
Wendell Berry, a farmworker and a writer in Kentucky wrote:
“I go among trees and sit still
All my stirring becomes quiet
Around me like circles on water
My task lie in their place,
Where I left them,
Asleep like cattle”
Ten Eco-Toilets built and designated ten families to use Photos courtesy of Pastor Adiel de Pano of Santa Ana Methodist Church
Then the biological urge comes of me, but nowhere do I sit without polluting what I just planted, rice seedlings…to which I add as the composting, gravity feeding toilets are on my mind. There are more eco-composting toilets we have to build for farmworkers, as there are more homes to build for the homeless.
“St. John’s Seminary recently hosted a remarkable fundraising event that left an indelible mark on the Catholic community. The night was a testament to the unity of purpose, with exquisite food and abundant spirits, celebrating four outstanding members of the community, including Reverend Father Rodel Balagtas, whose longstanding commitment has been an inspiration. Yet, the true heart of the evening lay in its mission – to annually raise funds for the seminarians. These future spiritual leaders were at the forefront of our thoughts, a reminder that generosity and faith go hand in hand. In this brief, memorable gathering, we witnessed the beauty of giving, the power of community, and the enduring spirit of faith. St. John’s Seminary continues to shine as a beacon of hope and growth for the Church, thanks to events like this and the dedicated individuals who make it all possible.”-@ MikoZuñiga
“Congratulations Fr Rodel! Well deserved. It’s high time the Archdiocese of LA recognize it has a Jewel in the Church!” – Fr. Camilo Pacanza
“Thank you ! Beyond proud .. congratulations to our brother priest whose wisdom, humility and love for God and His wonderful works inspired so many. May God’s abundant grace guide Him and all his fellow priest brothers to their sacred journey as “fishers of men ” All for the glory of God!”- Rina Bentajado
“It was an inspirational evening to have our dear friend, Fr. Rodel Balagtas’ story be told in the open. From humble beginnings as a Filipino immigrant, initially working as a banker and rising to become a distinguished religious leader of Catholic Los Angeles and beyond. Benel and I are privileged to have been part of this showcase of strength, resilience, engagement and immersive involvement. What an amazing night towards making a life of difference!” – Benel Se-Liban and Cris Liban
“Fr. Rodel is a priest who cares about people, what they live, their longings and their sufferings. He is always concerned about his brother priests. He feels the pain of others. He leads through inspiring others.”-@Msgr. Lorenzo Miranda
“Congratulations to Fr. Rodel. He earned and deserved this accolade.” – Cora Oriel
“Last night was my first time at the event, a fundraiser for St. John’s Seminary. I had, at one point, considered entering the priesthood after having done a retreat at that serene locale in high school. The fact that so many Filipinos, about a quarter of those in attendance, came to support Fr. Rodel for an award in his honor reflects on his sincerity and reverence as a priest and community UNITER. It seemed as if all of Incarnation was there to express their gratitude for the work he has done and leadership he has demonstrated. We are very blessed to have Fr. Rodel as a spiritual leader. -@Ted Benito
What a beautiful evening, hours only the overcast skies threatened to give us rains. A bit drizzled and it felt quite cold with two gas heaters in the far distance for the sponsors and bishops.
What a meritorious group of selfless servants, one dubbed the Pope of East LA whose church will be celebrating 100 years and half of its existence is under his pastoral leadership.
Another manages the foundation whose assets have grown to close to a billion dollars.
Another was involved in serving several parishes and even in the formation of seminarians to become future priests, whose pastoral practice has endeared him to over 250 in attendance in six parishes, and a warm, inclusive heart for all parishioners. As he read his speech, he was cheered on by his parish.
Last year’s attendance attracted 660, this year in 2023, the attendance topped 960 folks and a gross of $750,000. The last million dollar gross fundraiser I attended was at a legal services non-profit, where a car was auctioned and raffle tickets sold at $100 a piece.
A wonderful orchestra played in the background and with enough volume as not to drown out the sounds of conversations.
Equally inspiring was to see few dozen Filipino priests in attendance. I felt like I belonged to many tables as these priests welcomed me to join them for photos. What a warm welcoming crowd!
Catering was done by Triny’s table with a healthy menu: beef wellington, green beans, scalloped potatoes and apple slices on a tart shell with chocolate drizzled top.
We made fun of the coffee as we requested three times a hot refill. By the fourth time, even the waiter said, “nearly hot.” We attempted to lighten the situation with a joke of getting a digital photo of a gas flame and heating the coffee on top and using the battery powered candle on the table.
All in all, the ambiance, the emcee, the music, the food made for a well organized gala. If only the coffee was hot or that more gas heaters to warm up more tables.
The program was impressive and awardees included: Rev. Dr. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas, Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, D.D., Rev. Msgr. John Moretta and Kathy Anderson.
I requested the acceptance speech of Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas which I found inspiring and substantive. Here it is:
“Distinguished guests, beloved friends, and fellow servants of God,
Tonight, I stand before you with profound gratitude in my heart, for the incredible honor and privilege of serving our Lord and His people as a priest for the past 32 years. It has been a journey that has filled my soul with immeasurable joy and purpose.
Reflecting upon these years, I am in awe of the multitude of divine opportunities that have been bestowed upon me. It is with sheer gratitude that I recall the countless moments I have shared in the lives of God’s people, in the tapestry of parishes across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. From bustling urban communities to serene rural landscapes, from close-knit suburban neighborhoods to vibrant multicultural enclaves—I have experienced the incredible beauty and diversity of God’s creation through the people I have been blessed to serve.
But my journey did not stop there. For five transformative years, I had the honor of imparting knowledge and shaping futures as a formator and faculty member at St. John’s Seminary. Focusing on the sacred arts of homiletics and pastoral ministry, I witnessed the blossoming of young seminarians, preparing them to carry the light of Christ into a world yearning for hope and salvation.
As a Filipino priest it fills my heart with great pride and humility to serve as the priest-liaison for the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Tonight, I am overwhelmed with joy seeing our Filipino Catholic Community so beautifully represented at this gala. To my esteemed fellow Filipino priests of our archdiocese, whom I had the privilege of serving as their president—I stand here in solidarity with you, grateful for our shared mission and heritage.
Parish ministry has always been my love, my passion, the very essence of my calling. Thus, it is with absolute delight that I embrace my current pastoral role at Incarnation Church in the splendid city of Glendale. To my cherished staff members and devoted parishioners, who grace us with their presence tonight, I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication. And let us not forget the cherished memories forged during my time as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in East Hollywood, as well as the early years of my priesthood at St. Martha’s Church in Valinda-West Covina area, St. Augustine in Culver City, St. Joseph the Worker in Canoga Park and St. John Neumann in Santa Maria. These chapters have left an indelible mark upon my soul.
In this moment, I find it fitting to express my heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Gomez, Cardinal Roger Mahony who ordained me, other bishops, the esteemed seminary faculty, the visionary board members, and my fellow alumni and students. Your recognition as a distinguished alumnus of St. John’s Seminary carries a weight that I cannot put into words. I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all those who have shaped and guided me on this sacred journey. Together, we embrace the mission of awakening hearts and fostering true discipleship.
It is impossible to speak of blessing without acknowledging the immense love and support of my dear family—a family that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. To my eight siblings, my ten nephews and nieces, and the abundance of little grand nephews, thank you for being the pillars of strength and inspiration in my life. I am reminded of our dear parents, now resting in God’s eternal embrace, who nurtured values of self-sacrifice, hard work, humility, simplicity, honesty, and integrity. My mother, a beacon of knowledge as a public-school teacher, and my father, a steadfast servant of his country as a member of the U.S. Navy—they shaped my values and ignited the fire within me to serve others.
Today, I stand before you as a product of determination and faith, sharing my journey that led me to the sacred halls of St. John’s Seminary. In 1987, six years after I migrated to the United States to reunite with my family, I embarked on a path that would shape the very core of my being.
My years of seminary formation in the Philippines, coupled with work experience in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, provided me with a strong foundation for the theological education that awaited me at St. John’s. These were years that not only equipped me with knowledge but also instilled in me a spirit of openness, inclusivity, and engagement with the modern world. Inspired by the ideals of the Second Vatican Council, I was taught to adapt, grow, and embrace the challenges of our time while standing firm on the timeless values that guide us.
It was during this time that my passion for pastoral ministry and preaching began to take root. The experiences I gained, particularly in working with the underprivileged, ignited a fire within me that continues to burn bright today. We live in a world that desperately needs compassionate hearts, willing to serve and bring hope to those who need it most.
Through my seminary formation, I came to understand the importance of grounding my pastoral work in prayer, family support, friendships, effective leadership, and continuous education. These pillars serve as the bedrock of my vocation, enabling me to navigate the complexities of ministry with resilience and unwavering dedication.
As I stand here tonight, in my long years of ministry within the cherished Archdiocese of Los Angeles, I cannot ignore the calling that reverberates within my soul. The calling to ignite the flame of the priestly vocation among our youth. Like a beacon in the darkness, I am compelled to respond to this urging of the spirit. Our communities are yearning for more individuals willing to serve as priests and religious men and women, to uplift and heal amidst these challenging times.
But let us not forget the power of collaboration. Together, we can weave a tapestry of faith that transcends the boundaries of clergy and laity. By embracing the gifts bestowed upon every baptized individual, we can labor side by side, priests and laypeople alike, to create vibrant parishes and an archdiocese that radiates love and devotion to our dear God.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, encouragement, and presence have anchored me throughout my journey. With humility and deep gratitude, I say, “Maraming Salamat!” Thank you for believing in the power of vocations, for investing in the future, and for joining hands in creating a world filled with compassion, love, and unwavering faith.
May the fire within us continue to burn brightly as we leave this place today, inspired to make a difference and carry the torch of hope wherever we go.”
Back story: I was a lapsed Catholic for decades. Then, I met Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in East Hollywood. Since 2008, we have become good friends and I consider him my spiritual mentor. Through the years, he has introduced me to his siblings and their families, his fellow friends/priests whom I have interviewed for feature stories in Asian Journal.
It is a positive professional relationship where he continues to share prayers, spirituality books, his pilgrimage trips and over good food that includes my spouse and his cycling friend, Msgr. Lorenzo Miranda and at times birthday club friends.
In turn, I have introduced him to community folks and he has supported many Filipino American concerts and plays about immigrants. I find him to be warm, accessible, trustworthy who shares his unwavering deep faith with us, including movies and films to watch about faith.
Inside the Cathedral, I cried for I remembered the long drive, the sacrifices he made as a pastor, as a son visiting his ailing father, the centennial renovation of Immaculate Heart, writing and publishing a book of his homilies, taking children’s choir to competition in the Midwest, NY and Rome to meet the Pope.
It seems his life journey reveals the triumphs of his gentle humanity but also his “expansive heart with indescribable sweetness of love” as Pope Francis said about the Benedictine nuns, and in Fr. Rodel’s heart, for all parishioners in different churches he has served at – tonight, 260 of us showed up to tell him how we all love him and wish him well for we all know he deserves God’s favor through the Archdiocese of LA under Archbishop Jose Gomez and Bishop Alex Aclan, who we all flocked around for a photo as if a celebrity was here with us.
Warm-hearted priests and bishops are equally received with warm hearts of parishioners who will stretch themselves to serve the churches they belong.
“Atmospheric, athletic, risk-taking Ballet Philippines’ dancers delighted the crowd in Pasadena Civic Auditorium. A standing ovation no less, for they deserved every clap we gave them and shouts of bravo!!
We saw them dance the classical moves of ballet, reminiscent of Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet dancing Giselle, but the Je, Tu, Elle reminded us of the moves of Chicago, and more.
Act 2 was the stronger part of their program and audience could not restrain themselves in clapping at some risk-taking parts where the dancers were being thrown into the air and twisted while thrown and then like a baby carried down to an embrace.
Lahat ng Araw danced by guys dressed in red (the Chinese color for prosperity) and their red fans took my breath away. Wow, it took us all by surprise that their moves were unpredictable, agile and their dance reminded one of our friends of the way the peacock moves: quick, elegant and clipped in movements.
Equally moving to me was Halik, “a dance excerpt from Crisostomo Ibarra, a dance retelling of a seminal novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) written by Dr. Jose Rizal. Managing to escape from prison, Crisostomo Ibarra visits Maria Clara to give his forgiveness and to say goodbye.” No wonder some of us cried during this dance segment.
Masterpieces defy nature but also gravity as they contoured their bodies as if stretchable rubber bands. Imagine what you want to see in a dance pair and they are doing it with correct pacing, timing, posture and graceful moves.
But, what was so beautiful is to see them move so gracefully to the songs that are familiar to our ears, Dandansoy, and even the popularized arrangements of Master Ryan Cayabyab. It is so full of heart, soul and precise body movements that what should have been magnificent masterpieces were truly a phenomenon!
There is everything to like about Ballet Philippines and for a virgin ballet audience viewer, I must say, I am now a ballet convert. I am now going to ask my mother why I was not exposed to ballet.
Oops, I better do that for myself now, as I am quite grown now to figure out Ballet Philippines deserves an encore and for those who have not yet decided to buy tickets, honestly, you will be doing your family a favor by buying them tickets!! Take the entire baranggay and neighborhood, it is truly magnificent.
Four sturdy bravos!! We could not stop deconstructing the show until midnight over desserts and coffee, and appreciate what a beautiful cultural experience it was. You cannot, you should not and you would not want to miss this show.
Like any show, Hollywood’s glamorous folks came to fully support: Apl.de.ap, Lou Diamond Phillips with his family, Fritz Friedman, The Oriel Family and more.
Thank you Becca Godinez Ted Benito Margie Moran Floirendo, Chona Reyes you made us proud of our kababayans who can dance, who can do yoga, who can do acrobatics, who can do flips like figure skating, who can stand on palms of dancers, who can balance themselves on stomachs of other dancers and at times, resembled frogs, butterflies and more in their agility and precise moves of jumping, leaping and walking on fours! You reminded me of the Bolshoi Ballet and more!! It was that potent and endearing to one’s heart and one’s soul. We all came raving non-stop!!
This is my understanding!
