Coming Home! Homecoming!

At last, after a long while, I’ll set foot in my native land again. 

It’s been sixteen years since I last visited the Philippines. I was away for a long time but my roots are still deeply planted and and thriving in the land of my birth. Here are the formidable roots:

My siblings are all in the Philippines.

My sisters: (L-R) Babbeth, Gloria, Dimi, Petronia and Susana. 

Manang Gloria has 3 kids: Girlie, Glenda and Jun-jun, and 5 grandkids. Ate Dimi has three girls: Ardie Lyn, Rodi Lee and Roseval. Susana has 2 boys: Arvie Jonah and Sam. 

My sister Feliciana went to be with the Lord some years ago. She has 4 children: Almira, Alfredo Jr, Airene and Aimee.7 grandkids. 

It will be a swell reunion when I get home. I miss them and they miss me!

My Home church is in the Philippines

I grew up in the Wesleyan Church (formerly Pilgrim Holiness).  The church was my second home. There was a time when I lived in the Cabanatuan parsonage when my Ninong, the late Rev. Alfredo Guiang temporarily adopted me. I was nurtured at the Wesleyan Church from childhood and as a Christian  young man. It’s through its faithful ministries that I was called to be in full time ministry. I am now serving my Lord through this church. I long to meet my brethren- the old and the new. 

I  wish to meet my fellow Wesleyan pastors and glean from their experiences: their hard work of evangelization and discipleship resulting to the growth of the church . I wish to congratulate them for the job well done. The Wesleyan Church in the Philippines is growing by leaps and bounds!

SENSE Grand Reunion. 

My college life was influenced and impacted by a special group called SENSE.  (Search for Educational Nobility and Social Enrichment). It’s the equivalent of a fraternity where lifetime brotherhood and friendships were forged. I will reunite with my SENSE family and that’s very exciting!

CLSU Grand Reunion

It was in 1981 that I exited this famous gate. I will enter this gate again in 2017. CLSU, my alma mater (nurturing mother) had shaped my life in many ways. My professional and social life were the precious gifts she gave me. When I left her portals in 1981, she gave me a key that opened many doors of opportunity. It allowed me to share my agricultural  expertise, travel and live in many parts of the world. I am truly grateful. 

The CLSU alumni association contacted me lately informing me of an award to be given during the February 4 homecoming. I am humbled by that gesture. For whatever it is that I have accomplished, it was God who helped me. I give back to God the glory!  It’s not the recognition that beckons me home. It is the excitement of meeting the wonderful people that I had crossed path with in those prime years of my life. 

I’d like also to meet my high school batchmates and teachers. Reminiscing the high school days simply makes me feel young again! 

Philippine Wesleyan College, my High School Alma Mater.

Yes, my family, my friends, my church and my Alma Maters, I’ll be home soon!!!