myPhotography Stint: Meet the boy who invented selfie 46 years ago!

I was 13 years old when I was introduced to the fascinating world of photography. The year was 1970 when the hype were the black and white and sepia photography. It was still the hey day  of professional photographers, for they were the only ones who owned cameras –very different from today’s technological boom when everyone has their own gadgets equipped with cameras. 

Consequently, there seems to be lesser need for professional shooters anymore, for anyone can take pictures of themselves. Hence, the selfie!
I learned the rudiments of photography from a man named Jose Escuadro who I fondly called “Kuya Lugo”. He taught me how to shoot, develop negatives and pictures the organic way–in the dark room. 
Business was brisk at Golden Art Studio, Cabatuan City, Philippines. Rush ID and passport pictures were the daily cash generators and Kuya Lugo needed help. Our studio was the official photographer of the Governor’s office and therefore my boss had to attend to his shooting assignments. So, I was entrusted to man the studio. But I need to be trained to do the job. 
After teaching me the process-from loading films,shooting, developing negatives to enlarging/printing on photo paper, Kuya Lugo made me do a lot of practice. He gave me several rolls of 35 mm films and stacks of photo printing papers to practice with. The studio was all mine and I took the liberty to experiment. 

The Aha Moment!

That was when I discovered that I could shoot myself! I mounted the 35mm camera on a tripod and set it on a timer, I ran in front of the camera and sat for a pose ….5-4-3-2-1 and the shutter came off…..voila. 

I took my own picture. 

I did it all by myself,

just me and me alone. 

No help from anyone!

Isn’t that what you call selfie? 
On this self portrait, I was experimenting with lighting. I wanted to see how I look with one side of my face lit and the other shadowed like the photo of the then teen idol Tirso Cruz III I saw on the cover of Song Hits. I was quite happy with the result and my boss gave me two thumbs up for my work.

I was also Kuya Lugo’s photography assistant. He tagged me along in his shooting projects. We took pictures of graduation, capping ceremonies, ROTC programs, beauty pageants, school programs, government projects like the Pantabangan Dam, weddings, baptisms, funerals and many more. 
He said I was a fast learner. 

Once we had a wedding shoot. He gave me the camera to shoot the wedding ceremony. I was doing well until the groom who looked visibly worried came to my boss to inquire why in the world, a young tot is covering the most important event of his life-his wedding. 
My boss assured him that I was doing a good job. I was very elated by that gesture. I felt like a mature man for the first time.

I sat with Kuya Lugo many nights a week in the dark room developing negatives and pictures. I got used to the strong chemical odor of acetic acid and sulfates. In no time I mastered the use of the three-basin baths- developer, stop bath and fixer. 

Although photography did not become my profession, I grew up as an enthusiast. But there was a time I had a stint as a portrait photographer at Walmart studio. And while working there, I practiced what I discovered as a young photographer-shoot my self- aka selfie.

In Retrospect

I am very thankful that I’ve acquired a professional skill at a very young age of 13. I thought then that I was just playing alone…selfieying.

One More Item on my BUCKETLIST

I love playing with words. I enjoy putting them together cleverly to compose phrases and verses that convey a strong message.  Here’s one one of my recent epigram:


When I started posting these phrases which I call “epigrams” (rather than quotations)* some of my readers inquired: 

“How do you come up with those sayings?” 

“What’s your inspiration in writing those one or two liners?”

But the question that intrigued me most was:

“Do you have any plans of putting them in a book?”

Let me answer these questions one by one:

How do you come up with those sayings?


Many of my epigrams are actually the main idea of the sermons that I preached. Like the example above where my sermon topic was on “Forgiveness”. I encapsulate the lesson in one or two sentences. I like rhyming words at the end of each sentence as my readers might have observed in many of my epigrams. I repeat these sentences quite a few times during my sermon delivery. 
I devote half an hour daily for writing epigrams. I jot down topics and reflect on my life and other’s experiences. Then the word play begins. At first, my sentences are long and wordy. Then, I compress them by finding ways to convey the idea in a shorter and artistic form. The dictionary and Thesaurus are very useful in this process. 
What’s your inspiration in writing those one and two liners?


Life in general and my personal experiences in particular give inspiration in my writing.
I love sharing to people lessons that I’ve learned, and “sayings” or epigrams are my effective tools in imparting the message.
Do you have any plans of putting them in a book form?

Writing and publishing a book is one item on my bucket list that is yet to be checked! 
Oh yes, I want to compile all these sayings in a book form. That’s the easiest way for me to write and publish a book . And I am quite ready to undertake that dream project. 
But I need your help in accomplishing this aspiration. 
I have posted several epigrams on my FB page (look for Gil Valenzuela). After reading this blog , I invite you to visit my FB page and click “Like” and “Share” in each item. I need a good following on social media and I’m counting on your support. 
Also, my publisher suggested that I create a “Fan Page” on Facebook.  Please like and follow me on my new Facebook page:

fb.me/pastorgilvalenzuela

Thank you everyone for being a part of myJourney!

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*Epigram- a saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way.

*Quotation- a group of words taken from a text or speech repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker.

Reunion with “My Other Family”

My life is blessed with both filial and extra-filial relationships. The latter gave me another dimension of social circle which is wider and greater in number.

 I forged my special bond with these extra-ordinary folks some forty years ago during my college years. Being away from our blood families, we found common grounds to bind, support and encourage one another and experience joys and pains of life together while studying at Central Luzon State University. The result:  We became a family!

SENSE in 1977.

We were one in our purpose of enriching our lives through rigorous and serious approach to education. We were united in our hopes of forming friendships that built and shaped us into better human beings. 

SENSE- Search for Educational Nobility and Social Enrichment- is a student organization that gave us focus on two aspects of life, essential to survive and thrive the rigorous college life in CLSU and beyond. For us it was a better alternative to the Greek-lettered organizations often associated with rivalries and conflicts with other student coalitions. 

Dr. Flor Amor Monta envisioned a brotherhood organization composed of individuals with wits and wisdom, hardworking and tenacious, ambitious and driven. With Rodrigo Dioso and Bobby Manansala, the initial/founding group was organized to which I belong. Dr. Monta personally chose students who demonstrated such characters. The succeeding batch of members were added through careful selection.


Fast forward 40 years later, members of SENSE had become well-accomplished in the professions they chose. Many are occupying  goverment positions in the agriculture sectors. Others became educators and heads of educational institutions. Some have great success as entrepreneurs. Others found themselves shifting professions from agriculture based to medical, financial and other disciplines. 

The brotherhood formed during our prime years had blossomed and bore fruits akin to that of a real family. It withstood the test of time and space. Forty years had passed and we’re still connected! Our first grand reunion on January 6-7, 2017 renewed and sealed our commitment to our organization and to each other. 

In the intervening years, our relationships were fortified by webs of connections. We became – ninongs and ninangs of our siblings making us compadres and comadres. We sought one another as primary sponsors for our children’s wedding. We consulted on business dealings and employments. Some became confidants to one and another, and provided shoulders to cry on. In many instances, we either provided or received financial help. We helped members find employment. We welcomed each other warmly in our homes. We extended our families to one another widening further our social circles. We became accountable to one another providing concerned rebukes when necessary, for the betterment of a brother or sister. 

This is my other family. I’m very proud of it. My brothers and sisters are spread far and wide- around the Philippines and across the globe. I have a special privilege of going to various places and have someone to welcome me with open arms. I just did that in my recent vacation. SENSE gave me a family and homes around the world! As I write this blog, I’m on my way to San Miguel, Bulacan to meet again my SENSE brothers hosted by our common friend Rupert De San Jose.



Visited Brod Antonio Co in Parañaque City with Nick Soliman, Rogelio Manabat and Norman Gabagat.

Visited Sis Mila Robeniol Galvez in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
Visited Brod Samuel Robeniol in his Antipolo home.

 

Visited Brod Rodrigo Dioso in Iloilo.

Family Reunion

My 34-days of vacation in the Philippines are nearing completion. These days are the most relaxed, stress-free, fun and peaceful times of my life in the last 16 years! That’s how vacation should be. What a gift! I’m very grateful.

I am dedicating my next several blogs on the highlights of this memorable vacation covering the following topics: family, friends, places I visited, food I ate, things I did, etc. Let’s start with myFamily.

Reuniting with my blood relatives after many years brought floods of tears to my eyes. But those tears are a product of joy that aided an enormous release of emotional strain. It was as if the pains of the years gone by were washed away. 

Seeing my siblings, hugging and kissing them, hearing their voices, meeting their children and grandchildren revived the special feeling of belongingness. 


There is a sense of pride and assurance knowing that I have a huge tribe, a thriving clan that is doing a tremendous job of proliferating our family’s existence, keeping our family traditions and continuing with zealousness our family’s faith.


This is my wife’s Family. Gilbert Olivares, wife Eva and sons: Gelmark, Kelvin and Gilbert Jr. (not in picture)

​​I felt my heart jumped several times when I beheld my nieces and nephews and grandchildren bearing a resemblance either of our late father and mother or a beautiful combination of both. The prominent cheekbones is a facial feature our genes carry with dominance. Our love for music is passed on with passion. The love of God and His ministries through the church is practiced with faithfulness.
My Father: Igmedio Valenzuela 

My Mother Basilisa Emperio

I found this precious picture of Mother and I, ca 1985 taken when I was to leave for the Sultanate of Oman.I inherited those high cheekbones from both of my parents. They are now both citizens of heaven where I am bound to…..one day, in God’s time.


“Dancing with my Sister”Babbeth, my personal assistant, driver, cook, stylist, adviser while vacationing. Thank you Ate Babbeth!

This is my family. I belong here and I’m proud!

myTravel Blog

Would you believe I almost missed my flight from O’Hare to Taipe? The itenerary says my flight was January 4, 12:20 AM. In my mind it was day time. So I went home from work 8:30 PM January 3. “I will finish packing tomorrow morning then I’ll head to the airport at 9 AM tomorrow morning.” I announced to my wife? “What time is your flight again? ” Inquired my wife. I checked the electronic schedule on my phone and read it to my wife. “January 4, 12:20 AM.” Then that’s not tomorrow morning when you wake up. That’s in 3 hours!!!” She exclaimed. 

I felt numb as I realized what a big mistake that would had been!!! Thanks to my smart wife. I managed to pack my luggage in an hour huffing and puffing in nervousness. We drove to the airport and got there just in time for the international checking in! 

Lesson learned: Take time to look and double check your flight schedule well ahead of time!

EVA Airlines offers the best airfare rates. I wondered if that was at the expense of service. I was wrong. In-flight service was excellent and so are the meals. The Asian hospitality and courtesy were offered to a full-packed 747 jumbo jet travelers. The 15-hr flight allowed me to nap, read and watch 3 movies. 


The airport lounges at Taipe Airport were gorgeous and inviting. 

What would you do when you have nine hours of layover and you already read the book you brought? Go around terminal gates and take some selfie! 

Or get someone to take your picture at the Sanrio-Hello Kitty waiting Lounge.

Or take time to smell and enjoy the orchid display at:

Wait a little more for your flight and look forward to the long awaited reunion with loved ones and friends. Yes, Philippines I’m just 2 hours away!

My Professional and Religious Servitudes

In 1981, CLSU launched me into the penurious world equipped with a piece of paper testifying that I have some knowledge I could use to answer some of humanity’s predicament. The piece of paper affirms that I have completed all the academic requirements to be a bearer of a degree and practitioner in the discipline of “Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.” Indeed, CLSU prepared and equipped me for a life of service to humanity in my own small and humble way.

The college diploma from CLSU proved to be an effective key in opening doors of opportunities. I used the knowledge I acquired in this discipline to convince the Manilabank Agribusiness Group, my very first employer- that I could be of help in the fulfillment of their vision of producing the best quality mangoes in great quantities for local and export markets. Hundreds of hectares of fertile lands on the hilly side of Silang Cavite were cleared and planted with grafted mangoes. And I was trusted enough to be a part of this great endeavor.

I was part of team of engineers and agriculturists, a number of us from CLSU and UP Los Banos. We made sure that the precious resources invested into the project are maximized and put to good use. Soil and water conservation principles were practiced as we had been taught. Water and nutrients were delivered efficiently to each mango tree using a system imported from Israel- micro sprinklers and drip irrigation technology.

The Israeli agricultural consultants introduced us to their irrigation technology. This method had been proven effective in making the arid deserts green and productive. And so it was believed that it will even be more effective in the favorable climatic condition of the Philippines. The Manilabank Agribusiness Group was one of the first companies in the Philippines to employ the technology of micro sprinkler and drip irrigation in a commercial scale.

All is well in the operations of the ambitious project until the political and economic atmosphere of the Philippines disturbed and imperiled it’s continuation. I and the other agriculturists were forced to go somewhere else to practice our crafts.

In 1985, I found myself joining the bandwagon of Filipinos flocking to the Middle East for survival. Oman Holdings International (OHI), in the Sultanate of Oman gave me and other CLSU graduates another opportunity to apply our professional trainings to productivity. I was part of a team that developed Omani farms, equipping them with the techniques and practices on how to use efficiently and manage the scarce resources of soil and water. State of the art water delivery system was introduced using micro sprinklers and drip irrigation. I was also involved in the landscaping projects of OHI where we installed irrigation system to large landscaping projects including some palaces of the Sultan and many other government infrastructures.

After my two-year stint with a private Omani company, I was hired by the Oman government to work as an agricultural technician at Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agriculture. I was involved in the training of Omani nationals wanting to become agriculturists through practical training in irrigation at the university farm project. 

While making the Middle East as a temporary home for me and my family, It was inevitable to be involved in the lives of other people. I found myself involved in compassion work-a service more fulfilling than any other endeavor.

Filipinos and other expatriates away from home long for fellowship and friendship. This social need was alleviated through social and religious groups I actively organized, led and participated.

A Bible study group I helped organize, which later became a church called Oman Evangelical Christian Congregation* provided spiritual guidance to many Filipinos. In addition to it’s work of evangelization and discipleship, the church became a refuge to many emotionally-broken kababayans. And it was a great privilege to be able to impact the lives of other people through the sharing and teaching of biblical principles.

At one point the church partnered with the Philippine Consulate assisting in ministering to the needs of Filipina domestic helpers who had the unfortunate experience of being maltreated and abused by their employers. In some cases the church was involved in assisting the repatration of OFWs.

During the Gulf War in 1991, the church did not only intervene in prayers but was involved in hosting and encouraging young American troops laying over Muscat who were either on their way to Iraq to wage war against Saddam Hussein or on their way back home to the US after a perilous service. It was a great privilege to be able to pray personally with the members of American troops before they were deployed to their foxholes.

The church also participated in providing relief to specific places in the Philippines affected by natural disasters. Relief goods and money were solicited and sent.

Because of the church’s involvement to people’s lives, I became known to the larger Filipino community in Oman as Pastor Gil, not knowing that I was actually an engineer and a fellow OFW. Oftentimes, I was sought for counseling and advise, arbitrate misunderstandings, pray for the sick in the hospitals and advocate for my fellow Filipinos in matters of their unfair employment experiences. Many found a friend and a pastor away from home. I was very glad for that privilege.

I found fulfillment in doing ministry work. I felt like I was partnering with God in the work of providing help and showing compassion to the broken and wounded. Like the Good Samaritan who did not just care enough to stop and help a wounded victim, but took the extra mile to provide protection and provisions that the unfortunate victim of injustice received help, healing and restoration.

The ministry experience I had in Oman was just a foretaste of what I would have in the succeeding years.  

The Lord allowed me to get a training necessary for ministerial work. I pursued Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky. I also had the opportunity to pursue PhD course work in the area of Inter-Cultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. However, during the dissertation stage, I was diagnosed with cancer. This event got in the way of completing the doctoral degree.

In 2001, The Wesleyan Church ordained me as a minister and assigned me to plant a church in Bolingbrook, Illinois, in the suburb of Chicago. I founded the Lord of the Nations Church.  

Alongside the work of evangelization and discipleship comes the ministry of compassion expected of a church. Over the years, the church had been involved in various compassion work such as reaching out to the homeless. The church is also regularly contributing money and time to such organization as “Feed My Hungry Children” and “Kids Against Hunger”. Our youth group collected clothings and donated them to “Jeans for Teens.” The church also conducts yard sale and bake sale and the proceeds are allocated to our various compassion ministries. 

Just recently, we launched as special ministry directed to specific group-the Caregivers. “Caring for the Caregivers” focuses on encouraging and praying for those who are involved in caring for the sick and people with special needs. The caregivers were either professionals or just family members caring for their loved ones. We recognize that caregivers need to care for themselves too, and so we support them by cheering them on and giving them recognition for what they do. We invited them to my Mabuhay Restaurant for free buffet and handed them simple gifts. It was a very enriching experience to be able to encourage and pray for this group of people who are unselfishly giving themselves to the service of others.

Being a servant is a title I wish to attach to my name. Actually, I would want this epitaph on my tombstone: “Gil Valenzuela, Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and of Others” For in all those years after leaving the portals of my great Alma Mater, I was placed in various positions of service, first to God and then to others. Mahatma Gandhi was right when he asserted that The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Indeed, I am happiest, most fulfilled and experiencing a feeling of greatness when I have given myself in the service of God and my of my fellow human beings.

Greatness, after all is not only found in the lofty high places of service but in the lowly and humble servitude of every person. I very well agree with Martin Luther King Jr. who said that…Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

Only one life….will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last. (Anon. Hymn)

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The Sultanate of Oman unlike other Arab countries is very open and friendly to Christians. The Sultan of Oman, Sulatan Qaboos bin Said donated pieces of land to both Protestant and Catholic groups where church buildings were constructed. Christians are allowed to worship in the Sultanate of Oman.

 

Gil Valenzuela’s educational attainment

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering​ CLSU 1981, Munoz Nueva Ecija

Master of Divinity​​ Asbury Theological Seminary 1998, Kentucky

Intercultural Studied (PhD Coursework completed) Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 2003, ​​​​​​​​Illinois 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!!!

God Did It Again! Part 1 Continued

I left my heart in the Philippines. But I was ready to sacrifice for the welfare of my new family.


When I signed a two-year contract with Oman Holdings International, I braced myself to be separated from my family for two long years. Just like many other OFWs, that’s the sacrifice I had to make.

Snail mail was the only means of communication.  My wife and I promised each other to write a letter every week with my baby daughter’s pictures in her mail. I received those correspondence on Mondays.  My British boss Bob Carrington would notice my hyper happy mood during those days. And he would just smile and shake his head watching me got excited opening and reading my mails. Sometimes, I would show Bob my baby’s pictures.

 I watched my daughter grow in every picture I received.  How I wish I was there to be a part of her life.  It would be many months before I see her again and by that time she won’t be a baby anymore. I wonder how she will react when we meet again.

Professional growth was one of my consolations on being away from home. My job as an Agricultural Supervisor honed me in the areas of landscaping and irrigation installation and maintenance, and farm development.  It also gave me an opportunity to mingle and work with other nationalities and learn new languages in the process. I gained a working knowledge of Arabic and Urdu which I still use to this day.


CLSU Agri Engineers : Anselmo Cudal, Samuel Robeniol, Antonio Veloso, and Gil Valenzuela hired by Oman Holdings International 1985

My brother Sammy and I trying the brand new stadium seats.

I also had an opportunity to grow in my Christian faith as I fellowshipped with other Christian expatriates.  I strove to know more about my faith by regularly reading the Bible and attending a small Bible study group.

One day while on the job site at Bausher Stadium during a lunch break, Bob Carrington gave us a surprise visit.  He found me and my workers having a siesta. The landscape laborers were taking a power nap while I was reading my pocket size Gideon Bible. “Why are you wasting your time reading that? Bob asked me with a grin.  “Bob, I’m not wasting my time, reading the Bible is the best use of time.” I answered. ” Jesus said, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” I’m feeding my soul and spirit.  I’m very far from my family and reading the Bible gives me comfort and keeps me on track.  You must also read the Bible, you also need it, it is the food for your soul, it will give answers to the questions of life.” I boldly declare to my boss. He did not respond. He just stared at me for a moment. Then we talked about work.

Several months after that conversation, and on my almost one year of working in Oman, Bob Carrington summoned me to his office. “Gil, I know you miss your family very much. Get ready, I’m sending you home in two weeks. You can now book your flight.”

 At first, I didn’t know how to react to that news. I wasn’t suppose to go home until I finished my two-year contract.  “Bob, are you firing me? Why? Bob gave a big laugh. “Of course not. Why will I do that when you’re one of my best man? It’s good for you and for the company if you take a break. I’m giving you one month leave with pay and a round trip ticket.”

I can’t believe what I just heard. I was simply overwhelmed by the good news. I gave my boss a big hug and a humongous “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart while I let out generous tears of joy!

While on my way out of Bob’s office he said something in a soft and serious voice.  “By the way Gil, I started reading the Bible, I’m now in the book of Isaiah. Jenny and I are attending the Friday evening service at the Protestant Church in Ruwi. You’re right, I needed the Bible.”

I thought I saw some tears while Bob was saying that. “Oh, I’m very happy for you Bob.”I could not find anything else to say as I was very overwhelmed with the big waves of emotions from everything that I just heard. “God bless you Bob, and thank you again.”

I left Bob’s office mesmerized, stunned, overjoyed and very grateful. My Father God loves me. He gives pleasant surprises. He knows how to convert my tears into joy.  He even uses me for His good purposes. Thank you Lord Jesus.

What a wonderful time to be reunited with my family. Little Gilda was about to turn one year old when we met again. At first she was aloof and didn’t like me. But it didn’t take too long before she got attachéd to her Dad. Blood is thick and it binds real strong. That was a swell time! But I need to go back to work and parting time broke out hearts again.

The long separation from my wife and child cannot go on any longer. It’s not God’s will for a husband and wife to be separated from each other. Somethings needed to be done.

God’s Mysterious Ways

When I went back to the Sultanate of Oman, I brought with me copies of my wife’s professional credentials. I was hoping that somehow I could get her a job in Oman, and in that way we could be together.

I heard from a friend that there was an opening for a computer operator/receptionist at Ruwi Hotel in Muscat, Oman. I called and made an appointment in behalf of my wife and a schedule for interview was set.

I took a day off to go to Ruwi Hotel. It was an unusually very pleasant day with much lower temperature.  The sky was hazy with patches of heavy dark clouds in the horizon-a very untypical day in Oman.

Ruwi is an old city with narrow streets. The hotel is located at a carved out mountain side. Instead of parking at the hotel’s parking lot, I decided to find a public parking space a few blocks away to while away some time as I made it earlier than the scheduled interview.

With a Manila envelope containing Edita’s resume under my arm, I started walking towards the hotel saying a prayer for God’s intervention about my wife’s possible employment in Oman. “Lord please open a door for my wife’s employment here in Oman so that we won’t be separated anymore.”

I was walking towards Ruwi Hotel when suddenly, there was a heavy downpour.  I ran to the nearest building to seek cover. I helped myself into the lobby of a building. While waiting for the rain to stop, I got curious of the pictures hanging on the walls. First, I learned that I was at Sultan Qaboos University Buildings and Grounds Project office. There were pictures and maps of what seemed as an on-going constructions of buildings in a huge area outside of Muscat. From reading, I learned that the first university in Oman will open on October 1986.


I read further that the office I bumped into is hiring maintenance engineers for buildings and grounds. My mouth opened in excitement and surprise. I quickly looked for names of people involved in the project. I found a memorandum on the bulletin board signed by Engr. Adam Brooks, Director of Sultan Qaboos University Buildings and Grounds Department.

Something in my heart urged  me not waste this opportunity.  After saying a short prayer, I mustered some courage to confidently approached the lady receptionist at the lobby and inquired. “Miss, is Mr. Brooks in his office today? “Yes he is,Do you have any appointment with him? The beautiful Indian lady receptionist asked me. “No, but I’m just taking a chance in case he’s available. She took the phone and called the boss. “Mr. Brooks, there is a gentleman here who wants to talk to you. He has no appointment but he’s wondering if you might be available.” “Send him in.” I heard their conversation because Mr. Brook’s office was just next door.

 There was a surge of excitement in my heart.  I had to calm myself down. The turn of event was a complete surprise. I was ready to sell my wife’s credentials as a secretary or receptionist. But here I was ready to present her best resume as a civil engineer where she’s very good at. God was clearly opening a door!

The receptionist ushered me into Mr. Adam Brooks’ office.

I extended my hand to greet the director with a firm handshake. “Good morning Mr. Brooks, thank you sir for letting me in!

“What can I do for you young man? He asked. Mr. Brooks was a jolly British old man judging from his demeanor. He spoke with a beautiful English accent. His bearing made me very comfortable.  He did not invite me to sit. Instead, he went back to what he was was doing-polishing a tiny animal figure in a miniature lathe machine. “I think better when I’m working with my hands,” He said.

Sir, I was on my way walking to Ruwi Hotel to interview for a job for my wife. When suddenly the rain poured.” 

“Isn’t that strange? This is my first time to see a heavy downpour here in Muscat and I’ve been here for five years.” Mr. Brooks interjected.

  “Oh, yes sir. I believe God made it rain so I could be here. I just happened to seek cover and I found myself in your building. My wife is a civil engineer and I just read that you are hiring maintenance engineers.” It would be best if she will be hired as an engineer rather than a secretary or receptionist.” Isn’t it sir?

 Mr. Brooks, here’s my wife’s resume. I’d like you to please look at it and consider her for a job in your project. I took the documents out of the wet Manila envelop. I wasted no time. I found an opening and I went right through it without hesitation. 

On hearing my dialogue, Mr Brooks stopped working on his hobby. He turned off the lathe machine and proceeded to sit behind his desk. He also motioned me to sit down. 

Did you say that your wife is an engineer? He took the documents I was handing him while looking and listening to me intently. 

Yes sir, she is a very accomplished engineer. She was involved with some very interesting projects in the Philippines like the design oh the first ever nuclear power plant and the Light Railway Transit in Manila. 

Now I really got Mr. Brook’s attention. He started perusing my wife’s documents. “And she can type 80 words per minute blinfolded? Mr. Brooks was reading the section I’ve prepared for the Ruwi Hotel job.

“Oh, yes sir. 80 words per minute blindfolded with very minimal error.” That’s very impressive? And she is a civil engineer?  “Yes sir, ” I answered. 

“Yes, we’re looking for civil, electrical and mechanical engineers for the maintenance of the university complex. But the problem is-the university may not want a lady engineer on the team. This is the Middle East … you know.”

You’ll not regret hiring my wife in your team. She will be a good asset.

What about you? Are you looking for a job? What do you do? No sir, I’m not looking for a job for myself. I am currently employed as an agricultural engineer at Oman Holdings International (OHI). I’m looking for a job for my wife so we can be together in Oman. OHI? Do you know Bob Carrington? Bob bids for a landscaping job at the university. 

“Yes sir, I know Bob Carrington, he’s my boss!

“Mr. Brooks, please help me bring my wife to Oman by hiring her in your maintenance team.”

“I could probably pull some strings but I cannot promise any positive result. The critical part is securing a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Mr. Brooks and I had a talk for almost two hours like we were old friends. He shared stories about his family, his hobbies and interests and his long years as an engineer. Tea was brought to us by his secretary. I felt so special for having been accommodated the way he did. I made sure I communicated my desire to unite my family.

Before I left, he gave me instructions to complete the application to be sent to SQU in Al Khoud. 

The process took eight long months. My wife was finally hired by the SQU Buildings and Grounds Department. She was the only lady engineer on the team for all 10 years that she worked there.

My wife arrived in Oman in October 1986. Up to this time, I still marvel about that stormy day in Ruwi. God sent the rain! God’s masterful hands ordered all my steps that led me to the right place and right person that provided my wife the right job. I praise the mighty name of Jesus!

When Edita arrived in Oman I took her to a Garden in Seeb that I developed and maintained.
  
  I will tell the story of the birth of our son Gilson in the next blog issue. Thanks for reading my friends. Please share this to your family and friends. God bless you!!!

 

 

 

 

My Story Continues: GOD DID IT AGAIN…and AGAIN! Part 1


Many of my readers are inquiring about my children. I’d like to introduce them to you in this blog.

My wife Edith and I are blessed with three children- Gilda Grace, Gil Edison and Gilary Jasmine. As you can see they are all named after me with my first name prefixed in theirs. My wife loves me enough that she allowed this “Gil thing” in her babies’ names.  By the way, our names are pronounced with an “H” sound–Hil.

There are stories behind the naming of our kids and these are huge parts of our family history that my grandchildren need to know–and that’s the main reason for this writing.

In telling the story of each of our three children, I’m going to reminisce circumstances surrounding their birth and highlight the marvelous things that God had done.

Gilda Grace was born in 1985 during the height of political and economic crisis in the Philippines. My wife and I both lost our jobs as engineers. I was employed as an Agricultural Supervisor for Manilabank’s agribusiness venture in Silang Cavite. But their ambitious project of a huge mango plantation was halted by political events-Ninoy Aquino’s assassination that led to People’s Power revolution. 

At the same time, my wife worked as design engineer for MERALCO’s engineering firm MIESCOR. She took part in the designing of the first phase of LRT project-the Balintawak- Baclaran segment. 

 

She was also a part of the team that designed the structure of the nuclear power plant at Napot Point, Bataan. The project was completed but never fueled due to it’s potential danger. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant site lies on an earthquake fault line. Consequently, the huge government investment became a white elephant for a long time. 


We made money as engineers and so we decided to build our own house one year before our church wedding. The PAG-IBIG housing program easily approved our housing loan. 

The construction of our house in Dos Buenas Subdivision in Cabanatuan City was supervised by Edita’s father Jeremiah. My brother-in-law Kuya Freddie was the contractor.  Edita made it appear that the construction was one of her projects as a civil engineer. We want to surprise everyone about us owning a house before we even got married. 

Edita and I spent many hours designing together our three-bedroom concrete bungalow- that was to be our love nest.

On our wedding day January 7, 1984, the partially finished house was the venue for our wedding reception…to everyone’s surprise and delight.  We even had a ribbon cutting to inaugurate and bless our new home the same day as our wedding.  

 I made a reservation for honeymoon in Tagaytay but we were so excited to stay in our new house even if it was yet unfinished and unfurnished.  My bride relented, so I cancelled our honeymoon reservations. That was a big mistake! When relatives and friends learned that we were home, they came by knocking at our door with food and gifts and good wishes. But all we wished for our honeymoon was for us to be alone!!! But we love our relatives and friends and we forgave them for their intrusion. (LOL)

 At first, we  lived in our house only on weekends because our employments were out of town. Mine was in Cavite and hers was in Manila. 

Three months after we were wed, I received the biggest news of my life. I was going to be a father! But the good news was paired with two bad ones. My wife and I lost our jobs as engineers. 

We had some savings and we should be fine with no income for a while. The biggest consolation was-we were together living in our new home. And what a great time that was!

Then an idea came to mind. Why don’t I work on our five-hectare rice farm and make some money? After all, as an agricultural engineer I have all the knowledge and techniques to produce a good harvest. I discussed  that idea with my wife and after much convincing, she gave her blessings for me use our savings to fund the rice farm ptoject. 

“Remember, the baby is coming in January. We need the money back by then.” She told me as she handed me an envelope containing our savings. “Don’t worry sweetheart, this will be doubled by then.” I responded with high hopes expectancy. 

All eyes were on me when I worked on the  land we inherited from our father. Everyone knew I had a degree in agriculture and therefore there was high expectations. I had a lot to prove. 

With money available for good seeds, proper land preparation, fertilizer and pesticides, my rice crop was robust and very promising. I was gaining the respect of the classic farmers. Many predicted that my rice harvest would exceed the government’s program of Masagana 99–where one hectare was expected to yield 100 cavans of rice. I believed their predictions because from the looks of it, really, my rice crop was excellent. My neighboring farmers were already contracting me to advise them what to do for the next cropping season.

The much awaited day of harvest came. A lot of people turned up with their harvesting sickles. The atmosphere was festive as people were happy to take part in the abundant harvest. 

On the first day of harvest, a big portion of the crop was cut and laid on the paddies to dry. Everyone was buzzing about how dense my rice crop was and how rich and full the grains were. I was anticipating that by the end of the second day, the cutting will be  finished and on the third day, the crop would be ready for threshing. 

I went home that night tired but very inspired. My farm helper reminded me to purchase at least 600 bags to be ready for the big threshing day. I made a mental calculation of how much I will make if I indeed make at least 500 cavans. I can easily double my investment or even triple it. Yes, we will be ready when the baby comes.   

Sitting down at my porch before going to bed that night, I noticed that the wind was unusually strong. I immediately felt uneasy and troubled. I turned the radio on and my apprehension was correct. A strong typhoon was heading towards Central Luzon and will hit Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija in a few hours. The typhoon has a speed of 170 km per hour-strong enough to devastate the rice farms. 

I went to bed that night holding my wife’s seven month bulging belly. I could feel the baby moving and my wife getting excited as she felt the living being in her womb. I didn’t talk to my wife about the looming storm. I simply reminded her and myself that God is good and He will carry us through. We said our prayers. 

I hardly slept that night as the howling wind bothered me a great deal. When I got out of bed in the morning, I looked through the window and saw signs of devastation. The news said that the storm was there to stay for another 15 hours. I can only imagine what was happenning to my rice crop. 

My wife begged me to just stay home that day. But the idea of my rice farm under devastation was killing me. I went to the farm anyway, as if I can do anything about the situation. 

The farm was in total disarray. The already cut rice stalks left on the paddies to dry were strewn everywhere by the strong wind. Some were submerged under water. The uncut rice stalks were forced to the ground. The ones that were left standing had lost their grains due to the force of the wind. I stood at the edge of the farm whipped by the strong winds as I watched my robust rice crop being cruelly devastated by the storm. I dropped to my knees in agony with hands over my face-sobbing and crying like a little boy who lost his puppy and candy –with no words to say-just moaning, crying and wailing for my great losses. I just felt very hurt, very helpless, abandoned, forsaken, heavy-hearted, fearful. 

And finally in my desperation, I cried out to God. “Lord please have mercy!” My wailing turned to pleading. I asked God to provide for the needs of my family. Specifically, I ask the Lord to take care of the needs of my wife and our baby yet to be born. Those are the very reasons why I ventured into farming.  

When I got up from my knees, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance. I knew in my heart, God will make a way. God will perform a miracle, somewhere, sometime at the right moment, at the right event. This I believed in my heart because God did it to me time and again. 

The storm left a havoc on the rice crop. I had to act fast to salvage what had remained. The biggest challenge was to quickly dry the rice grains. But my best effort wasn’t good enough. Much of what we were able to harvest had been submerged in water for a long time and we couldn’t dry it fast enough. More than half of my harvest had perished. And the little that we saved was of poor quality grain. 

And so here we were, two jobless engineers with lost savings, a house mortgage and a baby coming. 

We desperately needed help! We prayed to God to intervene.

My college friend, my SENSE brother and fellow engineer at the failed Manilabank agribusiness- Engr. Samuel Robeniol came to the rescue. He got me a job in the Sultanate of Oman. But this meant that I had to leave my pregnant wife. Brother Sammy warned me that if I don’t accept the job immediately, it might be given to someone else. I had to make a hard decision-I accepted the overseas job and made a commitment to leave as soon as possible for my family’s welfare. I was scheduled to fly January 22. That was also the expected delivery our first baby. 

Early morning on January 16, I took my wife for a walk to her parents’ house. The excercise proved to be too much for my very pregnant wife. As soon as we arrived to her folks place, she started having signs of labor. I immediately took her to the hospital. The labor was long and dreary. We’ve waited the whole day of the 16th through the night and it never progressed. The doctor advised a C-section to be done early morning of January 17. The prospect of seeing my baby before I left for the Middle East excited me.

But my wife and I were so worried about this development. We could not afford any surgery procedure. I’ve spent all our money for my travel to Oman.

 That night, We found a corner in the hospital lobby where we could pray. Tears rolled down our eyes as we petitioned God to help in the situation. Just as we finished our prayers, a lady in hospital scrubs and stethoscopes around her neck saw us wiping our eyes. She came to my wife, touched her bulging belly and consoled her. Are you in pain? Don’t worry you’re in a good place. We both thanked her and she went on her way. 

  Very early in the morning they wheeled my wife to the operating room and I was directed to the waiting room. There were other fathers waiting. And as they waited, a nurse would come and gave a long prescription list to be purchased from a pharmacy.I Inquired from one of them about the list. It included all the necessary drugs and some supplies needed for the surgery-anaesthesia, syringe, sutures, pain drugs and the like which will cost around P2,000.00.

Upon learning this requirement I sat in one corner and prayed. “Lord, you know I don’t have money. When that nurse comes and give me that prescription list. I don’t know what to do. Please Father take over and do something.”  That’s one of the most specific and desperate prayers I’ve ever said. 

I waited and waited and finally the nurse came. “Mr. Valenzuela.” I immediately got up from my seat, took a deep breath and was ready to say my little dialogue of apology and explanation. But before I could say anything she beamed a big radiant smile and said: “Congratulations! You have a healthy baby girl. Your wife is now in the recover room.” I was stunned, speechless! What did just happen? I wondered. Well, did we not ask God to intervene. He did!-in a very special way!

When my wife was being prepped for surgery, the nurse told her that someone donated all that are needed for the C-section procedure and so I don’t need to purchase them from the pharmacy. 

Then I heard the familiar kind voice from the nurse: “Mr. Valenzuela, you can now see your baby girl through the nursery window.” 

In no time, I was  by the nursery window bubbling with tears of joy as I beheld my first born for the very first time. Her angelic face was very peaceful. I saw a combination of me and her mom in her likeness. She was beautiful.  I couldn’t wait to hold and tenderly kiss her tiny face. 

God had been so merciful and gracious to me. He allowed me to see my baby born  before I left for the Middle East. 

When my wife had recovered and moved to the ward they brought the baby to her for feeding. The little one immediately learned the survival skill of feeding, and her mother generously produced the colostrum her young one needed to survive and thrive. 

Watching my beloved and our child created a mental picture so vivid in my mind. And the joy that it brought me became a wellspring of inspiration for a lifetime.Carrying my little one in my arms and hands was an ecstatic experience. The tiny human being had complete digits in both higher and lower extremities. She had a full dark brown hair. Her fingers were like tiny tapering candles. I imagined them to be playing the piano someday.

 On her right wrist was a name tag that says “Baby Valenzuela”. This little one needed a name. I had long suggested that my children will be named after me. “Gilda”, yes her name will be Gil-da because she is Gil’s daughter.  We added “Grace” to her name to remind us of God’s great provisions, mercy and grace. She will be called Gilda Grace Valenzuela.

We were ready to be released from the hospital one day before my scheduled flight. Anticipating the hospital and doctor’s bills, I prepared a promissory note explaining why I couldn’t pay. I proceeded to the administration office to plead, but after I introduced myself the lady at the reception told me that there was a note from my wife’s doctor that she  was not charging us any fees for the procedure. Additionally, the hospital fees and prescription drugs used had been underwritten! 

“God has paid it all.” This was the moment and this was the event when God’s gracious hands were at work.

“Please tell the good doctor I said Thank You”,  I told the receptionist. 

“Mr. Valenzuela, if you want to donate any amount of money, please drop your donation in that box.”

I took my only P50.00 bill from my wallet and dropped it in the donation box. 

I left the administration office feeling humbled and blessed. God works in mysterious ways, and He’s done it again as He marvelously did it to me many times in the past! I praise the mighty Name of Jesus!The day of my flight to the Sultanate of Oman was a dreadful day. I had to leave my wife who was still in pain from the surgical procedure and my five-day old baby. But emotion must be ruled by reason this time. I needed to to this because my family needed it.

 When the airplane bound to the Middle East took off. I felt a searing pain in my heart. I was torn apart. I left my heart in the Philippines. I could not control my tears as the jumbo aircraft took me away from my loved ones. When will I see them again? 

The picture below was taken when I got reunited with Gilda Grace, one year after I left her. 

Next Issue: God Did it Again Part 2 will feature the birth of our second child: Gil Edison Valenzuela. Thank you all for reading.