Be not afraid! - An Open Letter to the CFC Community

“…you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 RSV)


Recently, it came as a shock to many in the Couples for Community (CFC) community that several elders led by Bro. Frank Padilla resigned as members of the CFC Council. It generated all sorts of reaction and speculation which Bro. Frank tried to respond through a Q & A dated February 28, 2007 that was read to us this month in our corporate assembly by our chapter head. Presumably, chapters from across the world have heard the same response from our former CFC Director.

“Be not afraid!”

I call upon my CFC brothers and sisters with a familiar invitation as well as exhortation much spoken by the Holy Father Pope John Paul II during his papacy. They are the same words that the angel Gabriel said to Mother Mary (Luke 1:30) and by an angel to St. Joseph (Matthew 1:20).

Christ repeatedly gave the same message to the Apostles in various situations especially after His glorious resurrection.

Be not afraid! “Of what?” One may ask. According to Pope John Paul II, “We should not fear the truth about ourselves”. In the context of the recent resignations, we should not fear to continue what God has called us to do – to spread the Good News and to renew the face of the earth.

In a way, Peter spoke on behalf of all of us when he said, “Depart from me, Lord, from I am a sinful man.” To which Christ replied, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).

The revamp was all about faithfulness to God. By command responsibility, our respected elders shouldered the “sufferance of consequences” brought about by everyone’s share of failures and infidelity to our covenant with the Lord.

I see it as a wake up call, especially to our leaders to deeply examine what we have done wrong and the things we have failed to do through the years.

Some have lost their sense of servant leadership, treating the community as if it was a corporate ladder that you have yourself “promoted”. Many have totally disregarded pastoral formation and immersed themselves in “service”, something that has led to spiritual burn-outs and decline in active membership. On the other hand, massive evangelization efforts without the appropriate resources and fast-tracking of ill-prepared leaders have also resulted in the further decline of members and loss of the genuine CFC culture in many places. Sadly, many leaders do not even practice SNIPS (Scripture, Notes, ID, Pen, Song book) anymore. Consequently, this deviant culture is passed on to the members that we pastor.

Let us humbly acknowledge our faults, repent and rectify what we have done wrong.

I see it as an opportunity to start fresh, to start of a massive renewal within the community. Bro. Frank correctly points out the relevance of our current theme from the Book of Lamentations. While we mourn for the suffering we have to endure due to our unfaithfulness, God in His immeasurable ocean of mercy gives us the chance to repent and be cleansed from our transgressions.

Be not afraid!

Our faithful, merciful and loving God is always there for us. He longs for us to mend our ways that He may restore us and help us grow in holiness in Christ Jesus.

Be not afraid!

The Holy Spirit has empowered us with His mighty gifts! Let us use them and use them well. Revive and practice genuine discernment in all our actions and endeavors. God will lead us and show us the correct path.

With all these in mind, let us move forward with renewed hope in the steadfast love and guidance from the Lord.

May God bless us all!

GK1MB and Then Some: Pictures of New Heroism

TGK1MB volunteers came in all shapes and sizes

Heroes abound that 25th of February...and the weekends that followed at Sitio Ruby. Heroes that came in all shapes and sizes, ages and walks of life. They all shared though a common vision and goal - to help their needy brethren regain their dignity as human beings through Gawad Kalinga.

Spearheaded by SFC leaders and members from NB3 in coordination with GK leaders from all 5 phases of GK Ruby, a whole day long series of activities were planned and carried out in Sitio Ruby. GK1MB stands for Gawad Kalinga Isang Milyong Bayani (GK 1 Million Heroes). On this day, different GK areas had simultaneous activities to promote nation building to every Filipino.

These activities included a medical mission on health literacy, a "freedom wall" where visitors could leave their "marks" of heroism, exposure on GK programs like Tatag (Build) and SAGIP (GK Program for young kids) and a formal program were several GK advocates like Dylan Wilk, Raul Dizon and Sherwin Nahiyal were invited to talk about love of God and country, a call to live as heroes and Nation Building, respectively.

By the end of the day, visitors were asked to commit at least four hours of their time in a month to serve in Gawad Kalinga. All those who say yes to the call will be given a GK ID that will be in turn registered to the GK1MB database.

In the past, many people had already lost their faith in this country to rise up again from its problems. Today's turnout which is similar to that of other GK areas nationwide gives much hope that there is still that bayanihan spirit in the hearts and minds of majority of our countrymen. People who are willing to share their time, talent and treasure that others may rise up from poverty.

A convocation of SFC members joined me, Joshua and

Kuya Gerry Santos (big guy at the back)

for these pictures

Sitio Ruby was bustling with GK activities

Volunteers share the "Agape" lunch

"And all of them ate and were filled..."

Like in the miracle recorded in Matthew 15:32-38, despite the big number of volunteers, there was plenty of food for everybody

North B CFC elders/GK leaders converge

There were even some Korean volunteers present during the whole day activity

(I should have asked if they had some delicious Kimchi!)

The marks of youthful heroism

The following two Saturdays (March 3 & 10) made even me, a die hard La Sallite to be proud of Ateneans grade school students. (Did i just say what i think i said! :])

You see, teachers, parents and Grade 7 students generated a total of 1.1 million pesos which will later be used for the construction of around 65-70 houses in Phase 4. Moreover, the Atenaens also wanted to physically help out in the building of houses. So practically the whole level of Grade 7 students, around 400 hundred all in all, along with their teachers and some parents came to Sitio Ruby in batches precisely to that.

Many of the students were visibly excited to break sweat and do some manual labor. By the end of each Saturday, they went home dog tired but happy knowing they contributed something to nation building.

Ateneans (wearing green shirts?) transfer sand to the build sites

The students live out their motto to be "a man for others"

OMB officemates Miles Luanzon and Edna Urriza shared their time to help out in Sitio Ruby

After two Saturdays, that huge pile of sand was completely transferred to the actual building sites not accessible by vehicle

About the same time, the house sponsored by Cheryl Cosim was on its final stages of construction. One thing about GK is that it has enabled us to meet new friends like Cheryl and her boyfriend John Alvarez who have sincere hearts in helping the poor.

Miles and Edna paint the walls of the house donated by ABS-CBN celebrity Cheryl Cosim

Cheryl herself painted part of the house's second floor

Cheryl with friends and relatives share a meal inside our GK storeroom and office

Heroes... everyone of them.

It doesn't really need a lot from a person to be one. One just has to bear in mind to do less for self and more for others. The outcome - enough for all.

Baby Faith turns 2!

Our "faith" turned 2 last March 12!

My youngest and only daughter, Maria Fatima whom we lovingly call Baby Faith celebrated another year into her youthful life. The darling of the family and definitely the most affectionate, Faith calls out "Papa!" as soon as she sees me entering the driveway from work, runs to me and gives me a big hug! All the tiredness and stress my work brings is driven away by her love and charm.

She hasn't talked straight yet but knows enough words and gestures to make you understand what she needs or tries to express. Let not her gentle charm and joyful disposition fool you. Baby Faith is no push over and her older brothers know they're in for a smackdown if they mess around with her!

A picture worth a thousand words

A sneak preview into her musically inclined future

"She has her father's eyes!", people tell me. We even share the same type of hair, the long and wavy type that naturally curls at its tips. I'm sure as Faith grows older she will also develop the same inclination for music, sports and foods that her brothers and i like. I can see that trend right now! Sometimes though, as i realize the quickness of time, as i see my children grow and mature into distinct individuals, i often hope they don't grow up so fast. As our youngest child and only girl, i hope our family can enjoy life with Baby Faith with her youthful glow as long as possible. I know someday, one four-eyed hairy legged boy next door will sweep her off her feet and carry her off to the sunset.

But until that time comes, Faith will be Papa's little sunshine.

Happy birthday, Baby Faith!

Junior's Pre-15th Birthday Bash!

Junior and his bandmates rocked Barangay Fairview on the eve of his 15th birthday last February 24 at the West Fairview Barangay Hall Covered Court.

But before the rock & roll storm, a simple pre-birthday celebration was made in our home with relatives from Project 8, Junior’s band mates and friends.

The post –Valentine gathering was a fund-raising event initiated by our local Youth for Christ (YFC) chapter primarily to raise funds to support youth delegates attending the YFC International Leaders Conference this April in the Bicol region.

After playing the national anthem, the SAGIP Band of Sitio Ruby gave a performance number themselves during the concert.

Like mother, like daughter - Faith makes faces while Joshua looks on

Mariposa performs on stage

Mariposa sang four songs; the first three were well received by the audience (which included “Torete” by Moonstar 88) but the fourth brought the house down with their soulful rendition of Passion’s praise and worship song “Every Move I Make”. Come to think of it, I believe they were the only band that included contemporary Christian music into their repertoire that night for the concert.

A fairly good number of people came and enjoyed the night of music

The foursome boys of Mariposa

With newest band mate female vocalist Carla and a schoolmate

YFC, KFC members and parents pose after the concert

During the early morning of 25th, Junior received his birthday gift

from us parents –

a nifty drum sticks holder by Zildjian

Joshua prepares to light up his older brother’s 2nd birthday cake


Happy 15th birthday, son!

2007 started with a Bang!

2007 really did start with a bang. In fact, lots of bangs!

Like in most places in the world, the country welcomed the new year with fireworks and lots of revelry. My family spent the last days of 2006 in my parents' home in Project 8 where we also witnessed the first moments of 2007.

Joshua and Faith are all set for the New Year's Eve Mass













Eric, Phoebe and Phoebe join us as we take on the Noche Buena feast

Me and my Faith

The Mendoza boys make some noise to welcome the new year!

Thank God for the new year! May He use us to provide light to the world!

Baby Rainbow - Eric and Phoebe's first child appears oblivious and unperturbed by the new year's revelry

Sonny Boy with his laid back Lolo (Grandpa) Di

Other relatives come and visit us on the first day of the new year

Baby Faith points to SpongeBob Squarepants and Patrick Star




First cousins Emy and Arsenio, his wife Gigi and their children - Patricia and Gabby join us in a meal on New Year's Day

With CFC Chapter leaders and YFC leader Daniel at the CFC Leaders Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last January 13

Kuya Gerry treats us for lunch at the Rasa Restaurant for some delectable Singaporean cuisine
















On the eve of our 16th Wedding Anniversary last January 26, Odette and I gave our kids, their nannies, and our brothers and sisters in the Unit household a treat at the Napoli Pizzaria Restorante - in Fairview for a night of pasta and pizza!

Thank you Lord for all the blessings! I look forward to the rest of this awesome year!