Of Kerygma Conference 2012, Chicosci/Parokya Ni Edgar and the Not-So-Distant-Past
Another eventful weekend has passed, and so far it is the most life-changing experience that has happened to me in a very long while.
I attended this year's Kerygma Conference, the largest inspirational Christian Catholic event in the country.
I attended this year's Kerygma Conference, the largest inspirational Christian Catholic event in the country.
A little intro: The Feast is nothing new to me. I have been attending (though irregularly, because of work schedule and location issues) for more a year now. It has started during our review days when our regular attendees-mates have invited us to come with them to The Feast Manila (with Bro. Obet Cabrillas as the Feast Builder, our daddy!) and we just hit it. It has been our meeting place, me and my friends. It is such a nice thing thinking that despite our busy schedule now that most of us, if not all, are already working, we find time to meet for our own sake and mostly, for The Lord. It has been a dream to attend the biggest event way back then; to attend the different streams/talks conducted by prominent/normal people who has lived an extra ordinary life by God's graces. We did get to attend on last year's Grand Feast held at the CCP/PICC Open Grounds and it is the most inspiring thing ever; Surrendering everything you have to the Lord, arms spread open wide, looking up at the stars in the vast sky... His beautiful creation.. Him showering us with His blessings. Us grabbing all the opportunities. It felt real amazing I cried my heart out without caring about the world. All I knew then is His overflowing love for me and that no matter what happen in the future (the board exam, in that particular moment) I know He has plans for me. Bigger plans. Greater things. He and His love is all that I need.
Zooming in to a year after that, I am just glad that we did get to experience the streams this time. I chose the Prayer stream for the first day and the Singles stream with my friend Madz for the second day and man, did I learn a lot. I can't fully describe it through words but the feeling is so overwhelming.
From the Prayer stream I get reminded that God is everywhere, so is His love. That God is there for me 24/7. That we should always be grateful and thankful instead of complaining; to focus on what we already have and use it to get what we do not have yet; to use our strength to overcome our weaknesses. I loved some of the prayer activities inside the hall where I get to write my huge thank You to the Thanksgiving Wall; that activity where you would write a prayer for the people you have hurt and are sorry for on a tissue paper and then submerge it to a bucket of water symbolizing the letting go of the past hurt and surrendering them to the Lord, and so I wrote, "I am sorry for the disappointment in the past year. Although I know that I should not dare please anyone and that it is You that I should be pleasing, I know, in a way, I have hurt them. Also, I am sorry for not keeping my words at times." There's another activity where you would write your personal prayers as was inspired by this verse, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you
will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
and pick one from the basket and pray for that person's personal
intention.
"God will not do for you what He wants you to
do for Yourself."
I was the only one from our group (Madz chose the Catholic Faith stream while our boys Jep, Lery and MV chose the Health stream) who actually chose the Prayer stream, but surprisingly, I did not feel alone. His glorious presence never left me.
Sunday. Second day.
I initially chose the Youth stream but decided to come with Madz in the Singles stream mainly because I thought this is the only chance for us to bond. I mean, we don't get to see each other often so... yeah. I am so looking forward into the Singles stream and it did not disappoint. I had even more fun and enlightenment on that second day. Mr. Ardy Abello, Mr. Mike Joseph and couple Bro. Joseph Bonifacio and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio have made all their points. Some of which I have taken down notes and it is as follows:
AIM HIGH.
1. Goal-driven people who aim high will not settle for the good. When God takes you to it, God sees you through it. Narrow your focus. Dare the impossible.
2. Outstanding and consistent performance is key when you are aiming high.
3. Lead with respect and not just position. Leadership is influence.
4. Discipline of the heart will produce character. We should know what CARE really means. Commitment, Attitude, Respect and Excellence.
There are these things that we should also learn to overcome namely Sin, Temptation, Impatience, Passivity and Over-spiritualization.
And lastly, on how to find our perfect match; That in every relationship, we should be aware of our role; that our love story has already started and that is our love for Jesus for He really is THE ONE.
I did not get to attend on the Grand Feast that afternoon for I have to go home for my father's pre-birthday celebration (his birthday is really today) yesterday which is equally fun. It was nice seeing my cousins and relatives enjoying themselves. Oh, and my cousin even got me a hamster, of which I have named Marshie, short for Marshmallow. It (I don't know its gender at the moment) is so adorable. Too bad I have to leave it with them in the province and I would only get to see it during weekends. I cannot bring it at work, can I? But I'm sure they would take good care of my little hamster just as how they would tend after my pet cat Ginger.
Then I went to see a concert (I told you my weekend is eventful), which I contemplated on seeing up to the last minute and decided to still go, anyway. There I met with my son Dominic, who's secured me a ticket (Thank you!) and good ol' friends Jayson, Ilonah and Nina. I spent the night's gig with my girls Rio and Becci, who were not really aware of the band Chicosci but rocked it all out with me and supported my crazy antics during the show. I was surprised to see one of my former college professors also enjoying the show. I was even more surprised to see... someone from a not-so-distant past (hahahaha this!) and it was a sight. The line from an Archuleta song "In a sea of people, there is only you.." kept ringing in my head that time. God has His awesome ways... and sometimes He gives us even more. :D But back to the show, I particularly enjoyed when Chicosci sang CVSC; It was their opening song. Also, Diamond Shotgun with a mashup of "Heeeeeey sexy ladeeehh" from Psy's Oppa Gangnam Style. That was fun especially during my favourite part of the song "so we hold hands... AAAAWWWW!" (The aw part is actually my favourite line to sing along.) Rio said she loves their version of Last Christmas. And oh! How would I ever forget their cover of Eraserheads' Magasin (mashed up with Moonstar 88's Torete). Then there's the main event -- Parokya Ni Edgar. They are amazing, as always. I got to commend the vox, Chito for being such a gentleman, always looking after the girls in the crowd. It was one heck of a crowd, bodies banging and slamming, that is why me and my girls decided to just stay on the upper right side. Far from the middle but close enough to see them (if not because of the speakers blocking our view) but is a safe location, I must say. It did not stop us from enjoying the set, anyway. Singing the songs along with the band you practically grew up with... it is priceless. Seeing them real happy performing for the people who's been for the band, through and through. PNE is one of the pioneer bands in the scene and it's a pleasure getting to see them play (though this is the second time for me). They are still humble as ever. It was even made special with our "We <3 Buwi" moment, when we called out for Buwi (the bassist) and he saw Rio's tab flashing "We <3 Buwi" and gladly smiled at our direction. They ended the "one-to-sawa" set with The Yes Yes Show with the crowd singing Vinci (a former band member)'s part. And the crowd knew the lines by heart. Raddest part of the night!
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| Chicosci and the eager crowd. |
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| A view from the "safe" side of the stage. |
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| This earned us a big smile from the man himself. ;-) |
My weekend's jampacked wasn't it? I felt really blessed and thankful I could not seem to wait what He has for me in the future. But I will wait... patiently. ;-)
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