Luke 1: 67 – 79
67 And his father Zechari’ah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, 74 to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God, when the day shall dawn upon us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Reflection
Two days before Christmas and all the Christmas gifts had been prepared by now. But what is that one gift we can give to all people you will meet which everyone needs yet, will cost you not a single cent? Ask me what? It’s simply LOVE.
Zechariah had in his old age a son with Elizabeth whom he named John, the pre-cursor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John is the gift of LOVE from God given to the old couple Zechariah and Elizabeth. As you know, in the context of the Jewish culture, having no offspring makes them useless couple and is almost equal to a curse as it means you won’t have any posterity. NO one in the family will continue your lineage. Thus, the immense love of God for Zechariah and Elizabeth is manifested by making happen what is impossible with men, God made possible for Elizabeth to conceive in her old age. And as a show of love to God, Zechariah offered John back. Love begets love.
In today’s reading, Zechariah prophesied what his son would be destined to do: Luke 1:76-77 “76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins”. Today as we read this Gospel of Luke, the same prophecy is addressed to all of us. We are all called to be “Johns” for our family, friends, relatives and neighbors. And we can do this not just by shouting on the house tops for repentance of sins. Not just by giving expensive gifts.
We can be John’s to our family by giving LOVE as it is the summation of the Gospels and the Commandments. Giving love unconditionally reflects the mercy of God who loves us and forgives us even before we repent, even before we love Him back.
Giving love unconditionally gives knowledge of salvation to those who receives it. Start wrapping and sending your gifts now… Send your LOVE.
Prayer
Lord make us your instruments to bring knowledge of salvation to our fellow men. Bless us with wisdom, strength and all provisions we need to effectively spread the good news to all people. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Gift for Today
The easiest thing to do is to criticize and highlight the negatives of anything or anyone. Even the people closest to us are not spared. As a gift for today, let us show by our examples the tender mercy of God and to give light to those in darkness of sin.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Why I do what I Do... My Full Credentials
Ruben VC. Santiago Jr.
Provincial Address: Blk. 19 Lot 1 Sherwood Ave., Sherwood Hills,
Brgy.Cabezas, Trece Martires City, Cavite
Mobile: 0920 902 1217
Email: richbenj.santiago@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Post Graduate: College of St Benilde, DLSU Diploma in Organizational Development (April 2000)
Tertiary: Adamson University B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Graduated October 1978)
Secondary: Manila High School
Elementary: Tambo Elementary School
ACHIEVEMENTS
Consistent Scholar, National State Scholarship Grant
Consistent Top Ten Student in Elementary and High School
Passed Mechanical Engineering Board Examination
JIPM Certified TPM Trainer
Certified Financial Educator and College Planning Progam
BOOK AUTHOR:
Risen From Debt
Simple Clear Fast Doable Business
Investing Made Like Eating Cake
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Technical and Financial Consultant: January 2009 – Present. Conducts regular Seminars on Financial Literacy and Wealth Management as IMG Truly Rich Makers Executive Vice Chairman-Marketing Director. Wealth Circle Platinum Member and Cricle Adviser. Head of the Financial Mentoring Ministry of Bro Bo Sanchez' PICC Feast. Head Coach of the Ruly Rich Makers Team in IMG-International Marketing Group.
Conducts specialized and public seminars on TPM, Problem Solving, Six Sigma, 5S, and Team Building Workshops. Currently engaged with several companies on 5S TPM Implementation. Have more than 5000 clients on financial planning and strategies, including investing and wealth and personal protection plans.
Quality and Reliability Assurance /Technical Training Director : OSE Philippines – May 2006 to Jan 2009. Responsible for Quality and Environmental Management and Technical Training for a Continuous Quality Improvements. Planned, prepared and executed activities that led to ISO14001 Certification of OSE in 2008. Developed and implemented computer based documentation and tracking systems for operational data/records, and On-line Specs and Documentation.
Technical Director : OSE Philippines – May 2002 to 2006. Responsible for the Assembly Process Engineering , Test Engineering and Business Development including New Product, Package Qualification and Yield Improvements in Assembly and Test and Technical Training and Development .
Resolved the Package Crack Issue on SOP 8 Mtx, Qualified into production 3 major Taiwan Customers generating additional 30% revenue for the company. Had been able to improve the Overall Assembly Yields by more than 0.2%. Was able to elevate to Supplier #1 OSE rating to one of the major customers. Had been instrumental in achieving more than 250K$/Year of Cost and Productivity Improvements
Developed Operator, Technician, Engineers and Managers, Training and Development Roadmaps. Conducted Technical Training and Team Building sessions for all levels of the organization.
SMT Assembly Process and Equipment Engineering, PDIP EOL Manufacturing, Technical Training, TPM Office Department Manager, and ATP (P1/P2) Process Control: Amkor Technology Philippines- 1992- May 2002 Responsible for the Process Engineering of SOT, PLCC , SIP, SOIC Packages of ATP2.
Launched the Amkor Anam University, and the TPM Office. Responsible for both the Technical Training needs and the OD Interventions including ladderized employee promotion roadmaps and succession planning.
Set-up the SMT Process and Equipment Engineering Start up team. Resolved the issue on Splate Machine strip jamming. Had set-up the Technical Training Section, and the Total Productive Maintenance Systems.
Developed and trained Amkor team members on Poka Yoke, Technical paper Writing, and 16 Steps Problem Solving Methodology.
Trained in the USA and Japan on TPM and certified as JIPM TPM Instructor with certification number 889. Set-up and driven the company towards JIPM TPM Assessment. Major improvements in company’s KPI and 5S Housekeeping had been achieved in both Operation Areas and Offices.
Chaired the Amkor Joint Engineering Council for Excellence and set-up internal Technical Symposium for fan in and fan out of successful projects.
Was recognized in 1996 as Amkor Technical Fellow for his Major Contributions and Promoted to Department Manager Level same year.
Technical Services Manager :Pricon Microelectronics- Bicutan, 1991-92 -Responsible for the Facilities Engineering, Assembly and Test Engineering, and General Services which includes Janitorial and Service Bus.
Qualified into production a major board stuffing product for a Japanese Customer that contributed at least 10% of the revenue. Had instituted Systems improvements in Process Specs generation and implementations. Improved the Facilities Equipment Uptime especially the Power Generator Sets. Improved the Plant 5S and Housekeeping. Improved the revenue on recycled materials and eliminated pilferage. Improved the Bus Service of the company.
Mold Process Engineer to Front of Line Assembly Process & Equipment Engineering Manager: Intel Phil.- Bangkal Makati, 1981-1991. Handled the process and equipment sustenance and improvements from Die Prep to Wirebond. Driven the resolution of Foreign Material problems of EPROMS. Resolved the Mold voids issue from more than 1% to less than 0.2 %. Had been able to improved overall assembly yields by at least 0.5%. Had qualified new mold compound materials for better reliability and yields. Was trained in the USA for Contamination Control and was able to bring down the particle issue on EPROM devices from more than 1% to less than 0.1%. Instituted numerous yield and productivity improvements meriting 3 Divisional Awards. Was named as Intel Key Employee on 1986 for his major contributions.
Instructor : Adamson University- San Marcelino Manila, 1978-81. Handled Mechanical Engineering subjects from basic courses such as Machine Shop Practice to Power Plant design.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN – Semicon Electronics Training Council (1996-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- Association of Semicon &Electronics Manufacturing Engineers of the Philippines (1997-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- SGS Industry Advisory Board (1999-2001)
PRESIDENT- Collegio de Sta Rosa Parents Teachers Association (2007- 2009)
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN- Gentri Partners Venture Multi-purpose Cooperative (2008- 2010)
ASSISTANT BREAKFAST HEAD- Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – TMC (2009-2011)
BCGG HEAD- Magis Deo Community (2008- 2009)
Provincial Address: Blk. 19 Lot 1 Sherwood Ave., Sherwood Hills,
Brgy.Cabezas, Trece Martires City, Cavite
Mobile: 0920 902 1217
Email: richbenj.santiago@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Post Graduate: College of St Benilde, DLSU Diploma in Organizational Development (April 2000)
Tertiary: Adamson University B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Graduated October 1978)
Secondary: Manila High School
Elementary: Tambo Elementary School
ACHIEVEMENTS
Consistent Scholar, National State Scholarship Grant
Consistent Top Ten Student in Elementary and High School
Passed Mechanical Engineering Board Examination
JIPM Certified TPM Trainer
Certified Financial Educator and College Planning Progam
BOOK AUTHOR:
Risen From Debt
Simple Clear Fast Doable Business
Investing Made Like Eating Cake
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Technical and Financial Consultant: January 2009 – Present. Conducts regular Seminars on Financial Literacy and Wealth Management as IMG Truly Rich Makers Executive Vice Chairman-Marketing Director. Wealth Circle Platinum Member and Cricle Adviser. Head of the Financial Mentoring Ministry of Bro Bo Sanchez' PICC Feast. Head Coach of the Ruly Rich Makers Team in IMG-International Marketing Group.
Conducts specialized and public seminars on TPM, Problem Solving, Six Sigma, 5S, and Team Building Workshops. Currently engaged with several companies on 5S TPM Implementation. Have more than 5000 clients on financial planning and strategies, including investing and wealth and personal protection plans.
Quality and Reliability Assurance /Technical Training Director : OSE Philippines – May 2006 to Jan 2009. Responsible for Quality and Environmental Management and Technical Training for a Continuous Quality Improvements. Planned, prepared and executed activities that led to ISO14001 Certification of OSE in 2008. Developed and implemented computer based documentation and tracking systems for operational data/records, and On-line Specs and Documentation.
Technical Director : OSE Philippines – May 2002 to 2006. Responsible for the Assembly Process Engineering , Test Engineering and Business Development including New Product, Package Qualification and Yield Improvements in Assembly and Test and Technical Training and Development .
Resolved the Package Crack Issue on SOP 8 Mtx, Qualified into production 3 major Taiwan Customers generating additional 30% revenue for the company. Had been able to improve the Overall Assembly Yields by more than 0.2%. Was able to elevate to Supplier #1 OSE rating to one of the major customers. Had been instrumental in achieving more than 250K$/Year of Cost and Productivity Improvements
Developed Operator, Technician, Engineers and Managers, Training and Development Roadmaps. Conducted Technical Training and Team Building sessions for all levels of the organization.
SMT Assembly Process and Equipment Engineering, PDIP EOL Manufacturing, Technical Training, TPM Office Department Manager, and ATP (P1/P2) Process Control: Amkor Technology Philippines- 1992- May 2002 Responsible for the Process Engineering of SOT, PLCC , SIP, SOIC Packages of ATP2.
Launched the Amkor Anam University, and the TPM Office. Responsible for both the Technical Training needs and the OD Interventions including ladderized employee promotion roadmaps and succession planning.
Set-up the SMT Process and Equipment Engineering Start up team. Resolved the issue on Splate Machine strip jamming. Had set-up the Technical Training Section, and the Total Productive Maintenance Systems.
Developed and trained Amkor team members on Poka Yoke, Technical paper Writing, and 16 Steps Problem Solving Methodology.
Trained in the USA and Japan on TPM and certified as JIPM TPM Instructor with certification number 889. Set-up and driven the company towards JIPM TPM Assessment. Major improvements in company’s KPI and 5S Housekeeping had been achieved in both Operation Areas and Offices.
Chaired the Amkor Joint Engineering Council for Excellence and set-up internal Technical Symposium for fan in and fan out of successful projects.
Was recognized in 1996 as Amkor Technical Fellow for his Major Contributions and Promoted to Department Manager Level same year.
Technical Services Manager :Pricon Microelectronics- Bicutan, 1991-92 -Responsible for the Facilities Engineering, Assembly and Test Engineering, and General Services which includes Janitorial and Service Bus.
Qualified into production a major board stuffing product for a Japanese Customer that contributed at least 10% of the revenue. Had instituted Systems improvements in Process Specs generation and implementations. Improved the Facilities Equipment Uptime especially the Power Generator Sets. Improved the Plant 5S and Housekeeping. Improved the revenue on recycled materials and eliminated pilferage. Improved the Bus Service of the company.
Mold Process Engineer to Front of Line Assembly Process & Equipment Engineering Manager: Intel Phil.- Bangkal Makati, 1981-1991. Handled the process and equipment sustenance and improvements from Die Prep to Wirebond. Driven the resolution of Foreign Material problems of EPROMS. Resolved the Mold voids issue from more than 1% to less than 0.2 %. Had been able to improved overall assembly yields by at least 0.5%. Had qualified new mold compound materials for better reliability and yields. Was trained in the USA for Contamination Control and was able to bring down the particle issue on EPROM devices from more than 1% to less than 0.1%. Instituted numerous yield and productivity improvements meriting 3 Divisional Awards. Was named as Intel Key Employee on 1986 for his major contributions.
Instructor : Adamson University- San Marcelino Manila, 1978-81. Handled Mechanical Engineering subjects from basic courses such as Machine Shop Practice to Power Plant design.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN – Semicon Electronics Training Council (1996-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- Association of Semicon &Electronics Manufacturing Engineers of the Philippines (1997-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- SGS Industry Advisory Board (1999-2001)
PRESIDENT- Collegio de Sta Rosa Parents Teachers Association (2007- 2009)
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN- Gentri Partners Venture Multi-purpose Cooperative (2008- 2010)
ASSISTANT BREAKFAST HEAD- Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – TMC (2009-2011)
BCGG HEAD- Magis Deo Community (2008- 2009)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
When God Moves Everything Falls in its Place....
We have just concluded a very exhilarating, wonderful, spiritually-nourishing, and grace-filled 3-day Marriage Encounter Weekend at the BLD Covenant House in Dasmarinas, Cavite... We felt the LOVE of God pouring to each and everyone involved in the said weekend. It was truly God's hands moving to make it happen... Do you know why we say this? Ask us why?
Let us tell you why....Magis Class 100 is the sponsoring class for this weekend. We had seven class coordinators out of the original 16 couples. Of the seven coordinators , only one had been able to attend class reunions... and in the final meetings...they dropped out. Of the total 16 couples, only 2 couples (Malvin and Matin Leano, Vener and Malou Torres) consistently attended the reunion meetings and the weekend itself. Would have been easy to just say, that’s it. No more reunion meetings. But the # of people did not matter. What matter is whether we touched even 1 soul and we’re sure God is happy with that. So the meetings continued even with 2 couples in attendance.
In the last 10 days prior to the weekend, we only had 3 confirmed candidates... a sure ball , "no-brainer" condition for a disaster...a cancelled weekend. It's unthinkable especially that it is a Fr. Ruben's ME Weekend.
We made an appearance and appeal to the community... and prayed harder... We are sure our best efforts are not enough without the support of community and God's loving hands.
We did not waver, we did not worry, nor felt abandoned.. We just stayed positive! So about a week prior to weekend, we had commitment for 11 couples, then 15, then finally on the day itself, we expected 22 couples and 18 singles as candidates. We also had 2 more Magis 100 couples (Frances and Jonjon Cadag, and Uly and Set Dela China ) who committed to come as additional auxiliaries. The ever supportive Cora and Fred; our KKK BCGG Head, is of course always there to help making us the Magnificent 6 couples who would handle the weekend. We now have the numbers to pursue the weekend, but will all of them come? ...Of course you know they did...but in my tracking as of 6:30 PM...30 minutes before the time set by Fr Ruben as the START TIME , we only had 12 couples, and Fr.Ruben felt sad that we have not reach his set limits. The auxiliaries on the other hand was complete...but are we ready and able??? Pray...pray...pray.. and you know 10 minutes before the 7PM target, we have the numbers, 17 couples made it on time and 2 more came in beyond 7PM for a total of 19 couples making it to the weekend. God is so good! What a fitting birthday gift to Fr. Ruben who had dedicated more than 41 years of his life in this Ministry!
So the next challenge is...it's 12 auxiliaries vs the needs of 54 people. Can we deliver? At the on-set it was really a major physical challenge with so many logistical, and facilities needs. Air-con and lights not working in a room, arranging, and re-arranging room assignments which affects other logistical arrangements. There is also a door knob broken, one participant not wanting to share her room. Another one who cannot sleep due to the air-con noise, one needing medical attention due to hypertension (just good that one of K3 member Dr Bobby & Reggie Malijan came to the medical rescue), and many other personal needs of the participants... As we write this, We just can't compare the head ache the 12 disciples could have felt attending the needs of more than 5000 men , not counting women and children , there is definitely no comparison. What did the disciple do?...They went to Jesus who already have the answer..... and the needs are addressed.... It's what we did...we know our capabilities and limitations, so we lift up everything to Jesus, and the wisdom and energy needed to address the concerns just flowed through us and concerns were erased...everything went harmoniously... To God be the glory....
The day to day activities are short, but the preparations that goes with it are enormous... take the case of the directory, typing in information of more than 70 people (candidates, presenters, auxiliaries, etc) and printing a total of 46 sets is not a joke. Two cartridges run out of ink... The back up printer did not work... pictures and personal information of the candidates not yet complete... whew...what else could go wrong? But Fely kept her cool, went on tirelessly and finished it just in time... and may I say... done it very well! Again God’s hands at work!
The "Dinner Date" was the most exciting and we felt God's presence in the preparations made.... it was certainly time pressured preparations as it has to be completed in 30 minutes... Wheng and Ali Reyes, Benz Dimanalata, and Au were the ones responsible in making it happen in record time and elegance! The love and concern, the cooperation exuding from the love of one another disallowed the forces of the evil one to sow tension and irritation. The final result... Fr. Ruben exclaimed... "ang ganda"... and the participants gave us an unsolicited and spontaneous applause! Truly amazing... It's God's love for the participant couples manifesting... and to us as well..
We did it with God's helping hands... And we would like to give back all the glory and Honor to Him who made it possible. As Sally of Anchit said to me, we have done our mission and it is up now for the couples to do what they have seen and heard... We have surely touched couples lives forever, here is one feedback I would like to share from his Facebook wall post:
Jerry (Seculles) says..".now as I go to sleep.. i can't help myself but cry, remembering those memories in that weekend...still singing with tears in my joyful eyes..how I love my mama (that's how he calls his wife Cherry) ...We, as a couple like to congratulate you Magis 100 together with the staff (auxiliaries), especially the sharing couples (Santos & Llamas couples) most of all to Father Tanseco...Thank you very much for the wonderful weekend you've prepared for us...God really is within all of you....
And so we also want to take this opportunity to re-post here what we posted in our FB account: Thanks to all who made this Marriage Encounter Weekend a success! To all the 19 couples and 16 singles...you are all wonderful... the BLD Covenant House Staff are also nice people.,Sally and Anchit and all BCGGs in the South Sector, Fr Ruben and Most especially to the Lord Almighty who gave us an opportunity to serve Him...We feel so good and so blessed! Thanks to You Lord! ...To You we give back all glory and love!!!..
We started the ME Weekend with a prayer , that this weekend be our form of service to Him through the participants. That we may have the Love and Patience for one another as we render it. That we exert our energies, spend our time, talents, and treasure not for our own recognition, but to glorify the Lord who makes all things possible. We ended it with a mass in celebration of "Christ the King", and we were in tears as we hear the participants share their love letters to the Lord, expressing their rekindled love for one another, and their desire to be salt and light for other couples...
Now you know why we say it was truly God's hands moving to make this ME Weekend happen... We just prayed, believed, declared and surrendered to God’s will that the MEW will be a SUCCESS and so it was!
Again thank you to ALL who made this MEW happened. We can’t list down all the names. You know who you are and may GOD bless you MORE!!
Benj and Fely Santiago
Magis Class 100 Shepherd
Let us tell you why....Magis Class 100 is the sponsoring class for this weekend. We had seven class coordinators out of the original 16 couples. Of the seven coordinators , only one had been able to attend class reunions... and in the final meetings...they dropped out. Of the total 16 couples, only 2 couples (Malvin and Matin Leano, Vener and Malou Torres) consistently attended the reunion meetings and the weekend itself. Would have been easy to just say, that’s it. No more reunion meetings. But the # of people did not matter. What matter is whether we touched even 1 soul and we’re sure God is happy with that. So the meetings continued even with 2 couples in attendance.
In the last 10 days prior to the weekend, we only had 3 confirmed candidates... a sure ball , "no-brainer" condition for a disaster...a cancelled weekend. It's unthinkable especially that it is a Fr. Ruben's ME Weekend.
We made an appearance and appeal to the community... and prayed harder... We are sure our best efforts are not enough without the support of community and God's loving hands.
We did not waver, we did not worry, nor felt abandoned.. We just stayed positive! So about a week prior to weekend, we had commitment for 11 couples, then 15, then finally on the day itself, we expected 22 couples and 18 singles as candidates. We also had 2 more Magis 100 couples (Frances and Jonjon Cadag, and Uly and Set Dela China ) who committed to come as additional auxiliaries. The ever supportive Cora and Fred; our KKK BCGG Head, is of course always there to help making us the Magnificent 6 couples who would handle the weekend. We now have the numbers to pursue the weekend, but will all of them come? ...Of course you know they did...but in my tracking as of 6:30 PM...30 minutes before the time set by Fr Ruben as the START TIME , we only had 12 couples, and Fr.Ruben felt sad that we have not reach his set limits. The auxiliaries on the other hand was complete...but are we ready and able??? Pray...pray...pray.. and you know 10 minutes before the 7PM target, we have the numbers, 17 couples made it on time and 2 more came in beyond 7PM for a total of 19 couples making it to the weekend. God is so good! What a fitting birthday gift to Fr. Ruben who had dedicated more than 41 years of his life in this Ministry!
So the next challenge is...it's 12 auxiliaries vs the needs of 54 people. Can we deliver? At the on-set it was really a major physical challenge with so many logistical, and facilities needs. Air-con and lights not working in a room, arranging, and re-arranging room assignments which affects other logistical arrangements. There is also a door knob broken, one participant not wanting to share her room. Another one who cannot sleep due to the air-con noise, one needing medical attention due to hypertension (just good that one of K3 member Dr Bobby & Reggie Malijan came to the medical rescue), and many other personal needs of the participants... As we write this, We just can't compare the head ache the 12 disciples could have felt attending the needs of more than 5000 men , not counting women and children , there is definitely no comparison. What did the disciple do?...They went to Jesus who already have the answer..... and the needs are addressed.... It's what we did...we know our capabilities and limitations, so we lift up everything to Jesus, and the wisdom and energy needed to address the concerns just flowed through us and concerns were erased...everything went harmoniously... To God be the glory....
The day to day activities are short, but the preparations that goes with it are enormous... take the case of the directory, typing in information of more than 70 people (candidates, presenters, auxiliaries, etc) and printing a total of 46 sets is not a joke. Two cartridges run out of ink... The back up printer did not work... pictures and personal information of the candidates not yet complete... whew...what else could go wrong? But Fely kept her cool, went on tirelessly and finished it just in time... and may I say... done it very well! Again God’s hands at work!
The "Dinner Date" was the most exciting and we felt God's presence in the preparations made.... it was certainly time pressured preparations as it has to be completed in 30 minutes... Wheng and Ali Reyes, Benz Dimanalata, and Au were the ones responsible in making it happen in record time and elegance! The love and concern, the cooperation exuding from the love of one another disallowed the forces of the evil one to sow tension and irritation. The final result... Fr. Ruben exclaimed... "ang ganda"... and the participants gave us an unsolicited and spontaneous applause! Truly amazing... It's God's love for the participant couples manifesting... and to us as well..
We did it with God's helping hands... And we would like to give back all the glory and Honor to Him who made it possible. As Sally of Anchit said to me, we have done our mission and it is up now for the couples to do what they have seen and heard... We have surely touched couples lives forever, here is one feedback I would like to share from his Facebook wall post:
Jerry (Seculles) says..".now as I go to sleep.. i can't help myself but cry, remembering those memories in that weekend...still singing with tears in my joyful eyes..how I love my mama (that's how he calls his wife Cherry) ...We, as a couple like to congratulate you Magis 100 together with the staff (auxiliaries), especially the sharing couples (Santos & Llamas couples) most of all to Father Tanseco...Thank you very much for the wonderful weekend you've prepared for us...God really is within all of you....
And so we also want to take this opportunity to re-post here what we posted in our FB account: Thanks to all who made this Marriage Encounter Weekend a success! To all the 19 couples and 16 singles...you are all wonderful... the BLD Covenant House Staff are also nice people.,Sally and Anchit and all BCGGs in the South Sector, Fr Ruben and Most especially to the Lord Almighty who gave us an opportunity to serve Him...We feel so good and so blessed! Thanks to You Lord! ...To You we give back all glory and love!!!..
We started the ME Weekend with a prayer , that this weekend be our form of service to Him through the participants. That we may have the Love and Patience for one another as we render it. That we exert our energies, spend our time, talents, and treasure not for our own recognition, but to glorify the Lord who makes all things possible. We ended it with a mass in celebration of "Christ the King", and we were in tears as we hear the participants share their love letters to the Lord, expressing their rekindled love for one another, and their desire to be salt and light for other couples...
Now you know why we say it was truly God's hands moving to make this ME Weekend happen... We just prayed, believed, declared and surrendered to God’s will that the MEW will be a SUCCESS and so it was!
Again thank you to ALL who made this MEW happened. We can’t list down all the names. You know who you are and may GOD bless you MORE!!
Benj and Fely Santiago
Magis Class 100 Shepherd
Friday, November 12, 2010
My Daughter Chiara is A Champion Swimmer...
Yesterday, the whole morning till early afternoon, we (me and my wife) were so lucky to find ourselves watching the swimming competition of schools in the West Cavite Areas comprising of Maragondon, Tanza, Gen Trias, Naic, and Trece Martires where my daughter Chiara belongs.
It was not in the plan for the day as I had initially scheduled a visit to a factory of my client. But, certainly, it is a blessing of an opportunity to bond with our youngest daughter, and the parents of other swimmers. I had fun, not just because Chiara garnered Gold and Silver in the events she joined and their team emerged as the Overall Champion... I had fun because of the love and friendship shared.
Happiness indeed is not expensive. The mere presence of a loved one, the simple gesture of sharing of food, and the excitement of watching your daughter give her best effort is a wonderful source of happiness.
Thanks be to God. He arranged my schedules to be with my Champion Swimmer..Chiara....
God bless us all!
It was not in the plan for the day as I had initially scheduled a visit to a factory of my client. But, certainly, it is a blessing of an opportunity to bond with our youngest daughter, and the parents of other swimmers. I had fun, not just because Chiara garnered Gold and Silver in the events she joined and their team emerged as the Overall Champion... I had fun because of the love and friendship shared.
Happiness indeed is not expensive. The mere presence of a loved one, the simple gesture of sharing of food, and the excitement of watching your daughter give her best effort is a wonderful source of happiness.
Thanks be to God. He arranged my schedules to be with my Champion Swimmer..Chiara....
God bless us all!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Holy Land Pilgrimage Fulfilled... Thanks be to God!
It's been a while since the last blog as we were so busy moving around for the IMG Mission and most recently and importantly the Holy Land Pilgrimage.
Fely and I were so blessed to be part of Bro Bo's 12-Day Pilgrimage to Holy Land last month. It was a fulfillment of one of our BIG DREAMS. We thank the Lord for all the provision making the trip possible.
It was not the usual "Tour". It is a real PILGRIMAGE filled with songs, prayers and love ...agape love of co-pilgrims.
We walked through the 15 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. I can now relate and feel each of the 20 Mysteries from the Annunciation to Glorious Ascension of Christ. From Nazareth to Golgotha and Mt Neebo in Jordan where Moses died and was buried.
On the fun side of it, we had a chance to have a boat ride in Sea of Galilee and frolic and float at the Dead Sea. We were also able to set foot on the Oldest and Lowest Town in the world; Jericho Israel. Remember the Sycamore Tree in Jericho where Zacheaus climb it? I now have seen the said tree.
But it is not just seeing the place that we were able to achieve in this pilgrimage... we have expanded our family. Our co-pilgrims became a part of our family. The love and concern each one has for one another is an added premium and benefit of this pilgrimage. It was indeed very fulfilling to say the least.
Would post pictures taken on each of the significant places we have been to. We already have posted this on our FB Account.
I feel so blessed we were able to do this. Praise and Glory to God Almighty!
I pray that all of us would be able to experience the same.
God bless us all!
Fely and I were so blessed to be part of Bro Bo's 12-Day Pilgrimage to Holy Land last month. It was a fulfillment of one of our BIG DREAMS. We thank the Lord for all the provision making the trip possible.
It was not the usual "Tour". It is a real PILGRIMAGE filled with songs, prayers and love ...agape love of co-pilgrims.
We walked through the 15 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. I can now relate and feel each of the 20 Mysteries from the Annunciation to Glorious Ascension of Christ. From Nazareth to Golgotha and Mt Neebo in Jordan where Moses died and was buried.
On the fun side of it, we had a chance to have a boat ride in Sea of Galilee and frolic and float at the Dead Sea. We were also able to set foot on the Oldest and Lowest Town in the world; Jericho Israel. Remember the Sycamore Tree in Jericho where Zacheaus climb it? I now have seen the said tree.
But it is not just seeing the place that we were able to achieve in this pilgrimage... we have expanded our family. Our co-pilgrims became a part of our family. The love and concern each one has for one another is an added premium and benefit of this pilgrimage. It was indeed very fulfilling to say the least.
Would post pictures taken on each of the significant places we have been to. We already have posted this on our FB Account.
I feel so blessed we were able to do this. Praise and Glory to God Almighty!
I pray that all of us would be able to experience the same.
God bless us all!
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