An Interview with the Filipinos' very own Mystic--Sister Tere Castillo

* Yesterday, I was part of a coverage team that went to Lipa City, Batangas for the 3rd national day of Prayer, Consecration and Reconciliation. I had a brief interview with Sister Teresing Castillo, the one and only Filipino nun (based on historical records) who allegedly saw and spoke to none other than the Mother of Christ during several instances in the year 1948. If you recall, the Carmel convent, now called the Lipa Shrine--was also the setting of the famous "shower of roses" that occurred also in 1948. I have no data whether these miraculous events have been confirmed by the Vatican and I intend to research more on this--but one thing's for sure, Sister Tere IS a blessing. Read on...

Sister nung 1948, nagpakita daw po sa inyo si Mother Mary, pwedeng pakidescribe po kung paano nangyari? What were you doing when she appeared?

The first time, I was going to my room…cell in Carmel (convent) when she appeared. Before reaching my room, I smelled the fragrance of lilies, wala naman kaming lilies around.

The first time I met her, she was as she is, in white--as you see her in the statue now. And then she said, as you go to a certain place here (in the convent vicinity) she will be giving me messages there. It turned out she was talking about the vine. We have a small vine (in the garden) the only one that we had-- bandera espaniola. One day, I saw it move suddenly (on its own). The first moment I thought it was only a lizard and I went on saying my rosary. The 2nd time it was a little stronger. The 3rd time, it was so strong, my attention was caught.

Ang then in the beginning, there was just a voice not to be afraid, and then there were some messages not to go there for 7 days, at 5 pm in the afternoon, so I told those messages, I told our prioress at the time, my mother superior. Of course, they did not believe me. And then later, the Bishop. Ang sakin, ok lang basta I told them what I have seen. Ok lang sa akin at sa conscience ko.

Eventually they paid heed to the several times that she appeared to our cell. Bishop Abviar our chaplain during that time said: “Go ahead and see what she wants.”

And so I spoke with her. In the beginning she talked about (the importance of being) priests and nuns and (of) telling the family rosary daily, for the conversion of sinners and the whole world.

Sister how old were you during the apparitions?
Twenty-one

How many times did she appear to you?
I would calculate around 18 times but very short moments.

Did you have any doubts about what you were seeing during that time or were you so convinced that she was the mother of God?
In the beginning she was in my room and I didn’t know who she was. Later, I was told by my prioress to ask her directly who are you? So I asked her and she said: “I am your mother.” And then she expressed herself as “Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace,” her specific name. She was a beautiful lady. She doesn’t look like a human being but you can see her eyes. She was full of radiance, so it’s not really exactly a human being. However, you can see the figure although, not human but something heavenly-- because she is full of light and very bright.

Did you ever have somebody with you at any time during the apparitions?
No, I was alone because at that time, we had prayers at 5 pm in the afternoon.

Did you ever ask her why she chose you?
I did. I asked her, “Why me?” and she said “God has different ways of choosing” or something to that effect. I can’t quote verbatim because it was (way back in) 1948 but that was the idea that was given to me.

Were there any major changes in your life after the apparitions?
I thought then perhaps that her messages were not only for me but for the whole world.
I was just an instrument. And of course I kept asking myself, why me, I was just new here (as a novice, in the Carmel Convent)?

Sister, in what language did you converse with Mother Mary?
English

Were there secrets revealed to you that she told you were not to mention until a specific date?
A few.

How many of those secrets have you revealed so far?
Almost all, except for a few, perhaps I could call secrets.

Are you seeing signs of those things she told you to keep secret?
Not exactly, but the way things are now, I think it’s leading to those revelations.

Were you also here in Lipa when it rained rose petals?
Yes, also in 1948. Before the apparitions occurred as far as my memory is concerned.

At this age, do you still have the chance to see the Blessed Mother, does she appear to you in your dreams?
Not anymore. After 1948, I forgot the year already but I just heard her voice once. She was so concerned about the family. She had many messages for the family.

What is your message for the Filipino family?
To say the family rosary as often as possible. And go to the Holy Eucharist as often as possible for the world’s conversion, and for priests and nuns also.

How old are you now sister?
80 years old

Did the Blessed Mother give any warnings to mankind?
Not exactly warnings because she gave her messages in a motherly way. She said if we will not say the rosary regularly, it means that people do not pay heed to her words. There might be persecution and there would be some troubles within the church. Finally she said, my message here is the same as that of Fatima.

Sister, what is your message to the whole Filipino nation?
As I often said during interviews, the message is only one-- salvation, conversion for sinners and for the Filipinos to frequent the sacraments and to pray the daily family rosary.

For our leaders?
She mentioned something about the leaders of our countries, not exactly ours, if the decision is not right or proper for the nation or for the country, there should be an awareness of God, the existence of God and that also to God may we avail of Mary or vice versa.

GMA 7: Please Stop Acting Second-Rate

I have the greatest respect for GMA 7. During my law studies, I've taken mental note of the fact that they must really treat their employees well because they have the least number of labor cases filed against them compared to the other TV networks. There is also the absence of "horror stories" from my colleagues in the media who became "slaves" during their brief stint in the other network because they either had to put up with impossibly rude and unreasonable bosses and/or never received their salary.

When GMA 7 finally overcame ABS CBN after so many years being the first runner up, I was quite happy. They deserved it. The teleseryes-- although the actors may not always be as excellent as those in the other channel--were so creative, they managed to get a hold on you. The plots were eventful and unpredictable, the costumes and set designs were amazing, the dialogues simple yet moving. Then Bakekang came and was I blown away by this superb actress named Sunshine Dizon. Personally, I think she is peerless, unparalleled! Her range, thespic abilities have no limits. Her honest-to-goodness portrayal of a homely-looking but ambitious woman from the slums who dared to dream and followed it through by her guts, grace and grit--was just so perfect. I had no words for it. And then of course, there's also Iza Calzado who I hope will really succeed in Hollywood soon not merely because she's Filipina, but simply because I know SHE CAN. And the quite underrated Dingdong Dantes who's excellent in every part he plays and any kind of character he portrays, may it be a half-man-half-fish warrior or a dashing heredero of-sorts.

Anyway, I'm just so disappointed at how GMA 7 has handled the sudden- transfer-of-Angel-Locsin-fiasco. How they managed to inform the whole world how bitter they've become when they had their war chest full of so many other promising actresses--is beyond me. Much to my consternation, instead of dying out after a week or a month, the issue ballooned further and eventually involved two otherwise innocent actresses who had the simple misfortune of sharing the same manager with the infamous actress. It may or may not be true that Jennylyn Mercado and Eunice Lagunsad were deprived of projects because of this issue--but the impression that they were victims will stay in the public's mind for quite sometime. And the public too has realized how GMA 7 can turn on their own stars anytime without any discretion or remorse.

The situation showed the network's lack of class (mawalang-galang na po GMA). Which I think, has been the edge of the other channel ever since it was first re-organized way back in 1986. The same way that this other network has refrained from making any side comments or glib references to the flaws of their number one competitor--the Kapuso network on the other hand, seems to have made it some kind of a sport. Not a day passes by without a host or a comedian in the Kapuso network making some smart comment on the "kapalpakans" of dos in their shows. It may be amusing to listen to for a while but when it becomes an almost daily habit--it is so annoying and definitely no longer funny. Actually, it only serves to betray GMA 7's seemingly-perpetual "Kapamilya insecurity." Ultimately, when your viewers see you as insecure, they also become insecure about you.

I'm not really keen on the entertainment business but this particular issue interested me because if I remember right, the downfall of ABS CBN in the ratings began with the Hero Angeles issue. I liked Hero from the very beginning when I saw his very first audition videos in Star Circle quest. I was one of the thousands who reveled in his victory. The story of his family and how his talent has saved them, embodied the dreams of so many Filipino youth. His short-lived career of course, was also mourned by his admirers, not to mention loyal fans. The typical observer does not have the complete details of his fall from grace but there is one thing he will always remember--the very network that built up (and discovered) Hero was also responsible for tearing him to shreds. How then can one patronize a media institution like that?

Let's just hope that GMA 7 will not go down the same path.

Movies Again: On Anacondas and the Bell Witch Haunting

I just spent a lazy weekend harnessing my ever-late blooming driving skills. Anyway the nights were spent watching a couple of two-year old movies. I rented AN AMERICAN HAUNTING because I wanted to see how a spirit could actually cause the death of a person--as promised in its plot.

What I saw however was very different. It was about a spirit, specifically a poltergeist of a traumatized 12- year-old girl who resisted every attempt of her child-molester father (ironically played by the very lovable and grandfather-looking Donald Sutherland) to the extent that every night, her own poltergeist would rather "attack" herself. Or at least, that was how I saw it. Other user reviews in the IMDB said it was Lucy Bell's (the mother, played by a very docile and harmless-looking Sissy Spacek) poltergeist that did the attacks (making the movie all the more confusing).

Anyway, I enjoyed the movie until the first half when all the hauntings were still quite scary and realistic, and the actors' portrayals were sincere. During the denouement however, everything began to fall apart. The movie wasn't really about America's famous Bell witch at all but about incest--which took me overnight to figure out. What was that scene where Betsy Bell, immobilized in the bed with blood in her crotch and her father, wearing a long black overcoat standing above her--all about? After all the emphasis on the "evil entity" causing all the hauntings, suddenly the story segued to child molestation--it was all so confusing.

All in all, I still liked the movie. The actors, although some of them miscast in their role, notwithstanding. I especially liked James D'Arcy the best. The LAMDA graduate who is still one of Hollywood's most underrated but brilliant actors. Will wait for his star to shine.

As to Anacondas--I liked the plot and the two leads who did a great job but I liked Kong, the monkey best. This animal can ACT! Yeah, this movie had its share of bad acting and pa-cute effect from some of its actors but I had a great time watching. But then again, maybe it was the boredom...maybe not.

On JPEPA

Just recently attended a press conference sponsored by Greenpeace etc. as part of their continuing campaign against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. The meaty part of the discussion pertained to the unresponsiveness of Japan regarding the toxic waste provision.

It seems that in order to enjoy the supposedly gazillion economic benefits out of this agreement, RP merely has to contend with the "inconvenience" of being Japan's toxic waste dumping ground. And Japan remains firm over this issue--for them, it's either take it or leave it. Seems RP is left with no choice and no bargaining power at all.

Well, for now it's up to the Senate to decide. Let's just hope they won't see this mainly as a political issue because the main concern here is the health of our people and the safety of the Philippine environment. Let not our sovereignty be violated by another country's unwanted and hazardous garbage! Can't we have the economic package sans the toxic wastes? Let's see if our esteemed public leaders could work this out...

Living It Up at Bonifacio High Street

(reproduced from my article in Airmart Newsline Magazine, August 2007 edition)

Who would have thought that in the ever-bustling and congested metropolis that is Metro Manila, an oasis of sprawling gardens, cutting-edge marvels and posh sophisticated shops could exist?

Bonifacio High Street, the commercial and leisure centerpiece of the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig has brought a new dimension to world-class, quality commercial and property development in the Philippines.

Patterned after England’s high street, the kilometer-long commercial and retail stretch features block after block of exquisitely landscaped gardens, state-of-the-art fountains and contemporary art pieces. Straddling the green expanse are stylish high-end shops offering specialized products, anything from flip-flops to organic body creams.

Catering to the A, B and C economic classes, Bonifacio High Street is a fusion of architecture and ecology. It successfully translates the concept of leisure dining and shopping to one awesome experience.

To date, the largest names in the food, beauty and novelty business have already opened their latest branches in the High Street. Here’s a sneak peak at the “highs” that Bonifacio High Street offers.

At the threshold of this shopper’s paradise (coming from Market! Market! mall) is Piazza Serendra, where most of the restos are located. Among these are Conti’s, a chic, elegant resto, which is one of the early favorites due to its “to die for” meals and cakes. Also within the piazza is an interesting range of dessert nooks—Sonja’s Cupcakes, Miss Desserts and Xocolat. So far, notable food enthusiasts exclaim that all three possess flying colors in creating the most palate-pleasing indulgences and treats.

For Asian cuisine lovers and enthusiasts, two restos are on top of the list — the Zao Bistro offers Vietnamese cuisine and the Silk with its hearty sampling of Thai food.

For the gregarious eater, TGI Fridays recently opened its seventh restaurant here with a big bang. One is not only treated to a hearty dining experience but to an instant immersion in American pop culture with its spanking Yankee-themed interior.

For the work-swamped executive or office worker, Figaro, with its enticing Mediterranean ambience offers a selection of delectable Italian-inspired coffee and chocolate concoctions.

Avid readers can also find their favorite nooks inside A Different Bookstore, gives you the opportunity to read while sipping hot cocoa. It is the perfect place to unwind on a rainy day. Another popular bookshop, Fully-booked, recently opened its one and only five-storey branch in the country with an in-house Starbucks branch located at the 3rd floor.

Two art studios have also been steadily drawing a number of art lovers and enthusiasts lately—Color Me Mine, located at the ground level and Mag:net Gallery, located at Quadrant 3.

The favorite hang-outs are the Crocs store where every now and then people line up through the entrance waiting for their turn to shop. Also popular especially among foreign visitors are the shops All Flip Flops and Crumpler. Of course, fashionistas and trendsetters wouldn’t miss the spot of designer brands like Calvin Kline, Nike and the top-selling The Face Shop and Shisheido.

If there was one shop that stirred the greatest hype, it was the flagship store of Krispy Kreme Donuts that opened in the High Street. Customers, often whole families-- queued up in seemingly endless lines just to get a bite of its mouth-watering donuts.

With so much time spent in our metro’s hustle and more-often-than-not, tedious bustle, it’s a relief to find a place like Bonifacio High Street. Not only is it a unique leisure hub merged with natural wonders that will cater to your needs. It is your very own sanctuary where you can slow down, take a deep breath and replenish your mind and spirit.

PILLARS OF THE EARTH by KEN FOLLETT (a review)

I bought this book for 10 bucks in a garage sale (lucky me!) and didn't expect that it would blow me away. Short of 1000 pages, I didn’t plan on reading through but was hooked from the first page. If you want to travel back in time to pre-middle age Europe (circa 1127--) and watch the hanging of a man amid a rowdy, bloodthirsty mob in an English marketplace, read the prologue. If you have a fascination with Gothic or French Cathedrals and would like an omniscient experience of the medieval era at the time they were being built—then read this book. In the outer echelon of the storyline are the endlessly plotting and feuding kings, queens, lords and archbishops. At the heart of the story however, the prime movers belong to the class of the common man. It is how the common man triumphed against forces far too powerful than himself/ herself that makes this novel unforgettable and utterly compelling. It is not only about the building of the largest Cathedral in the world during that time—but the realization that then as now—although the life of the ordinary man teeters upon the political and social framework of his time, his destiny and success largely depends upon him alone. (It is startling to note too that then as now, the age-old tactics of wheeling and dealing in politics and matters of Church and State almost never change.) It should have been typical with its usual, universal human themes of good and evil, love and hate, betrayal and trust etc—but as you go along reading, it soon consumes all your attention and you realize that this is a gem of a book. By some unknown force (that can be credited to the author’s superbly detailed imagination) another milieu begins to surround you and you become lost in it. You turn into a “mini-omnipotent” who witnesses each character’s life as it unfolds and each suspenseful, conflict-ridden event as it unravels. This is the only book by Ken Follet I’ve read so far but I believe he belongs to a very small group of exceptional authors who could portray their characters almost as living persons. You could feel their fear, insecurities, desperation and hunger pangs, even. Heck, you even know that they snore in their sleep. His characters live on in the hearts of their readers long after they’ve put the book down. I read some of the reviews on the internet and was shocked to find out that this novel actually has a cult following. According to the author himself, this is his most popular and most successful book ever. Discussion threads on this book are still active and thriving, to think it was written way back in 1989. Some say they’ve read the book two, three, or five times. They debate about the characters as if they were real people. A long-awaited sequel is coming out this October, no longer about cathedrals but about the Great Plague/ Black Death. And I certainly can’t wait…

Romancing the Stone (Temples) in Cambodia

In the recent decade, one of the top emerging tourist destinations in Southeast Asia is the beautiful country of Cambodia. Its breathtaking temples-- both ancient and ageless, continue to lure the adventurous wanderer into a journey back in time only to discover once again, how infinitely gifted mankind is. Who would have thought that this lush and majestic country, merely three decades after a brutal and traumatic chapter under the infamous Khmer Rouge regime, would now be considered a top tourist drawer, not only in Asia but the world? This sort-of travelogue will urge you to pack your bags and explore its endless wonders. In the capital Phnom Penh, don’t forget to visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Sihanouk. King Nodolar Sihanouk was the titular head of Cambodia (chosen by France) who, in 1953, led the efforts to liberate his country from the control of this European superpower. Today the Royal Palace features the impressive Throne Hall, the luxurious Silver Pagoda (made with over 5000 tiles of pure silver) and an iron house given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France. And for a deeper understanding of this country, you should not forget to get a glimpse of its dramatic history. About 15 km from the center of Phnom Penh if the Toul Sleng Museum which houses mementos, remnants and relics of the iniquitous Khmer Rouge genocide. Toul Sleng was a school converted into a prison and interrogation facility by the ruthless Khmer communist rebels. Thousands of innocent civilians are believed to have been murdered and tortured in its vicinity. It can be recalled that a coup de etat led by then General Pol Pot seized power from Cambodia’s legitimate government in the 1970s. From 1975-1979, an estimated one to three million Cambodians died from cruelty, abuse and starvation with the implementation of Pol Pot’s “ideal agricultural society” model. Millions were forced to evacuate cities and forced to work as farmers in the countryside. People were rounded up and executed for the most trivial reasons like, wearing glasses or crying for dead loved ones. Cambodia leaped a hundred years backward. Peace was finally forged among leaders of the conflict in 1993, leading to the downfall of Pol Pot and other Khmer Rouge officials. Thus, the steady climb of Cambodia back into the world’s consciousness as a major tourism contender. The quickest way towards the country’s tourist attractions is to travel to Siem Reap City, by land or air. The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport now serves the most tourist passengers to Cambodia. It is accessible by direct flight from the country’s capital Phnom Penh and the capital cities of its neighboring Asian countries. Siem Reap is the charming gateway town to the world famous heritage site—Anchor Wat. This fascinating city has a colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter (Cambodia used to be a French colony.) Originally a cluster of small villages along the Siem Reap River, the main town is concentrated around Sivutha Street and the Psar Chas Area (Old Market area). The original villages were established around Buddhist pagodas called “Wat.” Despite being transformed into a major tourist hub in recent years, its people have been able to conserve its culture, traditions and religious ceremonies. Numerous historical institutions feature traditional dance performances like the Apsara. Craft shops are abundant and so are silk traders. A serene bird sanctuary is near the Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap is a thriving tourist haven with a variety of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Mid-range hotels are concentrated around the old Market area and along Sivatha. More expensive, larger hotels and resorts are located on the road leading to the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the national road going to Anchor. The thrifty tourist need not worry, hundreds of budget guesthouses can also be found in the city. A wide selection of restaurants serving international cuisine can be found in Seam Reap City. These include restos serving French, Thai, Burmese, German, Russian, Italian, Korean and Japanese food. As to shopping destinations, the Psar Chas (Old Market) area is deemed to be the best in the country. It also has a vibrant nightlife with western-style bars and pubs. Most of the tourists come to Cambodia to visit the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and other Angkor ruins. Recently voted as the 2nd best in the Seven Wonders of the World, Anchor Wat is the largest religious structure ever built. All of 200 hectares, it contains more stonework than the great pyramid of Egypt. Located six kilometers from Siem reap, the temple was built in the early 12th century. Sandstone and laterite stone walls which encloses the temple. Moats surround the entire structure measuring 1.5 km from west to east and 1.3 km from north to south. At the end of a 350m long causeway is the central temple complex where ancient galleries can be found. You become spell-bound by the power and magnificence of the towering galleries, which in essence, depict the histories and mythologies of the unique Angkor world. Angkor Wat was built as an offering by King Suryavarman II for Vishnu, the Hindu God and took around 40 years and 250,000 people to build. It is now the largest and most impressive of the Angkor temples. This amazing wonder can be accessed by car, tuk tuk or bicycle. Don’t forget though, to purchase a temple pass at the entrance or at local travel agencies. Located eight kilometers from Siem Reap, Angkor Thom was the political capital of the King Jayavarman VII, considered as the greatest of the Angkor builders. In its time, this was the largest city in the world with over a million inhabitants. Enclosed by a moat and high laterite wall, the city contains at its center the complex of Bayon. Bayon is an engraved showcase of the stone faces of King Jayavarman VII on its 54 towers. This ancient city is sprawled over nine square kilometers. Also one of the more popular Angkor temples but a lot smaller in size than the two, is the Ta Prohm temple where portions of the movie Tomb Raider was filmed. Many other distant temples continue to lure and urge the adventurous to venture deeper into the heart of Cambodia’s forests. For those who get a kick at exploring the unexplored, you can also go elephant trekking care of Mondulkiri hilltribes. One of Cambodia’s numerous ethnic groups, the Mondulkiri have earned a spot in the hearts of countless tourists over the years with their friendliness and warmth. For simpler pleasures, visit the farming villages and be prepared to discover how welcoming and engaging Cambodians are. You could also visit silk farms and quaint craft shops. Lastly, for the real Cambodia, spend some of your moments in the wonderful countryside complete with its lush rice paddies and unpolluted lakes and rivers. This, I think, aside from the Angkor Wat, is Cambodia’s legacy to the world—its unspoiled and unsurpassed natural wonders.