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Note: Due to COVID19 concerns, Breakfast Fellowships after March 7th were postponed until such time lock down and quarantine restrictions are lifted.

March 7, 2020 … (placeholder awaiting sharer quotes)

First Impressions … what you don’t see, is what you get!

Prelude

As our Chapter Head, Kuya Rene and his wife Ate Susan, the position carries within itself the need to be visible and be the guiding light for all members.  Personally, I got to meet and know Kuya Rene and Ate Susan almost immediately upon joining BCBP.  They were personable, friendly, and went out of their way to know Ate Lynn and I on a personal level.  We therefore got to know them very well and did not rely on perceptions.  Most of us however gather our first impressions as one would normally do, without the benefit of prior meeting.  And it is this first impression that we are either surprised, impressed, or concerned on how we are perceived by others, especially to those who seek our guidance.  So in his own words below, Kuya Rene describes how first impressions played a role in his and Ate Susan’s lives.

I remember a time when I was younger and still in college, my father and I boarded a ship bound for Manila.  My father had almost the same build as me, broad shoulders and lean tummy.  In the ship, I noticed the guy occupying the cot beside us would be nowhere in sight most of the times.  Instead, I would see him talking and chatting with some passengers at the other end of the boat whom I assumed were his friends.

It was when I started visiting Susan at her boarding house that I happened to meet this guy again.  He happened to be Susan’s neighbor and we began to meet regularly and got to know each other well.  I now understood why he was so aloof during our first meeting at the boat.  He thought I was a military officer along with my father.  It should be noted that during those times, insurgency problem in Samar was at its height and the military was in bad light.

I would also recall, while playing billiards with the youngest brother of Ate Susan in a rundown billiard house, other players would secretly ask Ate’s brother about me “Who’s is your companion?  Is he Chinese or Korean?”.  No wonder, he secretly prodded me that we leave immediately.

Yes, there have been many instances when this face of mine gave wrong impressions of myself.  But there’s this one my wife Susan loves the most.  There was this instance with Ate Susan and I were rushing to catch our church service somewhere in Fuente Osmena.  A decent looking man purposely walked up to me and with his hands outstretched for a handshake asked me, “How are you father.”  Hesitantly, I replied “I am not a priest?”  And the man said, “oh, I am very sorry, I really thought you were my good parish priest friend back home.

Funny, Amusing, Delighting, especially when people said back then I was a Jesse Robredo or Nonoy Aquino look alike!  Advantageous? Or disadvantageous?  Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought.

I am really more concerned with projecting myself as what you see is what you get.  No pretentions.  No cover ups.  As long as I am walking with the Lord, with a good and sincere heart, I know I will never be out of step.  I need not worry about what I don’t know.  What’s important is I learn as I go.

I believe there is goodness in every man.  As God’s creations, there is always that innate desire in each one of us to do good.  Yes, there might be person whose ways might be hard to love, but at the end of the day, love is not just an emotion or a feeling, but a decision for one to make. In my service as your Chapter Head, I always feel that it is my prime duty to give a very sincere pastoral caring to each and every member.  I am more inclined to be healing and reconciliation whenever there are issues.  And that always start with a dialog and to let “goodness” shine and prevail.  After all, we are all God’s servants.

Hello everyone! Welcome to our newest feature on Taytayan called “Guess the BCBP-er Baby!” The first BCBP member to submit the correct answer with the name of the BCBP member whose picture is shown here wins a prize (TBA). The mechanics of the game:

1). Each member can only submit one chance in guessing who the baby is. Submissions/guesses beyond one will not be accepted as valid.

2). Members of the Taytayan Editorial Staff and Governance team are not eligible to particpate.

3). Clues as to the identity of the picture will be provided depending on the degree of difficulty in receiving the correct answer as we get closer to the end of the month.

4). Guesses can only be submitted directly to Joe Racelis Rey via FB Messenger or Text (0920 982 6101). Submissions to other channels will be invalid.

February 1, 2020 – Men’s Breakfast

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  ~ John 1:9

1. My life of anger and disobedience towards God, turned into forgiveness and peace.
2. My unending trials and pain gave me perseverance and patience.
3. My new life of complete surrender and trust in God allowed my family to be blessed by His unconditional love and faithfulness.

February 8, 2020 – Joint Breakfast

“The life I live now is not my own. Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself to me.”  ~ Gal 2:20

FAITH has been my lifeline to GOD. I sincerely pray for genuine FAITH that overcomes the world … because it trusts and obeys no matter what the circumstances.

1. Faith is strengthened in the truth that God is bigger than any problem.
2. The only constant thing on earth is change, but it is impossible to change a person unless he realizes the need and truly wants to.
3. God is in our hearts; He never abandons us; He always  sends us a breakthrough that no storm could last forever.

I have realized that no matter how we plan our lives, it is God’s plan that prevails … THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND SALVATION! I will say this over and over again.

February 15, 2020 – Joint Breakfast

“Give Respect to your father and mother, for without them you wouldn’t be here. And don’t neglect them when they grow old. Embrace the truth and hold it close.”

1. We both believe that God makes no mistakes. Whatever He allows to happen in our life, there is always something good.
2. God’s light can only enter through our brokenness.
3. God commands us to love by forgiving one another.

“After the BCLP, we attended the Brotherhood of Christian Marriage Retreat or BCMR. This is the most unforgettable moment in our married life. We learned many things about marriage, about family. God must be preparing us for a family.”

February 22, 2020 – Men’s Breakfast

“Dots would represent incidents in my recent life that made me discover how God basically navigated my professional life from a would be messed up one, to a renewed vigor to continue on and move forward while at the same time clearing the hindrances for committed service to Him and His community.”

God plans and makes things happen in our lives even before we are able to understand His purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

February 29, 2020 … Men’s Joint Sectoral Breakfast with Lapu Lapu Chapter

My attitude towards my co-workers was strictly based on a “class” system. In other words, if you are sub-ordinate to me, you received little or no attention from me. My relationship with the Lord and the influence of BCBP made me realize that God does not make distinctions by your level of importance in society or the workplace, but the strength in your faith on how the Lord guides you and the trust in your belief on his power!

With the new year, comes the start of the Action Group Meetings (AGM) for 2020.  Unit B, AG3 is under the leadership of Unit Leader, Jeff & Rholyn Canezo and led by Action Group Leaders, Caloy & Donna Fernin and Assistant Action Group Leaders, Jess & Babe Atoc.   The meeting was hosted at the home of Ate Rocelyn Garces and Kuya Joe Rey.  The prayer session began with songs and prayers of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.  Afterwards, taking advantage of the cool and breezy February Cebu evening, the meeting moved to the garden and, given the new mix of old and new members, the team introduced each other.  The team munched on the host’s special Adobo and Lumpia recipes to close out the evening.  Joining AG3 were Yol & Jinky Buctuanon, Vic & Rose Ocon, and Louis & Bing Bolquerin.  Original members are Edwin & Bevs Alarcon, Joe Rey/Rocelyn Garces, and Jun & Elymore Baynosa.

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by Kuya Louie Climaco (Fra Louie)

The smallest organizational unit of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) is the Action Group (AG). It is composed of five to seven couples or five to seven individuals, and is headed by an Action Group Leader (AGL). The action group is a significant means of support, formation, and growth for all members. The BCBP continuously trains AGLs to better help members to find and establish their life and service on God’s Word, to work with God in their life, and preach God’s work to others. For such purpose, every year the BCBP conducts a training seminar not only for current Action Group Leaders but future ones as well together with Service Ministry heads.

Objectives, Attitudes, Focus Areas, and Ends

The one-and-a-half-day AGL training has the following objectives:

• Develop a joyful attitude and commitment to service.
• Clarify our leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Learn and apply ways to improve caring for our members.

It invites trainers and trainees to adopt the following attitudes:

• Openness to the Lord
• Eagerness to learn from the Lord
• Willingness to obey the Lord
• Love for others as the Lord loves them

It emphasizes the following aspects:

• servant leadership
• the action group
• the BCBP caring system

It prays to the Lord to achieve the following ends:

• greater service and faithfulness to the Lord
• refreshment and encouragement from the Lord
• strength from the Lord for service

Training in 2020

Last February 22-23 this year, the BCBP Mactan Chapter held its Leaders Pastoral Training at Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) Retreat House in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, with Formation Director Mon Figueroa and wife Helen as the course leader. Below are the teaching topics with the corresponding resource persons.

1. Introduction to Pastoral Care – Orly Manuel
2. Basic Formation – Jun Gula
3. Personal Growth Plan – Jun Gula
4. Caring for Committed Members – Doxie Cabasagan
5. Role of the Leader’s Wife – Nery Gula
6. The One-on-One – Rene Recamara
7. Working as a Team – Jess Atoc

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By: FraLouie
Excerpted from Annabelle Moseley’s article in Aleteia

The day before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday. Many of us Catholics don’t know the special significance of this day, or if we do, we often overlook it. In New Orleans, USA, a famous Mardi Gras celebration is being held there on this day. But Shrove Tuesday is much more than just that, a famous party. Shrove actually means “to obtain absolution.” There are wonderful ways, both divine and delicious, to faithfully celebrate this day, deepening its significance through ancient traditions. Here are a few, from pancakes to prayer. Choose which ones suit you best.

1. Eat Pancakes! Doing so on this day has been popular across much of the UK and Ireland since the Middle Ages, since Shrove Tuesday was a traditional time to use up any stores of butter, milk, and eggs, often given up during Lent. So whether you choose traditional flapjacks, crepes, or gluten-free almond flour pancakes, savor a meal of them today, knowing that in so doing, you’re living out your Catholic heritage!
2. Seek Absolution. Remember, Shrove means “to obtain absolution.” As such, this is a great day to go to Confession, helping to prepare for Ash Wednesday. If you can’t make it to Confession, do an Examen of Conscience. Then, finalize your decision on what you will give up for Lent.
3. Go to Mass and/or Eucharistic Adoration. Shrove Tuesday is the Feast of the Holy Face. As revealed to Sister Pierina, every Tuesday is a day of reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus, ideally in front of the Blessed Sacrament, but Shrove Tuesday is even more special since it is the Feast of the Holy Face! Marking the day as such will make our Ash Wednesday so much more meaningful.
4. Invoke The Holy Face in prayer.
   
   Try The Golden Arrow devotion:
   “May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen,”
   
   or The Litany of the Holy Face.
   
   And even if you don’t have much time, you can always manage this great short prayer of reparation to the Holy Face that Jesus revealed to Sr. Mary of St. Peter:
   
   “Admirable is the name of God.”
   How does a prayer about God’s name comfort His face? “My Name is everywhere blasphemed,” Jesus revealed, according to Sr. Mary of St. Peter, explaining that by blasphemy the sinner curses Him to His Face. Jesus told her: “O if you only knew what great merit you acquire by saying even once, “Admirable is the Name of God,” in the spirit of reparation for blasphemy.”
   
5. Share a King Cake with Loved Ones. This one ties with pancakes for the children’s favorite part of the day! A “Fat Tuesday” tradition with strong European Catholic roots, the King Cake is a joyful dessert after a delicious Mardi Gras feast. Did you know that Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans actually begins on Epiphany, January 6, of each year (a day many also enjoy the King Cake) and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the eve before Lent begins? It reminds us to honor Christ the King, just as He was honored by the Three Kings on Epiphany.

Whatever ways you celebrate this Shrove Tuesday, here’s hoping that some or all of the suggestions may make this special day more meaningful and enjoyable for you and your family.

An Interview by JoReMi on Orly & Sarah Manuel (BCLP 1)

It was only recently that I met Kuya Orly and Ate Sarah and in relating this to the article here, it was hard to imagine the reclusive and disconnected character that Kuya Orly describes of himself.  We always made eye contacts at gatherings but never a deep conversation. This changed when we were both involved in a late-night breakfast team fellowship.  We were the only three men left and we discussed everything from politics, do-it-your-self home projects, preferred alcoholic drinks, and local happenings in the community. This was not the man as he described here at one time so it is indeed a paradigm shift to say the least. In a sense, I can relate because I myself grew up an “airline brat” where we would move every 2-5 years in the 50+ years that I spent in the States. So while I had many friends, I had no close friends. In the case of the Manuel couple, what magic BCBP does to a person! Read for yourself and you’ll know what mean …

“A Pattern of Life Lived for a Long Period Speaks Volumes of One’s Attitude and Personality.”

Many years prior to BCBP, I have had few friends and they were limited to those in my most immediate circle.  One could be a next door neighbor, a seat mate in school, an office mate or someone closest by virtue of a circumstance, but were simply momentary friends because they would be readily disconnected as I move to another segment of my living and existing. Thus, high school friends were gone since I was already in college, office mates or drinking buddies vanish after a transfer to a new workplace.  Mostly, they were just surface relationships akin to unrelated stories and episodes made irrelevant at every turn of a page in my life’s storybook.  Friends ordinarily come and go simply because I do not get in touch anymore.  In short, I do not keep, nurture nor cherish relationships. 

Obviously it comes easy to imagine that after I left my work in a bank and moved to a multinational company, my new set of acquaintances has again relegated the others offstage. Yes, new bunch of friends came along but the strings of relationships were readily tossed away all in a similar pattern as my career saw me through 6 different employments. May be, it is neither surprising that at one point later, I adopted a home to office and office to home daily routine; thereby, keeping my world revolve just around myself, my work, and my family. And so understandably, it follows that I and Sarah rarely had social interactions apart from people in our workplaces.  

With so much time for one another, Sarah and I were blessed with 5 children in 11 years after our marriage in 25th of May 1980. And as God’s destiny would lead us, we moved here in Mactan in 1987, without knowing anyone in the place. Predictably again, in the 7 years that followed, we managed for forge friendship with our next door neighbor only. One occasion however, like a gas that cannot be suppressed in a container, Sarah’s cordial personality led her to venture out in the neighborhood and become a Matron Queen of Barangay Gun-ob in one of its festivities but unfortunately for her, I couldn’t be persuaded to be her escort up in the stage on coronation night. 

Then BCBP came in 1994.  Right soon after finishing BCLP 1, in a lottery pick, I was tasked to head the Music Ministry. And as time rolled on, we were called to serve in different capacities within the chapter and in mission outreaches in the cities of Ormoc, Zamboanga, and Bogo. And finally as chapter head of Mactan in 2015 – 2017. Although we found joy in what we were doing, all along, I incessantly felt doubtful and uncomfortable like I was some kind of a roundly contoured figure forced into a square peg. Suffice to say, not in my wildest dream, if I were to chart my own journey. 

Yet all the twists and turns in our service involvement led to a new perspective. As God paved a new way of life for Sarah and me, He also made possible a transformation in outlook and attitude in life.  And who could have imagined, from a reclusive manner of life to become someone who now has learned to relate, circulate, forge deeper relationships aplenty. And I may have not completely overcome my old nature but it amazes me how God, though the 26 years of BCBP membership, brought changes in how I look at life, put value in my relationships, and showed Sarah and me a meaningful, fulfilling and gratifying world apart from our own selves.

A paradigm shift, by God’s grace it is! Glory to the One, the Lord of all!

By Vicky De La Peña

February 14 of every year is designated as Valentine’s Day or Heart’s Day all over the world. Singles, couples, families who believe in love, consider this day special, an occasion to celebrate and express a positive, feel-good hormone which induces an emotion recognized as love.

February 14, 2020 was no exception. Being a Friday, a weekender, the streets teemed with vehicles rushing to malls, restaurants and places purposely prepped up with red hearts, flowers and balloons, all symbols of love. Prior reservations were arranged to accommodate celebrators of the occasion. Lovers and non-lovers enjoyed candle-lit dinners, eyes locked on each other, savoring the moment and the ambiance, while listening to the band playing one love song after another, making more memories before the moment explodes to oblivion. End of day.

But wait, the BCBP Mactan Chapter cooked up a post-Valentine celebration. February 15 was a joint breakfast fellowship, but more than the usual shared “breaking of bread,” a surprise awaited everyone.

Kuya Rolly and Stef Olalo, heads of the Celebrations Ministry, came up with an idea of an after-breakfast “love event” for the attending couples. “Co-conspirators” Family Life Ministry Head, Kuya Ram and Ate Mina Loterte and Breakfast Ministry Head, Kuya Eton and Ate Veron Apao spruced up the venue of the breakfast fellowship by prepping the venue in red and putting up a “love-seat” cum “photo booth.” Colorful swatches of cloths draped the seat’s backrest. Red was still the favorite color of the attendees and everyone was in the “mood for love.”

The couples were then called to the front for the renewal of vows, officiated by no less than Fr. Solis. As in wedding ceremonies, they faced each other, held hands, looked into each other’s eyes and on cue, recited the vows they made on their wedding day. It was a kilig moment even for the single members of the community. Love truly pervaded the air. The “you may kiss the bride” command of Fr. Solis highlighted the ceremony.

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the participation of Kuya Joe and Ate Lynne who acted as light sponsors, and Chapter matriarch Ate Susan Recamara, who inspired the “just-remarried” couples with her message on love and marriage.

Finally, the couples lovingly held each other and danced to the song, “How did you know,” rendered by Ate Vicky de la Peña. Love needs to be experienced or shown not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day of the year. As a line in Frank Sinatra’s song goes, “each day is Valentine’s Day.”

I was one of those given an assignment by our Editor in Chief kuya Edwin Casinillo to do a random chitchat with kuyas and ates on such a big question. Furthermore, others verbalized what they can give back.. Way to go ates and kuyas!!!!

“We are more or less 17 years in this community” says Ate Pat Cordova. “BCBP is the only community we felt we are at HOME. In fact, our love for the community made us chose Cebu as where we will stay for good. We will be here for service as long as BCBP needs us. To be honest about it, BCBP made Kuya Cords more religious”

Ate Tata Argota …. “it made us do tithing regularly” She added that she felt the closeness in the community with all other members. She said that they were “shepherd” well.

“Camaraderie….bonding and the culture practiced in BCBP made us stay and we will be in service in whatever capacity we have” from the words of Kuya Toto Chato

“I was at my lowest low when BCBP came into my life. I saw God in the midst of this community thus I found comfort and peace within me. I am committed to be of service. ” said Ate Grace Plaza

Kuya Jun Baynosa said.. ” It is like a 50/50 equation. I am working say 9.5hrs a day… Iife without God is incomplete. By far BCBP is the one that fits and suits me.”

Ate Rose Ayag spoke words when asked .. shepherding…Apostolic works…Gods calling. Plus the prodding of her mom in law Ate Virgie ☺️. She explained that before she became a BCBP member, she was active with another charismatic community but she felt differently now. She said that she can give back by supporting mission services.