IT’S ALL WORTH IT…
These
four words motivated me to write this article to share my impressions and
experiences on the events that happened in our parish last May 31, 2014. No
regrets! No doubts! No failures! No more explanations! The two events were
truly a success by the power of God working in each one of us.
The
first-ever Parish Got Talent Grand Finals was the outcome of a series of
activities which
began
with the auditions and eliminations that took place last March before we
celebrated our parish fiesta. Then on the day of the fiesta, the Semi-Finals
was held for those who passed the elimination rounds from the different barrio
chapels within the parish. And finally, after many days of preparation,
meetings and practices, the Grand Finals was at hand.
While
busy with the talents competition, since it was the month of May, the Parish
also organized and prepared the community for the Santacruzan, another gigantic
activity that demanded much of our time, effort and parish finances.
Whew!
Two big energy-draining events undertaken back-to-back. Still I can say “It’s
all worth it.”
May
31, 2014 was the date when everyone was wide awake! All were excited of the
events that were taking place on this day, which were the gifts of the parish
for all its parishioners after their hard work in the farms and before the
start of classes. I felt so blessed sharing the joys of the people as they
engaged with the many tasks during this summer. I was touched by their
dedication and hard work for the success of our activities motivated by the
good examples of our priests and guided by the grace of the Lord and the help
of Mama Mary.
Every
year Filipinos turn each of the 31 days of May into some kind of beautiful
bouquets of flowers for the Blessed Virgin by praying the rosary, by offering
flowers to Mama Mary and by teaching catechism to children. The days of May
are, therefore, called "Flores de Mayo" (Flowers of May) for the
Virgin Mary. The Santacruzan, considered to be the "Queen of Filipino
Festivals", is the culminating activity of the Flores de Mayo.
In
our parish many of our folks gathered and waited along the road where the
procession of the Santacruzan was to pass. The Sagala was composed of 27 beautiful
ladies who marched with their different titles. It was amazing to see them with
their most beautiful smiles waving their hands to the people along the way. I
missed joining the parade and procession because we were busy preparing the
stage and the final touch for the Grand Finals with Ate Machiel and other youth.
Yet we were still lucky because the procession passed close to just where we
were working and we had a good view of the lovely ladies. At the same time we
heard over the sound system somebody introducing each lady in the Sagala and
the titles they represented. It was truly informative.
After
the procession, a Mass was offered presided by our parish priest who delivered
and inspiring homily about the significance of popular devotions and piety giving
stress of the value of Santa Cruzan.
The
most awaited event that everyone was excited about was the Parish Got Talent Grand
Finals, the showcase of the talents of the parishioners of St. Joseph the
Spouse Parish. It was the first ever of such event to happen in our parish. Hundreds
of people flocked to the community center to watch the most awaited grand
Finals. There was indescribable feeling of happiness and excitement painted on
the beautiful faces of the people who came to support their friends, relatives
and instant idols in the competition. The pretty ladies who composed the Sagala
were also there adding colors and beauty for the night. Our Parish Priest presented
the video clips of each contestant. The clips were produced by some of our
fellow youth.
I
was not involved with the many tasks to do during the competition because we
were manning the little store selling barbecue and juice to raise funds for the
youth. But I was able to watch the grand finalists show their singing and
dancing prowess. I even felt like one of the contestants because from the
beginning of the program till the end I sang and moved in sync with the
contestants. Aira Shane Macalinao bagged the FIRST EVER GRAND CHAMPION of the
Parish Got Talent because of her most wonderful and soulful rendition the song
"Let it Go" from the animated movie sound track Frozen.
As
I prepared for home after the program, my heart was smiling in joy for having
accomplished another mission for the parish. “Thank you, Lord, for this
wonderful night and event. May you be glorified.” Likewise I thanked the Lord
for the gift of beauty and talents He gave our parish, for the generosity of
time and effort of the people especially my fellow youth who cooperated and
actively participated in this event. The tasks were difficult and demanding.
But it was worth all the sacrifices. For the effort, the happiness, the success
and the faith, thank you, God!
Contributed
by:
Ryan M. Sumalde,
Member of Youth Ministry, St. Joseph the Spouse Parish, Sto.
Tomas, Isabela.
