the news...

TODAY
pope john paul II passed away. he had somewhat of a maverick quality to him, truly one of the most remarkable (and impactul) leaders of the Catholic Church. well-loved and respected, this pope clearly strove to make the most of his ministry to reach out to people, even until his final days as he struggled to overcome the increasing grip of sickness over him.

the impact of his death can probably be described on how you translate the relevance of his prescence. personally, the pope i remember was during the world youth day 1995 when i volunteered as a photographer for our HS school publication. braving the crowd, i was able to secure a spot nearest to the route his papal vehicle would be taking. i stood for what seemed to like a really loooong time. finally, when night was just beginning to creep in, he arrived. people began screaming, waving their hands and handkerchiefs (el shaddai??). then the bright flashes of camera lights, one after another, including mine (sadly, the photos didn't come out later). but as i looked at him, i was overcome with awe on how he affected the people, with respect on how he faithfully did his ministry and how he came all the way to the philippines to be with the people. so it was that when he passed by, i kept myself in a quiet, calm disposition. a big contrast against the shouting restless crowd around me. somehow, to me, it didn't do to be part of that. he wasn't a star asking for this attention, this fame. he is asking to share your devotion, not to him, but with him. for the One he is serving.

in effect, what i'm saying is his prescence reminded me of something, rather, Someone greater. he was a hardworking messenger of truth, a voice for a generation that believed in goodness and life, and a figure that stood for what was morally right. for that, he will be missed.

i didn't like it when i first heard abt his ailing health. and now his demise. it's sad. but i also have to remind myself that he is in a better place now.

*imaginary conversations that can be said of PJP2: "well done, good and loyal servant."
"that'll do, pope. that'll do." :P

A FEW MONTHS BACK

armed with my new buddy vaio, i was finally able to upload some pics:

the snowy feb brought these images:


night comes in quick at winter.. and leafless trees make for a scary effect

snow covers everything...

that's right, fu! shovel! shovel more! ur task is futile!!! (bwahaha!)

... while march gave me disney characters skating on ice! (sorry, pangit seat position ko)


yaaa! incriminating photo of two-timing lil bo beep!

the gang searches for woody

two sons go against their dad

getting ready for the big finale... waah, the olsen twins??

okay! its a wrap! take it away, squeaky!