Culmination and Commencement

My thesis defense last Wednesday was both a culmination and a commencement for me. It culminated my three years of studies here in Italy and at the same time, it commenced a new stage in my communications ministry.

Broom, Dustpan & a Dictionary as Mass Offerings

This afternoon, I concelebrated at a Mass in which a broom, a dustpan, and a dictionary, among other things, were presented as offerings. The offertory was such a moving rite that many churchgoers were brought to tears.

Helping Hands

A snapshot of three young Filipina members of the Kayumanggi Dance Troupe helping each other put on their costumes and sets of accessories prior to their performance during the celebration of the 107th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Rome, Italy.

Christening

This afternoon I officiated the christening of Christine Hazen Amigo, daughter of Edison and Dorie. It was my first time to solemnize the Sacrament of Baptism here in Rome and also my first time to preside over a liturgical celebration inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Podcast: Being Married To An Italian

They say that marriage is really a matter of adjustment. But the adjustment becomes more complicated when you are married to a person of another cultural, lingual, and racial root. This podcast talks about being in an interracial relationship. My guest is Victoria de Torres, a Filipina married to an Italian for 16 years. She shares about the burdens and blessings of her 19-year marriage and of raising her teenage daughter in the Filipino-Italian way.

Filipino Day in Italy

Today we had the Filipino Day at the Collegio Filippino in Rome, Italy. It was a picnic, a Flores de Mayo, a Eucharistic celebration, a cultural activity, a dance extravaganza, a fiesta. Click here for the slideshow of the pics I took during the whole day celebration.

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Podcast: Being Pinoy In Italy

The topic for this edition of my podcast focuses on the everyday life of pinoys in Italy – their struggles as well as their joys. My guest is Analisa Bueno Magsino, a 36-year-old mother of two. Like most pinays, Lisa worked for many years as a domestic helper in the Eternal City before becoming a consultant, cultural mediator and editor-in-chief of a Filipino newspaper in Italy.