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A lesson Learned

It is not enough of being kind, generous and loving,

Apart from doing good and not abusing or taking advantage of other people, our gateway to heaven is having a good relationship with God,

In our spiritual journey we cannot do it alone

.We need a community, guidance from our church leaders, and education to stay on the right path. God is merciful and loving; He will help us stay by His side, and I’m thankful for that.

My Story…

My story begins with my early childhood, when I wasn’t really involved in the community. However, it was my mother who inspired me to open up and serve others.

In 1980, I was elected as the youth chairman in San Antonio Village, Makati, Philippines. During one of our youth leadership training sessions, we were taught the importance of leaving a legacy that would make our children proud of us.

The Kabataang Barangay was created in 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 684, with the goal of organizing youth in the country’s 42,000 barangay n

I did my best to implement programs that would benefit our community, with the hope that my future children would be proud of me.”

in 1985. After completing my term in office, I was hired as a KB assistant coordinator for Makati and underwent training as a political officer under the National Kabataang Barangay Secretariat , which falls under the Office of the President.

As a KB assistant coordinator, I was part of an organization that aimed to give youth a definitive role in community affairs and provide opportunities for them to express their views

My training as a political officer have equipped me with skills to facilitate the training of newly elected federation presidents from various regions at Mt. Makiling, Camp September 21st in 1985.

KB Training in Makiling.

Our Speaker in front wearing Blue shirt

Grow by learning more of our Saints

Barangay Kagawad

Makati Newly Elected youth leaders PKBM

Pagkakaisang Kabataan ng Batang Makati

After the EDSA People Power Revolution, Following my term in office, and Assistant KB Youth Coordinator in Makati under the Office of the President. Our office was abolished and became a street parliamentarian

Later, I became a legislative staff officer for Councilor Raul Oloy Javier, Chairman of Youth and Sports Development.

The batch 95 KB youth officials were replaced on an election conducted in every Cities and municipalities for the municipality of Makati it’s PKBM

Some youth election used the Kabataang Barangay as their reference while others used their own organization name.

I recall being summoned to court in Makati to provide testimony on the legitimacy of elected youth leaders replacing Kabataang Barangay officials. That hearing paved the way for recognizing elected youth leaders as legitimate users of the Kabataang Barangay legal framework. Notably, only Kabataang Barangay organizations were eligible to utilize the 10% KB fund, excluding groups with different names.

Creation of SK in the Local Government Code.

During the time of President Corazon Aquino. I provided the Presidential Council of Youth Affairs a copy of the Kabataan Barangay constitution and work on the creation of the Sangguniang Kabataan with the Office of the Department of Local Government. (DILG)

1992 the First SK trainer’s training was conducted by the Presidential Council on Youth Affairs in the Development Academy of the Philippines

Makati SK Federation Training

Facilitated the First Sangguniang Kabataang of Makati Leadership Training.

On my side is SK Federation President.

Former Mayor of Makati Jun Jun Binay

Photo of Mayor Binay in 2024

Street parliament before now Leaders of Today

“I met several former Kabataang Makabayan (KM) leaders, including Nilo Tayag, Nonie Villanueva, and Ka Popo Rolly Cleofas, among others. They lectured us on nationalism, Kaisipan, and Diwang Filipino, or Filipino Ideology. These leaders shared their experiences as part of the Communist Party of the Philippines and explained why they chose not to bear arms anymore. They believed that fighting and killing one another due to ideological differences would not benefit the Filipino people.

Instead, they emphasized the importance of building our country by teaching children to love and appreciate our nation. This can be achieved by focusing on the values of being Maka-Dios (pro-God), Makatao (pro-human), and Makabayan (pro-country).

Their teachings also made me realize how the Spaniards conquered the world by using the influence of saints. They changed our cultural beliefs, replacing our traditional Anitos and earthly gods with the saints. I’ve noticed that this is a similar experience shared by indigenous peoples in other countries, such as California.

For many years, I’ve read stories about saints, and many of them have helped me by answering my prayers and petitions. The saints are God’s messengers, reminding us of His presence in this world. They inspire us to strive for holiness, as we are all called to be holy.”

Involvement of Cardinal Sin in politics sparks my frustration with the Church.

Something I did not understand at that time.

This tension between the church’s spiritual role and its political influence is a complex issue. Some argue that the church has a moral obligation to speak out against injustice and promote the common good, while others believe that it should maintain a neutral stance in political matters and focus more on spiritual welfare of the people.

In the context of Philippine history, the church’s involvement in politics has been a recurring theme. From the Spanish colonial period to the present day, the Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape

Activist! Pro Filipino Uncle. Father Hilario Lim

“My uncle, Father Hilario Lim, was paraded in Mendiola, symbolizing the new generation of GOMBURZA, during the First Quarter Storm.”

The First Quarter Storm was a significant period of student activism and protests in the Philippines, which took place from January to March 1970. GOMBURZA refers to three Filipino priests (Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora) who were martyred in 1872 for their alleged involvement in the Cavite Mutiny. They became symbols of Filipino resistance against Spanish colonial rule.

Filipinization of Churches

“That’s where I drew inspiration to become a street parliamentarian and advocate for Filipino Ideology.”

My Father was with him when they went to the Airport to submit their petition with the representative of the Pope. My Father was an active Anti Marcos activist marching in Ayala while my Mother is Pro Marcos supporter. It did not in anyway affected their relationship

No such thing as cancelled Culture. Unfriending those who are the opposite side.

Father Lim was detained in Camp Crame with some of our mentors

Father de Mesa

JESUIT PRIEST CHARGED WITH PLOTTING TO OUST REGIME IN PHILIPPINES

Special to the New York Times

• March 20, 1981

The Rev. Jose Blanco, a militant Jesuit, has been charged with seeking to destabilize the regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos by means of violent acts, including a series of bombings last year.

Judge Ernani Cruz Pano said today that Father Blanco was the second Jesuit to be named in the case. The other was the Rev. Romeo Intengan. Ninety-six people have been accused in the alleged destabilization conspiracy, which the Government charges was led by the opposition politicians Jovito Salonga, Raul Manglapus and Benigno A. Aquino Jr. The three politicians are in the United States, as are 20 other people named by the authorities.

Father Intengan and some 50 others accused in the case are in hiding in the Philippines. Father Blanco has not been arrested and is still at the Jesuit headquarters in Manila. ”He is here right now saying mass for the order,” the Rev. James B. Reuter said.

Seventeen suspects have been jailed since October, most of them young people in their 20’s and 30’s who are alleged to have belonged to a group called the April 6 Liberation Movement. Death of an American

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1985 Exile to Zamboanga

“In 1985, there was a report that my life is at risk.

My heart was filled with hatred, having witnessed the United States’ intervention in our internal affairs

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Facebook Page from Indonesia

My involvement in politics was so deep that, for my own safety, I was advised to take a step back. As a result, I was sent into exile in Zamboanga City.”

Photo taken in Pagadian going to Cagayan de Oro in 1987 with my cousin Michael

A new beginning in Public Service as Legislative staff officer in Makati

The EDSA revolution marked a significant turning point in my life. When the KB national office was abolished, I shifted my focus to being a street parliamentarian. Meanwhile, my friend Raul Javier, also known as Oloy, made a name for himself in politics, becoming the youngest barangay captain in Tejeros, Makati, and later running for city councilor.

He asked me to join him, together , we worked toward realizing our shared vision for Makati. Raul Oloy Javier’s accomplishments extended beyond his legislative work, as he spearheaded initiatives like the first Government Internship Program, interactions with local youth which we tied up with PCYA and sponsored debates. Ship of Southeast Asea Youth Program interaction with Local Youth

His commitment to public service earned him recognition, and Mayor Jejomar Binay appointed him chair of the Makati Task Force on Solid Waste Management. This role contributed significantly to Makati being listed as one of the Cleanest and Greenest Cities in Metro Manila. Raul Oloy Javier’s legacy continues to inspire, especially among the youth.

“I hate to admit it, but my goal also at that time was to prepare myself to become a councilor of Makati like my friend or possibly hold a national government position.

I was so consumed by politics that, unknowingly, I had distanced myself from God. I was more focused on earthly pleasures and desires. Although I attended mass, praising God was not part of my vocabulary. I guess that was my darkest day spiritually.

During that time, I had not yet been elected as a kagawad of Barangay San Antonio.”

Eucharistic Miracle

I met a spiritual friend, Elba, who invited me to attend a gathering at the Araneta Coliseum. It was a Light of Jesus Community concert. At the time, I thought it was just a concert, not a healing service.

I was unaware of what was happening around me until I noticed a priest holding a monstrance, raising it and moving it around. When he pointed it in my direction, I felt something hit me, penetrating deep into my heart. I felt God’s presence.

I struggle to put that experience into words, but what I remember is that I started to cry, sob, and ask God for forgiveness. One thing I knew for certain at that moment: I was a sinner, and God saved me.”

“Deep inside my heart, I knew I had committed grave sins. I was no longer the same John who was once dedicated to daily prayers.

In elementary school, I would visit the church almost every day to pray to Jesus, Mother Mary, and all the saints. Unfortunately, during my high school years, I started drinking, smoking, and engaging in other vices.

But with that Eucharistic experience, God healed me, forgave me, and saved me. I cried because I felt God’s presence in my heart; He was alive and present in the Holy Eucharist. He touched my heart and changed my life.”

“My life took a dramatic turn, shifting from a street parliamentarian to a devoted evangelist for God.”

Decada 80’s

Decada 90’s

Decada 2000 Pro Life

How are you Sure your experience is not just a leap of emotion and a will of God

“My college classmates and I were discussing some religious concerns about the life of priests in the Philippines. Suddenly, someone mentioned Father Larry Faraon’s name, which reminded me of my own spiritual transformation.

“It was Father Faraon who played a significant role in my transformation, which occurred during a healing mass in the 1990s. I shared with my classmates the extraordinary experience I had during that mass, where I witnessed a Eucharistic miracle that profoundly changed my life.”

One of them asked, ‘How can you be sure that your experience isn’t just a leap of emotion, but truly the will of God?’

That is the time I shared my story at Saint the Baptist church in Napa

Story of Eucharistic Miracle written on the Book up in the Mountain

September 25. 2022

Went to Saint John the Baptist Church in Napa, where I unexpectedly ran into David Perez. Although we belong to different parishes, God brought us together as friends. Afterward, I stepped into the Adoration Chapel to pray.

As I sat there, I felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit to retrieve a green book that a man had been reading on the left side of the room.

When he left and returned the book to the shelf, I picked it up and began reading. To my astonishment, the book told the story of the author’s miraculous experience with the Holy Eucharist, which bore a striking resemblance to my own experience.”

September 25, 2022

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Page 63. Up in the Mountain

It’s so ironic for after reading that page I was not able to take a picture of it. Thank God I saw David that day

God’s Plan

“When I was turned down for the position of Barangay Captain, I realized that seeking higher office wasn’t meant for me. It was as if God had intervened, sparing me from the complexities of politics. I had already served my part as a public servant, and now I felt directed toward a higher calling: serving God.

“This realization was followed by the approval of my visa to the United States.

It was clear that God wanted me to focus on Him and relinquish my political ambitions. My priority shifted to my family. I left the Philippines at the closing of the Jubilee Door, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life.”

Another Connection to Father Faraon.

“February 4, 2025 – Adoration Chapel

I brought my sister Julpha, Jeanette, and my brother-in-law Onald to the Adoration Chapel. I shared with Onald my life-changing Eucharistic experience and showed him the exact spot in the left corner of the chapel where it happened. I recounted how the Holy Spirit prompted me to retrieve the book a man was reading, which ultimately led me to a profound confirmation of the miracle of the Holy Eucharist.

“God brought a smile to my face once again when I discovered that Onald is a friend of Father Larry Faraon’s brother, Ric.

Moreover, Ric Faraon is also acquainted with Mommy Betty. What struck me as remarkable was that this revelation occurred on my sister’s birthday, September 25, 2022.

I am still in awe that, even now in 2025, I continue to be connected to Father Larry Faraon in unexpected ways.”

Sharing of a Spiritual encounter with the Holy Eucharist May 20, 2024

“During the Eucharist Revival in San Francisco, the first parish they visited was Saint Vincent, where we had celebrated Pentecost just a day before. Interestingly, on that day, I visited Saint Catherine Church, where I met someone who shared a remarkable story with me. Our conversation led her to recount an experience she had many years ago inside an Adoration Chapel, where God touched her heart in a way similar to my own experience.

“I don’t believe this was mere coincidence; it was a divine revelation, weaving our stories together in a profound way.” The Exacto moments

Incident of God telling me of his presence. Dream of Elba. 2008

The E mail of Elba 

October 15, 2928 I opened my FB messenger and friend Elba was there and I waved

Second Dream of Elba September 22, 2018!

Elba dreamt of Father Faraon and as she woke up and told her husband about her dream.

At that exact moment I opened my messenger and waved said Hi to Elba

“The Araneta experience was the last time I spoke with Elba, and I never asked her about the event or the priest’s name. Years later, I discovered through one of her dreams that it was actually a healing mass.

This Eucharistic Miracle experience marked the beginning of my transformation. Following this encounter, God led me to attend a Life in the Spirit Seminar at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart.

“After that seminar, many blessings flowed into my life. I got married, served two terms as a barangay councilor, and implemented various programs in our church – all of which I couldn’t have accomplished without God’s guidance.”

“Throughout my years in America, I’ve witnessed countless miracles and healings.

These are immeasurable gifts that God has graciously shown me. I will never tire of praising God for these blessings.

Indeed, God is truly alive in the Holy Eucharist.

Thank God for my loving and understanding family

Thank God of allowing me to be with Saint Vincent Charismatic community and Couples for Christ

Thank you, Jesus.”