The Ordinary Life of Jopet

It was a Sunday and I was up early to meet my good friend, Migs for a Sunday run around UP Diliman, when Mark noticed that I have rashes all over my back. I thought it was allergy but when it started to itch, I called Migs to cancel the run because I am en route to Makati Medical Center to have myself checked. My decision to postpone the run was providential because had I met Migs and his family, I am most certain to infect their infant daughter because it was really chicken pox. The doctor sent me home with clear instructions to isolate myself, the utensils I use and the clothes I wear. Along with a medical certificate excusing me from work were prescriptions like antiviral tablets and cream, antihistamine and paracetamol. Although chicken pox seems a common household illness, you will be surprised that the we spent almost ten thousand pesos on medicines alone (Valtrex) On hindsight, spending that amount of money was worth it since had I declined medication, I am sure I'

T he Philippines customarily begins Holy Week with the blessing of palm fronds on Palm Sunday. Usually the liturgy begins with the Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila gathers the community at the patio (esplanade) for the narration of Christ's triumphant entry to Jerusalem. After the reading, Cardinal Tagle gives a short monition to help the congregation appreciate the bittersweet chapters of Christ's passion, death and resurrection.  Cardinal Luis Antonio Go Kim Tagle of Manila Holy Week then endures to Maundy Thursday - Maundy because this is the day we remember how Christ instituted the Eucharist and gave us the mandatum  to " love one another" as shown by the washing of the feet.  Washing of the Feet After the Maundy Thursday services, comes the Visita Iglesia which is truly a Filipino tradition. Families, friends go on a nocturnal pilgrimage of seven churches to offer prayers and yes, do what the Spaniards call a "Pasear" (take a walk) ar