Family tissues

Francis B. Ongkingco 09/21/2018

We often are aware and accept life’s countless share of difficulties and trials. To these, we simply shrug our shoulders and say, ‘That’s life! But our tone and attitude change when these burdens and challenges hit us…

Why do Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary’s birthday on September 8?

Francis B. Ongkingco 09/07/2018

Today, many may no longer realize its connection with December 8 — nine months before September— when we celebrate the solemnity of Her Immaculate Conception. Historically, however, Mary’s birthday was already being celebrated by the Church even…

The Upper Room

Francis B. Ongkingco 01/19/2018

The Clergy and Consecrated Persons” is this year’s CBCP theme for the Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is a historical-spiritual milieu to prepare our journey towards the 500th anniversary of the Catholic Faith in 2021. I…

Here and there

Francis B. Ongkingco 06/02/2017

The boy’s father could not figure out what to do next. Toby was only four, but being on the heavy side already looked like he was six. They already put him on a diet, but the doctor…

Birds, bees and bonding

Francis B. Ongkingco 05/26/2017

Mommy?” “Yes, Jimmy?” Glenda said as she was removing her apron as she came out of the kitchen. “What does ‘virgin’ mean?” Silence. “Why do you want to know, Jimmy?” Glenda pulled herself together. “’Coz my classmates…

The upset of puberty

Francis B. Ongkingco 05/19/2017

I guess it’s tougher for our generation today, Father,” the young fellow concluded. “In what sense?” I shifted on the mono-block chair. “The onset of puberty is earlier for us,” he explained. “On what grounds?” “Maybe our…

Home sick home

Francis B. Ongkingco 05/12/2017

Kevin sat alone despite being surrounded by many of his noisy co-campers, and he was trying his best to hide his tears and sobbing jerks by simply looking down. “Yo, Kevin! Wazzup! You okay?” I sat down…

Creating Good Problems

Francis B. Ongkingco 05/05/2017

Father?” Diego asked, “There’s a fellow I’m helping out, but he says he has no problems in life!” “That’s coool! I wish I also had none,” I jokingly replied. “But what advice can I give him?” Diego…

The ungraduates

Francis B. Ongkingco 04/28/2017

In these months, there will be another generation of students marching to graduate. The long years of hard work rendered with successes and failures, camaraderie and much more have hopefully coalesced into an identity creating career for…

Souvenirs of grace

Francis B. Ongkingco 04/21/2017

Why dont you get a basket, Wilson?” He was a towering Christmas tree in April! He had Rosaries, scapulars and other religious articles hanging on both arms. His left hand tried to grasp on two miniature-sized Colosseum,…

New version you

Francis B. Ongkingco 04/07/2017

People strongly gravitate and get attached to anything new! This is especially true of gadgets, cars and fashion. The attraction is more pronounced with electronic tools and other technological accessories because technology progresses in giant steps that…

Spot the diparents

Francis B. Ongkingco 03/31/2017

Clyde and his dad were bonding over a “Spot the Difference” puzzle book. Some twenty minutes had passed and the two had managed to spy only three different things. “Hey guys, wuzzup?” His mother suddenly came out…

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