Messages from Mama Mary
ShineBy June Keithley Castro
This past week has been very special for Batangas. Known for its Marian devotion, the province held special celebrations on Sept. 8 and 12.
This past week has been very special for Batangas. Known for its Marian devotion, the province held special celebrations on Sept. 8 and 12.
I debated with myself about writing this, as in this “trending” age, many skeptical comments will make their way to Facebook or Twitter. But ultimately, I decided that what people thought of me wasn’t important.
I first met Ninoy about 30 two years ago when I was producing and hosting “The Late Nite with June and Johnny,” a talk show that aired at 10 p.m. Fridays on GMA Channel 7. It was a co-production; I had to shoulder expenses and GMA provided the air time, as at that time Freddie Garcia didn’t believe that a talk show aired so late would rate. Thankfully I was proven right, and it became so popular.
I used to love the rainy season. I say “used to,” because after the horrors of the past few floods, it would seem insensitive to say I still do. But I have so many memories of typhoon seasons.
A little more than a month ago, on June 24, tens of thousands of Marian devotees celebrated the anniversary of an event that, unknown to many, is still having an impact on the world.
Two weeks ago, when I wrote about my oncologist, I remembered someone else who had such a passion to become a doctor that he left family and country just to become one.
Being bedridden isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, especially if one can enjoy the benefits of Korean cable TV, haha. But that’s another article that I’ll save for another time.
There’s a common saying that “everyone has a story to tell,” and it’s often surprising to discover that so many persons have had such amazing lives. Sometimes all we need is time—to be interested, to listen and to be amazed.
There was such interest in my column on Fr. James Reuter that I had to rack my brain trying to remember more stories, but I must be “low batt” as it doesn’t seem to respond.
“Camote” is really a term of endearment, not even a nickname, and if you were part of the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club, stage crew, an actor from any of the Catholic schools, or in athletics, you would know who this referred to.
I enjoy flying, especially since, for many years now, I have been blessed to get free business-class tickets. The silence inside and the quiet hum of the engines give me time to pull myself together.
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