VANCOUVEREYE ZINE

  By Tom Choy Vancouver, British Columbia   “ My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 3:1-3   We recently lost a servant leader, Father Monsignor Arsenio “Enyong”   Bautista who used to be our Parish priest then during my youth in Bacood, Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila. He may not be physically around now but   In my mind, I can still vividly remember what a wonderful person Father Enyong was. I saw him in action, how he cared for his parishioners and I adored him.   I became   a sacristan, a church server who assists priests in celebrating Holy Masses on Sundays and some special occasions.   I didn’t   have the privilege of learning Latin formally in school but was lucky to be given a c...

THOSE WERE THE DAYS by Tom Choy Vancouver, British Columbia As Neil Diamond would sing it, "LA's fine but it ain't home; NY is home but it ain't mine no more." Vancouver is fine but it's almost home; Bacood is truly home but it ain't mine no more. Bacood, Sta Mesa Manila.   This used to be my playground. Once upon a time you are young and thought that you are indestructible and forever young. Then you sang with fervor "Once upon a time there was a tavern where we used to raise a glass or two. Remember how we laughed away the hours. And dreamed of all the great things we would do. Those were the days my friend we thought they'd never end We'd sing and dance forever and a day. We'd live the life we choose We'd fight and never lose For we were young and sure to have our way.." (Mary Hopkin)  ABBA's Dancing Queen was burning the airwaves then. Our Congressman Gerry Espina found home here too. The Crispa...