Metro Infanta Foundation

By Mila Glodava

Ambassador Rudy Arizala mentioned in one of his email exchanges with Ambassador Johnny Ona that with my advice General Nakar has become self-supporting financially. I feel a need to explain what he meant.

As director of communications and stewardship at St. Thomas More in Colorado, I have learned some tried and true ways to make a parish self-sustaining through our embrace and practice of stewardship as a way of life. This means we teach a life of thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings, resulting in a spirit-filled, vibrant parish. Indeed, the parish has been blessed with sufficient resources to carry out our mission to “go and make disciples” rather than depend for funds from outside sources. Knowing the difficulties nowadays to solicit grants even in the United States, I thought this practice could help the Prelature of Infanta and offered to share St. Thomas More’s successful stewardship program with the Prelature of Infanta and Bishop Labayen, then the bishop of Infanta, not only accepted but also arranged for me to introduce stewardship to all his clergy in 2002. Seeing its potential, Bishop Labayen thought the prelature should share the practice of stewardship.

Cebu Stewardship Conference
At the invitation of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal and Bishop Labayen, my pastor, Father Andrew Kemberling, and I gave a four-day workshop on stewardship in 2003 to about 70 bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders in Cebu. The participants were so inspired by the experience that it created a Task Force on stewardship immediately to assist Socio Pastoral Institute, our mission partne, in promoting stewardship in the Philippines. It was headed by Sr. Angie Donado, O.Carm, and assisted by Sr. Lea Aclan, C.S., Sr. Yonni Biragay, ACT, and Sr. Frances Mangabat, SDS. To date, the Task Force has identified more than 21 dioceses interested in embracing and implementing stewardship as a way of life.

In addition, the Task Force also has identified models of the practice of stewardship sensitive to the Philippine culture. One of these models, Sts. Anne and Joachim in General Nakar, Quezon, started immediately after the 2003 conference under the leadership of Father Israel Gabriel, using his own personal conversion as a starting point of a series of educational seminars he conducted during BEC gatherings and at liturgies. Within the 40 days of Lent in 2003, Father Israel focused on the “Spirituality of Stewardship” to give his parishioners the motivation to respond to God’s call to live their faith in God. In no time parishioners, many of whom already are active in the parish, were beginning to embrace stewardship as a way of life — making time for God in prayer, nourishing the faith, promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, preserving the earth and giving of their time talent and treasure. Stewardship, says Father Israel, was the “integrating factor of all the projects and activities in the parish.” What was incredible about this parish was the fact that lack of resources did not hinder them from introducing this way of life. In fact, they relied mostly on the teaching on the “Spirituality of Stewardship” at Mass, in schools, and in the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC’s).

Positive results
Indeed, stewardship has increased awareness in promoting vocations and in preserving the earth even among the children and youth. “The young people have begun to pray for their peers who may have a calling to become a priest or to enter religious life,” said Rosie Castro, a catechist who has become a credible speaker on stewardship. “And the youth have become active in ecology projects,” she said.

Even the indigenous people have embraced stewardship as a way of life — especially in the areas of ecology and vocations. Influenced by globalization and consumerism, they are now going back to their roots and their love of the earth — recycling, gardening and finding ways to protect the environment. They also are now sensitive to the desire of their people interested in religious life. “They used to tease any one who expresses a desire to become a priest,” says Father Pete Montallano, a Franciscan missionary in the Prelature of Infanta. “But now, they are not only interested in finding someone who may have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, they are also praying for them. In fact, the indigenous people have identified two young men who are discerning a life as a religious.

In addition, the offertory collection started growing slowly, from pre-Cebu collection of 200 pesos (roughly $4) to as high as 1,800 pesos (about $33) given by some 200 people who attend the one and only Mass on Sunday. As a result, the parish was able to build the “Labayen Hall,” without getting funds from outside sources. One thing he changed was the offertory collection. He liked the idea of the altar call, and started asking his parishioners to come forward to bring their gifts to the altar. And they did! “We like the idea that we are personally presenting our gifts to the Lord,” said Annie Buencamino, another catechist and one of the promoters of stewardship in the parish.

New parish priest
What was more impressive about St. Anne’s success was the fact that parishioners continue to practice stewardship even when Father Israel was transferred to another parish in the prelature. Fortunately for them, Father Mario Establecida, who succeeded, also attended the Cebu Conference and was convinced of the practice. Among his first official act of business as parish priest was sending lay leaders to a Facilitators’ Training on stewardship, offered by the Socio Pastoral Institute and the Cebu Conference Task Force.

Father Mario and his lay leaders, convinced of the value of education in promoting stewardship, immediately scheduled workshop seminars for various sectors of the parish — farmers, fishermen, government employees, women and youth. I had the privilege of attending all three seminars conducted by the lay leaders. I was very impressed at the knowledge of the facilitators — a team of five — and how they have embraced the spirituality of stewardship. The teaching module developed by the Task Force as mandated by the Cebu Conference is very culture appropriate and very well received by the ordinary parishioner. “I realized I have not given enough to God — in time, talent or treasure,’ said one government employee.

The seminars flowed smoothly and presented using chalkboards and charts. Using a lot of storytelling, the seminars also are a time to look at how their parish evolved, when it was created and the stories of its growth. The seminars also encouraged audience participation and were, therefore, usually lively. After the third conference on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father Mario conducted the Commitment Sunday for treasure, which Father Israel did not have a chance to conduct. The result was an incredible outpouring of generosity, which brought in that Sunday, more than 6,000 pesos, almost unheard of in the parish. Father Mario reports that sometimes, when a “balikbayan” comes to visit the parish, the offertory goes up to as high as 28,000 pesos. Obviously, stewardship teaching continues to inspire even visitors to give generously in thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

Typhoons of 2004
Then came November 29, 2004, a day that all of us will never forget. General Nakar and several neighboring towns were hit by a devastating typhoon, followed by three others in a week’s time, each one stronger than the other, and causing flashfloods and mudslides and sending logs — hundreds of them — crashing down anything on their path from the mountains, killing thousands and destroying properties and livelihood. It was almost unbearable to listen to the stories of death and survival. And we heard many of them. Yet we also heard of stories of hope and faith and love. They are now etched in our memories and then some.

Sr. Angie saw the inspiration St. Anne’s model could provide others and had the presence of mind to monitor and document of how stewardship is being lived out in General Nakar, even after the calamity. The video tape, entitled, “Ako’y Anak ng Diyos,” is a powerful and inspiring 30-minute testimony of how one of the poorest of the poor parishes has embraced stewardship and how this new way of life has affected the lives of parishioners.

Indeed, in their embrace of stewardship spirituality, parishioners have made the church of the poor come alive at St. Anne Parish. “I’ve learned,” said one bishop who saw the video during our day of reflection for the Catholic Bishops Conference in 2005, “that even in the midst of poverty and suffering the Gospel can be brought to life in our people. I felt uplifted to know that great things for people are possible.” St. Anne Parish has become an inspiration to the bishops, clergy religious and lay leaders and to the entire Philippine Church. “If they can do it,” they said, “we can do it too.”

Posted on May 14, 2008

By Mila Glodava

This is Henrietta. Kirsten and Kevin gave her as a birthday gift in 1995 to their father, who has loved her just like one of his children.

"Hello, my little one," is how Mark greets her in the morning, "do you want your breakfast now?"

She's family, "a spoiled member of the family," said Kirsten. "She's the only cat I know who gets a birthday party, complete with cakes, candles, and gifts -- toys, bowls, scratching pads and posts, sleeping and sitting mats, exercise gadgets--even a cat spa--and more." At Christmas, she opens her own gifts (with help from the children, of course). She also has her own photo album filled with photographs taken since she first came into our lives. Of course, her portrait sits proudly alongside our children's photographs. She even gets her own mail as Henrietta Marie Glodava, usually from her veterinarian. Yes, Henrietta gets regular medical and dental check-ups and trips to her veterinarian.

Henrietta is a very well-trained indoor cat. She does not sit on couches, but she usually loves to sit on the window sill to watch happenings outside. When she senses we're coming home, she would be by the door waiting for us. She knows where her litterbox is, and where her water and daily treats are. After her own dinner, Henrietta sits patiently by the kitchen door waiting for Mark to take her outdoors for her playtime in the backyard. At night before going to bed, Mark brushes her beautiful black and white fur. "She'd get fresh fur and would limit the size of fur balls she swallows when she grooms herself," says Mark. And it limits the hair that clings to clothing and furniture, which is very important in the Glodava household.

Mark's affection for Henrietta is not uncommon in America. Americans love not only to cuddle the little furry ones, but also to kiss them, and let them lick their faces. The latter is one thing I still could not understand, yet it's true. Americans love to show signs of affection to their pets -- caressing them, playing with them, or have them just sit on their laps while watching television. They even treat them with designer leashes and outfits and take them to pet parlors for groooming and fur styling. And have you seen Christmas cards featuring the sender's beloved cat or dog?

Indeed, the pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business, or$40.8 billion in 2007 to be exact. According to a recent National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households or about 71.1 million homes have pets, about 83% of which are dogs and cats. But Americans also own birds, fish and reptiles. In the Glodava household, we've had hamsters, all sorts of fish and even a toad, which Kirsten named "Jensen."

No wonder the pet industry offers health insurance, hospitals, boarding houses and hotels, and grooming studios and aids. There are even cemeteries and funeral services offered. They have their own stores and supermarkets offering the best food and gourmet treats and even high-tech items. And there are many more offerings for pampering pets.

Yes, Americans pamper them and bring them wherever they go. Why? They are great companions, especially for those living alone. The pets give them psychological therapy. They have someone to talk and to pay attention to, especially during the holidays. My husband can testify to this. Struggling to find a job during the recession of the 1990's, Kirsten's cat, Oscar," kept him sane.

Studies show that pet owners (I have to be very careful here, because some cities -- Boulder, Colorado, is one -- have ordinances calling those who have pets as "guardians rather than "owners") derive some health benefits -- lower blood pressure, stress relief, and lower health care costs (people with pets make fewer trips to the doctor).

Mark will be the first one to say that Henrietta gives him and the entire Glodava family all of the above and then some.

Posted on November 23, 2007

By Mila Glodava

Yin and yang. Light and darkness. Night and day. Black and white. Glory and pain. Opposites, yes. Yet, one is not complete without the other. Yin is not completely black, nor yang completely white. We can't appreciate the light without the darkness. No pain, no gain. And I can attest to these truths all of my 62 years of existence. Recently, however, in a week's time, I experienced both glory and pain.

Two weeks ago, before more than 1,100 participants from all over the world at the annual International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) conference in Miami, Florida, St. Thomas More Parish received the 2007 Archbishop Murphy Memorial Award. As director of communications and stewardship, I joined our pastor, Father Andrew Kemberling, and two members of the Stewardship Commission -- Phil and Irene Lindemer -- in accepting the award. Indeed, St. Thomas More has been exemplary in that regard, promoting the stewardship lifestyle in the parish and beyond, including the entire Philippine Church. The award, in memory of an ardent and passionate supporter of ICSC and Christian stewardship – a life of thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

In photo, l-r: Phil and Irene Lindemer, Father Andrew, Jim Kelley, ICSC president, and Mila Glodava
This was only the third time I've attended this annual conference. And modesty aside, each time we've participated, we received an award or two. In fact, this year's award was our fourth. Honestly though, I've come to enjoy meeting the thousands of practitioners of stewardship as a way of life, and to learn many new ideas to enhance my own ministry to the Church at St. Thomas More.

Indeed, it was an honor to be recognized by our peers for our service to the Church and to know that the STM stewardship model is one that other parishes would want to emulate. I am personally grateful for this award too, because I helped create and develop the STM stewardship model, along with Father Andrew and the Stewardship Commission. In fact, when I first started it in 1989, I did not know much about stewardship. Not only was it not part of my vocabulary, I also did not live it my self at the time to convince others to make it a way of life. In good time, however, I can honestly say I had my own conversion to this way of life and now have the conviction to promote the stewardship lifestyles to others. And yes, St. Thomas More is truly on its way to becoming a total stewardship parish. We are honored and humbled, indeed, to receive the award.

As an awardee and therefore, a model parish, St. Thomas More Parish, after receiving the award, also had to participate in the Parish Fair and we had to present a workshop on how we implement stewardship as a way of life in the parish -- all scheduled in one afternoon.

Yet, I almost did not make it to this annual gathering of Catholic stewards. The day before I was to fly to Miami, I was at another stewardship conference, with Cardinal Francis Arinze from the Vatican. As co-chair of said conference, I helped organize it for almost one year. In addition I was scheduled to present a workshop. I was anxious to see its successful end.

It was not meant to be, however. The moment I entered the registration hall, I was already feeling sick and could not move around much. I never even met the Cardinal because I was in and out of the conference hall. Luckily, my doctor and friend, Amy Ashmann, was at the conference (what a blessing indeed), and she took care of me the entire time. Between visits to the restroom and some chairs on which to lie down, I managed to make it to my talk, and actually finished it, but sitting down and holding my head as I answered questions during Q&A. As soon as every one left, all I wanted to do was collapse on the floor. I was in excruciating pain and did not know what to do any more.

One of the attendees of my workshop, Donna Paladino, was my angel -- holding my hand or a wet napkin on my forehead, or propping my legs up to help me ease the pain. In the end, she called an ambulance when my pain became too unbearable. At the same time, my staff called my husband Mark to let him know of my ordeal.
When the paramedics arrived, they started poking on my hands and arms to find the ever elusive vain. And they couldn't detect any blood pressure either. Sensing their frustration, I asked, "Am I dying?" "No, honey, you're not,” one answered. “You’re just too dehydrated. But don't worry. We'll take care of you." And indeed, they took care of me, until finally they found one tiny vain to push through the IV and relieve me of my pain and dehydration. Six hours of more needles, specimen lab tests and CT scan found one hardly visible kidney stone about the size of a grain of rice. It's unbelievable that that tiny spec in the body could cause so much pain. Remember the saying, “If one little finger hurts, the entire body hurts.” Well it really is worse than a finger hurting. And “It’s worse than having a baby,” says Cathi Politano, my Denver conference co-chair. At least, she said, there's a little one to cuddle after the labor pains.

The medication in the IV, though, gave me enough relief that the doctor discharged me as soon as he gave me prescriptions and instructions on what I needed to do. And he said, if I can take the pain, I could even fly to Miami the next day. And the rest as they say is history.

There's poem, written anonymously, that I read recently that seems to express what I feel about my "glory and pain."

The road of life was bright.
It stretched before my sight.
The Lord was at my side.
to be my friend and guide.
And so I started out.
But then the sky grew dark
and the road grew steep and stark
Rocks and ruts cut my feet.
My legs grew sore and weak.
I scarce could travel on.
I tried and cried, "My Lord!
Why this pain; why this plight?
Why these ruts; why these rocks?
Why this darkness? Where's the light?
I cannot carry on."
The Lord replied, "My child!
Why this fear; why this fright?
Where's your faith: Where's your trust?
Love chose this road for you.
Just trust and travel on."

Posted on October 16, 2007

By Mila Glodava

The other day, our receptionist announced that I had a call. Then, with an impish smile on her face, she said, “She called you Mila Cadaver.”

Over the years since I came to the United States, I’d have to deal with Americans unable to pronounce my married name – Mila Glodava. Certainly, there’s nothing to it, because it’s very phonetic. Right? Well, not exactly. I’ve been called Milo Globdivitch and Mila Godiva (yes, the famous chocolate). Also, because people can’t figure out the gender of my name and because I work for the church, I’ve been addressed as Rev. Milagros Glodova.

I’m known among my friends simply as Mila, which is pronounced with a long (e). Still, some pronounce it with the long (i) as in Maila. Others change it to Melia. Those from Europe tend to add the letter (r) as in Millar or Miller. Sometimes they are so frustrated pronouncing my name, they just ask for the foreign lady. Can you imagine if they have to call me by my formal name -- Milagros Garcia Glodava y Coronel?

And to think that my name, before I got married, is probably the most common in the Philippines. The combination of Mila and Glodava, however, has made it one of the most uncommon or hard-to-pronounce and mispelled names. It’s also mistaken for Russian, Ukrainian or Yugoslav.

One time I received a phone call from a total stranger who went through the trouble of finding me, after he saw my name in the local paper. He was intrigued by my name and wanted to know its origin. He thought it sounded Spanish, but then noticed my Filipino accent and was confused. In case you’re wondering, Glodava is Polish or Slovak in origin. The Polish and Slovak I’ve encountered immediately recognize it as one of them, and even inform me of the location where the Glodava’s resided in the old country.

On another occasion, someone came to a presentation I was giving at a conference, because she thought I was Yugoslavian. It was, of course, a big surprise for her when I was called and realized I was not the compatriot, she would have been very proud to have as a speaker. She was gracious to me nonetheless.

In America, immigrants have an opportunity to change names when they become U.S. citizens. The judge, who presided over my citizenship oath taking, asked me if I wanted to change my name. I said no. Early Filipino immigrants, though, took advantage of this privilege. Thus, Casimiro Bukingkikaw chose Cashmere Bouquet; Rolando Policarpio opted for Roly Poly.

Only in America!

Posted on February 01, 2007

by Mila Glodava

Incredible but true! My sampaguita plant is in bloom right now, in the dead of winter. That's right! It's winter in Colorado, but much more, we've been in the midst of blizzards, ice storms and bitter cold for nearly a month now. In fact, we have another snowstorm today (January 21, 2007). So you can imagine my delight when I noticed my Sampaguita blooming with its delicate white and star-shaped petals in the dead of winter. It's awesome. And it's doubly awesome because my orchids are blooming now too.

A friend gave me a cutting, along with another from her "Dama de Noche" more than six years ago (2000). When I came home and without much thought to it, I pushed this twig into a flower pot, and it started growing other branches and green leaves. It's not quite bushy yet, even after six years, but I hope to be able to share its branches with others as a gift, especially now that I know it actually flowers. I must admit, seeing the flowers to me is a bit of a miracle, a winter miracle. I really never thought it would grow to the current size, let alone bloom, because I have never seen sampaguita blooms anywhere in the states, not even at my friend's house. So to find this bloom is a real treat during these gloomy days of winter.

I'm sure you all know that the sampaguita is one of our national symbols, along with the carabao and the narra tree. The sampaguita, which has become a subject of legends, stories and songs, is a species of jasmine and is also called "kampupot." I remember when I was young and still living in Batangas, we used to gather kampuput for our "Flores de Mayo" rituals. And how can one miss the fragrant sampaguita lei at church entrances offered to those visiting churches. Indeed, the sampaguita is a symbol of devotion, especially those who have made vows to a particular saint. It is also a symbol of fidelity, purity and dedication.

Do you remember the legends associated with the Sampaguita?

Posted on January 21, 2007

By Mila Garcia Glodava

It has been 10 years since we planned a reunion for the Class of 1957 of Infanta Central School. While many other classes have had successful runs with their reunions, this class seems to have no such luck. The last time we posted our call for a reunion was in July 25, 2006. We are reposting said article today just in case the Class of '57 is still interested.

That posting got the attention of Blandino Aumentado. However, because nobody else has shown any interest in getting together with this class, perhaps it about time to put it to bed.

Four of the Class of '57 gathered for a reunion in New York. L-R: Josefina Leynes Naguit, Emilie Gurango, Mila Garcia Glodava and Tessie Leodones Pagalilauan.

At one point in 1996 a few classmates got together for a mini reunion (see photo) After that however, interest has waned. Recently, we posted an article about Emilie Gurango, one of our successful classmates. We thought that perhaps some of our classmates would get in touch with us after reading about her. Nothing. Nada.

For now, unless there's a swelling of interest in this reunion. I'd say, "Forget about it. I've done my part, and I cannot have a reunion of one."

Posted on January 10, 2007