Each one of us will write our own history

CEBU, Philippines - Time is fleeting. There are moments in life

that you feel pain, agony and immeasurable anguish, such as the untimely passing of my 13-year-old grandson, Kyle Gullas Weckman. But life has to go on.

And so I busy myself with this passion that I have continued to commit myself to — helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

And I am so fortunate and lucky to have the able, caring and loving support of my wife, Nena. Last December 2, we had our “Gratis et Amore” affair at the Radisson Blu, which was our own way of giving thanks and giving back to some friends of mine who have touched my life in one way or another.

It felt so blissful to be able to give honor, through the JRG Halad Awards, the person who was very instrumental in the canonization of our very own Cebuano saint, San Pedro Calungsod, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, the archbishop emeritus of Cebu. Our second awardee was the very icon of liturgical music, the prolific and brilliant songwriter and composer Msgr. Rudy Villanueva. Our third awardee was Ms. Susan Fuentes, the Queen of Visayan Songs in the 1970s.

If the Santo Niño will allow me to walk farther, and bless me with the health to continue with my life's journey, then I commit myself to keep on sharing, helping and assisting, in any way I can, those who have been deprived of life's necessities.

This coming February 1, a Friday, Nena and I will be sponsoring a mass wedding for 38 couples who have never before enjoyed the blessed sacrament of matrimony. This will be at the St. Therese Parish in Lahug, for which we are very grateful to Msgr. Marnel Mejia for allowing us use of the venue. We also thank the Make Up Artist Club of Jonas Borces who will take care of the hair and makeup of the couples, as well as some dear friends who helped in procuring the wedding attires. Other friends offered to help in another mass wedding next year, and to them we are very thankful for the gesture.

There will also be Confirmation rites for our very own elementary and high school students, as well as some faculty members, at the University of the Visayas.

With the blessing of Senor Santo Niño and San Pedro Calungsod, the following day, February 2, 2013, we will be holding the 3rd JRG Halad Pasalamat Free Medical and Non-Medical Services in cooperation with ABS-CBN's Leo Lastimosa, The FREEMAN and Banat News, and the JRG Halad Foundation at the Gullas Medical Center in Banilad, Mandaue City. The following are the medical and non medical services:

MEDICAL SERVICES: Medical Consultation for Pedia and Adults, Random Blood Screening (450 recipients), ECG (75 recipients), Circumcision, Cervical Cancer Screening, Blood Letting, Foot Reflexology, Acupuncture, Patient Counseling and Drug Dispensing, Health Care and Support Services, Tooth Extraction, Dental Cleaning and Dental Education, Eye Examination (Free reading glasses for the first 20 senior citizens).

NON-MEDICAL SERVICES: Feeding, Veterinary Services, Cooking Demonstration for Livelihood, Basic Book Keeping; TESDA-Free haircut, Cellphone Repair, Massage; NSO, PhilHealth, SSS AND NBI Processing; DOLE AND UV PESO Office (Referral Services); Legal Consultation (Legal Aid and Services); Drug Awareness and Education (On Illegal Drugs).

Screening schedule for dental patients: January 28 To January 31, 2013 (Monday to Thursday) Morning 8:00 to 12:00 noon, Afternoon: 1:00-5:00 pm. Venue: Clinical Infirmary of the UV Gullas College of Dentistry.

It has been my constant dream, my obsession, that every remaining moment that the Santo Niño, Mama Mary, and San Pedro Calungsod will allow me, I will spend it helping those who most need assistance. Whatever Divine Providence gives me, I will use to continue pursuing this passion, a passion I constantly pray will not be diminished by the challenges that come with the blessings. (FREEMAN)