Pope Francis in the Philippines
As of this writing, Pope Francis has been in the country for three days. And for the past three days, the Holy Father continues to amaze, humble, astonish, touch, bless, and surprise everyone. I cannot help but mention some of the personal feelings I have encountered, as early as seeing his plane hovering over Villamor Air Base. I was filled with joy, as the Holy Father was finally arriving in the country. I covered the Conclave in The Vatican that culminated in his Papacy, but this was different. As the plane touched down, I could already hear from our field correspondents the shouts and screams of joy of those waiting to welcome him. I could feel my whole being electrified, and was actually teary-eyed. And all that from the ABS-CBN studio. What more for those who were at the tarmac.
As the plane was towed into its place, and the ladder brought up to the door, the atmosphere became more and more electric. It was actually amusing, as the anticipation of him came in small steps, as if by design. The door opens, the crowd reacts but no Pope Francis yet. Then the camera catches him peering out of the plane's window, and the crowd goes wild. The camera stays on the window, and when he stands up, the crowd erupts, but he stops short of the door. But when he finally steps out, the frenzy starts. And the skull cap flies.
He is met and greeted by President Aquino himself, and continues to be introduced to most of his cabinet. He then makes his way to the lounge, and prepares to board the Popemobile designed to his specifications - open, no air conditioning, no bullet-proof glass. He wants to see the people and wants them to see him. The motorcade then proceeds to journey to the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Ave. Then one of many amazing things happens. What the government could not achieve from the people, Pope Francis easily achieves. Discipline among the thousands who welcomed him. Not one crossed set lines and barricades. No untoward incidences. What I saw was an image reminiscent of "The Hunger Games" when the people would offer the mockingjay salute. But in this case, arms were raised with cellphones, iPads and the like, in the hope of capturing the Holy Father. There was no empty space along the route taken by the Papal convoy. People showed how much they loved Pope Francis. He reaches the Nunciature, where his security detail breathes a sigh of relief. Day one is done.
On Friday, the Pope officially calls on the Palace. He then delivers his first speech, and a loaded one at that. He calls on government to stop corruption, and for officials to fulfill their duties. Only then can the poor be truly afforded what they need. How true, especially today, where corruption is being exposed in astronomical amounts. Dr. Michael Tan said how he wished that call by the Pope would have an effect on politicians. But the reality is many are way beyond salvation, and guilt. He then delivers his first mass at the Manila Cathedral. Again, discipline among the masses who waited for him since the wee hours of the morning. Then off to the meeting with families at the Mall of Asia, where he stresses the importance of the integrity of the family. Another successful day.
To be continued
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