Pilgrim's Pitstop: When Love Live 2 is Lovelier the Second Time Around

            Let me begin by telling you a story.

            In 2021, the Prietos invited our BCGG as auxiliaries in the Family Encounter Weekend. Back then, we were known as BCGG Mt. Olivet. Present as couple auxiliaries were the Macalalads and the Antonios. The four of us, myself, Domeng, Nico (otherwise known as Val) and Zoe were tasked to assist particularly in the Music Ministry. This Family Encounter Weekend was very meaningful to me because of many reasons. One of them is due to the fact that our children, Nico and Zoe, took part in the singing of praise and worship songs, as well as the love songs which Tito Eli carefully chose as opening for the ten sessions of the two-day Family Encounter Weekend. Domeng and I did not expect our own children to be a part of what we were doing in Magis Deo. One of God’s many surprises. A given grace to which we accept gratefully.

To this day, I remember this image of Fr. Reuben Tanseco talking to Nico, his right hand hovering over his head in blessing. Later on, I learned that Fr. Reuben told him how well he sings and that it is a gift from God. This is a core memory I keep. It has helped us guide our children when they make choices and in charting and creating the roads they can possibly take in life. For the past twenty-two years, the Magis Deo Community has been our companion in our married life, as well as in our journey as parents.  

So, when the Reantaso’s invited us to sing again for Love Live 2 a week after our days of isolation were over, we said yes despite my fear and our limitations. It was one of those leaps of faith. If last year’s Love Life opened us unto many graces, this year’s run overwhelmed me with so much more.

Love Live 2 is lovelier the second time around because it invited me to take courage by singing to an audience, albeit online.

Love Live 2 is lovelier the second time around because we were able to express our gratitude to the community in the manner and in the language we know best.

Love Live 2 is lovelier the second time around because Domeng and I witnessed how Nico and Zoe have developed their confidence to communicate and work with the couple leaders of Magis Deo, particularly the CSM team.

Love Live 2 is lovelier the second time around because our Magis Youth sang with their friends and family. Their loved ones, pets included, cheering them on.

Love Live 2 is lovelier the second time around because it was bread and fish multiplying continuously!

The pandemic is far from over. It has damaged and disturbed many aspects of our lives. But the human spirit endures. And in Magis Deo, we remain companions in this journey of love and joy.