Letter to my Mother

September 4, 2004, exactly 11years today, together with my Family, Relatives and Friends; and with my Comboni Family, I celebrated the most memorable, most meaningful and most decorated moment in my life, my priestly ordination! It was full of spirit, fun but also tears of joy. Up to this time, I am most grateful to you all Sibutadnons, Mayor Lolita Tolentino, who worked really hard in the preparation, the Diocese of Dipolog for their unending support, Fr. Eric Zafra, who even renovated the church just for my ordination, my brother Fr. Atilano Tabaranza, who facilitated everything, my relatives all over, friends who came especially for that. I will never forget all my classmates in Grade 1 and Grade 6, and High school, they did a very special part for my ordination, cleaning and repainting the facade, donating whatsoever. Amazing! I miss our group and reunions. We should do it often! My Comboni Family was always at my side, I am so very grateful! Part of these eleven years, more than eight years I spent in Africa, my first missionary experience. In these eleven years, so many things really have changed, little by little I was shaped into something by the Potter. I just want to express once again my gratitude to all the people of Sibutad Zamboanga del Norte, Nympha R Tamparong, Josebel, Laudette Vicera and everyone, especially from the barrios who came and supported me. What you have shown to me was an expression of deep support and collaboration to the mission. I cannot forget the generosity of your hearts. I am ever grateful! For all those I have not mentioned in here, I know that you know who you are, I also express my gratitude! Daghan salamat, muchos gracias, maraming salamat, grazie tanti, zikomo kwambiri!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!