When I think of attending The Feast, I think it's all about worship, songs of praise and thanksgiving, and prayers. But money? When I attended my first Feast in another area in 2010 and the preacher said the topic was money, I cringed. I wanted to walk away, but it would have been so obvious because everyone was there already and the session was starting. I was only able to go out mid-way through the session; I just felt suffocated. It would have been the same feeling had the topic been sex. I would have been felt scandalized.

For me, money was synonymous to work, pleasure, necessities, wants, splurging on myself and my family, having fun. Money was where I get the means to indulge, and to get money, I’m more than willing to work hard.  But to attend a worship gathering, with money as the topic? It sent a negative notion to me. I didn’t think money and God were on the same side, although I knew money came from His blessings. I could not worship in a prayer gathering with money as the main topic of discussion.

The first time I attended the Feast Alabang, it was the launching of Bro. Arun’s book, “Enjoy God’s Best for Your Life,” way back when it was held in the cinema of Festival Mall. I remember vividly. My husband and I entered the cinema. Someone said, write your name and you might win a book. They were all smiles as they welcomed the attendees. I remember Sister Pet, who, like a mother, welcomed us. Her approach was like a breath of fresh air that gives you a sense of comfort.

We sat at the side of the cinema. It was full. Others were already standing outside. Bro. Yo was our seatmate. Bro. Arun said, sabihin mo sa katabi mo, “God will bless you today.” He said that to us and it was so truthful and kind. When Bro. Arun said, let us pray for the first time attendees. Bro. Yo prayed for us. It was the best prayer that I’ve ever heard during that time. Our session was about to end. And guess what? I won a book and I was called in front! I knew that it was meant for us. The Feast Alabang is really for us. Not because of the book that I won, but by the faith and love I have gained. The rest is history.

I am not a good housewife. This is a thought that keeps haunting me. You see, I’m not a good cook, I don't do laundry or ironing, I'm not good at housekeeping, and I can’t put things in order.  The disorderly order in my house keeps it functional and I know where things exactly are.

However, this has been a constant source of irritation between me and my husband, my parents, and my siblings.  None of them seem to understand that I am trying my best.  It just so happens that my best isn’t good enough.

The rain was relentless, the memories start to flood.  The weather bureau said there was no storm, only monsoon rains whipped up by a storm moving west towards China.  In the midst of it all, I had an eerie feeling of déjà vu.  “Ondoy’s” tragic aftermath in 2009 played out in my mind.  I thought floods are sure to come after this, and transform parts of Metro Manila into “Waterworld”.

The rains mercifully stopped once in a while though, unlike in ‘09 when it poured heavily and continuously for six straight hours. This time the swamped drainage system could suck up floodwaters before the next wave of torrential rain.  This can’t be another “Ondoy”.  This was just a particularly errant weather.

I was wrong.