A life-changing moment

If somebody asked me today If I already witnessed a miracle, I would have said yes. In fact, I would have said yes over and over.

Today, I learned that probably the greatest thing on earth, aside from love, is faith.

I had been tasked to cover today's Black Nazarene feast at Quiapo, Manila. I knew it would be yet another tough coverage. All of the elements of a tough coverage were there: rowdy crowd, pick-pockets, stinky surroundings. But I must have underestimated the power of faith.

True, it was a tough coverage. I thought I would die! I was situated near the pillars outside the church, holding a camera, carrying a 3-kilo backpack (containing a laptop, recorder, extra clothes and gatorade) and sharing the stinky air with thousands of barefoot devotees. Then some of the devotees looked like notorious criminals (but they weren't. They were instantly transformed when the statue came). When the Black Nazarene was finally brought out of the church, well, I was crushed! Crushed is an understatement, actually. I thought my ribs would break!

But when everyone started shouting "Viva Nazareno!!' and as the priest started saying the healing prayer, I found myself humbly letting the power of faith take over. I felt renewed, I felt I was back home. Then I started to shout 'Viva!' along with over 2 million devotees, my arms raised and my heart fulfilled.

The Black Nazarene sent me a miracle today, but I guess the good Lord already sent me a lot in the past, all of which I failed to acknowledge until today.

Life has been good to me. Life is good to me. And I owe it to God, and to my loved ones--his angels here on earth.

Viva Nazareno! :)