On Christenings

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Babies are God's blessings.  That's why I was so delighted to be asked by Nyek to be one of the godfathers to Bryce, Nyek's and Bheng's little angel.  I am so used to the protestant way of dedicating the baby to God rather than the Catholic way. 
The christening was held on the 10th of January at the EDSA Shrine.  There were three babies to be christened and the little chapel was packed.  The christening I knew then (the last time I became ninong was during Ruel's nephew's christening) was somehow revised and shortened this time.The Chinese priest asked just one representative from the godparents of each baby to hold the candle, unlike before, where all godparents held candles. (Paano kami magsosolian ng kandila ni Nyek sakaling mag-away kami? Nyahahahahaha!) A reception followed at Gerry's Grill along Libis, QC where best friend Ruel dropped by.  Nyek invited Shiela and Doc too but they weren't available that day.  A shame!  Ang sarap ng food!
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I was able to dig this picture of mine when I was christened months after I was born.  It was kinda weird to see my mom, a priest and probably an uncle or a ninong and a cousin present.  I don't know what was happening obviously.
 
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I only have a handful of godchildren (thank heavens for that!) ... but sad to say, I haven't been in touch with my kumpares and kumares... not unless of course we move in the same circle.  Some of them live far away already.  Not that I would mind seeing my godchildren.  It's the friendship that was forged between you and the parents that counts.  Besides, cuteness can only get the godchildren so far (I remember I stopped asking for gifts from my ninongs and ninangs when I reached 10 years of age). 

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The feeling of being asked to be a godparent to your friend's child is elating.  Your friends know that you can help the child when the time comes.  I don't know how the Filipinos take this value to heart but given how the culture is in our country, some really take it seriously.  Especially when family ties are really, really close. 
At any rate, I just recently made a list of the godchildren I officially play godparent to.  Hehehe.  At least, I can somehow keep track of them as years go by. 

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