A rich diversity of perspectives
BY GREG S. CASTILLA
THERE IS no title more fitting than “Witnessing: Three Decades of Faith” for a book that stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of Catholics who, across generations, have proclaimed the Word of God through their active involvement in Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD). Their involvement speaks more profoundly than words ever could.
BLD is a global charismatic renewal community focused on evangelization, discipleship, and family-centered spiritual formation. It grew out of the Marriage Encounter movement and expanded into a broad set of encounter programs for marriage, family, youths, singles, and solo parents.
I am personally grateful to Nikki Gomez, whom I have known as a high school student at Ateneo de Davao University in the early 1970s, for asking me to review the book. I am thankful as well for the persistence of the editors in collating and synthesizing the voices of twenty contributors who wrote about their experiences as BLD members with pastoral warmth, passion, and a sense of purpose.
The book holds profound significance as it traces the history and development of the BLD
community in Davao – its beginnings, its challenges, its seasons of growth, and the many lessons that shaped the spiritual maturity of its members. It also highlights how the contributors, most of whom are laypersons, rose to their finest selves by setting aside personal inconvenience to devote time to sharing their stories. Their willingness to share their experiences, motivated solely by their desire to serve the greater good, stands as a testament to the depth of their faith and commitment to serve the Catholic Church.
Reflecting on BLD-Davao’s 30-year history, the Most Reverend Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D.,
Bishop of Imus and BLD Community Spiritual Director, penned an encouraging note for inclusion in the book, “The past three decades were full of beautiful stories, spiritual growth, and touching accounts of apostolate and worship which touched your hearts and your soul to continue serving God and His Church. Some of you may have experienced challenges and pains along the journey of your discipleship but God strengthened your faith and sustained your hope…”
The “beautiful stories” Archbishop Evangelista referenced emerge from a rich diversity of perspectives. Engaging these narratives is essential, for they offer lived wisdom that deepens one’s understanding of community life, social action, the Church and its hierarchy, spirituality, and the intertwined realities of suffering and hope.
Where the book shines lies in the story of every BLD-Davao member that unfolds with authenticity on every page.
There is a story by Yo and Venus Montenegro that recounts the beginning of BLD in Davao in April 1994 with seventeen couples, and its evolution into a vibrant religious community – one that has transformed lives, deepened faith, and drawn countless individuals closer to God.
Nikki and Neng Gomez vividly describe the early development of BLD, marked by difficulties and challenges, yet sustained by unwavering determination, steadfast faith, and self-giving love, all offered for the greater glory of God.
In reflecting on their experiences, Ivan and Rei Ostique articulate the meaning of laboring in God’s vineyard in concrete and practical ways, underscoring how obedience is integral to missionary work and how becoming “instruments of God” requires the total surrender of oneself to God. There is also the story by Jigz and Paz Demetria about how BLD was established in Digos through the encouragement and support of the bishop and several priests.
The truth of authentic discipleship is profoundly articulated by Msgr. Paul Cuison, in words that will continue to resonate in the hearts of many: “Steadfast discipleship is not just about our personal devotion to God. It calls us outward – to love and serve others. The love we receive from the Lord is not meant to be kept to ourselves; it must overflow to those around us – and not just to those within our community, but to the entire Mystical Body of Christ – especially those in the peripheries, the lost, the suffering, the forgotten.”
There is Eddie Pacana’s own testimony – an honest account of how he came to accept a leadership role he never believed himself worthy of. He speaks of stepping forward not because he felt qualified, but because he chose to trust in obedience, humility, and the quiet certainty that the Holy Spirit was guiding him.
Quite like the experience of Pacana is the story of Abe and Juria Garcia. Confronted with the uncertainty of leading an Encounter and conscious of what they perceived as their own limitations, they prayerfully drew strength and inspiration from the fiat of the Virgin Mary, who freely and humbly accepted her calling to become the mother of Christ.
Fr. Felix Labor offers a deeply moving testimony, one that many can recognize in their own struggles. During a midlife crisis, feeling “like driftwood, floating rudderless,” he reached a point of profound despair that he wanted to end it all. It was only when he was invited to join BLD that his life began to change. What followed felt nothing short of a miracle: he saw the light, rediscovered purpose, and ultimately embraced his calling to become BLD-Davao’s founding spiritual director.
Among the narratives presented, the account offered by Bella Sarenas, a wife whose husband was battling lymph-node cancer, is particularly moving. In her anguish, she pleaded with God to prolong his life; yet, in time, she found the serenity and the strength to accept his passing with grace and surrender to God.
Denis and Alma Madrazo’s story of Fr. Ramon Jamora, who rose from drug dependence and a romantic relationship with a stewardess to embrace the call to the priesthood, exemplifies that when God calls, no circumstance is too heavy, no past too broken, to prevent a person from answering “Yes.” Fr. Jamora’s story affirms the transformative power of divine grace.
Sometimes it takes a single passage from Scripture to awaken a person to what God has long desired for him. Such was the story of Zaldy Magnaye, a professional deeply consumed by the demands of the corporate world. Thus, the distance between himself and his wife and children gradually widened, until one day he was struck by the gospel verse: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul?”
The moment of reflection became a turning point. Confronted by the truth of the passage, Magnaye recognized the need to reclaim what truly mattered. This awakening led him to “seal his covenant,” beginning a journey of nearly twenty-nine years of faithful involvement in the BLD community as a cluster shepherd.
Here are further personal testimonies, in their own words, from BLD members who have experienced the profound and transformative influence of the Holy Spirit, feeling “slain in the Spirit.”
Belle Ambi: “During the Baptism of the Spirit, I felt at first that I was in a tunnel with bright lights. Then I heard a voice calling my name. My childhood and all the painful experiences I had flashed before me, and I began to cry.”
Hanz Tagabucba: “What I do remember is hearing so many voices. In fact, different voices –crying, shouting, even the sounds of animals and wild birds. There were voices calling my name, asking for help, but I couldn’t move. It was as if someone was holding me back, holding my hands and feet. I remember talking to someone, asking for help and pleading to be released so I could help, but it was really a struggle.”
Nena Poe: “After I was baptized in the charismatic community, my gift of tongues began…I believe I have a gift of prayer and healing. It seems to be strongest during praise and worship, especially when someone really needs healing.”
Tess Mobe: “The first time I was slain, I felt a quivering and unusual sensation enveloping me as I heard strange voices all over the area. I was afraid and called on God to help me.”
Fred Mobe: “I was slain and I discovered the Gift of Light. I cried when I realized that the forgiveness I longed to receive from God, from my wife, and from my two children was bestowed upon me.”
Joe Madrona: “That day, I experienced “falling down” (I wonder if that was actually the baptism of the Holy Spirit), I was aware that I uttered incomprehensible words. I doubted, however, if my utterances were as strong as those I could hear from the other participants…I also noticed that many times I could only say the words, ’Alleluia,’ ‘Salamat,’ ‘Thank you.’”
Yang Ajoc: “Suddenly, a rising energy and warmth embraced my body. My mouth slowly opened wide, tilting towards the sky. My tongue moved, and I began to sing praises uncontrollably. At that moment, I wept bitterly, crying out to God like a child.”
Tissay Ancheta: “As we prayed and started singing ‘I love you Lord,’ I heard angelic voices at the back joining us. Then we heard footsteps on the wooden floor. I was frightened and about to turn my back to see where those voices and footsteps came from, but was stopped by a companion beside me. And it was there that I started to pray in tongues, so loud I was later told.”
Del Pingol: The gift of tongues is very…It’s like being cradled, like being lifted up. When I concentrate, I feel…it feels so wonderful. Actually, it is enjoyable, like I am floating. It feels amazing.”
The book concludes fittingly with a joint appeal from Jing and Siony Abella to look toward the future with unwavering hope, drawing upon the lessons BLD-Davao has gained over the past thirty years, and applying them to a rapidly changing world, while remaining faithful to the core teachings of the Catholic Church.
What makes “Witnessing: Three Decades of Faith” so compelling and deeply moving are the stories of ordinary individuals whose lives are shaped not by grand miracles but by everyday encounters transformed by openness to God. These stories remind the readers that authentic discipleship and communal life, when practiced with fidelity, have the power to open doors we are afraid to open.
If these insights mean anything, they affirm what the book is designed to offer – a clear framework for understanding how BLD serves as a powerful guide for anyone seeking a deeper spiritual life and commitment to a charismatic movement such as the BLD.
(Greg S. Castilla is an alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University. He has since moved abroad since the turbulent Seventies, and eventually taken part of the U.S. education department’s Bilingual Fellowship Program at the University of Washington. Having earned from there his doctoral degree in multicultural education, Greg proceeded to teach multicultural studies in various colleges and universities in Seattle. He has authored eight books, the last being “Magis: Things That Matter Most in Life” (2021). He is a lifetime advocate of the Ignatian ideal of “men and women for others,” and is a member of the St. Francis of Assisi parish in Henderson, Nevada. Whenever he can, he participates in parish life, as his contributions reflect a continuing commitment to his faith and to the Church. Greg enjoys family life that includes five grandchildren.)
