Christmas Spirit

More than material gifts, or even the time to go to church, to family and friends’ reunions, festivities and merry-making, Christmas is about Christ.



First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated December 15, 2008.

The true meaning of Christmas, the true reason for the birth of the Son of God, is often forgotten. Santa Claus is more visible than Jesus in the department stores and malls, in our houses and, worse, in our lives.

We do everything for our loved ones, and that is fine, good, and expected, but we should also consider the others outside of our family — “Jesus’s brother,” the poor people that Jesus mentions in His gospel. Also, being unforgiving is a sign that we don’t have the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Remember that God Himself sent His Son, Jesus, to forgive and take away all our sins.

Here are two true stories that could rekindle this forgotten spirit of the holidays.

Boy’s wish

Children will always be the victims of their parents’ problems. The separation of Boy’s parents was one of these problems. It happened when he was still too young to understand the adult world. He grew up with his father and never saw his mother again. Like any ordinary child, he longed for what was missing in his life. He did not even have a picture of his mother to remember what she looked like. She was completely erased from his life as planned.

Boy slept nights in tears, missing the loving touch of a mother, especially when he was sick. Whenever Boy was afraid of something, he did not have a mother to confide in to assure him that everything would be fine and not to be scared because she’s around. Though his father was a very supportive single parent, his job took him to several places and he often had to leave Boy, often with available relatives to watch over him.

Boy wished that one day he would finally meet his real mother and have some good times with her. In Boy’s life during the Christmas season, he made it a point to complete the Simbang Gabi’s nine-day novena masses, for he believed that wishes made during Simbang Gabi will surely come true. Year after year he never failed to attend the Simbang Gabi and make the one wish he deeply desired. Year after more years, tears did not stop falling from his eyes because his wish remained unfulfilled.

Boy, already in his teens, did not lose hope; his wish remained as it was. He never wished for toys or material things, just a love that only a mother can bring. And maybe heaven finally saw Boy in his deep prayer one Simbang Gabi. Two days before Christmas, they had a visitor. There was no need for introductions as this woman was Boy’s mother. Tears of joy fell from Boy’s eyes. Finally his father forgave his mother and let go of the pain that caused the separation, and agreed to start all over again.

Christmas has been so happy in this reunited family since then. After a year and with Christmas is fast approaching, they decided to spend it with their relatives in the province. Boy had never been this happy, having all his loved ones together. He vowed to do everything he could to make sure that that their family will never be apart ever again. Maybe true enough. That fateful night, on their way to the province, the ship they boarded collided with another. Boy and his parents were among the hundreds of missing passengers and were never found. Boy and his parents had one good year together before they all perished. Because of the true spirit of Christmas, which is forgiveness, Boy and his parents were very happy being together in the last days of their lives and, for sure, beyond life in heaven.

A meaningful Christmas

Bored with the usual ways of celebrating the Christmas holidays, my group and I decided to think of something that would make a difference. We all wanted a meaningful Christmas this time, and several ideas came up.

An idea came to me, and I asked, “Who is the reason of the season? Whose birthday is it? What gift should we give? “ The answers were simple. It was Jesus’s birthday and for sure, He doesn’t need any material present.

The Bible gives us a clue to the true spirit of Christmas. When Jesus said, “What you have done to the least of my brother, you have done unto me.” So Jesus wants us to do something for the less privileged. He wants us to be His ambassador on earth, His representative that will do the work.

But what gift can we give to Him that He may need? The scene of the Nativity came to my mind. Mama Mary, Joseph and Jesus in a manger because there was no place for them at that time. That struck me. Shelter (for the poor and needy) — that is what Jesus needed on His natal day!

A shelter for Jesus may be temporary or permanent. The temporary way is to adopt a family for a week or a month this December. We have already been doing this temporary sheltering for the past several years and it’s quite fulfilling. The permanent way could be to build a real house for those who have none, but are worthy enough to be given – meaning, they are poor not because of laziness but opportunities to make a better income are scarce. They should also be trustworthy and industrious members of our society.

I led a group of friends in building a home for the homeless people in the far-flung area of the nearby province of Luzon. Once we found the place and the beneficiary, we again did the impossible. To build a home for Jesus! This kind of a project usually comes from the rich and the famous, people like politicians and those who have more. But I always encourage people, including the poor, to help needier people. In doing so, they will not feel that they are poor, but become worthy of being God’s representative in spite of their own poverty.

Materials and labor came from various friends, acquaintances and believers. Second-hand materials, a P20 donation from a poor friend and, of course, free labor from the construction workers who understood this project as a gift for Jesus. All’s done and the shelter for Jesus is ready for Christmas. He will have a place on His natal day. Not in a manger, but in that home of the poor and in our hearts.

Impossible is not even a word for God. We can accomplish anything. The true love of God is by loving our less fortunate brothers. Remember that true help comes from the people whom we least expect, people who have less in life.

Many of us extend help within our comfort zones — excess that we can dispose of and will not bring us hardship. True help is giving yourself to others so their lives will have a chance to change physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If you know Christ, then you should know what to do. Spend Christmas with the Birthday Celebrant.

Comments and suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and to anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.

Moon Rituals for Filipinos

First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated December 1, 2008.

Many Filipino readers, researchers, practitioners and believers of moon magic have made major mistakes in their practice of lunar rituals. The culprit, if you must know, is the easy access to information from a wide variety of sources like books and Internet Web sites.

If a Filipino is in the habit of picking up beliefs sourced from a culture different from his own, for example, it could be out-of-sync with his physical, mental and environmental vibrations. Foreign practices are very different from our beliefs as Filipinos, and when these are practiced, they tend to have very little or no effect. As a result, those who follow such rituals end up calling the belief itself as a hoax, myth or fantasy.

The purpose of this article is for you to learn more so that you do not prejudge, or immediately dismiss them as “just occult practices.” A wise and intelligent man will try to explore and understand things based on his own experiences and not on plain hearsay. To cite an example, when all believed that the world was flat, those brave and thinking men who ventured to explore and decipher the truth were branded as insane and whatever they did were considered works of the devil. Fortunately, history has always proven that those who are naturally intrepid and brave enough to explore reap the rewards of success, and those who do not are sorely left behind. It will be encouraging for a human being to test the existence of the unknown and in the process, history’s records may place you as one of its success stories.

Moon rituals are effective if we follow the correct rules and procedures. Together with this important process, the intention must be specific and positive in order to be effective and fast. The most critical point though is that this ritual may look similar to practices in other parts of the world, but there are differences because of our local beliefs and our cultural upbringing that are unique to us, Filipinos.

Places to perform rituals

1. Top of the mountain. The nearer to the moon, the better to perform the rituals. Look for the highest point in your area. It is believed that if someone is simultaneously doing a ritual with others (which happens all the time anyway), the highest ritual altar gets the majority of the lunar magic and power.

2. Near the shoreline. Doing a ritual near the shore has a different effect. This is usually intended for emotional intentions and cleansing, or for wishes that need the natural power of the water.

3. Top of a building. This is the best place for urban dwellers. Finding a mountain every month could be a hassle when you are in the city. The next best thing is to be on the possible highest place in your area and gain the shortest or best distance between you and the moon.

4. Inside a cave. If there are positive intentions, there are, of course, negative reasons and the moon is one of the best tools to gain power for that negative intention. Performing a ritual in the darkness of the cave, or under the earth, would set the perfect place for this kind of intention. It is true that there is such a thing or ritual that is called kulam or black magic, but I will not tackle any of it nor teach them to anyone. Additionally, with regards to this particular article, all that you will read from here on are only for positive intentions and rituals. It is a fact, however, that there are negative rituals being performed by many practitioners. Do keep in mind that it is their call and the consequences are theirs as well.

Ritual times

1. Full moon. From the exact time of its fullness and to the fifth hour thereafter. A positive charge is done on this exact moment. A second late or a second in advance will render this ritual void and ineffective.

2. New Moon. From the exact time of the moon under the umbra or when the moon is totally covered by the shadow of the earth up to the fifth hour thereafter. Again, exact timing is needed for the much-needed result. Negative charging is also done at this time. This is also the best time for groundbreaking, cutting of trees and other movements of earthly natural materials.

3. Blue moon. The second full moon of the same month. Though this occurs every two and a half years, the best time is exactly when the moon is at its fullest up to the fifth hour of its fullness. The intention for blue moon rituals are usually centered on love relationships, finding a long lost love or friend, and the most popular, the desire to summon a soul mate.

Intentions

1. Positive charging. To summon the coming to reality of dreams and wishes.

2. Negative charging. Purging negativities, vengeance and wishes of getting even.

3. Healing. Healing of ailments, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

4. Witchcraft. Sorcery, anger and hatred.

5. Relationship. Longing and looking for the long-lost mate.

Process

1. Make a lunar altar, composed of candle, sand and water.

2. Make sure you face the eastern part of the area.

3. The altar must be facing the west.

4. Place the candle on your left or north part of the altar and the rest on the south part or your right.

5. Make sure that the participant has taken a bath and in the case of a negative intention, the ritual-participant must also take a bath from an oil-based solution (a secret concoction, not for public circulation). This is a self-prepared mix done with deep humility and respect to nature and it’s “caretaker.”

6. In the past, the practitioner does the ritual naked or totally bare, but nowadays, there are those who use white robes to cover themselves, or any type of clothing as long it is new and to be used only for the ritual. This is not a pagan ritual. The priests and pastors wear their own traditional clothing during masses and other religious rites, believing that this clothing is blessed by God and the higher authority of their churches. Let’s cut the nonsensical debate on exclusivity, of being the ‘chosen’ ones or people-issue. Whether we accept it or not, there is proper clothing for every occasion.

7. Meditate or pray. Calling on whoever you believe as your known God, Goddess or Deity is okay, and it is not wrong to ask for protection and blessings from any divine or higher being or entity. The fact is there are no recorded harm having been done to any participant by doing this ritual. Receiving blessings from God in every endeavor will make us strong and fully convinced of our good intentions and actions.

8. Write down you intentions on a piece of plain white paper. For a negative purpose, healing and mystical reasons, the intention is written on a special kind of leaf or on an unprocessed animal skin.

9. Say this prayer in whatever language you want as long as this is said with all the element and substances of the prayer that is in your personal prayer. To help you get a good start, here is a good prayer you can use. Add or link this to your own prayer:

“Lord God of Heaven and Earth, and all above and all below, I pray Thee to grant me my wish ___________________. O, blessed lady of moonlight be with me, this rite is in your honor, and time has come which are better. May the strength of the old enter the new, and life and abundance arise once more, O the blessing of the Lord thy God bring everything into reality of all this manifestations. Amen.”

10. Keep all the materials that you used. Keep them in a safe place. Cover them with a cloth, never to be opened till the next lunar ritual. Remember the wishes may be granted or be fulfilled at once, but some might take several repeated rituals. Always remember not to mix up new intentions with previous intentions. Wait for the moon to answer your prayers.

Practices are made and invented by any groups of men or women. If it differs from your own belief, it doesn’t mean that they are wrong and you are right or vice versa. You just have a different approach, but all have one objective, and that is to have a better life on earth with the help of the unseen, the source of all powers that brings harmony, life force and prosperity on our life on earth.

Comments or suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com or anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.

Healing Photos Online

At Daine, Indang Cavite dated June 3, 2007


At Imus, Cavite dated August 26, 2007


At Our Lady of Airways dated October 21, 2006


At Bulacan dated February 18, 2007

At Antipolo dated July 8, 2007

April 5, 2008 Parañaque Healing Center


To view more photos online visit the online album on the Multiply.Com counterpart of our site.

Tribute to Lola

First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated October 20, 2008.

God made sure that mothers would have back-up support in the care of their children. She is Grandmother; Grandma or Lola in Filipino. Fortunate are those like me who had one that was more than a Lola, but a mother to all. -AVV108

The mystery about the earth's creation puzzles everyone to this day. Living in fact, is a daily learning process, where discoveries and answers come and the picture eventually comes clear. Neither intellectual explanation nor poetically selected words can explain this. It is an experience of feelings, of wonder and blessings. God's love cannot be measured by any process or instrument. He works in very mysterious ways.

Heaven's blessing

It is a sad period in a child's life when he loses his mother, whether by death or parental separation. I lost mine through the latter. But I discovered that lolas were created to fill in the void.

The loss may not be felt immediately by very young minds, but questions soon arise when one starts to learn the difference between "mother" and "grandmother". This realization comes when other siblings, cousins, even aunts and uncles start focusing on the child and branding him "lola's pet."

Lola was always there for me - she protected me from anything and everything at all times. No matter what, she was the first and last force to deal with anytime the "lola's pet" was involved in children fights and squabbles, with aunts and uncles joining in to support their own children against him. It was a glorious lola-and-apo tandem against all odds. And, like in the movies, we fought the "game" fairly and squarely, and subsequently won. That is, I grew up successful, becoming a responsible member of the community, blessed with abilities from both man and God. Lola did not fail in bringing me up at all. She guided me to become the loving person she wished me to be, with a righteous mind and wisdom as she taught me.

Lola’s legacy

When I was a child, Lola and I once took a jeepney that had engine trouble and could not continue the trip. We decided to transfer to another jeepney. Lola paid double the fare to the dumbfounded driver. I was surprised, and did not quite understand it. She told me that it was just fair to pay what was due to others. “Don’t hold on to what is not yours,” she emphasized.

I told my Lola that the first driver would never know that we had paid the second driver double fare. She replied, “He will know, for God knows it. Whatever you do in life, God will know about it, whatever you do, whatever style or process you do it, it will always be your intention that counts.” (I took the liberty of translating this in English, as she had said this in Tagalog). It took me years of practice and absorbing the wisdom of this statement before I finally learned its real essence.

During my childhood, I frequently heard Lola tell her own children that we apo (grandchildren) were angels from heaven and that no matter what, she must take care of us. Maybe the other apo didn’t care so much of these declarations, but I did. She would often say, “Don’t say or do anything that can hurt them, for they are angels from heaven.” Lola certainly treated me like one. She loved us dearly and gave us everything she could in spite of her advancing age.

When I was “discovered” to possess the “healing hands”, she was my first patient. She boosted my confidence and insisted that I could heal her broken ribcage after she had a bad fall (she was in her late 80s then). True enough, she got well after my “treatment” and my days of healing quickly ensued. As my Lola affirmed that I could really heal, succeeding mysterious events started transpiring, gearing towards my healing ministry.

Even as she got older, her inner strength continued to shine through. She showed me that even when she was physically weak, there was still so much she could give. She taught me patience and to have more faith in God – that God is ever-knowing and will always communicate through our hearts and not through anything else.

In her very old age, I saw her reciting the rosary even though she had been converted to another religion. Having witnessed her personally praying the rosary, I asked her if what she was doing was right, and if it was forbidden to do so in her new religion. Her answer was, “God knows my heart, what is my desire. But for the sake of peace within the family, I converted to whatever they wanted.”

Even then I wanted to fight for her rights and her desires, just as she did for me when I was young, but as she always said, “I’m old enough, I don’t want any more troubles. Just let it be; time will come that my own desires will come true.”

The end of the journey

In her mid-90s, she finally returned to her Creator. Lola passed away peacefully, in bed, in her sleep. She was at peace, but her desires had yet to be fulfilled.

During her last few years, I would invite her to my home for short vacations. During these trips, she would usually ask to be taken back home, sooner than I expected, within a day or two of stay with me. The fact is, I wanted her to stay with us permanently, so that I could take care of her. But I always gave in to her request to go “home”. I could not refuse an old lady’s wishes. She always wanted to go home to her house – the place where we all grew up and where many of our childhood memories were created. Another wish she repeatedly told us was “that she be buried next to my papa,” her youngest son, who had passed on years before.

There was such a struggle to fulfill her dying wishes. Tremendous effort was required since there were objections and rejections from several sides of the family tree. Other family members insisted that their funeral plans be followed and not Lola’s. I almost gave up, but I prayed to God and asked that if He knew what Lola’s desire were, then let these be the “influences” that the concerned family members would agree on.

And Lola’s proved she really had a strong connection with God! Family members who had initially objected and rejected the idea finally gave in to her last requests. Lola was laid to rest in the place she wanted to be.

Lesson to be learned

Old people are powerless, but not mindless. They may forget things, but never their memories, their desires, the things that made them happy and that made smile in their last days. They know what will make them comfortable – their own home, where they spent the majority of their life with their loved ones.

We may be knowledgeable, powerful or richer, but definitely not righteous. The wisdom of respect – we must give in to our elders’ desires if we want to practice righteousness. For even God respected the “freedom of will” of every individual He created on earth. Perhaps we will know how getting one’s wishes overpowered by others feels when we ourselves get old and become powerless. A smile on the face of an old person would tell you that his or her wish is being followed and fulfilled. My Lola smiled before she was finally laid to rest.

Spirits and Ghosts

First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated November 3, 2008.

Spirits and ghosts are the same in form and meaning, but in deeper understanding, they are different in purpose. There are always questions and misunderstandings about the two, so we will try and put some light on the subjects. We will answer the following posted questions by individuals for the interested reader to think over.
From Toto Bautista

How come there are bad spirits and good spirits but never a good ghost?

All ghosts are seemingly lost and have no purpose but to linger around in certain areas, causing fear and scaring people.

The meaning of “spirit” and “ghost” are basically the same, but as we learn each one’s effect on us, they are really different, and that is their purpose of existence.

In general, spirits are categorized into four groups. The first group is made up of the Divine Spirits, or the higher/highest spirits such as God, gods, goddesses, angels and god/deities of different religions. They have direct effects in our life on earth. Their main purpose is to guide us to perfection so we can go back to our source, or heaven, nirvana, Shangri-la — whatever the perfect place or source one believes in.

The second group is made up of spirits of the people who once lived on earth. These are the kind of ghosts we know. These are spirits of the people who were so attached to their earthly life that they could not let go of their loved ones, their wealth, position, emotions, wheher anger or joy; their spirits linger in the “halfway” place or dimension, between “heaven” and earth. They are trapped doing their ghostly activities.

The third group is made up of elemental spirits, which protect nature and possess powers over the elements of earth, fire, air, water and earth. They have different forms in accordance to their nature and purpose.

The fourth group consists of Evil spirits, or the spirits that God made, not to create havoc on earth, but to test our loyalty, sincerity, love and obedience to Him. One can go to the Book of Genesis, the part when God created the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, then placed the devil there to test their obedience. But as the world progressed, the devil was transformed by “religious teachers” as a powerful entity, almost co-equal to that of the Creator. The devil used a focal point of fear for people to believe in God. It resulted only in making Satan another “God” with endless and sneaky power. That is a big mistake. That can never be and never ever will be. I firmly believe that instead of creating fear of the devil so that an individual will turn to God or be converted into a certain religion, we should only focus our teachings on the truth of God’s real love and mercy, and His overall power over all his creations in the entire universe and beyond.

In this simple understanding of spirits, a ghost is just a part of the “spirit realm” and being good and bad is not even an issue; it is just that they serve different purposes.

From Ruben Villar

Why is it that I always dream of my dead relatives every time I get sick?

The common fear of anyone who is sick then dreams of a dead relative is that they are being “notified” of their own impending death. While it may be true in some cases, this is very rare. The reality is that a person goes into an altered state, a shifting of the mind or the brain facilities, from left to right function. The right brain hemisphere is where our intuition facilitates for crossovers to other realms. This is a concept or possibility that is not acceptable to people with analytical minds, the so called “left brainers.” In a sense, seeing them in a dream is an actual experience of being with them in a flash. Again, this does not necessarily mean that death is about to come.

From Jose Bagadion

Why is it that the most common ghost seen is a ‘white lady’?

Again it is a wrong perception that ghosts are always spirits of a young lady or woman, aka “white lady.” Actually it can be an old woman or even a man. Spirits, regardless of whether man or woman, young or old, manifest in a bright light silhouette especially at night. The seeing person would translate the visual experience as a ghost of a white lady. This has become the norm seen by the person because of the expanse of the white bright light forming like flowing or expanding hair or dress. If one can withstand the fear of the unknown, the white visual effect of the ghost will slowly transform into the real appearance and form. Without fear or shock, one can see the actual gender and appearance of the ghost or spirit.

From Joe Marie

Why is it that I always experience ghostly apparitions and spirit manifestations?

Some people are more sensitive than others. There are people who possess the gift of clairvoyance, or heightened ESP, while others either ignore them or are not capable of tapping that ability, thus it remains hidden and undiscovered. Maybe you are one of those who are lucky enough to have the heightened senses without effort and possess the gift to see beyond what is perceived to be paranormal. In addition, there is more than what we know and see. I will suggest that you take time to have a deeper and real understanding of your ability then you will see that you can help not only yourself, but the human discarnates (spirits of the departed) and other people needing your assistance related to your ability.

Many questions are still unanswered. Many more will come. Also, it doesn’t mean that if you don’t believe or doesn’t have any question or problem with ghosts and spirits you are then exempted from any type of apparition or manifestation. Who knows, there could be a spirit or ghost reading this article with you right now. Boo! Happy Halloween!
Comments or suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and
anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.

Miracles of a Mother by Anthony Vivero

First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated September 8, 2008.

Sept. 8 is known as the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. For Catholics and some Christians, this is one special day. Of course, the divinity of Mother Mary is debatable to non-believers, and I will neither argue nor defend my own belief, but rather tell my experiences with my Mother, that you yourself may have experienced with your own mothers or with the Mother of God.

As a child

I grew up without a mother and had lived in a compound where almost all my relatives (my father’s family) reside. I thought my Lola (grandmother) was my mother until I got to the age when I understood that she was the mother of my Papa. She was very protective and caring of me. I remember her always taking my side whenever there were kids’ troubles and misunderstandings, especially when adult relatives joined in to side with their own siblings against me. In situations such as these, I always got the ire of my cousins’ parents, but my Lola would always be by my side, protecting me from further verbal or possible physical abuse. My Lola being my protector was a plus factor to me, but I never bragged about being her pet nor used it to start fights, for even as a young child, I was sensible enough to know what was right and what was not; I always fought for my rights and for others as well.

One day after another altercation in the compound, I went to our nearby church, Our Lady of Sorrows Church. In my young mind, I asked the image of Mother Mary to help me diffuse tension among my relatives. And I told the Image that she would be my mother starting that day.

True enough, from that that day onwards, I felt that I had somebody with me in every endeavor I encountered, especially in several life threatening ones.

First encounter

It was early afternoon of that day when fire was gutting up the Pasay City market when I had my first encounter of succor from Mama Mary. I was with a classmate who lived near that market who was in need of assistance to get home. As little children, we never sensed the danger of going near the burning establishment. When the wind changed direction, we were suddenly engulfed by smoke that rendered us almost unconscious. Before collapsing from suffocation, I cried and prayed, “Nanay ko po (My Mother)!”

Suddenly, I saw a silver white being coming near us, who picked up both of us and ran towards a safe place. I thought I was hallucinating or seeing an apparition of some kind. Yet knowing that I had called my Mother, a distress call of a kind, I knew for certain that no mother would forsake her son.

Many downplayed this story when I narrated it to them at that time, and even made fun of it. Knowing the status I have now in the field that I am in, I am sure those unbelievers will take the story in its entirety as real and true if I tell them the story this time. It was the Mother of all Mothers who answered that call.

All prayers are answered

Many of my petitions and wishes in life have come true in very mysterious and magical ways. Almost always they came on significant days connected with the Virgin Mary. Perhaps they were coincidences, or maybe because I treat every special day of Mama Mary as special days, which could probably be the universal law of attraction at work. If we believe in a special day, that day will always give us something positive. If you believe in bad omens, like Friday the 13th, then negative and bad things may happen to you. Based on my studies and beliefs, believing on special days will not do harm, but instead create benefits for you. So why not attract these blessing into your life on the special days of Mama Mary?

First meeting with my biological mother

I was already in my early teens when I met my biological mother. It was before Christmas, a special day of Mama Mary, Dec. 8, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, when she was finally given permission to see us by my Papa and Lola. The emotions were mixed — joy and happiness, fear of what would happen next in our lives. Finally I got to know my biological mother.

I was in tears when I went to church after that first meeting, to thank my Mother for the answered prayer. After praying, I remember collapsing, but still conscious, I knew I was more secure in the mantle of protection from my chosen mother than from my own biological mother. Many asked me why I still remember these things, even the exact dates. I kept a diary of special events of my life from a very young age.

First day of apparition

When I was given the gift of healing more than 10 years ago, I was very frightened. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I questioned the event: “Is this true or am I just hallucinating?” A beautiful Lady’s apparition to me that night made me strong and confident that what was happening that moment would be beneficial to man especially for the sick. I was embraced by this beautiful divine apparition and it was the first embrace and assurance that I experienced from my Mother. I still feel the warmth of love up to this day! I do believe that She will not forsake me for I still hear Her assurance that She will always be by my side.

Encounters with my mother

During many times of need, She always answered my calls. Many times She showed her succor through a voice coming in my thoughts. There were times She came as a mysterious lady with a son then gave me assistance to fulfill a mission or a charitable project, like saving lives in many rescue and relief works in the past. Many times in saving lives in disasters, our own lives were placed in danger, but always, an old lady with a little boy in tow came to save us, rescued us, or gave us inspiration in moments when we are about to give up.

Her financial blessings

One time when I was writing an article for this newspaper five years ago, she gave me a message through my mind. I typed the message in my laptop and it was a message of financial and material blessings — something I needed very much to help more people. The message was clear; it was about a building that I was going to construct. She gave me instructions, with complete details and specifications of sizes and locations and how it would all come about. True enough, the building is now finished, all Her instructions followed to the last detail, and how it will come about came about.

How to connect with her

One must fully believe that She is the Mother of all — a Mother that will never forsake Her children. Many are supposed to be righteous and intelligent, but disregard a Mother’s role in life on earth. We cannot just take for granted a role of any being, big or small, to complete the whole story of an epic of this scale in our faith. For me and my personal belief, She is the Mother of Christ, the chosen Lady and it is Her birthday today.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

SCIENTOLOGY The Knowledge of Life by Anthony Vivero

Note: first published last December 3, 2007 under Anthony's column Vibes and Visions in the Life section of The Daily Tribune.

New knowledge has constantly created an impact in our current civilization. For years, fresh or reinvented belief systems have risen and been propagated in different parts of the world. Humans, being natural seekers of truth, are normally enticed by these new thinking and beliefs. Most of these were and are being introduced by highly charismatic individuals, who have done a lot of homework to come up with attractive packages, and people are inspired to join them for various reasons, personal or otherwise. One of these new thoughts, philosophies, or religions, as they may be called, has been making waves in many advanced countries, originally from the United States. Most of its converts are popular and famous personalities.

Maybe it will reach our country, and knowing the Filipino mentality, the promise of a perfect life, may lead many to embrace it, sooner or later.

The Church of Scientology is a belief system founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952. Its main objective is to uplift the human spirit. It holds many common beliefs of different religions and known philosophies. In Scientology, it is considered that man is a spiritual being, more than flesh and blood — a very different view from prevailing scientific view of man as a material object, a complex combination of atoms and molecules and stimulus response mechanisms.

Scientology believes that man is basically good, and that man’s experiences on earth, including things he cannot understand and can’t be explained, have led him to do evil deeds. This evil trait is never in man’s nature. In this sense, man often mistakenly seeks to resolve problems only in consideration of his own interests, and thus causes troubles and imbalances to him and to others as a consequence.

In this regard, Scientology brings one to a point where he is capable of sorting out factors in his life and solving his own problems in a comfortable way. Simultaneously, while they try solving their own issues and problems, these processes increase their abilities to achieve their goals and create better relationships with other people.

(Based on my own beliefs, however, which I firmly hold as reality, this is what’s wrong with the world today. As we seek the betterment of ourselves, we destroy others and the world itself. This is because our approach is not based on the natural law of the universe, but rather against the basic law of life and its existence.)

The main thrust of Scientology is to seek and develop man’s full potential and be able to control matter, energy, space and time. In the process (it is called “Dianetics,” a form of therapy), followers undergo several phases of training and are ranked based on their current “spiritual growth,” the basis of which is their worth in society. The highest level of rank is 40.0, meaning the believer is already capable of command and control over physical aspects (molecules, matter, energy) on earth.

Scientology believes in a Supreme Being (like all other religions), but a Being that is infinite and contained in all things on earth and of the universe.

To me, Scientology is a new religion, having developed a workable technology in achieving a happier life while being able to exist in spirituality. It seems to have the answers to many spiritual questions that other religions cannot and have left unanswered via scientific methodology.

In Scientology, the basic belief is that man is made up of three basic compositions. First is the Body, which is made up of atoms and molecules, whether alive or dead (in science, man is plain matter). Second is the Mind, a picture-processing of material things based on actual vision of facts and scenarios, and not of thought. Third and the most important is that man is made of Thetan. Thetan is neither a thing nor a thought, but the Creator of things — a “godlike abilit” within man. This is not the mind, but this is the one that controls the brain or the mind, to have power and control over all matter and energy on earth and the universe. To achieve this, man needs to work on the “Eight Dynamics of Life,” to gain the highest level of Scientology.

The eight dynamics

1. Self. This dynamic believes in the preservation of oneself and his possessions. It does not include other individuals, not even one’s immediate family. It urges one to survive by oneself to be effective to the whole existence of others as well.

2. Creativity. This dynamic is creation for future generations — building a family for the future of mankind, the world and the universe, incidentally making sex a compelling mechanism for future survival.

3. Group survival. One is urged to survive through a group of individuals with the same belief of surviving as one, regardless of number. The group can be made up of friends and family, company, social groups, religion or even one nation, if possible.

4. Species. All the nationalities of the world is considered the species of mankind. All men and women are considered the fourth dynamic. Survival is the key.

5. Life forms. One is urged to survive to help all kinds of life forms: animals, vegetation and aquatic life forms, in the interest of life itself.

6. Physical universe. One is urged to survive the four components of the physical universe, made of matter, energy, space, and time, by the same component combined or individually.

7. Spiritual. One is urged to survive to become a spiritual being. One’s ability to create and destroy is defined, for the survival of the life-force, the seventh dynamic, when one is spiritual indeed.

8. Infinity. One is urged to look for the existence of the Infinity, God. It embraces the “allness,” the oneness of all.

Controversies

To date, Scientology is involved in several controversies. Some of them are ongoing:

1. Many are questioning their disconnection policy, when members are encouraged to cut off contact with family members and friends.

2. There are pending cases against the church about members who died while in their care.

3. Criminal activities committed by officers of the church.

4. The so called “fair game” policy, wherein members are allowed to abuse their critics.

5. There are cases of harassment they practiced against critics and ex-members.

Debates continue on whether Scientology can be considered a religion or just a commercial enterprise.

Many of the components in the book of Scientology are not new. It is actually a consolidation of different beliefs all over the world, over time. Always remember, being a member of any group or belief system would lead to nothing if one doesn’t live and work hard for the actual application of the said belief.

Your pet animal and you by Anthony Vivero

Note: first published last August 11, 2008 under Anthony's column Vibes and Visions in the Life section of The Daily Tribune.

Each animal that you choose to be your companion, to be your loyal and close friend, reveals your qualities and character, just as having no pets at all. Read on if you want to know something about yourself, your friend, or even the person you are planning to be with for the rest of your life.
What your pet says about you

DOG. If you love these canine creatures, you treasure loyalty and sincerity. You are a loyal and a sincere friend. The number of pets, though, also means something. Having too many dogs signifies fear and insecurity. Having one or two signifies security, and makes you the one person in the family who will give that sense of security to the people you care for and love. This assures the people around you that you are capable of giving enough support for their endeavors. The size of a dog doesn’t have that much of meaning though.

CAT. Having a cat inside the house is different from having a cat that stays outside the house. Generally, having a cat shows a childlike attitude in a person. He or she is soft-spoken and seldom gets into confrontational behavior. They usually back off from any argument and keep the pain to themselves. Children who love cats are the ones who have the tendency to leave home once scolded of any issue whatsoever, especially when they believe that they weer not at fault or when they feel they were unjustly mishandled. Having a cat inside the house signifies that the owner is a homebody and enjoys his/her home. Having a cat outside your home signifies adventurism.

FISH. Owning a fish signifies that the owner desires to be rich. The good point is that having fish pets at home can bring luck and wealth if you know the right placements. Yes, every person and his house has its own chi or energy area where the full potential of gaining the good in life is at hand. The basic rule is one must maintain clean and clear water in the tank or pond all the time. Having dirty and mossy water in your pets’ abode generates negative energy not only to the pets, but also to your home. My advice is do not get an aquarium or a fish pond if you do not have the time and effort to maintain it. People who love pet fishes are generous friends. They love to give gifts that are extravagant and expensive for they want their friend to be happy with them. Though they don’t expect you to give them expensive gifts on their special days like birthdays, they will take it as a bad sign of your friendship or relationship if you forget to greet them on special days.

RABBIT. Having a rabbit means the person is very active and loves going out; he never stays at one place in his lifetime. So, expect moving to several places of work and residences if you are with people who love to have rabbits as pets. The negative side of people who loves rabbits is that they are too secretive with their emotions, most especially once they are hurt. They do easily forget the pain even when the other party returns with a positive move or reconciliation.

BIRD. People who love birds have no clear objective in life. Though they have plans and goals they get bored most times, or easily give up on trials that may come to their lives. Like a bird, they fly away at the sight of an enemy or adversary. The only good thing with bird-persons is that they are quiet and peace-loving people, but do retaliate once provoked or caught. They choose to spend life alone more often than not.

MOUSE/MICE. These are the people who think a lot, but move less. They always dream and want things to go their way, but they want it to come easy. Many of these easygoing rat-persons become successful as easily as they desired.

IGUANA/SNAKE. People who love to be with reptiles are usually insecure. They have a hard time making friends, but if they do, this friendship would be for the rest of their life. They often doubt people’s intentions and motives, but once proven they even join and be one with them. So, in a sense, people who love reptiles are extremes in the field of friendship and in interpersonal relationships.

INSECTS. Any kind of an insect pet is a sign of kind-hearted people. They are loving and caring, but the downside of this is that they are vulnerable to abuse. They cannot differentiate what is too much and what is not.

NO PETS. Having no pet even for once or wanting it so much but never coming to own one is a dangerous sign. There is a big problem in their hearts and in their minds. These are people who usually break down when there are big problems and trials. They resort to violence and most of the time run away from the realities of the world. They can be picky and fussy to a fault. Most are self-focused, uncaring or indifferent to many aspects of life.

The true indication of a real pet lover is that you personally are the one caring and tending to them. You spend time with the animals and creatures, feeding, bathing, caressing them and finding quality time that would be memorable to you for the rest of your life, even once in your lifetime. A person with no pet is almost nonexistent, but there are those who never had or would rather not have one at all. That’s sad, isn’t it?

The Man who makes miracles happen by Chat G. Ocampo

Note: first published on March 19, 2002 of under the Features section of Mr. & Ms. magazine with article titled “The Man who makes miracles happen” authored by Chat G. Ocampo.


In the present time when greed and callousness abound and when people seem to be less kind and giving, one man stands out and brings hope to many because of his generosity and understanding. He heals, drives away evil spirits and even makes dreams come true. Indeed, he is an extraordinary human being with an extraordinary big heart yearning to help as many people possible. The man is Anthony Vivero, an entrepreneur and a resident of Parañaque.

He may appear ordinary as his ways are very simple and unpretentious. He jokes around, playfully teases his “patients” about their illness to lighten their mood, talks in plain language which everyone from all walks of life can understand and tell stories to which everyone can relate well. While other faith healers carry an aura of superiority and importance, Anthony gives the impression of an amiable, funny and helpful next-door-neighbor whom you can approach anytime for help. But this unassuming man has powers so great that hundreds of people troop to his residence for his healing or advice. And despite his gifts for healing and prediction which have resulted in a massive following, Anthony prefers to keep a low profile wanting badly to be able to work peacefully so that he can reach out and touch so many lives.

Healing Sessions

Anthony has unselfishly opened his home to people who seek his help. He conducts healing sessions every Wednesday and Saturday and hundreds of people troop to his place waiting for his diagnosis and healing touch. At nine o’clock in the morning, the number of people cannot anymore be contained in his residence that they spill into the street. Many come from provinces and are there beginning the wee hours of the morning. Always, there would not be enough seats for everyone simply because there are just so many people who ask for his assistance.

When the people have settled, Anthony would come out of his house, and being a gracious host, would ask everyone if they have already eaten. Soon, bread and juice are served for free. Anthony would say in jest “kung di ko man kayo mapagaling, at least napakain ko kayo.” Then Anthony introduces himself and explains how he acquired his power to heal. He encourages people to ask questions which he answers extensively. As he answers, Anthony injects funny stories and jokes making everyone laugh. He is a good entertainer. However, one wonders why he does not immediately start his session as a number of people have started to become impatient specially in the morning heat. One of his volunteers reveals that Anthony waits for something – “pagbaba ng power sa kanya para makapagpagaling. Kaya kailangan ng tao maging mapagpasensiyensya lalo pagkat hinihingi nilang gumaling ang kanilang mga karamdaman.”

Then Anthony starts his diagnosis. He is known to have “x-ray eyes” because by merely looking at a person, he can tell his or her ailment. Many of the patients who go there have already seen a doctor but do not tell Anthony about their doctor’s diagnosis. Yet when Anthony tells them what their illness is, they confirm that it was what their doctor said. Sometimes, Anthony would advise the patients to have another check-up because the diagnosis given is wrong. True enough, the patient would then go back to confirm what Anthony said.

After the diagnosis, Anthony would start the mass healing by putting his hand on every person’s head and putting oil in the person’s palm so that the latter, in turn, could put the same on the ailing part of his body. He would bless everyone and then distribute rosaries particularly to those with grave ailments. The morning session usually ends at way past lunchtime. After which, Anthony would take a short break as many people start trooping in again for his afternoon healing session.

How Anthony Acquired his gifts

Anthony would be the first to admit that he is the most unlikely person to receive the power of healing. In fact when the gift of healing was given to him, he asked, “Why me? I am not worth it. I have been bad all my life.” Anthony was given the answer: “I know you better than you know yourself. God sees a person not in his actions but in his intentions behind his actions.”

Anthony discovered his abilities after attending the seminars of the Inner Mind Development Institute founded by Jimmy Licauco. He had a collection of guns which were safely kept in locked drawers but which mysteriously disappeared. What was mind-boggling was that the drawers remained locked and the other more valuable things were still there. After searching the house thoroughly, the guns were still nowhere to be found. Anthony sought the help of a card reader, Beth Cruz who told him that there was a shimmering light behind him and that the “spirits” had taken the guns away. Unable to believe her explanation, Anthony sought the help of a spiritist or medium, who surprisingly gave him the same reply.

One night, while driving home with his wife, he turned on the radio which unexplainably turned in to the station which aired Jimmy Licauco’s program. Anthony heard the lady co-host announce the seminars to be conducted by the Inner Mind Development Institute. Thinking he would find his missing guns or at least get an explaination regarding their mysterious disappearance, Anthony attended the seminars of which he was initially skeptical of. But after trying the lessons and exercises outside the class and finding out that they worked, Anthony began taking the seminar seriously. Soon after, he tried the lessons on healing which learned from the seminar on his sinusitis. What he did was “self-healing through visualization technique – and he got cured! His next patients were the members of his household, relatives and friends. They, too, were healed of their respective ailments.

Shortly after the seminar, Anthony saw a ball of light in his house. He mentally spoke to it asking who it was and if it could show itself to him. The ball of light started to resemble a human form but Anthony could not make out the features. Then the ball of light disappeared. At three in the morning, the ball of light appeared again and revealed to Anthony that he was a healer. He was given the healing prayer which was dictated to him by his guide. He did not write the prayers down but he had never forgotten them.

The following day, he and his household help found a picture of an old man which dropped from nowhere. The old man looked like “Diyos Ama” as many people have observed. One time, the old man appeared to him. Anthony asked what he should call him: “Are you a hermit?” to which the old man did not reply; ‘Impo?’ To which he said no; ‘Ama?’ the old man then replied, “Yes, you can call me ‘Ama’.”

Anthony then asked Ama, “if I were really a healer, who would come to me and be healed? Who would believe me and how would people know?” He got the reply: “We will pave the way.”

After his conversation with Ama, a figure of a woman manifested herself to Anthony ang gently and lovingly embraced him. Anthony could not help himself and cried unabashedly. As he remained in the woman’s tender embrace, she whishpered to him, “Do not worry, we will be there for you.” The next day, the helpers found Anthony still awake and crying as he was overwhelmed by his extraordinary experience.

Anthony’s Generosity

For the food that he serves, the rosaries he distributed and the use of his own facilities, Anthony never charges a single cent. His wife, Sonia, said “it was our decision not to charge people because we really want to help them. We understand that many of them may not have the money to pay because either their illness has caused them to stop working and they have probably spent much for their medical needs. Ayaw na ayaw naming maningil sa may sakit. Anyway, we have a business which covers our needs. More importantly, Anthony’s power to heal is a gift. We did not spend anything for it, unlike medical doctors who spent a fortune for their education. That’s why we want to share with others Anthony’s gift for healing.”

Anthony only asks for donations for his out of town trips to heal the sick. The money is not even used to cover his expenses but for the fare of the volunteers who will assist him. “Pumupunta siya kung saan-saan, nagpapagaling ng tao pero walang hinihingi. Kahuli-hulihang pera niya ibibigay pa niya,” said Bert Reyes, 48 years, from Isabela whose wife Anthony has healed. In fact, Anthony even offers his own vehicle to bring people who do not have their own transportation from his place to the main highway where they can easily get a ride. “Libre na ang panggagamot, libre na ang merienda, libre pa ang sakay,” Sonia said. To this, she does not at all complain. “Masarap kasi talaga ang pakiramdam na nakakatulong ka sa iba. Hindi nabibili ng pera . Maglalakad lang ako, may pupunta sa akin para magpasalamat dahil napagaling ng asawa ko. Ang saya ng pakiramdam. Iba kaysa sa pagtamo ng mga pansariling bagay lamang.”

Indeed, Anthony asks for nothing when he gives favors. “I don’t allow people to do or give anything in return. Instead I ask them to do good to others,” he said. Anthony calls himself merely an instrument, “I am here to serve. I serve people for the Lord,” he said as he pointed to the figurine of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples. “He is my inspiration. Paborito kong tinitignan ang figurine na iyan because it reminds me of my mission which is to serve,” said Anthony.

His Expanding Family

Anthony’s family is unique because they are most unselfish. Their home, which they have opened for people who need Anthony’s healing touch, has lost its privacy. People start coming even before the Vivero household has awakened and use their facilities, occupy their living room and even stream into their dining room. There are people in every part of their house. Indeed, Anthony’s wife is admirable for being so patient and understanding. She moves about her home like all the visitors were family members.

“Noong umpisa mahirap. Nakapambahay ka pa may bisita ka na sa bahay , ginagamit ang banyo mo, halos hanggang sa kuwarto mo nandiyan sila, pero naiintindihan ko. Misyon ito ni Anthony, eh. Natanggap ko na hindi na kami ang priority niya. Kailangan naming magsakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng nakakarami,” said Sonia. “Malungkot minsan kasi nabawasan na ang oras niya sa amin. Kahit oras ng pahinga may tao pa ring lalapit. Nagkakahiwalay pa kami dahil kailangan siyang umikot para manggamot. Pero maganda ring hindi lang pangsarili ang iniisip.”

Indeed with Anthony, devoting more time to healing and helping others, Sonia took on added responsibility in their laundry business and in matters concerning their family. “Masakit pa nga dahil kahit na gusto kong magksama kami, di puwede kasi kailangan ako ng negosyo at ng mga bata. Pero naiintindihan ko. Nagpapasalamat pa nga ako kasi noong una ay hindi naman dating ideal family man si Anthony. Dasal ako ng dasal na sana magbago siya. Pinabait na nga siya ng Panginoon, may bonus pang binigay. Kaya hindi ako nagrereklamo. Kung privacy naming ang kapalit dahil dinidinig naman niya ang mga dasal ko, nagpapasalamat ako ng husto.”

It was not just Sonia who had to make a sacrifice but the entire household – from the children to the household helpers. The children could not use their own facilities for their activities. Anthony’s second child played with his PlayStation with the volume turned off because the noise might disturb the healing session. Even his helper, Boy Bautista, also said he had to wake up early and sleep late because people just kept coming. “Matagal na ako sa kanila, umuwi lang ako ng probinsiya pero bumabalik din. Nakakapagod kasi dito sa Maynila kasi handa ka ng handa dahil may mga tao. Pero Masaya naman kami.” Indeed Boy has no reason to complain because Anthony treats his household helpers like family. In fact, boy was among the first ones to be healed by Anthony. One time Boy had a lot of blood in his stool and Sonia offered to take him to the hospital. He refused because he said “Señior (Anthony) could heal me.” Anthony refused, believing he did not have the power to heal. Boy got Anthony’s hand and put it on his stomach. True enough, Boy was healed. Anthony, for his part felt something stick to his palm from Boy’s stomach. He couldn’t wash it off and only until he rubbed it with salt did it come off.

Anthony’s family even gets extended with friends and volunteers helping out. “May mga natulungan si Anthony na gumaling na pumupunta dito para tumulong kapag may healing session,” Sonia volunteers, “hindi sila binabayaran pero nandito sila, tumutulong lang.” More than 10 volunteers give their time every Wednesday and Saturday to assist Anthony. Many of them, he has helped one way or another. Among them, Bert Reyes said: “Kung di niya mabilis na mapapagaling ang iyong sakit, gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan para matulungan ka. Medyo mabagal ang paggaling ng katarata ko kaya ni-refer niya ako sa kaibigan niyang duktor na ginamot ako ng libre. Sobra siya kung magbigay. Kaya ako at ang iba pa, tumutulong sa ginagawa niya bilang aming pasasalamat.”

Stories of Miraculous Healing

Many people whom Anthony has healed attend his healing sessions to give their testimony and inspire those who come for healing. Among them is Olive Velasco who was diagnosed as having fourth stage ovarian cancer. “Binigyan na lang ako ng duktor ng three to four months to live. Nag-chemo ako ng apat na beses. Noong ikaapat, sumusuko na ako. Sunog na ang balat ko sa chemo, kalbong-kalbo ako atsaka buto’t balat na. Noong pumupunta ako kay Anthony halos wala na akong pag-asa na gumaling. Noong tinanong ko si Anthony kung puede pa akong gumaling, ang sagot niya ‘susubukan ko.’ Pero alam ko na sa puso ko na gagaling ako,” Olive narrated. “Hiningi ko kay Hesus na pagalingin ako. Sa loob ng limang buwan, pumupunta ako kay Anthony. Pagkatapos noon, bumalik ako sa duktor, negative na ang resulta.”

Olive said that for a long time she did not have her monthly period. But after two years, she suddenly had menstruation which stopped after a few months. “Kinabahan ako, yun pala buntis ako. Gusto ng duktor i-abort ang baby kasi baka daw lumabas na abnormal. Di ako pumayag. Lumabas na normal at malusog ang anak ko.” Olive’s healing was one big miracle. Indeed, Olive and her baby is proof that faith can do more than move mountains – it can make other impossible things come true.

Meanwhile, Mr. Emeterio Lugo was diagnosed with fourth stage lung cancer. He went to see Anthony adnafter one month of constant visits, he felt he was healed. “I got to know about Anthony from one of my employees. I was weak and my lungs were full of phlegm. But every time I came from healing, I would feel stronger and better. After two or three more sessions I will see my doctor again,” said Mr. Lugo.

Still another man, Mang Vicente, was revived when he died from a stroke. Before he had stroke, Mang Vicente’s wife went to Anthony with Mang Vicente’s picture for the latter’s distance-healing. Anthony told her to immediately bring Mang Vicente to him because he could suffer a stroke. Mang Vicente and his wife came the next Saturday and Anthony gave Mang Vicente his diagnosis. He particulary warned Mang Vicente against smoking. Mang Vicente said he would just finish the last two sticks he had. During the healing, Mang Vicente coughed badly and then collapsed. People rushed to help him. After a while, he had no more pulse or heartbeat. One of the patients offered his van and the volunteers carried Mang Vicente to the air-conditioned vehicle. Anthony followed them and put his hand on Mang Vicente’s chest. Mang Vicente regained consciousness and lived to tell that he felt Anthony’s hand enter his chest to give him life.

Olive, Mr. Lugo and Mang Vicente are just a few among the many people whom Anthony has healed. Still, there are those who have told their stories of healing to those who cared to listen. There was one pregnant woman who came to Anthony’s healing session. She did not say anything but she had a thankful expression on her face. Mang Bert said “marami nang natulungan si Anthony na mga mag-asawang hindi magkaroon ng anak. Wala pa siyang playa pagdating diyan.”

Indeed, there are many stories of healing that attending Anthony’s sessions could give one a very pleasant overdose of miracles.

Anthony’s Guide

Anthony’s good friend, Lisa Mata, says that whenever Anthony heals, she sees an old man in white robe with white long hair and white long beard watching him. “Ang amo-amo ng mukha niya,” says Lisa which was also confirmed by one of Anthony’s another helpers, Susan Gastador.

Anthony said he still gets messages from “Ama” and continues to get guidance from him. “If a person wants to be healed, he must have total faith and belief. He must never doubt because for a person truly believes, nothing is impossible.”

Anthony has touched so many lives and has healed countless sick individuals. He has given hope and inspiration to so many who emerged from his healing sessions happier and forward-looking. For his own family, Anthony asks for nothing more. “I just know that my children will do good in life,” he said.

Anthony said if he has a dream, it would be to become a hero. “I want to give my life to others. I want to die fighting, be a warrior for the people…” And Anthony is living that dream.

Anthony Vivero: Healer by accident or destiny? (part 1) by Jaime T. Licauco

Note: first published on December 1, 1999 of under the Other Worldy Matters section of Woman Today magazine with article titled “Anthony Vivero: Healer by accident or destiny?” (part 1) authored by Jaime T. Licauco.



He is not your typical picture of a Filipino healer or traditional medicine man. He has a college degree (major in accounting from the University of the East). He is relatively young, (35 years old as of this writing). He is a successful businessman (with a laundry business in Makati and Parañaque) and is a building contractor. He has no background at all in the esoteric or traditional healing fields. He is fond of the night life and going out with his barkada. He is separated from his first wife by whom he has one son; he now lives with his second wife, Sonia, by whom he also has one child. He says he does not have any interest at all in psychic stuff and in healing. In fact, he didn’t believe in such things and has never read any book on the subject.

Nothing, therefore, could have prepared Anthony Vivero for a life of a healer. Yet he has become quite a successful one in so short a time.

“So how in heaven’s name did you ever become a healer?” I asked him recently.

“You are partly responsible for it,” he said with a smile.

“Me?” I asked. “How did I become part of it?”

“It all started this way,” Anthony began. “Last April 1998, my wife and I had a very serious quarrel. It was bad and the cause of it was so embarrassing that I decided to commit suicide. I locked myself inside the bathroom carrying a .38-cal. revolver. I loaded the gun with three bullets and then played Russian roulette with it. I pointed the gun to my temple and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. So I pulled it again. Then again. Still nothing happened. I told myself, the next one should do it. So I pulled the trigger for the fourth time. Still it did not explode. I was getting confused but still pulled the trigger once again until I finally gave up–completely confused and bewildered. Why didn’t the gun fire? Only the day before I tried the same gun and it was okay.”

“He was in the bathroom for a full three to four hours,” according to Sonia who was outside all that time and crying. She said later that she seemed to have heard three gun shots but they were muffled and seemed to come from far away. So she paid no attention to it at that time.

“When Anthony finally emerged from the bathroom he was completely different,” continued Sonia. “He was very quiet and he was crying. He apologized to me and asked me to give him a second chance.”

Vanishing guns!

A week later Anthony’s four expensive and brand new guns, all kept in two locked drawers were gone, including all the bullets and the gun’s leather holsters. A thorough search inside the room proved futile. Anthony suspected everybody, including his wife. Sonia said she never got them but she admitted having thought of keeping his guns after his suicide attempt.

What puzzled both of them was the fact that only the guns were lost and not the jewelry and the substantial money that were also inside the drawers and which could easily be seen when the drawers are pulled open. All the drawers were locked and there was absolutely no sign of a forcible break-in. No one had entered the room because the door was still locked.

Since they could not find a rational explanation for the loss of the guns, Anthony wanted to know if there could be some supernatural explanation for it. Although he didn’t believe in spirits, he said he was willing to exhaust everything to get to the bottom of it. They consulted a fortune teller and psychic who told them a spirit got the guns. He couldn’t believe it. Nevertheless he consulted next an espiritista or medium. The medium confirmed what the fortune teller had told them: no human being did it. But how could that be?

The loss of the guns still bothered him one Sunday evening when he was driving home with Sonia beside him. They were listening to the radio when suddenly, the dial changed inexplicably on its own to station DZMM where I was having my program. It was already towards the end of Inner Mind on Radio and my former co-host, Frances Gloria, was announcing our forthcoming seminar. Anthony asked Sonia to jot down the contact telephone number and called up my secretary the next day. Cindy Cases answered the and Anthony said he only wanted to know if he could ask me a question about the spirits during the seminar. Cindy replied in the affirmative. “Can Mr. Licauco answer if a spirit got my guns?” he further asked. Cindy said yes. So Anthony Vivero enrolled. But not without asking for a sign. He said he would enroll if he would receive an extra amount enough to pay for the tuition of the seminar. By Friday, he received almost the exact amount. So he enrolled in the course although he was still quite skeptical about the whole thing.

Reading minds

At one point, I asked the class to do a series of exercises and Anthony found he could perform all of them with ease. So he doubted if he was really doing it or his partners were planted by me. For example, in the remote viewing exercise, he could describe in detail the house of his partner, Cathy Ochoco. He said that was understandable, as it could be a matter of coindence. But when he mentally and accurately read the name of Cathy’s mother on a certificate or diploma hanging on the wall of her house, he began to think twice. How could he have done that unless she was really planted? It was only after he tried the same exercise at home with other people who were not from the class and obtained the same accurate results that he was convinced there was something to it. He could really read people minds and describe places unknown to him. That was the only time he really paid more attention in class and in applying the techniques taught in the course.

Reluctant healer

“Actually,” Anthony told me, “even before the end of the three-day seminar with you, I already did some unintentional healing. The first patient was myself. I cured myself of my sinusitis using the self-healing through visualization technique that you taught us in the course. Following your instructions, I created an image for the ailment. The image that came out was a red Lamborghini sports car on top of a mountain with no roads. The car could go nowhere. It was stuck there. Then you asked us to think of a picture of a solution to the problem–a long road, from where the car was able to get down without any problem. After that exercise, my sinusitis was done and I could breath easily again. That was a neat trick, I told myself. Jimmy could not have made that up. So, slowly, I began to believe in your system.

“That weekend, my househelp, Jesus Baustista, whom we call “Boy,” saw blood when he moved his bowel. He had no other symptoms but that. He didn’t have any hemorrhoids, ho headaches, no pain, no infection–just blood in his stool. For no reason, he insisted on my healing him. He refused to be brought to the hospital so I had no choice. Reluctantly, I placed my hand on his stomach. To my surprise I felt something adhere to my palm when I removed my hand. I could not see it but I knew it was there. I tried to rub my palm against a table but it couldn’t remove that invisible something that came from Boy’s stomach. I tried to wash it with detergents, but still couldn’t remove it. Finally I tried to rub it with salt and that did it. What it was, I do not know. The next day, no more blood appeared in Boy’s stool.

“Then that Sunday I visited my grandmother. I did not know that she had slipped earlier and hurt her side when she fell. It was painful and created a hematoma. She asked me to heal her. I protested that I was no healer but she insisted so I placed my hand on the part that hurt. To our surprise, both the hematoma and the pain completely disappeared after a few minutes. I couldn’t believe what happened.

“Later that same day, I visited my cousin who was suffering from a goiter condition (hyperthyroidism). It was already big. Surprisingly he also asked me to heal him, although he didn’t know what had happened to our househelp and to my lola. Without hesitation I placed my palm on his throat for some five minutes or so. To our surprise, when I removed my hand, the goiter completely disappeared after several days.”

Still Anthony couldn’t accept the fact that he had become a healer. “I wanted more proof that these were not mere coincidences,” he said. Such proofs were not long to appear. In the coming weeks, his psychic abilities began to manifest in ways that could not be denied or ignored. Neither could they have been anticipated.

Anthony Vivero: (part 2) Healer by accident or destiny?

Note: first published on December 8, 1999 of under the Other Worldy Matters section of Woman Today magazine with article titled “Anthony Vivero: Healer by accident or destiny?” (part 2) authored by Jaime T. Licauco.



Mysterious manifestations

I saw a ball of light or mist in my own house one night. I knew it was a living thing but I couldn’t see anything. So I talked to it mentally. I asked it to show itself to me as if it were my guide. The ball of light changed into the shape of a human being, but still with no clear facial features. I told the figure that if you are my spiritual guide, please show yourself to me.

“The next day, while we were bringing clothes to be washed in our laundry, a strange picture of a very old man with a beard with a halo of light around the head fell from somewhere. We thought at first it had fallen from one of the customers’ clothes that we were bringing in but later, we realized it couldn’t be, because those clothes had already been thoroughly inspected and were ready for washing. So here was something mysterious again.

Anthony immediately brought the picture to me for my opinion. I said I felt a very strong energy coming from it and said, “This looks like your face 100 years from now,” because it bore a strong resemblance to him, only much, much older than his present appearance.

Other thing soon began to manifest or materialize before him, like the time a green-colored rosary appeared on his slap while he was meditating at the Adoration Chapel in BF Homes-Parañaque. Nobody was at the chapel at that time so he figured it must be for him. He brought it home but when he counted the number of beads, there were 12 beads for each mystery and not the standard 10 beads.

When Anthony showed the mysterious rosary to me and I held it in my hands, I felt a strong vibrations coming from it, which put me into a trance. While in a trance, I gave a message to the effect that the rosary was a “device for intergalactic communication.” I didn’t know what that meant. Soon afterwards, Anthony received instructions from the spirit world how to pray this unique rosary. Later he had it reproduced and distributed free to anybody interested in having one.

Other objects began to appear in his presence out of nowhere, like a woman’s veil, a stone, etc. I told Anthony that he was being given all the instruments or devices needed to perform his work. Although he did not know exactly what these objects meant nor how to use them, I told him that in time these thing will be revealed to him and he will understand. True enough, as he progressed in his psychic and spiritual work, more things were being revealed to his understanding in many different and unexpected ways.

When Anthony appeared in my radio program where he talked about his healing work, truckloads of people began to flock his home in BF Homes-Parañaque to the point that he had set aside a single day devoted to healing. And as he vowed, he accepted neither payment nor donation for his healing work and if anybody left any amount of money in his place, he would return it without fail, unless he could no longer trace the donor. Food brought by patients were accepted and distributed to the other patients who were there.

Some cases of miraculous healing

When I finally visited Anthony one late Saturday afternoon in August 1999, there were about 15 patients. That was already the second batch, according to him. The first batch, which was bigger group, had already left in the morning.

Among the patients I saw there was Leopoldo Salonga, about 59 years old, a driver from Sapang palay, who suffered from cancer of the bladder. He was urinating blood, pus and other foul-smelling substances. The doctor wanted Pol’s bladder completely taken out to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. He was in the hospital waiting for his blood donation without which the operation cannot take place. After several days of waiting for the blood, doctors decided to release him from the hospital and asked him to return that same week. They said there was nothing more they could do for him and that he would die unless his bladder was removed.

Some of his friends had heard of the healer Anthony Vivero from my radio program and decided to bring Pol to him. He was very weak and could hardly walk but he decided to stop all medications and completely surrendered himself to the healer. After only the first treatment, he no longer urinated coagulated blood, only reddish liquid. Later that week, there was less blood. After the third week of treatment, his urine became clear and he felt much better. Friends and neighbor who saw him afterwards could not believe it because they knew he had been operated on and would die soon. He told them of the healing performed on him by Anthony.

When I asked Pol what caused his illness, he said the doctors explained it was probably caused by his refraining from relieving himself when the bladed was already full, and also because of exposure of the lower part of his body to excessive heat. Being a bus driver, those are conditions he could not always avoid.

Believe Like A Child by Anthony Vivero

Note: first published last October 23, 2006 under Anthony's column Vibes and Visions in the Life section of The Daily Tribune.

Believe in miracles; believe in God’s unlimited power. His wisdom is beyond human comprehension. Man can understand not even half of what God possesses, especially those people who look only for their own interests. Miracles are for those who have purpose in life – purpose that is more than life itself. AVV615

Nothing is impossible for those who believe that life is not just for self, for your own family, or for a loved one, but also for believing that there is a reason and purpose for our existence on Earth. Many believe in the power of wealth. Others believe in the charm of vanity, and still others believe in the vast opportunities human intelligence provides. They believe even just having once of these can give you everything. Wrong! All of these will never give anyone the satisfaction and completion of a well-lived life. All you need is to believe that all things are possible and not just possessing one, two three or more attributes. Life is all about existing beyond the physical and mental; if you don’t believe, supernatural changes will never be possible, for you and your desires. If you will keep your faith and trust in the Unseen Power, the God you believe is the true God, then you can see things change in your favor. Whatever difficulty you are facing, no matter how big the pressure you are experiencing, you must stay focused on the solution and believe that a miracle is about to come. It is when you are too weary and have accepted that everything by now is impossible, that all the possibilities, all the potentials of a solution, will close on you. On the other hand, when you have the attitude of faith and belief, you open the door of everlasting hope, thereby giving God the chance to work on your current situation that could change everything, in your favor. You may not see anything outright happening at first, but don’t let that discourage you. In the unseen realm, in the spiritual world, God is at work.
You must first win the battle in your mind. Stand strong, reject the negative thoughts and replace them with right, fruitful thoughts. Many of us never get to the place of victory because of our vacillating faith. To get to the place we want to, we must be consistent! Do not be like others who would take one step forward and then two steps backward. We must stay focused and stay away with the negative thoughts that cross our mind and release depressed emotions. Set your mind for success, victory and progress. There are some possible ways to work on these.

THE POWER OF THOUGHT

1. Believe that miracles can happen to you. Most of us just to stop believing in miracles. Our church taught us that the miracles in Biblical times have ceased to exist, that they are there to be read but not experienced. Want proof? How many people in the past were condemned and persecuted because they experienced the power of God, but years or centuries later, the very same church made them all saints? Unfortunately, this is the way things are done: condemn, persecute, then accept – rationalizing afterwards, “that miracles are for anyone who believes in it.” Let go of the teaching. Miracles can happen to any of us. We must learn to believe that we were created not to suffer nor be poor. It is us, who made ourselves live the kind of lives we got. We must learn to accept and admit that somehow, we made the mistakes and need to change for the better – now – and firmly believe that a miracle will happen to us, not later but sooner, because we have learned the lessons and are starting to change. Of course, the change must come first, not the miracle. Problems are created by our actions, our thoughts, and not doing anything when trials and challenges face us. Start evaluating yourself and believe in the mercy of forgiveness of heaven, because we are all entitled to the miracles from above, no matter who or what you are. 2. Believe that miracles can happen to your loved ones. When a certain miracle comes, do not believe that it happened just for you. For example, when a member of a family falls sick, depressed or deeply problematic, everyone close to that person suffers or is affected. In the same way, when one receives a miracle, one’s entire family and surroundings are seemingly blessed, so that everyone must be thankful and must live with the miracle in their hearts throughout of their lives. A person usually prays and asks for a miracle in times of trouble. When that awaited miracle finally comes, blessed people lose the fire of hope and perseverance to feel the power of God. To keep the burning passion alive, one must remain focused and stay together the same way you were when you were asking for that miracle. 3. Believe that miracles can have an effect on your surroundings. Impossible issues that had been resolved through miracles happen not just because that man is closer to God as compared to the others who received a “lesser” miracle or those who did not. This only means that God has bigger purpose for you, for nobler reasons. God entrusted you with something that others may not be able to do, but you can. Don’t disappoint God – very few are chosen by Him whom He can entrust to do things for Him. Let the people around you feel your presence by doing something positive for them without expecting something in return – for you have already received what is for you, in advance.

BELIEF IN MIRACLES: THE WRONG PERCEPTION

WEALTH

Money cannot buy love. It cannot buy health. It cannot buy freedom. It cannot assure you a bright and better future. In a snap and nick of time, wealth can be totally wiped out and the person who got used to living with and believing in the power of wealth will definitely live in dismay, disarray and confusion when everything is gone. VANITY Some people believe in the power of vanity, that with it they can reach the top of the world, and that vanity alone can be a tool for a happy and fulfilling life. But as time goes by, vanity goes with it. It is temporary, and the feeling of losing everything starts to seep in. depression sets in. those who are used to having fame in their younger years fall into this trap. Eventually they lose their sense of focus and do not believe that there is life beyond themselves. INTELLIGENCE Among the three, intelligence may yield more success, which may live on until the mental and physical state of the intelligent starts deteriorating. That’s when realization comes in, about everything accumulated that has been lost and are now gone. A child believes in magic. A child’s heart and mind possess an unlimited supply of hope and faith on simple but beautiful things. A child believes in the beauty of life and the promise of heavenly peace and mercy. Believe like a child.