By Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–It is inevitable to feel homesick to some degree when traveling to unfamiliar places abroad. Fortunately for Filipinos in Paris, there’s a place that offers a touch of home, thanks to a young Filipina who has settled in this City of Lights.

Dita Moraga, herself initially overwhelmed by the vastness of Europe, has found her heart and home in Hotel Gavarni in Paris, which is managed by husband Xavier Moraga. The couple met at the altar way before they tied the knot: Xavier was choirmaster, the Dumaguete lass the choir’s soloist. The two exchanged vows at the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church, where NBA champion Tony Parker and “Desperate Housewives’” star Eva Longoria recently got hitched.

Cultural differences posed no problem to the Moragas’ union, thanks largely to Dita being well-traveled. Before she lived in Paris, she had stayed in Chicago for four years and in Holland for a year. “I can easily adapt to my surroundings,” says Dita, who now has two beautiful daughters with Xavier. Although she’s grown accustomed to the European lifestyle, Dita admits that she looks forward to her yearly visits to the Philippines and to the warm embrace of family and friends.

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By Maria R.M. Sison
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–“All things are possible to the one who believes, there is no doubt about it,” said Blessed Guerric of Igny.

From late April to early May, my parents and I joined other participants from the Saint Bernard Parish in Los Angeles, California for a 14-day pilgrimage to Marian sites in Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; and Spain.

This would be the last pilgrimage for my dad; he soon became bedridden. My mom’s physical health is also on the decline; her ability to walk is restricted. But they both have faith that is constant and unwavering – I have no doubt that it was what made the pilgrimage possible for my 87- year old father and soon-to-be-80 mother.

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