Christmas prayer for a Lipa heroine

SHE’S great—greatest—not in the ordinary sense. Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc stood out, shone pure and bright because she was out of this world, heaven-sent, if you please.

She had been tireless, selfless in her dedication to country, craft and duty, a devoted crusader who toiled to the core all her waking hours in trying to keep courageous journalism wholly  chaste.

Above all,  she had been truly fearless, unblemished, a living saint.

* * *

Today, in a borrowed tree-lined lot with a simple resthouse in Purok 4, Pangao, Lipa City, the usual gift-giving for farmer families will be capped by a prayer for Mrs. Magsanoc’s peaceful repose.

Of course, she would be frowning at what I have to divulge. She had wanted this kept under wraps, not for public consumption. She was among the first donors, an original organizer of this annual (Dec. 27) Christmas occasion in Lipa, together with civic leader Nandy Charvet of Mandaluyong and the late basketball Olympian Narciso Bernardo, my kumpadre.

Manny Pacquiao, in a way, had himself contributed, after this reporter won a sum of P10,000 years ago in a post-fight raffle held at the Harbor View restaurant in Luneta.

* * *

Dr. Robert Magsino of Lipa City and the Good Samaritan Foundation of Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, VLM Medical Supplies, and Dr. Rowena Magsino, have again prepared hefty bags of food and assorted goodies for all 50 families.

Sportsman Bambi Rivilla and his bosom friend Bart Mayo chipped in cash to be shared evenly among the 50 farmer families.

Kuya Boy Sebreros of the Mandaluyong City market gave money for the purchase of canned goods.

* * *

Old reliables Mar and Dita Maralit, Gerry and Josie Mayor will always be counted upon, together with Rene and Tess del Monte, who will again supervise the Christmas affair.

From Zeny Luna came a box-full of assorted toys all the way from Sta. Monica, California.

Dr. Ruel Reyes and son Gio will again be there with a haul of goodies and good cheer.

* * *

There’s no way to measure how much she had infected me with her dedication. Mrs. Magsanoc would always go out of her way to right a wrong, render a kind deed for others, mainly the underprivileged.

Thank You Dear Lord Jesus for your devoted daughter Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc.

Thank You Lord for all these kind souls who help us give out love on Christmas.