WITCH OF PORTOBELLO

            The Witch of Portobello is one of the books that deeply connects its readers to every characters. It was narrated in a very aberrant way which uses different point of views. I initially think it was a non-fiction story because of the narration. The Witch of Portobello contains the story of a unique character, Sherine Khalil, popularly known among others by the name Athena. Athena was the name she prefers since her childhood.

              As I have mentioned, the technique of the narration was very unique. Coelho narrates through different people, which includes a numerologist (Lella Zainab), journalist (Heron Ryan), actress (Andrea McCain), doctor (Deidre O'Neill), housewife (Samira R. Khalil) , engineer (Lukas Jessen-Petersen), priest (Father Giancarlo Fontana) and many more. These people were able to talk or speak to Athena. Each views contain the impressions of each of the characters to the character of Sherine Khalil. Each characters also mentioned how, why, where and when did they meet Athena. There are views that somehow opposes the main character, however, there are others who admire her for her discovered devotion. Athena, in this story was not only a daughter, she was also a mother, a wife, a friend, an enemy, a lover, a girlfriend, a leader, a staff , a teacher and a student. This book was one of the most intriguing stories I have ever read, and also one of the narrations that completely amazes me. We expect no less from a renowned author Paulo Coelho.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian writer known for his best-selling novel, The Alchemist which was translated into different languages and was sold for 35 thousand copies. Coelho was also known to have written the following books: The Pilgrimage, The Devil and Ms. Prym, The Manual of the Warrior of Light and many more. The Witch of Portobello is just one of his many novels that greatly inspired the world of the importance of reading.

The Witch of Portobello is originally entitled "A Bruxa de Portobello" was first published in United States in 2007. It was also originally in Portuguese language and was translated to English by Margaret Jull Costa.

I have listed lines from this book that I deeply connected with and for which I consider very precious:

1. "the purpose of light is to create more light, to open people's eyes, to reveal the marvels around"
2. "if there is any possible consolation in the tragedy of losing someone we love very much, it's the necessary hope that perhaps it was for the best"
3. But then, how many of us will be saved the pain of seeing the most important things in our lives disappearing from one moment to the next? I don’t mean people, but our ideas and dreams too: we might survive a day, a week, a few years, but we're all condemned to lose"
4. "people who are on a spiritual quest don’t think, they simply want results. They want to feel powerful and superior to the anonymous masses. They want to be special"
5. "Extroverts are unhappier than introverts and have to compensate for this by constantly proving to themselves how happy and contented and at ease with life they are"
6. "An encounter with the superior energy is open to anyone but remains far from those who shift responsibility onto others. Our time on this earth is sacred, we should celebrate every moment"
7. "life, however, had other plans - when fate is very generous with us, there is always a well into which all our dreams can tumble"
8. "Instincts become sharper, emotions more radical, the interpretation of signs becomes more important than logic, perceptions of reality grow less rigid"
9. "Please, God, my Mother, don’t give up until I've taken on the shape that you wish for me. Do this by whatever means you think best, for as long as you like, but never ever throw me on the scrap heap of souls."

These are lines where you could definitely relate too as well. Reading this book is not a waste of time, in fact it was also a form of accumulating knowledge and you better grab it.

There are various book reviews in the web regarding the "Witch of Portobello some of it are:

1. "This is another compelling work by Coelho. As in most of his works, there is an enigmatic main character, in this instance a woman who is dead at the beginning of the book - the rest of the book deals with piecing her life through a series of first-person accounts." - Z Hayes (TX USA)
2. "The Witch of Portobello has woven a very unique and compelling tale. Part of what draws the reader in is the story itself and part is the very unique way it is written. Rather than a straight forward narrative, or a dialogue or even a series of letters this is a unique narrative technique." - Steven R. McEvoy (Canada)
3. Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down!!! He manages to engage the reader's attention, is amazing! -Florcita (USA)

Ang Katuparan

"Ang Katuparan" is a book written by a Eucharistic Minister and a member of KRISMA in Bataan Province, Bro. Ireneo Gutierrez Barlis.

The objective of its author is to establish the church to the people and to  their community as a symbol of the presence of the Lord in each of our lives and to reach out and share the gospel to those who are fortunate to own "The Katuparan" book.

Why did they call it "Katuparan"? It is because the people who have deep connections with Him still wait for Him to do His promises and prophesies written in the Old Testament.

"Ang Katuparan" book has 12 chapters. First, we have Chapter 1 that introduces the people who are able to communicate  with Him, which includes the 12 Apostles (the characteristics and values of each of the apostles are written in the Book), John the Baptist and Mary. This book also mentioned the people who went against the teachings of the Christ during His time, the Pharisees. Moreover, Chapter 2 speaks about the promises and prophesies of the Lord. It also further tours us to the beginning and the making of the gospel, which is said to start  with John the Baptist, then the Birth of Jesus at Books of Matthew and Luke and so on. Chapter 3, on the other hand talks about the gospels from the Book of Mark. All the other remaining chapters from 4-10 discuss about the teachings in the New Testament. They were not only empirical explanations of the gospel from Matthew, Luke, John and The Acts of the Apostles; it also showcases information with regards each of the books and its authors. Chapter 11, furthermore reiterates about the "Katuparan" and KRISMA (KRIStiyanong Magkakapitbahay). KRISMAs primary initiative is to share the importance of prayer and attending the mass, continuous understanding of the gospel of the Lord and to become good examples of family who shares good values not only to the members of the household but the community at large.

Lastly, Chapter 12 illustrates the Map of the Palestine during the time of Jesus.  The story  of Jesus started in Bethlehem but he was raised in Galilea. His teachings reached whole of Samaria, Galilea and Judea. However, His wonderful story and teaching do not end in the vicinity of the map of Palestine, it extends to other countries like the Philippines, where people still await His coming and grant His promises to those who prepared and watched out for His ever loving and forgiving presence.

I would like to quote lines from the book, " Siya'y tinanghal bilang katuparan ng pangako/propesiya ng Lumang Tipan. Wala ng ibang hinihintay. Siya ang Mabuting Balita."

Bro. Ireneo Barlis, the author of "Ang Katuparan", is the first laity who finished Masteral of Arts in Theology (cum laude) in Maryhill School of Theology, Quezon City. He was the Department Chair of Religion Department., OIC Director of Institute of Philosophy and Religion and Residence Director of St. Albertus Magnus Hall of St. Louis University. Despite of his retirement from the following positions, he still help people in need as a Eucharistic Minister and one the members who encourages KRISMA in his community.