“It is in Mindanao and out of Mindanao where I was ransomed by love”
A YEAR ago, I thought I was going to die.
I had just lost a dream project on Mindanao that I had committed to work full time on.
When that collapsed on the weight of my own fears and selfishness, I decided to write a memoir as a testament for the next generation.
Thankfully, not only did I survive but prognosis is good.
And last Nov. 29, 2024, ransomed by love: a happy changemaker’s unfinished journey, was launched in Leong Hall of Ateneo de Manila University.
Expecting 200 people to come, more than 500 attended, including dozens of young activists who came up the stage for a lightning rally at the end of the program. Since then, the first print of the book has been sold out and a reprint is on the way.
The book shares many stories, in particular of how the most important gifts we are given are life and love.
I share excerpts from the prologue below:
“I am a son of Mindanao. In this land, I met many wonderful people and fostered the most meaningful relations. My self-absorbed ways at times, did not prevent people from seeking friendships with me, some lasting fifty years.
“Every time the birth of a new friendship happens, I am full of wonder on how this could be happening.
“In Mindanao, I encountered my first crossroads and made my first choices.
“Out of Mindanao I married the love of my life and raised three sons as I forged lifetime friendships and mentored many.
“This is where I fell in love with Titay, my partner and wife for four decades and counting. The person who guided me in all my life crises. She forgave me many times and affirmed that she loves unconditionally this very flawed man who is her husband and closest friend.
“God, Father as He is, gifted Titay and me with three sons. In my 20s, I used to get depressed for long periods. But when Eman was born when I was only 27 years old, I knew I will never be as sad again. This was reinforced when Rico was born four years and Rafa seven years after.
“In Mindanao, I became a teacher, and a social and political activist. God also gave me the two gifts that brought me down to earth from my many worlds – the gift of philosophy and language.
“In philosophy, I found the language not only to explain things to myself but also a means to relate to others in a meaningful way. In law, thru the language of power, I found a way of making a difference in the world using the power of the word.
“It was out of Mindanao when I endured the pandemic and confronted my stage four prostate cancer. Also out of Mindanao, I had to face my serious mental health issues.
“In and out of Mindanao I made many mistakes, suffered, and found peace and redemption. In and out of Mindanao, I struggled with a desire to be alone, to run away from everyone and to seek solitude.
“I faced my personal demons and never-ending existential crises, which at the same time made me search for the Lord more, and discover His plan for me.
“But it was in and out of Mindanao when I promised to love more, where I asked for mercy for all my sins. I ask forgiveness especially for those I have hurt with my decisions, actions and words. I promise never to do them again and make up for it.
“Out of Mindanao, I embarked on many journeys – to fight for human rights, champion environmental and climate justice, work for good governance, rule of law, and peace – as a Filipino and a global citizen, as a social entrepreneur, and above all, as an educator.
“Out of this island, I made and continue to make personal and political choices, engaged in the big causes of our times.
“It is in Mindanao and out of Mindanao, where I was ransomed by love – called to be in solidarity with others, to love my family and friends, to love even my enemies, who can also be my loved ones and best friends when we hurt each other, and those who I encounter in my many communities of faith, advocacy, and practice.
“In Mindanao and out of Mindanao, I have been constantly asked to love the others I do not know – the masses, those who suffer from environmental and climate injustice, victims of war and human rights violations in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Mindanao, the Cordillera, and the rest of the Philippines and the world where people hate and kill each other.
“I am a son of Mindanao.
“Whatever road I choose to travel and wherever my journeys end, I bring Mindanao with me. And it is to Mindanao that I return.”
My prayer for all my readers is that you too receive the gifts of life and love not only in this season but for all the years to come. Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky: tonylavs
