Awakened For Years: A Retiree’s Guide to Inner Light (Part 1)

Mariano “Manny” Tiong Bautista, born on March 26, 1958, in Manaoag, Pangasinan, is a man whose life has been deeply rooted in service and spirituality. His early years were shaped by his calling to religious life, having studied in several seminaries including the Mary Help of Christians Minor Seminary and the Dominican House of Studies. As a former seminarian, Manny embraced values of faith, discipline, and compassion—qualities that would later define his career in public service. He began his professional journey as a producer and announcer for Radio Veritas Philippines and Radio Veritas Asia, where he used his voice to spread messages of hope and moral guidance. His work in religious broadcasting laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Manny’s spiritual background continues to influence his perspective on retirement, viewing it not as an end, but as a new chapter for reflection and growth. His story is a testament to how faith can guide one’s path through life’s many seasons. (Photo: Lynlin & Manny)

Although Manny officially retired from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in 2019, his heart and legacy remain closely tied to the Civil Service Commission (CSC). He served in various key roles at the CSC – Central Office, including Executive Assistant, Supervising Personnel Specialist, Chief Personnel Specialist and Board Secretary, among others. His contributions spanned over two decades, working under the leadership of several Chairpersons and Commissioners. Manny was known not only for his professionalism but also for his warmth and sincerity, earning him the respect and affection of his colleagues. He was also an accredited trainer for the Values Orientation Workshop (VOW), where he helped instill ethical values in government employees. 

In recognition of his continued dedication, he was unanimously appointed Station Manager of the CSCRA FM Station under the committee headed by Mr. Sam “SamVoy” Manglicmot. In this role, he assists SamVoy in the day-to-day broadcasting operations, continuing his mission of service through communication. It is no surprise that he remains a beloved figure within the CSC Retirees Association. (Click on the IMAGE to listen to CSCRA FM)

Now in retirement, Manny turns his focus to a topic close to his heart—spirituality among retirees (and everyone, as well). Drawing from his rich background in religious life and public service, he believes that retirement offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual journey. For him, this stage of life is not about slowing down, but about finding peace, purpose, and connection with the Divine. He encourages fellow retirees to embrace this time for prayer, reflection, and meaningful engagement with their communities. His insights remind us that spirituality can be a source of strength and joy, especially in our later years. Through his words and example, Manny continues to inspire others to live with grace and gratitude. His life story is a beautiful blend of faith, service, and love—a true reflection of what it means to retire with dignity and purpose. (Photo: Manny in his Church garment)

To explore this further, we sat down with Manny to hear his thoughts on how spirituality can enrich the lives of retirees. Below is our conversation with him:

Q1:  What made you decide to become more active in your Church after retirement?

 

Manny:  There was never a decision to suddenly become more active in Church after retirement. Long before retirement, I was already involved. When I was in grade school, one of the assistant parish priests asked me to lead the Holy Rosary during novenas at what was then the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag-- now the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag. I was also an altar server back then. 

After grade school, I entered the Mary Help of Christians Minor Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan, with the dream of becoming a priest someday. In my fourth year of high school, I was recruited as a postulant or aspirant of the Order of Preachers (OP), better known as the Dominican Order. I went through the different stages of formation toward priesthood. But in 1980, my path shifted. I went on regency and worked at Radio Veritas, a Catholic radio station. After a year of service there, I decided to remain a layman. In 1984, I got married and blessed with three (3) daughters, a son, and a grandson.  My 3rd daughter joined our Creator at age 18 in 2011. (Photo: A 3rd year high school class picture in Binmaley, Pangasinan)

As a married layman, I stayed active in the Church. I joined the Family and Life Ministry as a resource speaker for Pre-Cana seminars, helping prepare couples for marriage. Later, I served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), more commonly known as a lay minister, assisting priests in distributing Communion during Mass and bringing it to the sick and elderly who could not physically attend church service. I also became a resource speaker on Natural Family Planning for the Family and Life Commission of the Diocese of Novaliches. By 2014, I was deeply involved in the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) serving as Subject Matter Expert (SME). Together with my wife, we serve as lead couple assisting participants in their journey to spiritual renewal.

These activities continued while I was working and raising a family. When I retired in March 2019, I simply had more time to give. As a lay minister, I began serving not just on Sundays and special occasions but also during weekday Masses. I also became more available for PREX every month. (Photo: A typical church activity of a Church Elder/Lay Minister)

 

The Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023 limited me to online Church activities, but once restrictions eased, I was able to return to serving as an EMHC. Around that time, I also joined the Order of the Knights of St. John Paul II, which started in Poland to promote the ideals and spirituality of St. John Paul II. I was appointed Grand Consultor on Evangelization for the Philippines, reporting directly to the Order’s General in Poland. That became the center of my Church work. More recently, however, I stepped down as a lay minister for health reasons. (Photo: Meeting Pope John  Paul II)

Many people think spirituality should be reserved for old age or retirement. Some even push it aside, saying, “It can wait.” Careers and ambitions often take priority, while spirituality gets neglected. But can we really be sure we’ll live long enough to reach retirement? Perhaps this is why the Civil Service Commission (CSC) included spirituality in its core values and encouraged government agencies to do the same. Beyond personal growth, spirituality also helps form good, efficient, and compassionate public servants.

So, let us not wait until retirement. Spirituality should be part of every stage of life. It’s what makes us better, stronger, and more complete as persons.

Looking back, I can say that my spiritual life and Church involvement did not begin after retirement. They started much earlier. The only difference now is that I’ve had more time and focus for them since retiring.

Q2: Can you describe a typical Sunday in your life—from sunrise to sundown?

Manny:  These days, my Sundays are more relaxed and free-flowing. Since I stepped down as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) due to health reasons, and paused my role as a resource speaker for PREX and the Family and Life Ministry during the pandemic, my weekends have taken on a gentler rhythm. (Photo: A typical weekend for the Bautista Family)

My family and I usually attend the anticipated Holy Mass at 6:00 PM on Saturdays. This gives us more flexibility on Sundays—to exercise, spend quality time together, visit the mall, or simply enjoy music and television. But even with this slower pace, my sense of spirituality remains strong. I believe that every activity should be meaningful—not just for me, but for those around me. I end each Sunday with a quiet moment of prayer, saying the Rosary with my wife, while our children attend to their own lives and responsibilities.

Before the pandemic, my Sundays were much busier. I’d wake up early to serve at Mass, then visit the elderly and sick in our community to bring them Holy Communion. We usually had around ten people to visit, and this would take us until lunchtime. Afternoons were free unless there was a PREX seminar, where I served either as a speaker or coordinator. Those days would wrap up around 8:00 PM. (Photos: PREX activity I am involved in as subject matter expert, and some light moments with fellow Church Elders.) 

Today, most of my religious activities happen during weekdays, especially with the Order of the Knights of St. John Paul II. Every Thursday, we gather for devotion—praying the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and attending Mass. On Sundays, many of the Knights continue to serve during Mass as lay ministers or EMHCs.

Q3. What roles do you play during Church services or activities?

Manny:  Before the pandemic, I served as a lay minister or EMHC, assisting the priest during Holy Communion and bringing the Eucharist to the sick and elderly. I also participated in PREX seminars as a resource speaker or coordinator. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought those activities to a halt. (Photo: Fellowship with the community)

After things settled, I returned to being an EMHC for about a year. One moment that stands out was when I gave Holy Communion every Sunday to a close friend and neighbor—someone I didn’t know was battling cancer. He passed away three months later. I believe God led me back to this ministry so I could help him find peace in his final days. He wasn’t a regular churchgoer, but he was a good man and a devoted father.

God truly works in mysterious and wonderful ways through the roles we play in life.

Q4:  What do you enjoy most in the groups or ministries you’ve joined?

Manny:  What I enjoy most is connecting with people. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that I’m able to serve both God and my neighbors in a meaningful way. Being part of a prayerful and service-oriented community keeps me spiritually grounded and closer to God.

Q5: How has being part of the Church community enriched your friendships and your life in general?

Manny:  Being part of a faith-based community has helped me grow—not just spiritually, but personally. Like everyone, I’ve had my share of ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses. But having friendships rooted in faith gives me the support I need to keep striving to be a better person.

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