Bohol quake survivor excited, nervous to meet Pope Francis

A survivor of last year's powerful earthquake in Bohol province couldn't help but get excited — and nervous — about her scheduled face-to-face meeting with Pope Francis in January.

"Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. Parang natakot ako [na] parang excited. Di ko maintindihan ang naramdaman ko," said Veneranda Gentallan in a report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

Gentallan is among the five Bohol earthquake survivors who were chosen to have lunch with Pope Francis when he visits the Philippines next month.

Another survivor is Shirley Bongay, who lost her right hand after being trapped in wreckage for nine hours.

“Masaya ako dahil isa ako sa mga napili ng parokya namin,” Bongay said in the same report.

Carillon bells

Meanwhile, Manila Cathedral, which had only 13 chime bells, now has 23 brand new carillon bells that were donated by private individuals.

The report said each set of carillon bells, also known as “singing bells,” is worth millions of pesos.

The papal theme will be played by the carillon bells during the arrival of Pope Francis at the Manila Cathedral where a papal mass will be held on Jan. 16. —Kathryn Mae Tubadeza/KBK, GMA News