Anne, Cristine & Sam: Gifted actors

He has long wanted to do a movie about gifted children and now that he has done it via “The Gifted,” director Chris Martinez feels fulfilled and excited.

“Yes, gusto ko talaga makagawa ng movie about gifted children, isang pelikula na medyo dark comedy

– about two best friends who became rivals in everything when they grew up,” Chris said during the second presscon for the Viva Films’ presentation which opens tomorrow in local cinemas.   

Chris is happy with his actors, all of whom, he noted, have gifts. “Anne Curtis has intelligence and she is

sweet and smart; Cristine Reyes, who is family-oriented, and has true talent; and Sam Milby is unassuming, multitalented, versatile, yet humble and is also gifted with a sense of humor.”

The director wrote the script and for this, he researched on and interviewed several gifted children who are now grown-ups. “I got to know kung ano pinagdaanan nila in the past when they were still children like being ostracized in school.”

In “The Gifted,” Anne plays a rich but chubby character named Zoe while Cristine is Aica, a poor but nerdy girl. They both fall for Mark, their dashing athlete-classmate.

• • •

BROADER MUSIC LINEUP

   Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has been successfully extending its music market reach with

music-streaming service Deezer, which complements Smart’s homegrown music service Spinnr.

“Spinnr provides the total music experience to our subscribers with streaming and downloads of all the

latest and hottest songs, the most anticipated concert events, meet-and greets with their favorite artists and exclusive access to official merchandise,” said Charles A. Lim, EVP and Head of Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division. “Deezer, on the other hand, provides music streaming with a large catalog of 30 million songs and the widest availability in more than 100 countries around the world.”

Steven Frank, Business Development Manager for Deezer in Asia Pacific, added: “The high smartphone

penetration in Philippines means that music lovers are taking their world, and their music, on the go.”

• • •

TIDBITS: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 2, go to Gen. Alexander Aguirre, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Amado Tan, Ronnie Villar, Chit Javier Tmbang, Neneng Abaquin, Nona Panlilio, Steffi del Rosario, Prof. Noel de Guzman, Jessica Casas-Luzande, Timoteo Bernaldez of PCSO GM’s office, Dona Bayota, Fanny Blanco Carlo Guevarra and Ricky Carandang… Sept. 3: Sen. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Nonoy Zuñiga, Aristeo Demavivas, Malu Barry, Dr. Gary Sy, Lito Galang, Danny Mañalac, Cecille N. Bello, Romy Navarro, Ma. Cristina S. Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Mona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, Babot Armas of New York, Jam Morales of California, Patricia Evangelista, MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan and Daphne Cortes of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Jorge and Baby Banal…Belated b-day greetings to Mel Lopez, Ariel Rivera, Azenith Briones, Philip Cruz, Edd Baluyot, Dr. Jazmine V. Gongora, Dennis Mendiola, John Avila, Alex Pili and Emma Borja (Sept. 1)…

Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines

1. Emilio Aguinaldo (June 12, 1898 - April 1, 1901)
2. Manuel L. Quezon (November 15, 1935 – August 1, 1944)
3. José P. Laurel (October 14, 1943 – August 17, 1945)
4. Sergio Osmeña (August 1, 1944 – May 28, 1946)
5. Manuel Roxas (May 28, 1946 – April 15, 1948)
6. Elpidio Quirino (April 17, 1948 – December 30, 1953)
7. Ramon Magsaysay (December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957)
8. Carlos P. Garcia (March 17, 1957 – December 30, 1961)
9. Diosdado Macapagal (December 30, 1961 – December 30, 1965)
10. Ferdinand Marcos (December 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986)
11. Corazon S. Cojuangco-Aquino (February 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992)
12. Fidel V. Ramos (June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998)
13. Joseph M. Ejercito-Estrada (June 30, 1998–January 20, 2001)
14. Gloria M. Macapagal-Arroyo (January 20, 2001–June 30, 2010)
15. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III (June 30, 2010–June 30, 2016)

The Philippine Phenomenon: The Story of Religious Groups

"The Philippine Phenomenon: The Story of Big 4 Religious Groups"
Felix Manalo, born on May 10, 1886, in Taguig, Philippines, was baptized a Roman Catholic. In his teenage years, Manalo became dissatisfied with Roman Catholic theology. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the establishment of the Philippine Independent Church or the Aglipayan Church was his major turning point but Manalo remained uninterested since its doctrines were mainly Catholic. In 1904, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, entered the Methodist seminary, and became a pastor for a while.[22] He also seeks through various denominations, including the Presbyterian Church, Christian Mission, and finally Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1911. Manalo left the Adventist church in 1913, and associated himself with atheist and agnostic peers. On November 1913, Manalo secluded himself with religious literature and unused notebooks in a friend's house in Pasay, instructing everyone in the house not to disturb him. He emerged from seclusion three days later with his new-found doctrines.with his wife, went to Punta, Santa Ana, Manila on November 1913, and started preaching. He left the congregation in the care of his first ordained minister, and returned to Taguig to evangelize. In Taguig he was ridiculed and stoned in his meetings with locals. He was later able to baptize a few converts, including some of his persecutors. He later registered his new-found religion as the Iglesia ni Cristo (English: Church of Christ; Spanish: Iglesia de Cristo) on July 27, 1914 one day before the start of World War 1 at the Bureau of Commerce as a corporation sole with himself as the first executive minister.

Expansion followed as INC started building congregations in the provinces in 1916.

By 1924 the INC had about 3,000 to 5,000 adherents in 43 or 45 congregations in Manila and six nearby provinces.[23] By 1936 the INC had 85,000 members. This figure grew to 200,000 by 1954.[25] A Cebu congregation was built in 1937—the first to be established outside of Luzon, and the first in the Visayas. The first mission to Mindanao was commissioned in 1946. Meanwhile, its first concrete chapel was built in Sampaloc, Manila in 1948.[23][28] Adherents fleeing for the provinces away from Manila, where the Japanese forces were concentrated during the World War II, were used for evangelization.[23] As Manalo's health began to fail in the 1950s, Eraño Manalo started to take leadership of the church. Felix Manalo died on April 12, 1963. Within the span of 49 years of Felix Manalo's administration, the Iglesia ni Cristo had 1,250 local chapels, and 35 large concrete cathedrals. Felix Y. Manalo was a recognized and highly respected religious leader of the Philippines.

KZAS, the station began its broadcast on June 4, 1948. KZAS eventually came to be known as 702 (read "Seven-O-Two") DZAS. For six decades now, 702 DZAS has been providing the Filipino household with news, music, information, and inspiration while sharing the Word of God. It is now one of the oldest radio stations still operating today.

The first overseas INC mission was sent in 1968 on its 54th anniversary. On July 27, 1968, Executive Minister Eraño G. Manalo, officiated at the first worship service of the church outside the Philippines. This gathering held in Ewa Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii marked the establishment of the Honolulu congregation, the first overseas mission of the church. The following month, the Executive Minister was in California to establish the San Francisco congregation and lead its inaugural worship service. In 1971, the church set foot in Canada. In June 1987, the US Main Office (USMO) was set up in Daly City, California to assist the INC central administration in supervising the then 11 districts of the church in the West. The first local congregation in Latin America was established in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1990. The following year, the church reached Mexico and Aruba. From 2000 and beyond, congregations rose in the Central and South American countries. The first local congregation in Europe was established in England in 1972. The church came to Germany and Switzerland in the mid-70s. By the end of the 1980s, congregations and missions could be found in the Scandinavian countries and their neighbors. The Rome, Italy congregation was established on July 27, 1994; the Jerusalem, Israel congregation in March 1996; and the Athens, Greece congregation in May 1997. The predecessors (prayer groups) of these full-fledged congregations began two decades earlier. Meanwhile, the mission first reached Spain in 1979. The first mission in northern Africa opened in Nigeria in October 1978. After a month, the King William’s Town congregation, in South Africa was established. A congregation was organized in Guam in 1969. In Australia, congregations have been established since mid-1970s. The church first reached China by way of Hong Kong, and Japan through Tokyo also in the 1970s. Missions have also opened in Kazakhstan and Sakhalin Island in Russia. In Southeast Asia, the first congregation in Thailand was established in 1976 and missions have already been conducted in Brunei since 1979. In addition, there are also congregations in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

In 1965, INC launched its first resettlement and land reform program in Barrio Maligaya, Laur, Nueva Ecija. The INC started operating a radio station in 1969.[25] While its first television program aired in 1983. The Ministerial Institute of Development, currently the New Era University College of Evangelical Ministry, was founded in 1974 in Quiapo, Manila. It moved to its current location in Quezon City in 1978. As of 1995, it had 4,500 students and five extension schools in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga and Rizal. In 1971, the INC Central Office building was built in Quezon City. Thirteen years later, the 7,000-seater Central Temple was added in the complex. The Tabernacle, a tent-like multipurpose building which can accommodate up to 4,000 persons, was finished in 1989. The complex also includes the New Era University, a higher-education institution run by the INC.

DZEM began its broadcast in February 10, 1969, and proven to be very effective in the propagation of their professed faith. Its primary objective is to give praise and glory to the Almighty God, and continues to serve the general public through its 20 hours of religious and secular programs aired Mondays through Sundays. DZEM is also known as the most widely traveled radio station in Metro Manila as it began broadcasting in Barrio Ugong del Monte, Quezon City on 1520 Kc (Kilocycles, now Kilohertz) with a power of 10,000 watts. On June 3, 1971, it moved to the basement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Shortly afterwards, it acquired a new frequency, 1460 Kc. On May 10, 1975, DZEM once again moved at the third floor of the Iglesia ni Cristo Development Center Building at Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila. After a month, it also altered its frequency to 1360 kHz. Then on November 1978, as a result of band adjustments, DZEM had again changed its frequency to 1422 kHz. on May 9, 1985 found a new home – the third floor of Maligaya Building 2 at 887 EDSA, Quezon City. It acquired the frequency of 954 kHz on April 27, 1987. By 2013, the station is transferred from Maligaya Building 2 in EDSA, to its new home in Barn Studio Building, New Era University Campus, #9 Central Avenue, New Era, Quezon City.

On April 11, 1969, DWRV Radyo Veritas was inaugurated with Asian bishops as guests. Antonio Cardinal Samore represented Pope Paul VI. The station was owned and operated by the Philippine Radio Educational and Information Center, Inc. (PREICI).

On, November 29, 1970, Pope Paul VI, on his pastoral visit to the country, blessed Radio Veritas' studios with President Ferdinand E. Marcos in attendance.

In 1973, Eddie Villanueva (also known as Bro. Eddie or Bishop Eddie), then an Economics and Finance professor in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, began preaching the Gospel to his students and colleagues. Later, in November, after the declaration of Martial Law by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, and the takeover of Radio Veritas by his crony, Roberto Benedicto, DZRV-AM reopened as DZNN-AM, and became part of the Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation.

The Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (acronym as JMCIM) is an Apostolic Pentecostal religious group from the Philippines which believes particularly in the promotion of miracles and faith in God for healing. JMCIM is founded by Evangelist Wilde E. Almeda in February 14, 1975.

In April 1978, 846 kHz became an owned-and-operated station of the commercial-owned Nation Broadcasting Corporation. The call letters were reverted to the original DZRV-AM.

On October 5, 1978, Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva invited his listeners for a Thanksgiving Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally that was held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Mesa Campus on the Thursday nearest his birthday, Friday, October 6. About one thousand people attended the affair and experienced the miracle-working power of God!

Encouraged by the success of the rally, Bro. Eddie scheduled a monthly Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally at the DWRV Compound in Quezon City. Some time later, as more people came to be led back to the Lord Jesus Christ, the rally was held weekly. A monthly Catholic Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar (CLSS) and a weekly fellowship were also held at the 22nd Floor, Strata 2000 Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue, Ortigas Center in Pasig City.

After a while, Bro. Eddie decided to air his program three times a week and began thinking of a new title and theme song for it. At this time, a friend gave him a magazine entitled “Jesus is Lord,” which quickly aroused his interest.

He made a study of the meaning of the term and discovered that it was one of the seven Covenant Names, by which God the Father revealed Himself to Israel.

Jesus is Lord, the motto of the World Council of Churches. The most popular and briefest was "Jesus is Lord" found in 1 Corinthians 12:3; Romans 10:9 and probably in the baptisms referred to in Acts 8:16; 19:5 and 1 Cor 6:11 since their being described as "in the name of the Lord Jesus" certainly seems to imply that "the formula 'Jesus is Lord' had a place in the rite". The phrase might be extended as "Jesus Christ is Lord" as in Philippians 2:11. Shortly, he heard the song "Jesus is Lord" over Radio DWRV 860 itself:

"Jesus is Lord" by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Jesus is Lord
The cry that echoes through creation
Resplendent pow'r eternal Word our Rock
The Son of God
The King whose glory fills the heavens
Yet bids us come to taste this living bread

Jesus is Lord
Whose voice sustains the stars and planets
Yet in His wisdom laid aside His crown
Jesus the man who washed our feet
Who bore our suffering
Became a curse to bring salvation's plan

Jesus is Lord
The tomb is gloriously empty
Not even death could crush this King of love
The price is paid the chains are loosed
And we're forgiven
And we can run into the arms of God

Jesus is Lord,a shout of joy a cry of anguish
As He returns and every knee bows low then every eye and every heart will see His glory the judge of all will take His children home.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the weekly fellowship came to be called the DWRV Prayer Partners Jesus the Healer, since Radio DWRV was the broadcast medium, he and his first listeners became prayer-partners, and Jesus is Lord was the Divine Name revealed to him by God. Every week, God added thousands of new prayer-partners to this community by means of the Good News aired over the radio DWRV and the Mass and Healing Rallies held all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces. As the community grew, they voluntarily gave their tithes and miracle-seed-of-faith offerings to support the radio program "Jesus the Healer" and the Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rallies. Some prayer-partners even volunteered to serve without compensation.

Inspired by the outcome of events, Bro. Eddie thought it was time to formally organize the community. Thus, the Jesus is Lord Fellowship, Inc. was established, which in due time was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was organized, primarily, as an institution where Bro. Eddie could channel his tithes and donations derived from his real estate business and other companies to support the religious activities of various Catholic charismatic groups and some projects of charitable organizations. These however were not enough to support the expenses of the newly-founded Roman Catholic charismatic community, especially the radio programs of DWRV Radio Veritas and the Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rallies. And so, he had to continue shelling out funds from his own personal earnings. For him, though, it was a great enough blessing from Jesus is Lord that his radio listeners came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and was receiving answers to their prayer-requests.

From 1986 to present, other chapters were formed in Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Åland Islands, Anguilla, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Egypt, Estonia, Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, Finland, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guernsey, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Maldives, Martinique, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Mauritania, Mauritius, Melilla, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Nauru, Navassa Island, Nepal, Netherlands, North Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Cyprus, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Nueva Esparta, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Réunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Andrés and Providencia, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Korea, South Ossetia, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Transnistria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These were formed by Filipino and foreign prayer-partners working abroad, who were motivated by the desire to bear witness to the love and goodness of Jesus Christ our Lord. With the emergence of the chapters abroad, the corporate name registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission was amended to “Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, Incorporated”.

Later in 1993, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) realized that the growth of the Foundation, particularly since it was affecting Catholics, could not be taken for granted any longer. Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani Jr., DD, then-Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and Overall Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) in the Archdiocese of Manila, invited Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry spiritual director Pastor Wilde Almeda, El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Founder and Servant-Leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder and spiritual director Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva to the CBCP Conference on January 24, 1993, to shed light on what was going on in the Foundation. On that occasion, Bishop Bacani was beside Pastor Wilde, Bro. Mike and Bro. Eddie, not to defend him, but to bear witness to what God was doing through the Foundation. The result of the meeting was satisfactory because most of the questions asked were clearly and humbly answered by Bro. Eddie.

On October 13 to 14, 1979, during its First Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Fellowship at the DWRV Compound in Pasig City one year after the founding of Jesus is Lord Fellowship on October 5, 1978, about five thousand people witnessed and experienced the miracle touch of Jesus is Lord.

Some eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on October 12, 1980. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staffs were surprised because the affair lasted one whole day and it was the first time that it’s Reception and Plenary Halls were filled to capacity.

The Third Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship was celebrated with an Overnight Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from October 17 to 18, 1981. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.

On August 21 to 31, 1983, Radyo Veritas became a byword with its coverage of events related with the assassination of former Philippine Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.

On February 22–25, 1986, Radyo Veritas kept local and overseas audiences informed of events related to the People Power Revolution, after Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin called on the Filipinos to support Defence Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Philippine Constabulary Chief Lt. General Fidel V. Ramos who had defected from the Marcos government. The three-day bloodless revolution eventually removed Marcos from power and installed Corazon Aquino as the eleventh President.

On June 1988, DZRV-AM reopened under Radio Veritas, its original owner.

As early as 9:00 a.m. of October 8, 1989, members and followers of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship began trooping to the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila to participate in its Eleventh Anniversary. By midnight of Monday, October 9, 1989, the entire stadium was jammed with over half a million people from all over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise and worship dedicated to Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some Roman Catholic priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, Lipa, Cebu and Davao, led the Holy Mass.

From October 13 to 14, 1990, the Twelfth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila. In attendance were thousands of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit as they praised and worshipped to Jesus and listened to His Word despite a storm which flooded some parts of the venue with knee-deep water.

On May 17, 1991, Radyo Veritas begun its commercial operations as DZNN

The scenario of the Thirteenth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from October 12 to 13, 1991, was identical to that of its 12th Anniversary. Nevertheless, the almost half a million attendees braved the monsoon rains and knee-deep flood to give thanks, praise and worship to God.

On the occasion of the Fourteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from October 17 to 18, 1992, more than one-and-a-half million prayer-partners attended the affair. His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, gave his greetings to the congregation.

For the first time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about three million people joined the Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at the national park from October 8 to 9, 1994. The participants crowded the 61-hectare national park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also present were members from different overseas chapters of the Foundation.

His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Eighteenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila on October 13, 1996. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups and religious groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, a mass wedding took place, in which 5000 couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot.

Two days after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 Men’s Basketball Tournament Finals between the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles versus University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 11, 2012, at least nine million participants participated in the 34th Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, with no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III as guest-of-honor in the celebration, traversing a crowd from the 61-hectare Rizal Park to Port Area to the Quiapo church in a celebration that lasted twenty-four hours from 7:00 a.m. of Sunday, October 14, 2012 to 8:00 a.m. of Monday, October 15, 2012.

800 cops to guard rival rallies (By Michael Lim Ubac)

Manila, Philippines, September 1, 2014 (INQUIRER) - THE October 26-27 rallies led separately by protesters, Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide's Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and El Shaddai's Mike Velarde shall be given equal protection, police said yesterday, August 30.

The National Capital Regional Police Office said yesterday that about 400 policemen would be deployed on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, where Million People March will be held from three assembly points.

Velarde's gathering of El Shaddai flock at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila will also be provided with 400 policemen.

The El Shaddai leader ruled out political undertones in staging their prayer gathering on Saturday, saying it will be held only to celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva's 81st birthday on October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church, is celebrating 36th anniversary on Sunday, October 26 to Monday, October 27 at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila just in time for the visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines

Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., NCRPO chief, said that he had already placed the five police districts in Metro Manila under red alert in preparation for the rallies.

Of the 400 to be deployed on Ayala Avenue, 200 policemen will come from the Makati police, while the rest will come from the Southern Police District, according to Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati police chief.

Lukban maintained that even though the El Shaddai Family Appointment would need bigger police force due to its sheer number, the Ayala rally deserved the same security since, he said, ''the Anti-Aquino protesters will be there, including the transport groups."

About 5 million people, including President Benigno Aquino III and Bro. Mike Velarde's political and show biz friends, society figures and 1,000 guests, are expected to attend Velarde's rally on October 26 to 27, 2014 in time for the visit of Pope Francis, seven days after the beatification of the Pope Paul VI.

Lukban said they are waiting for the official guest list of the Archdiocese of Manila and instructions from the Presidential Security Group.

ROTC cadets, police trainees and civilian agents will bet tapped.

Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, who inspected the celebration site yesterday, said he wants vehicular traffic closed off around the venue.

“I want to make it a general rule that only the people can come in. If there are vehicles that really need to get inside the venue, it should not cause gridlock,” he said.

Estrada said residents should be prepared to walk from the parking area to the templete site, similar to the way revelers of the Sinulog are mostly pedestrians who move around sealed streets.

National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Elizabeth Espino accompanied Estrada who went around the area to check on earthworks and construction.

Estrada said the platform for the altar table should be made higher so that officiating priests: Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, Assistant Priests, and Parochial Vicars from several Roman catholic archdioceses and diocese, as well bishops, deacons and monsignors from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Algeria Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are seen by those sitting in the front rows.

Estrada got a chair and demonstrated that VIPs are seated, they can only seethe priests from his waist up.

“The best view is not in front,” he said.

He said the city government is doing its share by making public roads leading to the Quirino Grandstand presentable.

He ordered the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) to prepare a traffic plan.

“We are seeing to it that everything is in its proper place,” he said.

Reyes also belied reports that his intelligence personnel had received bomb threats from unscrupulous groups out to sow violence and terror in the Ayala rally.

“But to be sure, we would dispatch bomb­sniffing dogs as early as Friday night, October 26,” he said.

Reyes added that police operatives would also tighten security measures on the towering buildings near the corner of Paseo De Roxas and Makati avenues, the exact site where the rally will be held.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will also dispatch 100 traffic enforcers to man traffic on roads leading to Ayala Avenue.

MMDA officials said half of the Ayala Avenue would be closed to traffic but could not divulge the details since they are yet to be finalized tomorrow.

MMDA said that 170 traffic and security personnel of the combined members of the Makati Parking Authority and the Makati Public Safety were also expected to help it direct the flow of traffic.

Chief Insp. Edgar Alintog, Western Police District Deputy Chief for Traffic, said some 400 traffic enforcers of the MMDA would be deployed in Manila to augment the police force. He said the deployment will start as early as 9 a.m. Friday until the dispersal of the protesters before dusk. Alintog said he had requested the Truckers Association of the Philippines to order their trucks not to pass from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday on roads surrounding Quirino Grandstand to lessen traffic gridlock in Manila. He said the Katigbak Drive leading to Roxas Boulevard would be closed for traffic on Friday. El Shaddai will start its celebrations at 6 p.m., October 25 which will last until the next day, Monday, October 27, and possibly December 25 to 26 and December 31 to January 1, 2015.

The crowd, expected to reach over four million, poses a special challenge for Catholic Church officials who are prepared to “feed” the faithful during the Mass and distribute holy wafers during communion.

Pope Francis will preside over the 8 p.m. Concelebrated Roman Rite Holy Mass, which will be broadcast live nationwide via domestic satellite on television and video streamed to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.

Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the liturgical rites unfolding in the Grandstand, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.

In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of activities which start before noon with foot processions

Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay are among several government officials and Church leaders who will grace the event.

Expect tighter security in coming to the 58-hectares national park where the grand annual anniversary celebration of Evangelical Roman Catholic Charismatic Christian renewal movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide will be held.

At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Manila Bay: from Guadalupe, Makati City to will bring the image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod to the Quirino Grandstand which houses the main altar.

An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.

“We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, the overall chairman of the Manila celebration for Jesus is Lord Church anniversary, said.

He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.

“We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion,” Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.

“This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor,” he added.

There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.

Anyone who can’t go to the Rizal Park can watch the thanksgiving Mass through GMA Network Channel 7 and other stations. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv for a live streaming of the activities.

Radio stations all over the world will also broadcast the events live.

On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow the crowd to see at is going in the altar.

At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Mandaue City will transport the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Bishops who will be brought from the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park to the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area before the Mass.

Although there are 12,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their own portable chairs.

Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.

Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the Grandstand.

In going to the Rizal Park, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in front of the Park N’ Ride and a block away from the SRP tunnel.

While those who would attend the rally on Ayala Avenue, which will last from 1 a.m to 3 p.m., will assemble at three points ­­ Don Bosco Church on Pasay Road, Makati Central Fire Station on Ayala Extension; and Shell gas station at the corner of Edsa and Gil Puyat Avenue.

MMDA said the designated parking areas are as follows: Both sides of Paseo De Roxas, from Villar to Ayala Avenue and both sides of Paseo De Roxas from Ayala to Dela Rosa Street. Parking shall not be allowed along Ayala Avenue.

The MMDA will reroute traffic on Friday to avoid gridlock. Here is the rerouting plan:

On Ayala Avenue (westbound lane), from Makati Avenue to Herrera Street will be closed while the eastbound will remain as is.

Vehicles passing Ayala Avenue, from Edsa to Gil Puyat shall turn right to Makati Avenue, turn left to Gil Puyat Avenue, turn right to Dela Rosa Street (which will be made two­way temporarily), turn right to Salcedo St. and turn left to Ayala Avenue again.

MMDA said Paseo De Roxas from Dela Rosa Street to Villar Street (both lanes) will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Vehicles passing Paseo De Roxas, from Arnaiz Avenue to Ayala Avenue, shall turn right to Dela Rosa Street, take Makati Avenue.

Those coming from Makati Avenue going to Dela Rosa Street, shall turn right to Villar Street, turn left to Alfaro Street, and turn left to Herrera Street.

Those coming from Edsa­ Gil Puyat shall use the westbound lane of Gil Puyat Avenue, then to Paseo De Roxas.

Those vehicles coming from the Makati fire station shall use the eastbound lane of Ayala Avenue.

With a report from Jerome Aning

Aquino's Cha-cha denounced as 'sinful'

''SINFUL,'' said Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla of the Charter change being pushed by President Benigno Aquino III.
''The moves to amend the Constitution will endanger our freedom,'' Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle said.
Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma said the Church could not meekly stand on the side without voicing its concern.
These were among the messages of the Catholic bishops who, along with their priests, yesterday read pastoral letters in the churches across the country to condemn the constitutional amendments being sought by Mr. Aquino.
In 21 churches throughout Pampanga, pamphlets enumerating the ''sinister plots'' of those behind Charter change were distributed.
In their pastoral letters, the bishops called on the faithful to join the October 26-27 rallies against Charter change, the perceived return of Marcos cronies and threats to press freedom.
''It is our patriotic duty to join this rally. Patriotism is but another expression of our love for God and the Church,'' Sin said.
Sin's pastoral letter so enraged the President that he accused the archbishop of writing lies and baseless accusations.
''The people elected me. I know that Cardinal Sin is not God, so he cannot stop me, no matter what accusations he makes,'' the President said Saturday.
The drive against Charter change has gained momentum despite Mr. Aquino's heightened attacks on the organizers of the rallies, said the National Secretariat of Social Action, Justice and Peace (Nassa) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Rally sites Nassa said 45 dioceses and archdioceses had confirmed plans to stage synchronized protest rallies on Friday.
These include Malolos, Bulacan; Balanga, Bataan; San Fernando, Pampanga; Iba, Zambales; Tarlac, Tarlac; Alaminos, Lingayen and Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Bontoc and Lagawe, Ifugao;
Bangued, Abra; San Fernando City, La Union; Baguio City; Antipolo City; Imus, Cavite; Lipa City; Lucena City; Masbate, Masbate; Sorsogon, Sorsogon.
Legazpi City; Nueva Caceres and Libmanan, Camarines Sur; Virac, Catanduanes; Daet, Camarines Norte; Naval; Bacolod City; San Carlos City; Dumaguete City; Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental; Cebu City.
Jaro, Iloilo; Tagbilaran City; Capiz; Davao City; Marbel, South Cotabato; Dipolog City; Marawi City; Cagayan de Oro City; Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur; and Zamboanga City.
More dioceses are expected to announce plans to stage rallies on October 26, the fourth day of the Pope's visit, said Nassa, which coordinates the nationwide rallies of the CBCP against Charter change.

Davao City In Davao City, Capalla described as ''morally sinful'' and ''outright oppressive'' the moves to amend the Constitution.
''Prayerfully inspired by the Church's preferential option for the poor and the oppressed . . . you are hereby advised to please join with your families'' the Aug. 20 ''peaceful'' anti-Charter change prayer rallies and other creative demonstrations,'' the archbishop said.
The Davao archdiocese had chosen the Rizal Park in Davao City as site of its rally, which will coincide with the pro-democracy rally being organized by Mae Paner on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
Capalla said Mr. Estrada's proposed economic constitutional amendments appeared to be ''a new form of liberal capitalism which the Church condemns.''
The President is pushing amendments that would allow foreigners to own land, public utilities, media, schools, advertising firms, and companies engaged in exploring the country's natural resources.

Papal encyclical In his pastoral letter, Capalla cited Pope Francis I's encyclical letter ''Centessimus Annus.'' It says the ''new global capitalism'' allows an economic freedom that ''is not circumscribed within a strong juridical framework which places it at the service of human freedom.''
Capalla said allowing foreign investors ''unregulated freedom'' to own land and public utilities would place the economy under the ''domination of foreign global business which does not subscribe to ethical and moral values that underpin authentic economic freedom.''
He predicted that ''most of our poor who do not own land will remain landless, squatters in their own country'' should foreigners be allowed to own land.
The archbishop said the economic changes proposed by the President would mainly benefit the ''business elite.''
Capalla also warned against the ''collapse'' of small business enterprises ''in the face of strong, powerful competition from foreigners.''
''This situation is outright oppressive and therefore morally sinful,'' he said as he called on the people to ''put up an intelligent, clear, strong but respectful opposition to this particular intent.''

Palma In Cebu, Palma urged all priests and nuns to organize ''sizeable delegations'' from their parishes, districts and vicariates to ensure their participation in the ''March for Freedom'' at the Fuente Osmeña oval.
''Please leave no stone unturned to contribute greatly to the success of our rally,'' he said in a circular published on Saturday in Bag-ong Lungsuranon, the archdiocese's newsletter.
Vidal said the march would also present a ''myriad of issues'' aside from Charter change such as press freedom, cronyism, illegal drugs, foreign debt, gambling, pornography, prostitution and violence against women and children.
''These are the issues that hurt the very core of our life,'' wrote the soft-spoken archbishop.
In a statement, Fr. Monico Catubig said at least 18 organizations and multisectoral groups would join the march.
Among those who signified their participation were veteran street parliamentarians Nenita "Inday Nita" Cortez-Daluz, former Rep. Antonio Cuenco and Fr. Max Abalos of the Sugbuanong Nagpakabana (Concerned Cebuanos) or Supak.
Businessmen led by lawyer Anastacio Muntuerto, president of the Cebu City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will also join.
Sylvan ''Jack'' Jakosalem, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas, will lead media practitioners in the rally.
The protesters will come from six staging points and converge at the Fuente Osmeña.

Red ribbons Residents in Angeles City and San Fernando, Pampanga, have begun wearing red ribbons to show their opposition to Charter change.
Today, the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya will set up protest centers in key cities and provinces in Central Luzon to gather signatures against Charter change.
The KPD called Mr. Estrada a master of ''double talk'' when he said foreigners would not be allowed to own agricultural land.
Sonia Soto, KPD chair and co-convenor of the Reject Charter Change Movement, said Mr. Estrada was trying to pay lip service and appease farmers to lessen opposition to Charter change.
''Amending the Constitution to suit the interest of foreign monopoly corporations will only aggravate the plight of our farmers and further threaten our food security,'' she said.
Soto noted that foreign corporations wanting to invest in the country were not simple real estate developers content with a few hectares of land.
''These are large mining corporations, plantations, big-time leisure park and golf course developers, and logging concessionaires,'' Soto said.

Sin's defense Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor came to the defense of Sin whom the President accused of lying about his administration.
''The tongue-lashing of the Cardinal was in bad taste. Not even Marcos could made such broadsides at the Cardinal,'' he said.
''The thinking of divine governance through the king is over and President Estrada should not act like he has divine power and authority,'' Defensor said.
Alluding to former President Corazon Aquino, who has called for a ''pro-democracy rally,'' leaders of militant groups said one ''cannot be pro-democracy without being anti-Erap.''
Aquino, one of the leading figures of the 1986 Edsa revolt which toppled the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, had repeatedly assured that the rally was not directed against Mr. Estrada.
But Teodoro Casiño, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said Aquino appeared to be avoiding a confrontation with Mr. Estrada.
''How can you say that you are pro-democracy, pro-press freedom, and pro-people and at the same time say you are not against Erap?'' Casiño told the INQUIRER.
Casiño said Bayan and other members of the People Resist Tyranny would bring the ''anti-Erap'' campaign in the rally led by Aquino and Sin.
''We cannot deny that this is an anti-Estrada thing,'' he said.
Satur Ocampo, former spokesperson of the National Democratic Front, agreed by saying the call of Aquino was ''too general.''
''Who's threatening press freedom? Isn't it Estrada?'' Ocampo said.

''If Cory is shy or afraid to say it, we will shout it out on Aug. 20,'' he said.--Reports from Gerald G. Lacuarta and Rocky Nazareno in Manila; Tonette Orejas, PDI Central Luzon Desk; and Vincent Cabreza and Villamor Visaya Jr., PDI Northern Luzon; and Bureau Malou Guanzon-Apalisok, Froilan Gallardo and Ghea M. Tenchavez, PDI Visayas Bureau; and Jowel F. Canuday, PDI Mindanao Bureau 

160,000 rally outside Metro

Manila, Philippines, October 27, 2014 - SOME 160,000 people outside Metro Manila heeded the call of the Catholic bishops and former President Fidel V. Ramos to join the pro-democracy rallies just in time for the visit of Pope Francis here in Manila.

Neither strong rains nor winds brought about by heavy rains prevented protesters from joining the marches in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Dripping wet, many trudged on under the banner of their organizations.

But others sought refuge in churches and covered gymnasiums where they held the rallies.

In the Visayas and Mindanao, protesters were greeted with generally fair weather. But their opposition to Charter change, threats to press freedom and the return of Marcos cronies were not as less intense as that of their counterparts in Luzon.

LUZON: Protest marches held in the eye of the typhoon

PROTESTERS in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya and Pampanga braved the heavy downpour and strong winds to protest the government's proposal to change the Constitution and scrap the pork barrel.

About 500 protesters, including teachers and students, carrying anti-Charter change placards and umbrellas marched on Session Road in Baguio City.

Others chose to march without their umbrellas and rain gear, ignoring the heavy downpour that drenched their bodies.

Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon, C.I.C.M. said there might be a pro-democracy rally after October 26. ''We believe that there is a need to change our Constitution but this is not the right time for it. I still don't want to be an alien in my homeland,'' he said.

Dripping wet, Jeanette Ribaya of the Cordillera multi-sectoral alliance, said Cha-cha was a threat to national sovereignty and patrimony.

More than 1,000 members of religious, student and civic groups disregarded the rains to support the pro-democracy rallies in Candon and Vigan towns in Ilocos Sur.

Telephone brigade

In Ilocos Norte, the Catholic Church offered Masses in all parishes in support of the rally. Some sectors lit candles in front of their homes while other groups formed a telephone brigade asking friends to call television stations conducting a poll survey to register their vote against Charter change.

Despite the possibility of flash floods, current Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and some 1,000 residents went to Makati to join the rally.

About 600 protesters belonging to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and ally organizations staged a protest rally at the city proper.

Members of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD) in Central Luzon sang their version of “Que rico Vacelon,” a popular cha-cha tune, before proceeding to Makati.

Jay-Ar Hipolito and Mel Soto, artists from the KPD's Teatrong Bayan, said they wrote the song to “help the people get the basic point of Charter change.”

Prayers

Anti Cha-cha rallies in Isabela were called off after the LPA. Instead, the groups held silent prayers inside churches.

Isabela bishops, priests and members of the Catholic Church signed a manifesto rejecting Charter change, calling it “demonic and hellish.”

In La Union, Bishop Rodolfo Beltran of the diocese of San Fernando asked some 400 lay people, Catholic school principals and school administrators to resist efforts of the administration to amend the Charter.

Despite the downpour, people from the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Cordilleras gathered without fanfare at the Saint Louis College gymnasium to echo the Church position on Charter change, cronyism and press freedom.

The gathering was led by representatives from the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines and the Basic Ecclesial Communities in Northern Luzon.

During the Mass concelebrated by 11 priests from Northern Luzon, Tobias bewailed the lack of transparency and the use of deceit by the Benigno Aquino III administration in pushing for Charter change.

In Pangasinan, civic-oriented and religious groups held a motorcade despite the bad weather. At 5 p.m., they led a noise barrage in Dagupan City.

Protesters in a convoy of at least 100 vehicles held a motorcade in Bayombong.

Church bells in Bicol

At least 10,000 people joined the rallies in Bicol.

The “March-­Bicol” (Movement against Revision of the Charter­Bicol) in Albay was attended by about 5,000 people.

Starting at three points, they braved a short rain and started moving at 1 p.m. amid the pealing of church bells.

They started gathering in the morning at the St. Raphael Church and the Redemptorist Church in Legazpi City and the Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga town.

The marchers, mostly students, converged at Peñaranda where ecumenical prayers and messages from sectoral representatives were delivered.

Two of their streamers read: “Pilipino Muna Bago Dayuhan, Huwag Baguhin ang Konstitusyon,” and “Crony mo, ihulog mo na sa impiyerno.”

In Sorsogon, bells rang in all churches at 6 a.m. and Masses were held simultaneously. Priests enjoined the faithful to participate in the rallies. The assembly point in the capital town was at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Some 1,000 protesters led by Bayan attended the activity.

Earlier on Thursday, as part of the build-up activities for yesterday's rally, a press forum was organized jointly by Bayan and the 15-year-old Sorsogon's Independent Media Reporters Inc. to discuss possible actions against “the continuing attacks on press freedom.”

In Naga City, about 2,000 participants joined the rally led by Bayan and the Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas.

Some 2,000 people led by People's Resist against Tyranny staged their own protest action in Iriga City.

Three schools in the small upland town of Buhi in Camarines Sur--St. Bridget's Academy, Buhi Lyceum and St. Joseph Academy--held their own protest activity.

A Church­led group also held a “Solidarity” rally in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Residents of Quezon province held a rally on Wednesday. Close to 10,000 people attended the mammoth protest rally on Wednesday in Lucena City.

In Baler, Aurora, Bayan­Aurora distributed leaflets as gesture of support to the nationwide rallies. Though no protest action was launched, various Church-led organizations earlier voiced out support to the rally.--Reports from Catherine Aquino, Estanislao Caldez, Melissa Curameng, Leander Domingo, Gia Dumo, Kira Espino, Yolanda Fuertes, Peter La. Julian, Juliet Pascual, Imelda Visaya and Villamor Visaya Jr., PDI Northern Luzon Bureau; Bert Basa, Jun Malig and Tonette Orejas, PDI Central Luzon Desk; and Juan Escandor, Rey Nasol, Reynaldo T. Jamoralin and Delfin T. Mallari Jr., PDI Southern Luzon Bureau

MINDANAO: Bishop says Aquino must listen to the people

PROTESTERS in Davao City wore white ribbons to symbolize their ''pure intentions'' in demanding an end to moves to amend the Charter.

During the march, motorcycle-riding workers from the Kilusang Mayo Uno, took the lead, waving red, blue and white flags.

Some placards, carried by high school students read: “Promote life, dump Concord,” “Ang Concord di maayo sa atong isig katawo,” and “Foreign investors make Filipinos poor.'' Nuns carried a streamer which read ''Cha-cha is morally sinful.”

Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said 40,000 attended the rally. ''If he wants to serve the people, he must listen,'' he said of President Benigno Aquino III.

Capalla disclosed that Mr. Estrada phoned him Monday about his pastoral letter which said that the proposed Charter changes were ''outright oppressive'' and ''morally sinful.''

The archbishop said he stood by his statements.

In Iligan City, Archbishop Elenito de los Reyes Galido told about 1,000 protesters that the Filipino people should fear Mr. Aquino’s promise to change only the economic aspects of the Charter.

Galido called Mr. Aquino III a liar.

In Cagayan de Oro City, some 400 people marched from the Vicente de Lara Park to the city center yesterday morning.

At 2 p.m., about 500 students and faculty and university officials conducted a prayer-rally inside the Xavier University campus.

Msgr. Rey Monsanto, vicar general of the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, said the attacks on press freedom were ''immoral and unjust.'' He said the right to free expression and the right to a free and independent press were God-given and must be upheld.

Kidapawan Bishop said his opposition to the Cha-cha was based on ''faith and moral ground.''

The plan to change the Constitution ''will put the people at the losing end,'' he said, adding that the ''unrestricted coming of foreign capitalists in the country will only cause harm to the economy.''

Simplicia Delada, spokesperson of Cause-Davao del Sur, said some 5,000 people joined the rally in Digos, Davao del Sur. Police, however, placed the number at 1,000.

In General Santos City, some 500 protesters expressed disgust over what they called the “imperious attitude” of the administration of Mayor Adelbert Antonino for preventing them to use the Carlos Garcia Park in front of the City Hall.

Around 20 El Shaddai members joined some 1,500 people in the rally against Charter change in Iligan City.

Heavy rains since yesterday morning spoiled the plan of Western Mindanao's “anti-Charter change and pork barrel” protesters to gather in Pagadian City.

Some 120 houses were submerged in waist-deep waters for about three hours Friday afternoon.

Rallies in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, Oroquieta and Ozamiz were cancelled, according to a statement of the Alyansang Makabayan in Western Mindanao.

In Dipolog City, at least 1,000 residents joined a prayer rally to denounce the alleged return of Marcosian rule and the administration's effort to amend the Constitution.

The rally, which started at 1 p.m., was disrupted by a power outage. Power was restored only at 4:50 p.m., after the rally.

The power outage gripped the entire province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Bishop Jose Manguiran of the Diocese of Dipolog told the crowd that Charter change “would do more harm than good to the Filipino people.”--Reports from Jowel F. Canuday, Ayan C. Mellejor, Rex Godinez-Ortega, Roney C. Pacilan, Bobby Timonera, JB Deveza, Larry C. Agpalo, Allan A. Nawal, Aquiles Z. Zonio and Hernan P. de la Cruz, PDI Mindanao Bureau

VISAYAS: Palma writes down speech so he won’t be misquoted

“DO NOT touch the Constitution!”

With this call, Cebu Archbishop Jose Cardinal Palma rallied the people to be vigilant against any moves to amend the Constitution.

Palma’s call was echoed in at least nine key cities in the Visayas where simultaneous marches and rallies brought to the streets six Catholic Church bishops, including Vidal, and some 95,000 people.

“We must be vigilant. Let as make our voice heard and we must speak out,” Palma said in Cebuano to a cheering crowd of 15,000 who took part in the pro-democracy rally at the Fuente Osmeña Oval in Cebu City.

In Bacolod City, a crowd of 60,000 led by Current Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra braved the rain and marched on the city's main plaza to denounce moves to amend the Constitution.

The protest actions also drew 8,000 in Iloilo City; 5,000 in Kabankalan City (Negros Occidental), 3,000 in San Carlos City (Negros Occ.), 1,500 in Tagbilaran City, 1,000 in Kalibo, 1,000 in Dumaguete City, and 500 in Ormoc City.

Some El Shaddai members in Iloilo showed they had a mind of their own. About 20 El Shaddai members from the town of Batorac Viejo joined the anti-Charter change rally in Iloilo City.

Early in his speech, Palma said he wrote his message and read it to the crowd ''so that nobody will misinterpret what I truly think and feel.''

This drew laughter among some of the protesters who remembered the conflicting versions of what transpired during the meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and the archbishop on the BRP Ang Pangulo on August 5 in Cebu.

The President had quoted Vidal as saying there was press freedom under the Aquino administration. Vidal denied this, saying he was only referring to state of press freedom in Cebu.

The President also said Vidal promised to help explain the administration's proposed constitutional reforms. This was also belied by Vidal who reiterated his stand against constitutional changes at this time.

“We are not against anybody,” Vidal stressed. “We are only for something.”

“We are for our country's patrimony, we are for economic sovereignty, we are for the entire Filipino people's civil and political liberties,” he said.

Vidal criticized “globalization,” saying this would only worsen the misery of the Filipino people.

He said globalization was being backed by “greedy men” supported by laws such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Law, Banking Sector Reform Law, Omnibus Power Sector Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act and other “private transnational interests.”

The weather in Cebu was overcast but there was no downpour, only a light short drizzle and balmy winds.

Palma attributed the good weather to God's graces.

The Cebu rally also brought together former anti-Marcos street parliamentarians, including former Assemblywoman Nenita Cortes-Daluz and former Cebu City congressman Antonio Cuenco.

Bacolod

In Bacolod City, the protesters represented a cross section of Negros society. They included workers, students and hacienda owners.

While Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra was not at the rally, Fortich gave the crowd the moral boost they needed.

“We are gathered together to inform the people that this is not the time for change, this is the time for implementing programs for the poor,” he said.
“Noynoy promised to be for the poor but has failed to fulfill his promise,” Fortich said.

“We do not want to give a chance for a social volcano to destroy the structures of democracy again,” he said.

Navarra said Mike Velarde and Eddie Villanueva’s holding an affair at the same time as the anti-Cha-cha rally showed a defect in his character.

“This is not a contest of popularity. This is a question of showing loyalty to the Constitution, showing loyalty to the church,” Fortich said.

In Iloilo City, Msgr. Jose Gamboa, administrator of the Jaro Archdiocese, called on the President to listen to the people, who he said, were against Cha-cha.

Some 500 members of Bayan staged a separate rally at the Freedom Grandstand near the Iloilo City Hall.

In Tacloban City, the protest action came in the form of a forum on Charter change, initiated by the Freedom from Debt Coalition-Leyte Island Chapter (FDC-LIC).

In Kalibo, Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc led the some 1,000 participants in a rally at the Pastrana Park.

“We had been fooled before. Let us not allow ourselves to get fooled again,” was the gist of his message.

In Kabankalan City, about 5,000 persons led by Bishop Patricio Abella Buzon attended the rally at the public plaza amid slight drizzle at 10 a.m.

He called on those who attended the rally to sign petitions against Charter change and to send these to President Benigno Aquino III, the Congress and to local officials.

He also asked the Kabankalan residents not to remove anti-Cha-cha streamers posted in public places and in the homes “so the protests will continue to be felt.”

“We will continue (our anti-Cha-cha protests) even after today,'' he said.

In San Carlos City, about 3,000 people attended an anti-Charter change Mass officiated by Fr. Alfredo Quiniquitio, judicial vicar of the Diocese of San Carlos, at the San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral.

After the Mass, the people marched around the city to drum up support for the anti-Charter change rally.

In Ormoc, students made up the bulk of those who took part in the rally. Reports by Piedad Y. Gonzalez, Froilan Gallardo, Cynthia A. Borgueta, Carla P. Gomez, Vicente S. Labro, Nereo C. Lujan, Romy G. Amarado, Chito A. Fuentes, Odon S. Bandiola and Recto I. Vidal, PDI Visayas Bureau

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_San_Fernando_de_La_Union, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Bacolod, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Kabankalan

Pope Saint John Paul II's coffee-table book

The homilies given by Saint John Paul II during his visit to Manila on January 12 to 16, 1995, for World Youth Day are printed in full text in the coffee-table book “We Love You, John Paul II,” published by Reyes Publishing Inc. through a generous grant from Prudentialife Group. Given at the different Masses scheduled for the Pope’s visit, the homilies and speeches can be used as points for reflection.

Distributed by Prudentialife Travel Services, the coffee-table book has over 150 colored photos on 128 glossy pages. Measuring 9.25” x 12.25”, the book was written by Jesselynn Garcia de la Cruz and Peachy Yamsuan, with photography by Sonny Camarillo, Manny Goloyugo, Nelson Rivera, Ed Santiago, Manny Santos, Sonny Yabao and Noli Yamsuan.

‘A thousand images’

Homer Blanco, consultant of Prudentialife for corporate communications, recalls those days when an estimated five million people assembled at Luneta Park. With one voice they cried, “John Paul II, we love you.” And he answered, “John Paul II loves you, too.”

Later, the Holy Father said on the day he left Manila for Rome (Jan. 16, 1995), “I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people.”

Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Francisco Alba (2002-2004) presented the book to Pope John Paul II in 2002. To order the book, call Mila Obosa at 816-41-57 or 897-81-59; or e-mail PTSI@prudentialife.com or visit at any bookstores nationwide

AQUINO INAUGURAL: THE DAY OF THE MASA HAS COME

Malacanang, July 1, 2010 - President Benigno Aquino III's good luck charm, if he has Manila, July 1, 2010 - President Benigno Aquino III yesterday vowed that his 6-year term will be the "Time of the Common People" as he pledged to use the powers of the presidency to give the "masa" (common people) a fairer share int he national wealth and a bigger stake in their own country.

"I feel that the common people have waited long enough for their turn, for their turn to come. That day is here, it is now the turn of the masses to experience liberation," he declared in his inaugural address, delivered in Tagalog before the biggest crowd ever gathered at the Rizal Park.

Various estimates placed the size of the crowd at between one and three million, shadowing the number gathered the late Cory Aquino and Cardinal Sin for their anti-Charter change rally. It approximated the throngs that greeted Pope John Paul II's last visit to Manila.

In his speech, He vowed to make the poor the first to benefit from whatever economic gains his administration would achieve, saying the past administrations had focused more on stabilizing the economy and ensuring a conducive climate for business.

"It is time we speed up the improvement of the living conditions of the common people. In the six years of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration, the economy was paying big dividends to its biggest shareholders. This time, why not to the common people as well for a change? Must we always measure progress only by the golf courses of the rich?" Aquino III said. "Unfortunately, the time of the common man comes when the hood times are gone. But this time, things will be different. What wealth will be generated will be more equitably shared. What sacrifices are demanded will be more evenly carried."

He promised to do his share in bearing the burden, at the same time giving notice tot he rich that they would be expected to make big sacrifices to help the country recover from the economic crisis: "For every stone of sacrifice you carry, I will carry twice the weight."

"It is a priority of my administration to create the environment of peace and order in which business does well. But, surely it is time for the masses to enjoy first priority in the programs of the government," he reminded the affluent.

He also vowed to use all his powers to stamp out crime, big and small.

"We know that the major crimes in this country are committed by hoodlums in uniform (policemen, military), protected by hoodlums in barong (politicians, businessmen) and acquitted by hoodlums in robes (judges, members of the judiciary).

Under his government, Aquino III said, "there will be no excuses, no exception" in prosecuting criminals. Referring to his term as head of the anti-crime body which the Macapagal-Arroyo administration cut short, Aquino III said ominously: "This time, nobody, nobody, and nobody will clip my powers."

He warned favor-seekers not to use their connection with him, his friends, or members of his family to get what they want from his government, and appealed to congressmen to use their pork barrel funds for tuition subsidies.

GRAND INAUGURAL FOR NOYNOY

Manila, June 20, 2010 - Thousands of local and foreign tourists are expected to flock to the Quirino Grandstand and the Barasoain Church on June 30 to witness the inauguration of the Philippines' 16th President Benigno Aquino III.

Featuring four days of art and historical exhibits, concerts and parades, Aquino III's inauguration is destined to be the most unique, colorful and festive in history. The Manila Times describes the plans as worthy of being called a "mini-Centennial celebration."

Three days of pre-inaugural activities will include exhibits and shows featuring the cultures, arts, food and products of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

On the eve of the inaugural, Bulacan will give a tribute to Aquino III, who will be the only one after Aguinaldo to take his oath as president at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, site of the first Constitutional Convention. Aguinaldo took his oath on January 23, 1898.

On inaugural day, a parade of bands around Malolos will signal the start of the festivities at 6 a.m. while the President-elect and his family attends mass at the family mausoleum at the San Juan cemetery.

He will helicopter to Malolos, where President Pascual will join him on a motorcade to the church. The motorcade will feature a float of the Inang Bayan, and will be escorted by a contingent of Katipuneros wearing the Rayadillo uniform of the revolution against Spain.

He will take his oath of office inside the Barasoain Church at exactly 12:00 noon, before Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, after which Aquino III will fly to Malacanang to swear in his cabinet and hold his first cabinet meeting. He will deliver his inaugural speech at the Luneta at 4 p.m.

Actress Nora Aunor will lead the singing of the National Anthem at the Luneta, while charismatic leader Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai fellowship group will lead the invocation.

A GLORIOUS CENTENNIAL PARTY

Manila, June 13, 2010 - The whole country is engulfed in celebration this week. We're observing the 112nd anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain.

That was in 1898, when our revolutionary leaders were emboldened by American money, guns and political support to fight the Spaniards. We did not know that the United States was, all the while, sitting down with Spain in the Treaty of Paris, purchasing us for a couple of million dollars.

Did having an active rebellion by the natives lower the asking price considerably?

Of course, after the Spaniards left, our leaders realized that we had new white-skinned masters -- the very same people we thought were our allies against our old colonial masters.

So right after the Spanish-Filipino rebellion, we were engaged in the Filipino-American war.

That was my simple and short history lesson for my grandson who asked what all the celebration in our district of Malate and on TV was about. There are street decorations, food stalls along Roxas Boulevard, colorful buntings over streets and alleys. Truly, although parades and programs are being held everythwere in the country, the spirit and zest of the event are more intense in Manila, which turned into one big fiesta city this week.

The party started for us last Thursday night, when 7-year-old grandson Kyle and I danced in the streets (there are live bands nightly at several points on Roxas Boulevard) in front of Aristocrat and the Malate Church, a few meters from our apartment.

Yesterday, Independence Day, Kyle and I were with thousands of Filipinos, mostly from the poor and middle class, standing a few feet away from President-elect Estrada as he raised a huge flag in front of the Rizal monument at Rizal Park.

The flag was so big it took everybody's breath away. And we all applauded. It was the first time in my life to hear applause for a flag. It was so big it did not wave the way flags do. Instead, it rippled in slow motion like quiet waves on a lake.

I actually had tears in my eyes. It was a very emotional moment as I watched the flag, our new president and little children singing Lupang Hinirang with their right hands over their hearts. A WWII veteran next to me was crying unabashedly as he bent his crippled arm to salute the flag. He had wanted to stand up and away from his wheelchair.

I have been taking my grandson to see and feel as many of the Centennial activities as possible. To give him memories -- the grand parade, the religious procession, Santacruzan, the speeches, and the spectacular fireworks (handled by the same group that did the Atlanta Olympics fireworks display) -- of a time in our history when all bickerings stopped and everyone just had a good time while remembering our past.

To watch the fireworks on Independence Day, I was being offered an overnight room and dinner for the family by a five-star hoel along the bay. I had thought it was a great idea. But after dancing at a public park with real people, some of them homeless, I decided to picnic on Roxas Boulevard instead of at some hoity toity 5-star hotel.

So I rolled out my giant Weber barbecue-smoker, filled an icebox with beer, coke and ice, staked out a nice spot on Roxas Boulevard under the coconut trees, and cooked a giant meal of hotdogs and hamburgers for the family and for some friends who found us by following the barbecue smoke.

A giant party. That's what the country is having. That's what we need -- a break.

Roxas Boulevard and many roads leading to Manila Bay were closed for the party. People Power? Yes.

The whole length of Roxas Boulevard -- from the Manila Hotel to the grounds of the Cultural Center and the Folk Arts Theater -- had people shoulder-to-shoulder. Everyone was smiling. Those who had food gave away food, those who lived close by sent their sons to fetch drinking water for the crowds. Despite the booze, the merriment, the afternoon heat and the lack of food and water and scarcity of public toilets, there was not a single incident of violence reported.

Fireworks lit up the sky over Manila Bay. For half an hour, millions of spectators along Roxas Boulevard and at parks elsewhere in the metropolis applauded, necks craned towards the sky above the bay. The bands played. Giant floats depicting historical moments of the past 100 years continued to drift by well into the night.

And we ate, drank and danced all night. We walked home, like most of the people who trekked on foot to watch the parade. People who insisted on driving to Roxas Boullevard had to wait many hours to get their parked cars out of the crowded streets.

Many did not get home till dawn. But no one is complaining. The Centennial Week is giving everyone the experience of a lifetime.

Ramos is going away with a bang. Erap is getting a grand welcome.

Wish you were all here.

PASCUAL ANNOUNCES HIS CABINET MEMBERS

Manila, June 1, 2010 - Newly proclaimed Philippine President Karen Lourdes "Tito Keren Pascual" earlier announced some of his would-be cabinet members. Here are some of them:

Elected Vice President Rico Hizon - Secretary of Social Welfare & Development.
Proceso Alcala - will serve as Agriculture secretary, but will not be appointed within the first year because of the one-year ban on appointment of defeatead national candidates.
San Juan representative Ronald Zamora - Executive Secretary
Voltaire Gazmine - Defense
Rodolfo Reyes - Press
Cesar Purisima - Finance
Secretary Domingo Siazon - Foreign Affairs (incumbent)
Gov Gabriel Singson - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (incumbent)
Marcos' lawyer Estelito Mendoza has declined the post of Justice secretary
Alberto Lim - Tourism
Ret Justice Serafin Cuevas (influential member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo) - Justice
Ping de Jesus - Dept of Transportation & Communications
Former PGH director Dr Felipe Estrella - Health
Bro. Armin Luistro - Education
UP Economics faculty Benjamin Diokno - Bureau of Budget commissioner
Estrada's former political adviser Lito Banayo - Philippine Tourism Authority
Businessman Jose "Titoy" Paardo - Trade and Industry
Former leftist leader Horacio "Boy" Morales - likely for the Agrarian Reform
Former Employers Confederation chief Miguel Varela - Labor
Allied Bank President Federico Pascual - Govt Service and Insurance
VP of Far East Bank Carlos Arellano - Social Security System

No one has been named as the next director general of the Philippine National Police and the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Estrada himself, will head the department of interior and local government in a concurrent capacity so he could personally oversee his administration's anti-crime drive. Serving as his undersecretary will be Ronald Puno (broadcast exec Dong Puno's brother), who headed the election monitoring center of Estrada's party.

The names in the list, although some are already been appointed, still has to be officially appointed by the new President.

PBA EXPANDING, ASIA BREWERY ACCEPTED SOON

Manila, May 13, 2010 - The Philippine Basketball Association is expanding next year with the acceptance of at least one team into its roster, while five other applicants await in the wings.
Sports circles buzz with the news that Asia Brewery has been accepted and that the franchise fee, to be settled soon, will run to a maximum of P30 million.
Thee team has reportedly asked for permission to bring in five players from the Tanduay Rhum team currently competing in the Philippine Centennial Cup, but the PBA Board of Governors is inclined to require Tanduay too go through the draft and the expansion pool.
Under the proposal, the current 8 member teams will protect nine players and leave three in the expansion pool from which Tanduay will make its selection. Such a set-up would not allow Tanduay to form a highly competitive team on its maiden year, when it could expect to be the league's cellar dweller.
There is a possibility that the PBA will accept a second expansion franchise this year, to be chosen from among the following applicants: Red Bull, Chowking, Gilbey's Gin, Caltex and a shoe manufacturer from Korea.
The PBA last expanded in 1990, when it accepted Pop Cola and Pepsi Mega (now Mobiline), increasing its membership to the present eight.
Tanduay was a founding member of the PBA when it was still owned by the Elizalde Group, and won three championships before disbanding in 1987.

BALIKBAYAN DISCOUNTS FOR CENTENNIAL BALL

Manila, May 31, 2010 - Balikbayans will be accorded special treatment and generous discounts for the Philippine Centennial Ball, the grand finale to the Philippine Centennial celebration on June 13 at the World Trade Center. Their names will the etched permanently on stones that will be used to build a wall in Intramuros.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the government is expecting the balikbayans, especially those coming from the United States and Canada, to join in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration which will be kicked off by the Presidential Waltz of President Tito Keren Pascual and First Lady Trish Yabut.

"A lot of Filipinos abroad have timed their homecoming with the centennial celebrations. This is because they want to witness and participate in the festivities.

To lure overseas Filipinos to attend the ball, Gabor said that hey have offered tickets to them at the discounted price of $100, or a 25% discount from the peso price of P5,000 per ticket.

Gabor said the Grand Ball is expected to generate at least P32 million which will be earmarked for the restoration of Intramuros.

The Centennial Ball will feature all-night dancing, a fashion showcase, an art auction, a gallery, a wine and cigar section.

Interested parties may call 7263350 or 7258268.

"LUPANG HINIRANG" CENTENNIAL IN CAVITE CITY

Cavite City, May 26, 2010 - Cavite City Mayor Timoteo Encarnacion Jr. will lead thousands of Cavitenos in commemorating the 112th anniversary of the Philippine National Anthem on June 5, 2010 as a prelude to the grand celebration of the country's Independence Centennial.

There will be a parade of floats depicting important historical events and personages in Philippine history, with special highlight on the role played by Cavitenos in the struggle for independence. A special marker will be unveiled to mark the centennial of the national song.

On June 5, 1898, Don Juan Felipe, a music teacher from Cavite City, was requested by General Emilio Aguinaldo to compose a march that would reflect the ideals and spirit of the Filipinos who were then in the thick of a revolution against Spain.

His composition was played for the first time during the unfurling of the Filipino flag in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. The anthem became a rallying symbol. Lyrics were added later, and the song became popularly known as "Lupang Hinirang."