IF plans pull through, President Aquino will share bread and fish with the millions of members of the El Shaddai when the charismatic group celebrates its leader Mike Velarde's birthday on August 20.
The anniversary celebration of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International which is excepted every August since 1985 to draw up to 15 million devotees from all over the Philippines, including Metro Manila, composed of the City of Manila and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros, Ilocos Region, composed of Laoag City and the Province of Ilocos Norte, Vigan and the Province of Ilocos Sur and Province of Abra, Batac City and Candon City, Cagayan Valley including the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, Parts of Benguet are Municipalities of Itogon, Kabayan and Bokod, Ifugao are Municipalities of Tinoc, Asipulo, Lamut, Lagawe, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista, Parts of Mountain Province are Municipalities of Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis, Parts of Apayao are Municipalities of Santa Marcela, Flora and Conner and Parts of Kalinga are Municipalities of Pinukpuk and Rizal, northern Luzon including San Fernando City and Province of La Union, Baguio City and Province of Benguet, Banaue and Province of Ifugao, Sagada and Mountain Province, Kabugao and Province of Apayao, Tabuk and Province of Kalinga, Northern Parts of Ilocos Sur are Municipalities of Tagudin, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Cervantes, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar and San Emilio and Parts of Pangasinan are Municipalities of San Fabian, Sison, San Manuel and San Nicolas, North and Central Luzon including Dagupan City and Province of Pangasinan, Tarlac City and Province of Tarlac, Cabanatuan City and Province of Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City and Province of Zambales, Baler and Province of Aurora, San Fernando City and Province of Pampanga, Balanga City and Province of Bataan, Malolos City and Province of Bulacan, Southern Luzon areas including Provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, Naga City and province of Camarines Sur, provinces of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, Legazpi City and Province of Albay, provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, Visayas areas including: Cebu City and Province of Cebu, Dumaguete City and Province of Negros Oriental, island-provinces of Siquijor and Bohol, 4th and 5th Districts of Leyte, Ormoc City, province of Southern Leyte, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental and Parts of Negros Oriental, provinces of Aklan and Antique, Roxas City and province of Capiz, Iloilo City and Province of Iloilo, island province of Guimaras, Tacloban City, provinces of Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands, Mindanao areas including Southern Mindanao, composed of Davao City and provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, General Santos City and provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, Central Mindanao areas including Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Basilan, Northern Mindanao areas including Cagayan de Oro City and Province of Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City and Province of Misamis Occidental, Iligan City and Province of Lanao del Norte, Marawi City and Province of Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City and Province of Bukidnon, Dipolog City and Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Province of Zamboanga del Sur and Province of Camiguin, Zamboanga Peninsula including Zamboanga City, Isabela City and Province of Basilan, Ipil and Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and CARAGA including: Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Tandag City, Bayugan City, Cabadbaran City, Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, 20 million participants all over the United States of America, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and 500 million participants all over the world, including 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 to converge on the Quiapo Church or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Plaza Miranda, Port Area and Rizal Park's Quirino Grandstand in downtown Manila.
The annual anniversary overnight celebration of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. is held since August 1985 and it covered by national newspapers, local radio and television stations since 1986 and social media since 2008.
In August 1984, Bro. Mike invited his listeners for a Thanksgiving Mass and Healing Rally that was held in front of the DWXI Radio Station Compound on Sunday, August 19, 1984 nearest his 45th birthday, August 20. About one thousand people attended the affair and experienced the miracle-working power of God!
Encouraged by the success of the rally, Bro. Mike scheduled a monthly Mass and Healing Rally at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque. 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 Queensway Building (owned by Bro. Mike) at 118 Amorsolo St. in Makati City.
After a while, Bro. Mike 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 “El Shaddai,” 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.
El Shaddai, a Hebrew word, when translated to English meant "The God Who Is More than Enough." The Good News Bible translated El Shaddai as "God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1/35:11). Shortly, he heard the song "El Shaddai" over Radio DWXI itself:
El Shaddai, el shaddai
El-elyon na adonai
Age to age you're still the same
By the power of the name
El shaddai, el shaddai
Erkamka na adonai
We will praise and lift you high
El Shaddai
Through your love and through the ram
You saved the son of Abraham
Through the power of your hand
You turned the sea into dry land
To the outcast on her knees
You were the God who really sees
And by your might
You set your children free
El shaddai, el shaddai
El-elyon na adonia
Age to age you're still the same
By the power of the name
El shaddai, el shaddai
Erkamka na adonai
We will praise and lift you high
El shaddai
Through the years you've made it clear
That the time of Christ was near
Though the people couldn't see
What Messiah ought to be
Though your word contained the plan
They just couldn't understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of your son
El shaddai, el shaddai
El-elyon na adonai
Age to age you're still the same
By the power of the name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai
Erkamka na adonai
I will praise you 'till I die, El Shaddai
El shaddai, el shaddai
El-elyon na adonai
Age to age you're still the same
By the power of the name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai
Erkamka na adonai
I will praise you 'till I die, El Shaddai
El shaddai, el shaddai
El-elyon na adonai
Age to age you're still the same
By the power of the name
El Shaddai, El Shaddai
Erkamka na adonai
I will praise you 'till I die, El Shaddai
I will praise you 'till I die...El Shaddai.
At this point, he realized that God wanted His Holy and Almighty Name to be proclaimed and made known throughout the world. He thus changed the title of his radio program to "El Shaddai."
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the weekly fellowship came to be called the DWXI Prayer Partners Family Appointment with El Shaddai, since Radio DWXI was the broadcast medium, he and his first listeners became prayer-partners, and El Shaddai 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 DWXI 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 "El Shaddai" and the Mass and Healing Rallies. Some prayer- partners even volunteered to serve without compensation.
Inspired by the outcome of events, Bro. Mike thought it was time to formally organize the community. Thus, the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, Inc. was established, which in due time was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was organized, primarily, as an institution where Bro. Mike 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 charismatic community, especially the radio programs of DWXI and the Mass and Healing 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 El Shaddai that his radio listeners came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and were receiving answers to their prayer-requests.
In 1988, the first overseas chapter of the Foundation was established in Hong Kong. It started when Bro. Mike, who was then in Hong Kong for a vacation, was invited to share the Word of God before a Filipino Prayer Group at the St. Joseph Church on May 15. After the meeting, a group of seven Filipino prayer-partners working there and who were at the affair bonded together and held their initial prayer-meeting at the Jones Health Club, a gym formerly owned by Bro. Kenneth and Sister Tessie Wong at North Point, drawing thirty persons. On August 7, the group invited Bro. Mike, together with Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba, OFM, for a Mass and Healing Rally at the St. Joseph Church Hall. The rally was such a success that it paved the way for the formation of the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Hong Kong Chapter with a core group of seven persons on August 21. On November 20, the first healing rally under the chapter's banner was held at the Christ the King Chapel of the St. Paul's College. An estimated 800 people attended the affair. The chapter increased in number as the years passed that venues for its succeeding anniversaries were held in bigger ones from the Caritas Hall in Central, Hong Kong to Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Ko Shan Theater in Kowloon, Hong Kong Coliseum, Kai Tak International Airport, and Hong Kong Stadium. At the chapter's 11th anniversary at the Hong Kong Stadium in November 1999, approximately forty thousand people attended the affair.
From 1989 to present, other chapters were formed in Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Macau, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, U.A.E., United Kingdom, USA and Yemen. These were formed by Filipino prayer-partners working abroad, who were motivated by the desire to bear witness to the love and goodness of El Shaddai. With the emergence of the chapters abroad, the corporate name registered with the SEC was amended to El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
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 Bacani Jr., DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and Overall Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) in the Archdiocese of Manila, invited Bro. Mike 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 Bro. Mike, 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. Mike. This event paved the way for the recognition of the chapters of the Foundation by several dioceses and parishes of the Roman Catholic Church. It also initiated the launching of its Back-to-the-Parish program. As you read on, you will discover how the Foundation has grown dramatically through the years.
On August 17 to 18, 1985, during its First Anniversary at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque City, about five thousand people witnessed and experienced the miracle touch of El Shaddai.
Some eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary of the Foundation at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on August 24, 1986. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staff 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 Foundation was celebrated with an Overnight Mass and Healing Rally at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 1987. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.
Because of the phenomenal growth of the Foundation, its Fourth Anniversary was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20 to 21, 1988, where an estimated half a million people packed the venue. It was the biggest crowd so far gathered by a particular group in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines. The testimonies on the healing and miraculous power of Psalm 91 inspired some prayer-partners to have the Psalm printed on handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become an instrument of God's healing and miracles among the prayer-partners worldwide.
The Third Anniversary Celebration of the Foundation was celebrated with an Overnight Mass and Healing Rally at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 1987. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.
Because of the phenomenal growth of the Foundation, its Fourth Anniversary was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20 to 21, 1988, where an estimated half a million people packed the venue. It was the biggest crowd so far gathered by a particular group in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines. The testimonies on the healing and miraculous power of Psalm 91 inspired some prayer-partners to have the Psalm printed on handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become an instrument of God's healing and miracles among the prayer-partners worldwide.
As early as 9:00 a.m. of Saturday, August 19, 1989, members and followers of the Foundation began trooping to the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila to participate in its Fifth Anniversary. By midnight, August 20, 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 El Shaddai. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, led the Holy Mass.
From August 18 to 19, 1990, the Sixth Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Buendia Ext., Pasay City. In attendance were thousands of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit as they praised and worshipped El Shaddai and listened to His Word despite a storm which flooded some parts of the venue with knee-deep water.
The scenario of the Seventh Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Pasay City, from August 17 to 18, 1991, was identical to that of its Sixth 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 Eight Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, from August 22 to 23, 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.
Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the Ninth Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21 to 22, 1993. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.
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 Tenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the national park from August 20 to 21, 1994. The participants crowded the 50-hectare 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.
The Eleventh Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Ave. Ext., Pasay City, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Buendia Avenue Extension was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.
His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Twelfth Anniversary of the Foundation at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 17-18. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani , a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the “Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith.”
The Thirteenth Anniversary of the was celebrated at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 23 to 24, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Fidel V. Ramos, the guest of honor.
On the occasion of its 14th Anniversary, the Foundation held an overnight fellowship at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 1998, with the theme: "New Heart, New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). The affair was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Over three million people from Metro Manila, the provinces, and abroad joined the celebration, which started at four o'clock in the afternoon. Several priests expounded the theme of the mission of the Foundation which is "Faith, Love, and Unity." During the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant, a mass wedding was officiated, wherein thirty-seven couples, who had been living as common-law husbands and wives, finally tied the knot. Sister Belen del Monte-Velarde, wife of Bro. Mike, shared with the crowd her experience about the successful quadruple heart bypass operation of Bro. Mike in the USA in July 1998. The anniversary was also attended by a number of government officials led by His Excellency President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The President, together with Vice-President Arroyo and Bro. Mike, led the symbolical lighting of a miniature radio transmitter tower, which ushered the re-launching of DWXI (1314 kHz) AM radio, now broadcasting with an increased power of 30 kW from its previous 15 kW power in 1994. The radio station started broadcasting with a power of 9 kW in 1981.
Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 15th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Joseph E. Estrada, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Lady Eloisa Ejercito Estrada, MD. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Blas Ople; several congressmen led by House Speaker Manny Villar; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21-22, 2004. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.
On the occasion of the Eight Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, from August 22 to 23, 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.
Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the Ninth Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21 to 22, 1993. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.
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 Tenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the national park from August 20 to 21, 1994. The participants crowded the 50-hectare 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.
The Eleventh Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Ave. Ext., Pasay City, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Buendia Avenue Extension was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.
His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Twelfth Anniversary of the Foundation at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 17-18. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani , a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the “Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith.”
The Thirteenth Anniversary of the was celebrated at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 23 to 24, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Fidel V. Ramos, the guest of honor.
On the occasion of its 14th Anniversary, the Foundation held an overnight fellowship at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 1998, with the theme: "New Heart, New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). The affair was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Over three million people from Metro Manila, the provinces, and abroad joined the celebration, which started at four o'clock in the afternoon. Several priests expounded the theme of the mission of the Foundation which is "Faith, Love, and Unity." During the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant, a mass wedding was officiated, wherein thirty-seven couples, who had been living as common-law husbands and wives, finally tied the knot. Sister Belen del Monte-Velarde, wife of Bro. Mike, shared with the crowd her experience about the successful quadruple heart bypass operation of Bro. Mike in the USA in July 1998. The anniversary was also attended by a number of government officials led by His Excellency President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The President, together with Vice-President Arroyo and Bro. Mike, led the symbolical lighting of a miniature radio transmitter tower, which ushered the re-launching of DWXI (1314 kHz) AM radio, now broadcasting with an increased power of 30 kW from its previous 15 kW power in 1994. The radio station started broadcasting with a power of 9 kW in 1981.
Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 15th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Joseph E. Estrada, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Lady Eloisa Ejercito Estrada, MD. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Blas Ople; several congressmen led by House Speaker Manny Villar; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21-22, 2004. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.
For the second time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about three million people joined the 21st Anniversary Celebration of El Shaddai at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila from August 20-21, 2005. The participants crowded the 50-hectare 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. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over IBC TV-13. Before noon of August 20, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his 66th birthday. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his 66th birthday and for the 21st anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Gentlemen Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon; several congressmen led by House Speaker Jose de Venecia; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
The 22nd Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.
Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor during the 23rd Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park from August 18 to 19. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani and the choirs are ______________, a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the "Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith."
Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor during the 23rd Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park from August 18 to 19. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani and the choirs are ______________, a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the "Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith."
The 24th Anniversary of the was celebrated at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park from August 17 to 18, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor.
On the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, the Foundation held an overnight fellowship at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 2009, with the theme: "New Heart, New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). The affair was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Over three million people from Metro Manila, the provinces, and abroad joined the celebration, which started at four o'clock in the afternoon. Several priests expounded the theme of the mission of the Foundation which is "Faith, Love, and Unity." During the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant, a mass wedding was officiated, wherein thirty-seven couples, who had been living as common-law husbands and wives, finally tied the knot.
The anniversary was also attended by a number of government officials led by His Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice-President Noli de Castro. The President, together with Vice-President de Castro and Bro. Mike, led the cutting-ribbon ceremony in which ushered the opening of El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Paranaque City on August 20, 2009.
Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 26th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Sonny Belmonte; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 5000 couples who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 27th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20 to 21, 2011. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the members of the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Sonny Belmonte; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
The anniversary celebration of El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI every year is beamed aired live nationwide via satellite on television over ABS-CBN Channel 2, PTV-4, ABC Channel 5, GMA Channel 7, RPN Channel 9 and IBC Channel 13 and on radio DZXL RMN Manila 558, DZBB Radyo Bisig-Bayan 594, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZRH 666 and DZRV Radio Veritas 846.
Another group policemen will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the annual anniversary overnight celebration of the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai.
Chief Superintendent Isagani Genabe Jr., Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.
He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Friday, August 19 up to 6 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, August 21.
''We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,'' Fernandez said in another briefing.
Some 3 million people, consisting mostly from Metro Manila, composed of the City of Manila and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros, Ilocos Region, composed of Laoag City and the Province of Ilocos Norte, Vigan and the Province of Ilocos Sur and Province of Abra, Batac City and Candon City, Cagayan Valley including the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, Parts of Benguet are Municipalities of Itogon, Kabayan and Bokod, Ifugao are Municipalities of Tinoc, Asipulo, Lamut, Lagawe, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista, Parts of Mountain Province are Municipalities of Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis, Parts of Apayao are Municipalities of Santa Marcela, Flora and Conner and Parts of Kalinga are Municipalities of Pinukpuk and Rizal, northern Luzon including San Fernando City and Province of La Union, Baguio City and Province of Benguet, Banaue and Province of Ifugao, Sagada and Mountain Province, Kabugao and Province of Apayao, Tabuk and Province of Kalinga, Northern Parts of Ilocos Sur are Municipalities of Tagudin, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Cervantes, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar and San Emilio and Parts of Pangasinan are Municipalities of San Fabian, Sison, San Manuel and San Nicolas, North and Central Luzon including Dagupan City and Province of Pangasinan, Tarlac City and Province of Tarlac, Cabanatuan City and Province of Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City and Province of Zambales, Baler and Province of Aurora, San Fernando City and Province of Pampanga, Balanga City and Province of Bataan, Malolos City and Province of Bulacan, Southern Luzon areas including Provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, Naga City and province of Camarines Sur, provinces of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, Legazpi City and Province of Albay, provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, Visayas areas including: Cebu City and Province of Cebu, Dumaguete City and Province of Negros Oriental, island-provinces of Siquijor and Bohol, 4th and 5th Districts of Leyte, Ormoc City, province of Southern Leyte, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental and Parts of Negros Oriental, provinces of Aklan and Antique, Roxas City and province of Capiz, Iloilo City and Province of Iloilo, island province of Guimaras, Tacloban City, provinces of Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands, Mindanao areas including Southern Mindanao, composed of Davao City and provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, General Santos City and provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, Central Mindanao areas including Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Basilan, Northern Mindanao areas including Cagayan de Oro City and Province of Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City and Province of Misamis Occidental, Iligan City and Province of Lanao del Norte, Marawi City and Province of Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City and Province of Bukidnon, Dipolog City and Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Province of Zamboanga del Sur and Province of Camiguin, Zamboanga Peninsula including Zamboanga City, Isabela City and Province of Basilan, Ipil and Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and CARAGA including: Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Tandag City, Bayugan City, Cabadbaran City, Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, 20 million participants all over the United States of America, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and 500 million participants all over the world, including 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, are expected to attend the gathering.
Chief Superintendent Isagani Genabe Jr., Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.
He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Friday, August 19 up to 6 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, August 21.
''We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,'' Fernandez said in another briefing.
Some 3 million people, consisting mostly from Metro Manila, composed of the City of Manila and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros, Ilocos Region, composed of Laoag City and the Province of Ilocos Norte, Vigan and the Province of Ilocos Sur and Province of Abra, Batac City and Candon City, Cagayan Valley including the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, Parts of Benguet are Municipalities of Itogon, Kabayan and Bokod, Ifugao are Municipalities of Tinoc, Asipulo, Lamut, Lagawe, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista, Parts of Mountain Province are Municipalities of Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis, Parts of Apayao are Municipalities of Santa Marcela, Flora and Conner and Parts of Kalinga are Municipalities of Pinukpuk and Rizal, northern Luzon including San Fernando City and Province of La Union, Baguio City and Province of Benguet, Banaue and Province of Ifugao, Sagada and Mountain Province, Kabugao and Province of Apayao, Tabuk and Province of Kalinga, Northern Parts of Ilocos Sur are Municipalities of Tagudin, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Cervantes, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar and San Emilio and Parts of Pangasinan are Municipalities of San Fabian, Sison, San Manuel and San Nicolas, North and Central Luzon including Dagupan City and Province of Pangasinan, Tarlac City and Province of Tarlac, Cabanatuan City and Province of Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City and Province of Zambales, Baler and Province of Aurora, San Fernando City and Province of Pampanga, Balanga City and Province of Bataan, Malolos City and Province of Bulacan, Southern Luzon areas including Provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, Naga City and province of Camarines Sur, provinces of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, Legazpi City and Province of Albay, provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, Visayas areas including: Cebu City and Province of Cebu, Dumaguete City and Province of Negros Oriental, island-provinces of Siquijor and Bohol, 4th and 5th Districts of Leyte, Ormoc City, province of Southern Leyte, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental and Parts of Negros Oriental, provinces of Aklan and Antique, Roxas City and province of Capiz, Iloilo City and Province of Iloilo, island province of Guimaras, Tacloban City, provinces of Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands, Mindanao areas including Southern Mindanao, composed of Davao City and provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, General Santos City and provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, Central Mindanao areas including Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Basilan, Northern Mindanao areas including Cagayan de Oro City and Province of Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City and Province of Misamis Occidental, Iligan City and Province of Lanao del Norte, Marawi City and Province of Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City and Province of Bukidnon, Dipolog City and Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Province of Zamboanga del Sur and Province of Camiguin, Zamboanga Peninsula including Zamboanga City, Isabela City and Province of Basilan, Ipil and Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and CARAGA including: Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Tandag City, Bayugan City, Cabadbaran City, Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, 20 million participants all over the United States of America, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and 500 million participants all over the world, including 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, are expected to attend the gathering.
President Aquino and other government officials are expected to show up at the celebration because El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde is also celebrating his birthday on August 20 every year. The President is expected to address the annual celebration at 5 p.m.
Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated.
''At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,'' he said.
Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. ''Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,'' he said.
He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.
''Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,'' he said.
Fernandez said the Rizal Park and Plaza Miranda, Quiapo can accommodate 5 million people.
In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Maria Orosa Street, United Nations Avenue, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Nepomuceno Street, Aguila, Carcer Street, Hidalgo Street, Plaza del Carmen, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, Guzman, Barbosa, Globo de Oro, McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Villalobos will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.
Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated.
''At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,'' he said.
Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. ''Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,'' he said.
He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.
''Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,'' he said.
Fernandez said the Rizal Park and Plaza Miranda, Quiapo can accommodate 5 million people.
In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Maria Orosa Street, United Nations Avenue, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Nepomuceno Street, Aguila, Carcer Street, Hidalgo Street, Plaza del Carmen, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, Guzman, Barbosa, Globo de Oro, McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Villalobos will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.
The T.M. .Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the Port area were the designated parking zones.
Brother Mike Velarde, leader of the El Shaddai and Mr. Aquino's spiritual adviser, has done away with the annual anniversary feast of roast pig, beef and chicken.
An estimated 400,000 members started the Catholic charismatic group's annual anniversary celebration from Saturday afternoon at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Unlike in recent years, they had to content themselves with their own packed dinners.
Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, French fries, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day.
Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike Velarde for his birthday and for the anniversary celebration of El Shaddai. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Eddie.
In the 2013 celebration last August 17 to 18, 2013, His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; several congressmen led by House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr.; and friends of Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector:
Former Metrobank president Tony Abacan, former Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Bea Zobel, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Tessie Sy-Coson, Tony Tan-Caktiong, Ramon Ang, Alfred Ty, Arthur Ty, Lance Gokongwei, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Liza Gokongwei-Cheng, Andrew Tan, Beth Lee, Fe Agudo, Washington Sycip, Felipe Gozon, Kenneth Yang, Sanjiv Vohra, Philippine Daily Inquirer board chairman Marixi Rufino-Prieto, Philippine Daily Inquirer president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, US Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson, as well guests were media agencies and advocacy partners was seated next to Villanueva.
Two tables away were former Negros and now Philippine National Bank director, Rep. Miguel ''Mike'' Romero, socialite-TV personality Cory Quirino and designer Sylvia Santos.
Fashion designer JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio Barba, Gerry Katigbak, Frederick Peralta, Rajo Laurel, Len Nepomuceno, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Ramon Esteban, PJ Aranador, Edwin Ao, OJ Hofer, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Avel Bacudio, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Anthony Nocom, Albert Andrada, Noel Crisostomo, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Kristel Yulo, Happy Andrada, Pablo Cabahug and James Reyes, FDAP designers Johnny Abad, Ricky Abad, Dexter Alaza, Nino Angeles, Delby Bragais, Karen Castro, Kirby Cruz, Ivan dela Cruz, Perry Diaz, Lynn Roxas, Boyet Dysanco, Ricco Escaro, Rocky Gathercole, Genar Gozum, Pristine de Guzman, Adin Lara, Paul Ranier Lim, Noelle Llave, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Nikkie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Vivo Nazareth, Dave Ocampo, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Joyce Pilarsky, Aan Pineda, Raoul Ramirez, Yako Reyes, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, Fanny Serrano, Edwin Uy, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Geoffrey Zordilla, independent fashion designers Jun Escario, Michelle Sison, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Charina Sarte, Cary Santiago, Dennis Lustico, John Paras, Bea Albert, Eric de los Santos, Maureen Desini, Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, John/Paul Herrera, Ronald Mendoza, Audie Espino, Sidney Perez Sio, Goullee Gorospe and Raoul Ramirez, country’s design icons Inno Sotto, Auggie Cordero, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan-Gan, Mike de la Rosa and Loretto, Efren Ocampo and The Dean of Filipino Fashion Designers Ben Farrales were next to bag designer Santos.
Lawyer Esperidion Laxa, Jeanne Young, Boots Anson-Roa, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Alonso, Lily Yu-Monterverde and Wilson Tieng, known personalities in the movie industry, former Ilocos Rep. Roque ''Roquito'' Ablan, Tarlac Gov. Jose "Apeng'' Yap, Kapamilya and non-Kapamilya stars also joined in the celebrations like Iya Villania with boyfriend Drew Arellano, Bianca Manalo, Sitti, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Raymart Santiago, Randy Santiago, G Toengi, Kean Cipriano, Bamboo Manalac, Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauties Cindy Miranda, Bea Rose Santiago, Ariella Arida and Pia Romero, Katherine de Castro, Ces Orena-Drilon, Oyo Boy Sotto, Rowell Santiago, Gretchen Ho, Dominique Cojuangco, Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Dawn Zulueta with husband Rep. Anton Lagdameo, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Sen. Sonny Angara with wife Tootsy, Mega Magazine editor-in-chief Sari Yap, StyleBible.ph's Isha Andaya-Valles, Summit Media President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng & Cosmopolitan magazine editor-in-chief Myrza Sison, YES! Magazine editor-in-chief Jo-ann Maglipon, ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eugenio Lopez III, ABS-CBN president and chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio, Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos, broadcast head Cory Valenzuela-Vidanes, TV business unit head Laurenti Dyogi, business unit head for comedy Linggit Tan, ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. General Manager Ernie Lopez, Dreamscape Entertainment Television President Deo Endrinal, Roxy Liquigan, Riley Santiago, Robert Labayen, Mark Yambot, August Benitez, Nandy Villar, Rico Camus, Raymond Miranda, Mark Lopez, Maricel Arenas, Happy Mabulay, Darwin Cerrado, Aldrin Cerrado, Dino Laurena, March Ventosa, Chris Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Leo Katigbak, Paolo Pineda, Bong Osorio, Monchet Olives, Karen Coloma, former ABS-CBN presidents Cito Alejandro and Freddie Garcia, movie and television directors Johnny Manahan, Arnel Natividad, Toto Natividad, Malu Sevilla, Rowell Santiago, Don Cuaresma, Rechie del Carmen, Jojo Saguin, Jerry Sineneng, Tots Mariscal, Erik Salud, Ruel Bayani, Ruel Naval, Jerome Pobocan, and Don Cuarema, The Philippine STAR columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, Cristalle Belo-Henares, Ayala Land, Inc. president Antonino "Tony" Aquino, Ayala Land vice president and head of operations and support services commercial business group Rowena Tomeldan, AC Legarda, Mark Sablan, Joseph Reyes, Maricris Bernardino, Pivi Diaz, Rina Rejanit, EVP Bobby Dy and COO Rowena Tomeldan, The Philippine STAR lifestyle section editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil and celebrities Kim Chiu, Joseph Marco, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Liezel Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil were around.
4, 000 Lopez kin from all over the world, ABS-CBN Manila Radio and Sports Division head Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Chief Ging Reyes and Choose Philippines head Charie Villa, TV director Bobbet and son Kobi Vidanes, the members of the Daza, Valenzuela and Vidanes families were seated to Boss Gabby Lopez, Mam Charo Santos and Tita Cory Valenzuela-Vidanes.
GMA Network President-Emeritus Menardo Jimenez, Sr., GMA Network President Gilberto Duavit, Jr., GMA Network Films, Inc. President Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Lito Abrogar, TV5 Chairman-Emeritus Antonio Cojuangco, Jr., TV5 President-Emeritus Atty. Ray Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Sports5 head Chot Reyes were seated next to Pangilinan and Gozon.
Robert Mananquil, models Robby and Raya Mananquil, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo; Phoemela Baranda were seated next to his wife Millet Martinez-Mananquil.
Bench big boss Ben Chan with Bench resident architect Miguel Pastor, Public relations and events organizer Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis, Star Magic handler Monch Novales and BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos collection models Sam Concepcion, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, model-turned-actors David Chua, Miko Raval, Mark Lopez, Luisito Rabat, as well as travel friends Pops Fernandez, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander and Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, Raymond Gutierrez, Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ernest Escaler, Maurice Arcache, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Dyan and Jackie Castillejo, Joji Dingcong, Eric Quizon, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, McCann Erickson Client Service Director Bernadette Chincuanco, Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe & IMC Director Yasmin Mallari Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa, Coca-Cola ASEAN Business Unit President Manuel Arroyo, Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Guillermo Aponte, marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe and Franchise & Commercial Leadership Director Peter Schaelstraete together with the Coca-Cola Philippines team Johanna Hife, Steve Little, Rogie Delena, Raymond Villaflor, Teejae Sonza, Jobert Dumlao, Sharon Tanganco, Roki Ferrer, Rachel Cruz, Francis Chua, Franz Decloedt, Yasmin Mallari, Jenny Cinco, Jing Atienza, Criselda Pascual, Mavel Banocnoc, Thess Acuna, Franco Jorge, Stephanie Castillo, Tish Condeno, Jaideep Kibe, Nicamae Baylen, Jenalyn Perez, Barry del Rosario, and Nikki Lee, UAAP Juniors Basketball MVP Thirdy Ravena and celebrities Xian Lim, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Gerald Anderson, Chris Tiu, Young JV, Ervic Vijandre, and Kevin Alas, Mr. Chinatown's Sky Yang, Jerome Tan & Randy See; Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be Bench Model Search grand (female) winner Regine Angeles and finalist Ron Morales; Carlos Concepcion; Yeng Constantino; Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 scholar Hansen Nichols with his twin brother GC, Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, kart racer Michelle Bumgarner, actor-models Victor Basa and Victor Aliwalas, and college basketball stars such as Arnold Van Opstal, Bobby Ray Parks, volleyball stars Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, A Nacachi, Rachel Daquis Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Charo Soriano, Marge Tejada, Melissa Gohing, Mary Jean Balse, Mayeth Carolino, Michelle Carolino, Ella De Jesus, Kara Acevedo, Karla Bello, Steph Gabriel, Mae Tajima, Jayson Ramos, Maica Morada Jed Montero Michelle Laborte Sasa Devanadera, Grethcel Soltones, Joy Benito, Rubie De Leon, Mae Crisostomo, Ynna Hao, Tina Salak, JP Torres, Dahlia Cruz, Nene Bautista, Aiza Maizo, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan Denise Tan, Venus Bernal, Jheck Dionela, Angge Tabaquero, Bea Pascual, Judy Caballejo, AJ Pareja, Myco Antonio, Henry Pecana, Rex Intal, Waldors Manila, Volleyball Donya, Dindin Santiago, Jaja Santiago, Princess Gaiser, Bang Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie Vargas, Jen Reyes, Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Peter Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Wensh Tiu, Renz Casanova, Joanne Siy, Loren Lantin, Mia Hirotsuji, Pamela Lastimosa, Ingrid Reyes, Jessey De Leon, Carmela Tunay Chloe Cortez, Alex Cabanos, Patricia Rasmo, Illa Santos, Joanne Bunag, Jacqueline Alarca and Ers Iratay, Teng sisters Alyssa and Almira Teng, Dani Ravena, and Kiefer's parents former PBA players Bong Ravena and his wife former volleyball star Mozzy Crisologo, and Alvin Teng and his wife Susan Uy, Baby Araneta Fores, Lisa Araneta, Cacho Marcos, Linda Oledan, Veana Fores, Lorrie Reynoso, Vicky Zubiri, Maricris Zobel, Carol Garcia, Maripi Muscat and Margarita Fores, Anton Mendoza, Monch Cruz, Chut Cuerva, Marcel Crespo, Ipe Cruz of Rogue Magazine, Marco Lobregat, Ching Cruz, Tina Cuevas, Agnes Huibonhoa, Fe Rodriguez, Susan Joven, Ian Giron, Andres Vasquez Prada, Pepito Albert, Al Tengco were seated next to columnists Ledesma, Zubiri-Crespi and Yap and celebrities Dee, Martinez, Alejandro and Ampil.
Onstage with the President were his battalion of Cabinet secretaries, including Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., Proceso Alcala of agriculture; Sonny Coloma; communications, Ricky Carandang, communications and strategic planning; Voltaire Gazmin, defense; Ramon Paje, Jr., environment; Florencio Abad, Jr., budget; Dr. Enrique Ona, health; Manuel Roxas III, interior and local government, Albert del Rosario, foreign affairs; Gregory Domingo, trade and investment; Cesar V. Purisima, finance; Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, transportation and communication; Carlos Jericho Petilla, energy; Julia Abad-Razon, presidential management staff; Rochelle R. Ahorro, appointments secretary; deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, and presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda.
Velarde's well-wishers from the Senate included Heherson Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Osmeña, Sergio Osmeña III, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona, Ernesto Herrera, Loi Estrada, Juan Flavier, Robert Jaworski, Ping Lacson, Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy Binay, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Freddie Webb, Victor Ziga, Ralph Recto, Vicente Sotto III, Edgardo Angara and Francisco Tatad.
Congressmen present were Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Pedro B. Acharon Jr. of South Cotabato, Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Edgar R. Erice of Caloocan, Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel of Malabon, Toby Tiangco of Navotas, Ma. Theresa B. Bonoan-David of 4th District of Manila, Lucy Torres-Gomez of Leyte.
Also present were former President Estrada's sons, Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former Philippine President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, current Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, former Quezon City Mayor Brigido Simon, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, Malabon City Mayor Len-Len Oreta, Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, former Marikina City Mayors Bayani and Marides Carlos-Fernando, current Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman, former Pasig City Mayors Vicente, Soledad and Bobby Eusebio and San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin "JunJun" Binay, current Pasig City Mayor Maribel Eusebio, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, current Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto, former Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad, former Paranaque City Mayors Joey Marquez and Jun Bernabe, current Parañaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez, Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar and Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.
Foreign envoys present were United States ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, Canadian ambassador Neil Reeder, Spanish ambassador Jorge Domecq, Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor, Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe and Korean ambassador Hyuk Lee.
Seen leaving the grandstand after the President's speech were Marichu Vera Perez, Fr. Sonny Ramirez, MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, PAGCOR Chairman-Emeritus Ephraim Genuino, PAGCOR Chairman Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., PAGCOR president-emeritus Butch Tenorio and Rafael Butch Francisco, PAGCOR Chairman Jorge Sarmiento, Philippine Olympic Committee Chairman Peping Cojuangco, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo R. Garcia and representatives of businessman Lucio Tan.
The Thanksgiving Mass was led by Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church together with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, Archbishop-Emeritus of Manila, Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, Archbishop of Manila; Most Rev. Oscar V. Cruz, Archbishop-Emeritus of Lingayen-Dagupan, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, Archbishop of Jaro, Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, Archbishop of Cebu, Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cebu, Most Rev. John F. Du, Archbishop of Palo, Most Rev. Fernando Capalla, Archbishop-Emeritus of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, Archbishop of Davao, Most Reverend Orlando B. Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, namely, the priests from the different parishes in the Archdioceses of Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Ende, Kupang, Makassar, Medan, Merauke, Palembang, Pontianak, Samarinda and Semarang and the Dioceses of Malacca-Johor, Penang, Miri, Sibu, Sandakan, Denpasar, Larantuka, Maumere, Ruteng, Bandung, Bogor, Atambua, Weetebula, Amboina, Manado, Padang, Sibolga, Agats, Jayapura, Manokwari-Sorong, Timika, Pangkal Pinang, Tanjungkarang, Ketapang, Sanggau, Sintang, Banjarmasin, Palangka Raya, Tanjung Selor, Malang, Purwokerto and Surabaya and from the Philippines, namely, the priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, Pampanga, Nueva Caceres, Jaro, Capiz, Cebu, Palo, Davao, Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro and the Dioceses of Laoag, Baguio, Cabanatuan, San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Bangued, Bayombong, Ilagan, Batanes, Urdaneta, Alaminos, Tarlac, Balanga, Iba, Malolos, Kalookan, Cubao, Novaliches, Pasig, Antipolo, Paranaque, Imus, San Pablo, Lipa, Lucena, Gumaca, Infanta, Romblon, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Calapan, Puerto Princesa, Daet, Libmanan, Legaspi, Masbate, Sorsogon, Virac, San Jose de Antique, Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Talibon, Maasin, Calbayog, Borongan, Catamaran, Naval, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay, Digos, Mati, Tagum, Kidapawan, Marbel, Dipolog, Pagadian, Marawi, Iligan, Ipil and Isabela.
El Shaddai members started flocking to the Quirino Grandstand as early as 6 a.m. on the Saturday of August. Despite the absence of lechon tables, the mood was made festive with balloons and banners.
Radio sets and loud speakers have been placed in strategic areas on the grounds up to the Rizal Park.
Traffic on Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard and T.M. Kalaw, Padre Burgos Drive, Quezon Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Jones Bridge and Ayala Bridge was snarled as the El Shaddai members from the provinces parked their buses and other vehicles on the thoroughfares.
Meanwhile, environmentalists and community leaders around Rizal Park and Quiapo area are calling for a annual “green” celebration of the anniversary of El Shaddai in August.
The El Shaddai leader has also asked every one of his members to donate more funds to the relief and rehabilitation of Visayas and Mindanao.
The El Shaddai leader has also asked every one of his members to donate more funds to the relief and rehabilitation of Visayas and Mindanao.
In Luneta, Velarde delivered a three-hour ''healing message'' at 4 a.m. to the El Shaddai faithful still gathered in the park before dawn yesterday.
So effective was the President's portrayal of himself as the underdog and victim in the ongoing debate on Charter change, that Velarde said he consoled him after Mr. Aquino's speech on Saturday.
''I told the President, don't be provoked by those who try to provoke you,” Velarde, speaking in Pilipino, told the crowd which had grown during the night, spilling over from Roxas Boulevard into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street.
Velarde and Mr. Aquino were having dinner in the VIP Lounge at the Quirino Grandstand on Friday when the charismatic leader advised tolerance. Velarde is the President's spiritual adviser since 1984.
He enjoined his followers: “Let us pray for those that oppress us,” referring both to the President's critics and those who have questioned the El Shaddai's timing of its annual anniversary celebration to coincide with the Makati rally.
Velarde's birthday coincides with El Shaddai's anniversary. It has traditionally been held on the Saturday nearest August 20 since 1985.
Velarde has expressed support for Charter change on the condition the amendments are limited to the economic provisions.
But Velarde was not about to clash head on with the Catholic Church, specifically Cardinal Tagle, on the issue of Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, pork barrel scam and the illegal rice smuggling. Instead, he asked El Shaddai members to pray for the Cardinal's health, “so he may become stronger.'”
He told his followers: ''There is a time for anger and there is a time for love.''
A Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal organization, El Shaddai is under the supervision of the Archdiocese of Manila which Tagle heads.
Velarde, who turned in millions of votes for the Philippine President's electoral bid in 1986, 1992, 1998, 2004 and 2010, and turned in millions of votes for the city and municipal mayors, vice-mayors, councilors of Philippine provinces, cities in 1988, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 is expected to present Mr. Aquino with the funds gathered for Visayas and Mindanao as well as to pray for the government's development initiatives in the south.
El Shaddai gatherings are usually held on Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, with praise and worship and a Roman Rite Holy Mass.
Bro. Mike's birthday party world's biggest
"THEY will be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying at Luneta," said El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to celebrate his birthday today, the same day pro-democracy rallies are set in Makati City and other cities nationwide.Bro. Mike's birthday party world's biggest
Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from Metro Manila, composed of the City of Manila and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros, Ilocos Region, composed of Laoag City and the Province of Ilocos Norte, Vigan and the Province of Ilocos Sur and Province of Abra, Batac City and Candon City, Cagayan Valley including the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, Parts of Benguet are Municipalities of Itogon, Kabayan and Bokod, Ifugao are Municipalities of Tinoc, Asipulo, Lamut, Lagawe, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista, Parts of Mountain Province are Municipalities of Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis, Parts of Apayao are Municipalities of Santa Marcela, Flora and Conner and Parts of Kalinga are Municipalities of Pinukpuk and Rizal, northern Luzon including San Fernando City and Province of La Union, Baguio City and Province of Benguet, Banaue and Province of Ifugao, Sagada and Mountain Province, Kabugao and Province of Apayao, Tabuk and Province of Kalinga, Northern Parts of Ilocos Sur are Municipalities of Tagudin, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Cervantes, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar and San Emilio and Parts of Pangasinan are Municipalities of San Fabian, Sison, San Manuel and San Nicolas, North and Central Luzon including Dagupan City and Province of Pangasinan, Tarlac City and Province of Tarlac, Cabanatuan City and Province of Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City and Province of Zambales, Baler and Province of Aurora, San Fernando City and Province of Pampanga, Balanga City and Province of Bataan, Malolos City and Province of Bulacan, Southern Luzon areas including Provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon, Naga City and province of Camarines Sur, provinces of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, Legazpi City and Province of Albay, provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, Visayas areas including: Cebu City and Province of Cebu, Dumaguete City and Province of Negros Oriental, island-provinces of Siquijor and Bohol, 4th and 5th Districts of Leyte, Ormoc City, province of Southern Leyte, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental and Parts of Negros Oriental, provinces of Aklan and Antique, Roxas City and province of Capiz, Iloilo City and Province of Iloilo, island province of Guimaras, Tacloban City, provinces of Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands, Mindanao areas including Southern Mindanao, composed of Davao City and provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, General Santos City and provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, Central Mindanao areas including Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Basilan, Northern Mindanao areas including Cagayan de Oro City and Province of Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City and Province of Misamis Occidental, Iligan City and Province of Lanao del Norte, Marawi City and Province of Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City and Province of Bukidnon, Dipolog City and Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Province of Zamboanga del Sur and Province of Camiguin, Zamboanga Peninsula including Zamboanga City, Isabela City and Province of Basilan, Ipil and Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and CARAGA including: Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Tandag City, Bayugan City, Cabadbaran City, Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, 20 million participants all over the United States of America, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and 500 million participants all over the world, including 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 were coming or had arrived for the gathering.
The birthday ''party'' at Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Estrada and his political allies and show biz friends.
Velarde was in Malacañang, Friday, August 19. ''I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Saturday--did not change,'' he told reporters.
Asked if Mr. Estrada would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration's proposed Charter amendments, he said: ''I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government.''
As of last night, there was no official word from Malacañang whether Mr. Estrada would attend the El Shaddai party today.
But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities.
Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the Constitution now.
Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: ''Why is our focus on Charter change?
''I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you know, I have a different view.''
He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.
''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''
'Perception'
''Our celebration will not be destructive . . . That is only the perception of observers,'' Velarde said.
He appealed to journalists not to ''color'' their gathering, adding: ''The results of (the Makati rally and the annual El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.''
Asked if the annual El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he said: ''I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.
''Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.''
While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the ''proper time'' for the undertaking, he added.
Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of its anniversary which coincides with his birthday.
''Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta,'' he said.
Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: ''Everybody's invited at the Luneta.''
Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-democracy rally.
''We are all for the preservation of our freedoms,'' he said.
''Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.''
He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others.
Comparisons
The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons.
According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8, 1979.
It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Would El Shaddai break this standing record?
Consider this: The crowd that attended its 14th anniversary celebration on Aug. 22, 1998 was estimated at more than three million people.
The affair, at which Mr. Estrada and Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.
El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number 800 million).
With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock? More important, how much will the feast cost him?
The INQUIRER checked prices at Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.
These are the figures:
- Lechon baboy goes for P3,500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8,500 for a 42-kilo pig at Lydia's.
- Lechon baka costs P18,000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21,000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at Lydia's.
- Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's.
Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332)
Feast at the park: Lechon, lobster, Peking duck
By Gerald Lacuarta and Cathy C. YamsuanIN THE end, there was not enough roasted calf, pig and chicken to go around, but neither that nor heavy rains seemed to dampen the spirits of the massive throng which packed 61-heactre Rizal Park for the annual birthday celebration of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde.
Crowd estimates varied from 300,000 (according to the INQUIRER measurement of the land area of Rizal Park and crowd density), to 700,000 (according to a police officer) to two million (according to the El Shaddai emcee). The slaughtered cow population was estimated at 120 and the cooked pigs at ''several thousands,'' according to Velarde himself.
''They should declare Aug. 20 a national holiday!'' exclaimed Elma Baldoz, 28, an El Shaddai devotee who had traveled from Pangasinan with her family and a couple of neighbors in a rented jeepney which doubled as their sleeping quarters for the annual weekend extravaganza.
A group of Aetas from Zambales, last in line at one of nearly a hundred food distribution booths, had to be content with morsels, but they didn't seem to mind. ''This is a blessing from Yahweh El Shaddai,'' an Aeta elderly said.
In the VIP lounge at the Quirino grandstand, the birthday celebrant's celebrity guests were a little more blessed, as they partook of an eight-course lauriat.
The VIP feast was made up of birthday seafood noodles, steamed lobster with garlic, double-boiled sharks' fin soup with abalone and chicken, braised whole Australian abalone, Peking duck, braised eel with sea cucumber and minced duck with lettuce. Dessert included fresh fruit and pastries.
The entire Rizal Park was a virtual marketplace, as vendors hawked El Shaddai handkerchiefs, healing oils, umbrellas, plastic mats, raincoats, and even stools.
While some vendors jacked up their prices, 25-year-old Jun Mallonga from Tondo, Manila, sold his umbrellas at only P65 each. ''This is my own way of thanking the Lord, and also my birthday gift to Brother Mike,'' Mallonga said.
Record breaker
The ''birthday party'' unofficially broke the Guinness Book record for the world's biggest birthday bash, which was attended by 35,000 and hosted by Col. Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, on his 89th birthday in 1979.
Many of the El Shaddai crowd camped out overnight in tents. The rain did not stop more from arriving, with many coming on buses from the provinces.
The heaviest downpour came at 4:30 p.m. just before President Aquino and his sisters arrived. The rain lasted for 10 minutes, and sent people rushing for cover under stalls, trees, umbrellas and large pieces of plastic.
Families who had positioned themselves on mattresses on the ground stayed put, though there was little protection from the rain. Children made up almost 40 percent of the throng in Rizal Park.
Political banners and streamers had reportedly been prohibited, and there were none in sight. One such streamer which slipped through the crowd was abruptly taken down.
The much-touted free meals of roasted pig, calf and chicken were served around 11 a.m. In less than an hour, all of the 11 roasted calves at one booth beside Quirino Grandstand were picked to the bone.
At some food booths, though, people were turned away by the smell of some roasted calves which were only half-cooked.
But even this did not deter a few eager devotees who took some raw ribs just the same. ''This can still be cooked at home,'' said a Pampanga resident, who said he didn't want to miss the lechoneither.
Security nightmare
When two helicopters bearing white handkerchiefs printed with a message from El Shaddai began dropping them as ''miraculous gifts,'' the crowd went wild.
As the hankies fell, the faithful ran, jumped and jostled in unison for each of those supposedly miraculous items that can cure any disease of the believer.
One young man executed a virtual football tackle in his attempt to grab a handkerchief from a little boy.
''This is definitely a security nightmare, but what can we do?'' said an exasperated Supt. Elmer Jamias, Chinatown commander of the Western Police District.
Velarde told newsmen he spent ''a few million'' on the handkerchiefs and other freebies and props, including balloons and white pigeons.
At 12 midnight, Sunday, August 21, 2011, a 30-minute fireworks display set up by pyrotechnic experts from Bocaue, Bulacan for P120,000 lit the night sky.
The El Shaddai faithful were expected to be kept awake until a 6 a.m. breakfast today, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly prayer rallies.
