Project Description
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Celebration is an
annual event that gathers a celebration of the Roman Catholic religious group's
anniversary since 1979. Organized by Jesus is Lord Church, the City Government
of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee since 1986, the event is
dubbed as "the annual biggest and the grandest celebration in the
world".
For the twenty-eighth time in the history of Rizal Park and
the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about five million people joined the
Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Foundation at the national park
from October 27, 2013.
The participants crowded the 61-hectare national park and
adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, United Nations 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
provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes,
Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga and Apayao,
northern Luzon provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Baguio City and Benguet,
Ifugao, Mountain Province, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan,
Bulacan, Southern Luzon provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon,
Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and the island-provinces of
Catanduanes and Masbate, Visayan provinces of Aklan, Antique, Roxas City
and Capiz, Iloilo City and Province, Guimaras, Bacolod City and Negros
Occidental, Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, Cebu City and
Province, Siquijor, Bohol, Tacloban City and Leyte, Western Samar, Eastern
Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran and Southern Leyte, Cagayan de Oro and
Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City and Misamis Occidental, Iligan City and Lanao del
Norte, Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City and Bukidnon, Dipolog
City and Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur,
Camiguin, Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Tandag City, Bayugan
City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur,
Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del
Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Cotabato City
and Maguindanao, North Cotabato, General Santos City and South Cotabato, Sultan
Kudarat, Sarangani Province, Zamboanga City, Dipolog City and Zamboanga
del Norte, Pagadian City and Zamobanga del Sur, Isabela City and Basilan,
Ipil and Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi.
Also present were members from different overseas chapters
of the Foundation including: United States: including Metropolitan New
York City (New York-New Jersey-Connecticut-Pennsylvania Combined Statistical
Area), Southern California, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
Metropolitan Statistical Area, Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex,
Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, District of Columbia–Virginia–Maryland–West
Virginia, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida, New
Britain–Hartford–New Haven, Connecticut, San Diego–Tijuana, Canada,
Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New
Zealand, Guam, Saipan, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon,
Jordan, Israel, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain,
Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, and Libya.
About the celebration
The Anniversary Celebration Themes are: - “Great God, Great Outpouring” (Jeremiah 33:3) in 2011
- “Prepare the Way of the LORD” in 2012
- “Revolution of Righteousness” in 2013
- ? in 2014
TESDA Chief Emmanuel Joel Villanueva said the movement has begun its preparations for this year’s annual festivities.
On Wednesday, Jesus is Lord Church’s Fiesta Committee met with the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino to discuss plans on how to manage security, emergency traffic and crowd control during the event, would feature the Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s birthday thank-offering salo-salo simultaneously from the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park to the Port Area to the Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila.
Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight annual affair beamed live nationwide via satellite on television over ABS-CBN Channel 2, People’s Television Network (PTV-4), Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC) Channel 5, Global Media Arts (GMA) Channel 7, Radio Philippines Network (RPN) Channel 9 and IBC Channel 13, live on radio over DZXL RMN Manila 558, DZBB Radyo Bisig-Bayan 594, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZRH 666 and DZRV Radio Veritas 846 and also on RMN AM, GMA Campus Radio FM, DYAB 1512 Cebu, DXAB 1296 Davao, My Only Radio FM stations nationwide and the special supplement published in Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star.
The souvenir-type magazine contains the messages section, the photographs from 1979 to present, the official program and the Celebration includes the Holy Mass that contains Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, and Parochial Vicars from several Roman catholic archdioceses and diocese, as well bishops, deacons and monsignors from 166 Archdioceses and Diocese belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites in India with the reference: "166 Diocese of Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites" were published in pages 143 to 2,240 of The Catholic Directory of India 2013 as well the priests came from 195 geographical dioceses and archdioceses in the United States of America, 72 dioceses and archdioceses in Canada, 117 dioceses and archdioceses in China, 7 dioceses and archdioceses in Taiwan, 16 dioceses and archdioceses in Japan, 18 dioceses and archdioceses in Korea, 86 dioceses and archdioceses in the Philippines, 10 dioceses and archdioceses in Thailand, 25 dioceses and archdioceses in Vietnam, 37 dioceses and archdioceses in Indonesia and 8 dioceses and archdioceses in Malaysia.
Each year, the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church and the birthday celebration of Bro. Eddie Villanueva makes its way the participants crowded along the streets of Rizal Park, Port Area and the Quiapo district, with attendees reaching up to 6 to 8 million. In recent years, the traffic re-route was altered due to a rise in vehicular and stampede accidents, and to afford other neighborhoods a chance to participate in the festivities.
The celebration held at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park Manila on the second Sunday of October now commences at 9:00 a.m. with the praise and worship, followed by the program proper started with the standing assembly in singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Representatives of various religious groups then lead the Invocation.
Before noon of October 6, in observance of Bro. Eddie's birthday, the attendees feasted on hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, French fries, 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. Eddie 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. Eddie.
In the 2013 celebration last October 27, 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 Drilon; several congressmen led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; and friends of Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector.
A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop-Emeritus of Manila, together with His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila; Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cebu, Jose S. Palma, Archbishop of Cebu, 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 DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International. 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.
The World Youth Day Papal Altar
Inspired by the bamboo arches seen in Philippine fiestas,
the Quirino Grandstand was dressed up to evoke this festive feeling and give
Pope Francis a reception that embodies the Filipinos fondness for His Holiness.
A fabric canopy with Tagalog Stencil patterns marks the main portion of the
dais where the Pope celebrated mass. All furniture was done in rattan to
maintain the indigenous feel of the altar designs. The World Youth Day Papal
Altar is designed by Francisco Manoza.
The history of the annual event
1979
On
October 13 to 14, 1979, during its First Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is
Lord Fellowship at the DWRV Compound in Pasig City one year after the
founding of Jesus is Lord Fellowship on October 5, 1978, about five thousand
people witnessed and experienced the miracle touch of Jesus is Lord.
1980
Some
eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary Celebration
of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship at the Philippine International Convention
Center (PICC) on October 12, 1980. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staffs
were surprised because the affair lasted one whole day and it was the first
time that it’s Reception and Plenary Halls were filled to capacity.
1981
The
Third Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship was celebrated
with an Overnight Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally at
the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from October 17 to
18, 1981. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two
hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.
1989
As
early as 9:00 a.m. of October 8, 1989, members and followers of the Jesus is
Lord Fellowship began trooping to the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito
Cruz, Manila to participate in its Eleventh Anniversary. By midnight of Monday,
October 9, 1989, the entire stadium was jammed with over half a million people
from all over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise
and worship dedicated to Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior. Bishop Teodoro C.
Bacani, together with some Roman Catholic priests from the different parishes
in the Archdiocese of Manila, Archdiocese of Lipa and Archdiocese of Cebu, led
the Holy Mass.
1990
From
October 13 to 14, 1990, the Twelfth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship
was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila. In attendance
were thousands of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful
works of the Holy Spirit as they praised and worshipped to Jesus and listened
to His Word despite a storm which flooded some parts of the venue with
knee-deep water.
1991
The
scenario of the Thirteenth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord
Fellowship held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila,
from October 12 to 13, 1991, was identical to that of its 12th
Anniversary. Nevertheless, the almost half a million attendees braved the
monsoon rains and knee-deep flood to give thanks, praise and worship to God.
1992
On
the occasion of the Fourteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park,
Manila, from October 17 to 18, 1992, more than one-and-a-half million
prayer-partners attended the affair. His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos,
gave his greetings to the congregation.
1994
For
the first time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for
that matter, about three million people joined the Fifteenth Anniversary
Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at the national park from
October 8 to 9, 1994. The participants crowded the 61-hectare national park and
adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port
Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days
before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite,
Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte,
and other distant provinces. Also present were members from different overseas
chapters of the Foundation.
1996
His
Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the
Eighteenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park,
Manila on October 13, 1996. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity,
leaders from the different charismatic groups and religious groups were invited
to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Manila
Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, a mass wedding took place, in which 5000 couples
who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot.
2012
Last
year, two days after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)
Season 75 Men’s Basketball Tournament Finals between the Ateneo Blue Eagles
versus UST Growling Tigers at Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 11, 2012, at
least nine million participants participated in the 34th Anniversary
Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, with no less than the President
of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III as
guest-of-honor in the celebration, traversing a crowd from the 61-hectare Rizal
Park to Port Area to the Quiapo church in a celebration that lasted twenty-four
hours from 9:00 a.m. of Sunday, October 14, 2012 to 9:30 a.m. of Monday,
October 15, 2012.
2014
They always
start the gathering at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park Manila on Sunday, October
19 commences at 7:30 a.m. with a prayer and the singing of the Philippine national
anthem.
The songs
chosen in these political campaign rallies, holy masses and worship and healing
prayer rallies like “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Bayan Ko” only reflect the deep
sense of history and patriotism in Bro. Eddie.
Before noon
of October 6, in observance of Bro. Eddie’s birthday, the attendees feasted on
hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, French fries, roasted chickens, pigs
and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his birthday celebration.
IN THE end, there was not enough hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried
chicken, French fries, 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 grand
annual birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder,
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva.
The
much-touted free meals of roasted pig, calf and chicken, fried chicken, pizza,
doughnuts, mojos, burgers, Palabok, lasagna, spaghetti, French and criss-cut
fries, ice creams, pies, loafs, ensaymada, rolls, soups and salads from SM City
Manila’s SM Supermarket section at the lower ground floor and 42 food tenants
and were served around 11 a.m. In less than an hour, all of the 11 roasted
calves and other foods 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,
pigs, chickens, pizza, doughnuts, mojos, burgers, Palabok, lasagna, spaghetti,
French and criss-cut fries, ice creams, pies, loafs, ensaymada, rolls, soups
and salads which were only half-cooked and foods which were from 42 fast-food
restaurants of SM City Manila shopping mall.
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 lechon either.
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 El Shaddai DWXI
Prayer Partners Foundation International servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde.
“They should declare October 6 a national
holiday, because Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and
spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva is celebrating his
birthday!'' exclaimed Elma Baldoz, 43, 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 grand 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.
Their anniversary and birthday cakes came
from Fernando’s Bakeshop of Pinky Fernando-Ramos, Goldilocks Bakeshop and Red
Ribbon Bakeshop SM City Manila branch for their greetings of several local and
international chapters of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Foundation on their
anniversary.
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 Eddie,” Mallonga said.
When two helicopters came from ABS-CBN Sky
Patrol 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.
El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde told
newsmen he spent “a few million” on the handkerchiefs and other freebies and
props, including balloons and white pigeons.
Early in the
afternoon at 3:00 p.m., the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas
inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from
several helicopters.
Broadcast journalists showing live
TV pictures from cameras at the rooftop of the Manila Hotel estimated the
Luneta crowd at 4 million. There were umbrellas and tents from the Quirino
Grandstand by the bay to the area behind the Rizal monument across Roxas
Boulevard. By nightfall, the El Shaddai followers were spread out almost to
Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Padre Burgos Drive, United Nations Avenue,
Pedro Gil, Port Area, McArthur, Jones, Quezon and Ayala Bridge.
A
thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Eddie Villanueva for his annual
birthday celebration and for the annual anniversary celebration of the Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide.
He also led
the audience in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons
and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Eddie.
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 in Quirino Grandstand and
Plaza Miranda areas, and there were none in sight.
The President and the members of the Aquino Family, government
officials and showbiz personalities will stay briefly at the Manila Hotel, a
hundred meters from the venue of the festivities, to await his part in the
program.
The heaviest
downpour came at 4:30 p.m. just before Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino
III and presidential sisters Ballsy Aquino and Eldon Cruz, Pinky Aquino and
Manolo Abellada and Viel Aquino and Dodo Dee, with presidential sister actress
and host Kris Aquino and PBA player James Yap and their children: Jiggy and
Jonty Aquino-Cruz, Miggy and Nina Aquino-Abellada, Kiko and Jia Aquino-Dee,
Joshua and Bimby Aquino-Yap joined by 2010 Bro. Eddie Villanueva presidential
campaign supporters Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Jr., Donita
Rose, Nonoy Zuniga, Jeremias Jangad and Kuh Ledesma, “Fastbreak 2” basketball
players Xian Lim, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Gerald
Anderson, Chris Tiu, Young JV, Ervic Vijandre, and Kevin Alas, NBA 3X3 players Derek Ramsay, Fabio Ide, Marco Alcaraz, Luis Alandy, Bobby Yan, Rovilson Fernandez, William DeVaughn, Robin DaRoza, Joross Gamboa and Ervic Vijandre; running guru Rio de la Cruz, Volcano Eric Tai, coaches Vince Hizon and Allan Gregorio and Perlas Pilipinas player Melissa Jacob, sportscasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark Zambrano of GMA, Anton Roxas and Marco Benitez of ABS-CBN Sports and Manila’s top male models, BENCH/
family stars and “6200: The Mission Possible Project” personalities Kim Chiu,
Karylle, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Lovi Poe, singer
Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mark Angelo Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be Bench Model Search finalist Ron
Morales; Carlos Concepcion; Yeng Constantino; “Pinoy Dream Academy” Season 2
scholar Hansen Nichols with his twin brother GC, “BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos”
collection models Sam Concepcion, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda,
Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, models-turned-actors David Chua and Miko
Raval, Luisito Rabat, GMA Network Artist Center talents Gloria
Romero-Gutierrez, Pilita Corrales, Aljur Abrenica, Louise delos Reyes, Mark
Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, LJ Reyes, Julie Anne San Jose, Kristoffer Martin,
Derrick Monasterio, Barbie Forteza, Bela Padilla, Bea Binene, Max Collins,
Rafael Rosell, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mona Louise Rey, Jonalyn
Viray, Kyla Calumpad-Alvarez, Jay-R Silliona, Mark Bautista, Chef Boy Logro,
Manilyn Reynes, Angelu de Leon, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Gabby Eigenmann,
Raymond Bagatsing, Ricky Davao, Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, GMA News anchors
and reporters Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima and wife Mariz Umali,
Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Weatherman Nathaniel
Cruz, ABS-CBN TV news anchor Korina Sanchez, Peping Cojuangco daughters Mikee
Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her adorable baby Lucia),
Mai-Mai Cojuangco, composer Ryan Cayabyab and his wife Emmy, Rowell Santiago,
Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez, Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, entertainment
news reporters Mario Dumaual and Gretchen Fullido, Gary Valenciano, Dawn
Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert Martinez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie,
Mylene Dizon, Iza Calzado, Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao, Erik Santos, Ogie
Diaz, Gary V’s wife Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron
Villaflor, Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Sam Milby, Gina Godinez, musical
director and arranger Homer Flores, music composer Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo,
Renna Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz, Nick
and Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos, Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miñana, J.
Anton Mendoza, Budji Layug, Royal Pineda, Ed Calma, Milo Naval, Tony Gonzales,
Tes Pasola, Kenneth Cobonpue, Ana Rocha, Bart Guingona, Jinggoy Buensuceso,
Jaime Chua, Agot Isidro, Liezel Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil,
Christian showbiz personalities Piolo Pascual, Donita Rose, and Kuh Ledesma,
socialites 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 and
Al Tengco, travel friends Pops Fernandez-Nievera, 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, Renna Hechanova Angeles,
Karen Santos, Bobby and Chingbee Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, Gina
Godinez, Maurice Arcache and ace photographer Alex Van Hagen, Jojie Dingcong,
Jean Goulbourn, Frances Lim and Paul Campos, Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes,
Ernest Escaler, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, Jackie
Castillejo-Guingona, 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 and 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, Suyen
Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's
children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Suyen
Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben Chan, architect Miguel
Pastor, stylist Noel Manapat, publicist and Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco’s
manager Keren Pascual, Korina Sanchez’s manager Girlie Rodis and Star Magic
handler Monch Novales were arrived.
The rain
lasted for 15 minutes, and sent people rushing for cover under stalls, trees,
umbrellas and large pieces of plastic.
President
Benigno S. Aquino III and other government
officials are expected to show up at the celebration because Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bro. Eddie
Villanueva is celebrating his birthday on October 6. His belated birthday party
coincidence with the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
on October 19.
The President is expected to address the
annual celebration at 5:05 p.m.
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 Drilon; several congressmen led by
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; and friends of Bro. Mike Velarde of El
Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International from the business,
entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector.
It was not a political rally, but the President was not about
to pass up the chance to address his accusers and to campaign for Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups before the same crowd that, he said, put him in power.
Still, for the most part, Mr. Aquino held his tongue during
his seemingly conciliatory speech, which fell short of the stinging harangue
newsmen were expecting.
“Let us not confuse our countrymen,” he said.
The crowd clearly loved the speech--applauding and cheering
the President throughout its length. Organizers claimed an attendance of two
million. Police placed the figure at 700,000, but based on actual land area
measurements and crowd density, the INQUIRER estimated the crowd at 300,000.
Speaking mostly in Pilipino, Mr. Aquino concentrated on
defending his motives for wanting to tinker with the country's basic law.
He said again that he only wanted to help the poor and had no
interest in extending his term.
''We have no hidden agenda,'' he said, adding that a shift to
a parliamentary system of government was not in the works either. ''My
conscience is clear.''
Responding to nationalist sentiments against his proposals to
relax Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership, he said: ''I will never
pawn the country's future with foreigners.''
He said the 1987 Constitution was an ''obstacle'' to progress.
''I did not become President to preserve a society where the poor become poorer
and the rich become richer,'' he said.
''Why is this happening? One of the reasons is because we
don't have enough money in our economy to address the needs.''
Raising one of the major issues of the Aquino rally, Mr.
Aquino also said the government had no secret deals with the Marcoses.
On October
19, 2014, a Sunday evening, Pope Francis arrived at Malacañang Park aboard the
Popemobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue, but was forced to ride
the presidential helicopter along with President Aquino, Vice-President Binay,
Chief Justice Sereno, House Speaker Belmonte, Senate President Franklin Drilon,
MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, former president Ramos, Manila Mayor
Joseph Estrada, Cardinal Rosales, Cardinal Tagle, Lipa Archbishop Ramon
Cardinal Arguelles, Cardinal Vidal, Cardinal Palma, Cardinal Quevedo and Papal
Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto to get to Quirino Grandstand amid the huge crowd on the
streets: from Roxas Boulevard to north and
southbound areas of Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street and United Nations Avenue
into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area
district, Jones, Ayala, McArthur and Quezon Bridges to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.
At past 8:00
p.m. of the same day, Pope Francis began the three-and-a-half-hour Roman Rite
Holy Mass in English Language that marked the annual anniversary celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. Attended by 4 million people, it was the
world’s annual biggest gathering so far in the Pontiff’s 1 year, 9 months and
30 days reign and the Roman Catholic Charismatic religious group’s 36-year
reign.
The Mass’
concelebrants included Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle,
Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, Nueva Segovia
Archbishop Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus
Edmundo M. Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop
Sergio L. Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan,
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cardinal V. Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan
Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano
Cardinal B. Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Lipa
Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop-Emeritus Leonardo Z.
Legaspi, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando O. Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz
Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu
Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma,
Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao
Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles,
Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro
Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J.
Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A.
Dosado and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Pontifical Council of the Laity President Stanisław
Ryłko, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 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 the 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 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, as well as from
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, namely, Reverend Fathers
including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, and Parochial
Vicars from several Roman catholic archdioceses and diocese, as well bishops,
deacons and monsignors 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, 195 geographical dioceses and archdioceses in the
United States of America, 72 dioceses and archdioceses in Canada,
117 dioceses and archdioceses in China, 7 dioceses and archdioceses in
Taiwan, 166 Archdioceses and Diocese belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar and
Syro-Malankara Rites in India, 16 dioceses and archdioceses in Japan and
18 dioceses and archdioceses in Korea.
Guests in the
Eucharistic celebration are Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III,
Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A.
Sereno, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano R.
Belmonte, Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis
Tolentino, Philippine National Police Director General Alan L.M. Purisima, Manila
Police District Chief Leocadio Santiago, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines
Chief-of-Staff General Pio Catapangan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor
Amando Tetangco, Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairman Patricia B.
Licuanan, Cultural Center of the Philippines Chairperson Emily A. Abrera,
National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Felipe M. de Leon Jr.,
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board Commissioner and CEO Antonio M. Bernardo,
Land Transportation Office Chairman Virginia P. Torres, Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board
Chairman Winston M. Ginez, Association of Broadcasters of the
Philippines Chairman Butch S. Canoy, Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., Agriculture Secretary Proceso
Alcala; communications operations office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Communications
and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang; Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Enviorment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Paje, Jr.; Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Jr.; Dr.
Enrique Ona, health; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A.
Roxas II, foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry
Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Transportation
and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Energy Secretary Carlos
Jericho Petilla, justice secretary Leila M. de Lima, labor and employment
secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, public works and highways secretary Rogelio L.
Singson, science and technology secretary Mario G. Montejo, social welfare and
development secretary Corazon J. Soliman, tourism secretary Ramon R. Jimenez,
Jr., Julia Abad-Razon, presidential management staff; Rochelle R. Ahorro,
appointments secretary; deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte,
and presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda, former senators
Heherson Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Henry
Osmeña, Ernesto Herrera, Loi Estrada, Juan Flavier, Robert Jaworski, Ping
Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, Vicente Paterno, Nene Pimentel, Leticia
Ramos-Shahani, Santanina T. Rasul, Jovito Salonga, Helena Benitez, Eva
Estrada-Kalaw, Freddie Webb, Edgardo Angara, Vic Ziga, Ernesto Tanada and
Francisco Tatad, current Senators Sergio Osmeña III, Pia Cayetano, Alan
Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona, Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy
Binay, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito, Juan Ponce
Enrlie, Ralph Recto and Vicente Sotto III, Majority Floor Leader Neptali
Gonzales II, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos, Caloocan Rep. Edgar
R. Erice, Malabon Lone District Rep. Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel,
Navotas Lone District Rep. Toby Tiangco, Maria Theresa B. Bonoan-David of 4th
District of Manila, Lucy Torres-Gomez of 4th District of Leyte, Karlo Nograles
of 1st District of Davao City, Pedro B. Acharon Jr. of 1st District of South
Cotabato and Manny Pacquiao of Lone District of Sarangani, Associate Justices
Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo
D. Brion, Diosdado M. Peralta, Lucas P. Bersamin, Mariano C. Del Castillo, R.
Abad, M. Villarama, Jr., J. Perez, J. Mendoza, B. Reyes, Esrelita
Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen, former Manila Mayor and Buhay Party-List Rep.
Lito Atienza, former Manila Mayor Alfredo S. 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, 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 Binay, current Pasig City Mayor Maribel Eusebio, Taguig City
Mayor Laarni Lopez-Cayetano, current Pasay City Mayor Antonio “Tony” Calixto,
former Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao “Peewee” Trinidad, former Paranaque City
Mayor Joey Marquez, former Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, current
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar and
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Tabuk
City, Kalinga mayor Ferdinand Tubban, United States ambassador Philip S.
Goldberg, Canadian ambassador Christopher Thronley, Spanish ambassador
Jorge Domecq, Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor, Bangladeshi
ambassador Major Gen. John Gomes, Cambodian ambassador Tuot Panha, Indian
ambassador Ram Trasad, Indonesian ambassador Ade Petranto, Japanese ambassador
Toshinao Urabe, Korean ambassador Hyuk Lee, Lao ambassador Malayvieng
Sakonhninhom, Malaysian Ambassaor Dato Mohd Zamiri Vin Mohd Kassim, Burmese
ambassador Aung Khin Soe, Pakistani ambassador Safdar Hayat, Marichu Vera
Perez, Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez, PAGCOR Chairman Ephraim Genuino, PAGCOR Chairman
Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., former PAGCOR presidents Butch Tenorio and Rafael
Butch Francisco, PAGCOR Chairman Jorge Sarmiento, Philippine Olympic Committee
Chairman Jose Cojuangco, Jr., Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo R.
Garcia and representatives of businessman Lucio Tan, former Metropolitan Bank
and Trust Company president Tony Abacan, retired Philippine Supreme Court Chief
Justices Hilario Davide, Jr., Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, Fernando
Zobel de Ayala, Bea Zobel, Ayala Land, Inc. president Antonino
"Tony" Aquino, Rowena Tomeldan, AC Legarda, Mark Sablan, Joseph
Reyes, Maricris Bernardino, Pivi Diaz, Rina Rejanit, Bobby Dy, Manuel V.
Pangilinan, Tessie Sy-Coson, Tony Tan-Caktiong, Ramon Ang, Alfred Ty, Arthur
Ty, Sari Yap, Lance Gokongwei, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Liza
Gokongwei-Cheng, Isha Andaya-Valles, Myrza Sison, Jo-ann Maglipon, ABS-CBN
Corporation Chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN Corporation President
and Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio, Star Cinema ABS-CBN Film
Productions, Inc. managing director Malou Santos, Broadcast Head and Channel 2
Head Cory Valenzuela-Vidanes, television business unit head Laurenti Dyogi,
business unit head for comedy Linggit Tan-Marasigan, 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, Rechie del Carmen, Jojo Saguin, Jerry Lopez-Sineneng,
Tots Mariscal, Erik Salud, Ruel Bayani, Ruel Naval, Jerome Pobocan, and
Don Cuaresma, 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, television
director Bobbet and son Kobi Vidanes, the members of the Daza, Valenzuela and
Vidanes families, Andrew Tan, Beth Lee, Fe Agudo, Washington Sycip, Felipe
Gozon, Menardo Jimenez, Sr., Jimmy Duavit, Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Lito Abrogar, Lilybeth
G. Rasonable, Regie C. Bautista, Marivin T. Arayata, Jose Mari R. Abacan, Gigi
Santiago-Lara, Darling P. De Jesus, Cheryl Ching-Sy, Teresa L. Pacis, Bang
U. Arespacochaga, Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria, Kenneth Yang, Sanjiv Vohra, Lily
Yu-Monterverde, Wilson Tieng, Philippine Daily Inquirer board chairman Marixi
Rufino-Prieto, Philippine Daily Inquirer president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez,
Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, United States
Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson, as well guests were media agencies and
advocacy partners, former Negros and Philippine National Bank board of
director, Miguel “Mike” Romero, socialite and television personality Cory
Quirino, bag designer Sylvia Santos, fashion designers 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, Atty. Esperidion Laxa, Jeanne Young,
Boots Anson-Roa and King Rodrigo, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji
Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque “Roquito”Ablan, Kapamilya and
non-Kapamilya stars also joined in the celebrations like couple Iya Villania
and Drew Arellano, Bianca Manalo, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James
Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy
Santiago, G Toengi-Walters, Kean Cipriano, Bamboo Manalac, Binibining Pilipinas
2013 winners Cindy Miranda and Pia Romero, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago,
Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida, Katherine de Castro-Cruz, Oyo
Boy Sotto, Rowell Santiago, Gretchen Ho, Dominique Cojuangco, Mylene Dizon,
Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor
Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, Sen.
Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Sen. Sonny Angara with wife Tootsy, The Philippine STAR
columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, The Philippine
STAR lifestyle section editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil, Philippine Daily
INQUIRER Lifestyle section editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan, Meralco Bolts coach
Norman Black, Ateneo men’s basketball coach Bo Perasol and his players Kiefer
Ravena, Thirdy Ravena and Von Pessumal, former players Doug Kramer, JC Intal, Macky
Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort, Frank
Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram and Jai Reyes, “Fastbreak 2” basketball
players celebrities Xian Lim, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford,
Gerald Anderson, Chris Tiu, Young JV, Ervic Vijandre, and Kevin Alas, BENCH/
family stars Kim Chiu, Karylle, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph
Marco, Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners
Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec
Robes, Be Bench Model Search finalist Ron Morales; Carlos Concepcion; Yeng
Constantino; Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 scholar Hansen Nichols with his twin
brother GC, GMA Network Artist Center talents Gloria Romero, Pilita
Corrales, Aljur Abrenica, Louise delos Reyes, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, LJ
Reyes, Julie Anne San Jose, Kristoffer Martin, Derrick Monasterio, Barbie
Forteza, Bela Padilla, Bea Binene, Max Collins, Rafael Rosell, Glaiza de
Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mona Louise Rey, Jonalyn Viray, Kyla
Calumpad-Alvarez, Jay R Silliona, Mark Bautista, Chef Boy Logro, Manilyn
Reynes, Angelu de Leon, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Gabby Eigenmann, Raymond
Bagatsing, Ricky Davao, Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, GMA News reporters Arnold
Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima and his wife Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark
Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Weatherman Nathaniel Cruz, Korina
Sanchez, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her adorable
baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, Ryan Cayabyab and his wife Emmy, Rowell
Santiago, Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez, Arnold Vegafria, Cris Villonco, Mario
Dumaual and Gretchen Fullido, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert
Martinez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Mylene Dizon, Iza Calzado,
Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary V’s wife Angeli
Pangilinan-Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron Villaflor, Christian Bautista,
Basil Valdez, Sam Milby, Gina Godinez, musical director and arranger Homer
Flores, composer Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Renna Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen
Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz, Nick and Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos,
Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miñana, J. Anton Mendoza, Budji Layug, Royal
Pineda, Ed Calma, Milo Naval, Tony Gonzales, Tes Pasola, Kenneth Cobonpue, Ana
Rocha, Bart Guingona, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Jaime Chua, Agot Isidro, Liezel
Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, socialites 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 and Al Tengco, Suyen Corporation
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben Chan with Bench resident architect
Miguel Pastor, stylist Noel Manapat, talent managers Keren Pascual and 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 and Miko Raval, Luisito
Rabat, 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, Renna Hechanova Angeles, Karen
Santos, Bobby and Chingbee Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, Gina
Godinez, Maurice Arcache and ace photographer Alex Van Hagen, Jojie Dingcong,
Jean Goulbourn, Frances Lim and Paul Campos, Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes,
Ernest Escaler, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, Jackie
Castillejo-Guingona, 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 and 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, 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, 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, Stephanie 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, Shiela “Bang” Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie
Vargas, Jen Reyes, Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Peter
Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie
Mercado, Jeshul 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, TAPE, Inc. president and chief executive officer Antonio
P. Tuviera, TAPE, Inc. chairman-emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, TV5
President-Emeritus and The Philippine STAR Chairman Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, TV5
President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, Ariel Fermin, Gary Dujali, News5 head Luchi
Cruz-Valdes and Sports5 head Chot Reyes, Former Professional Models Association
of the Philippines board members and fashion luminaries Tina Maristela Ocampo,
Izza Gonzales-Agana, Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, Marina Benipayo, Patty Betita,
Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Den Abesamis, Hans Montenegro, Grace Molina and Ariel
Atendido, Robert Mananquil, models Robby Mananquil, and Raya Mananquil-de
Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo Blue Eagles
team manager Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models Association of the
Philippines president Phoemela Baranda also came with Manila’s favourite models
Grace Tagle, Bubbles Paraiso, Luke Jickain, Mia Ayesa, Sanya Smith, Mika
Lagdameo-Martinez, Antoinette Enciso-Ocampo, Angel Agustin-Co and Marilen
Faustino-Montenegro.
The largest
gathering attended by more than 5 million people, which of residents from all
over the Philippines and 226 countries of the world.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic
Church, delivered the homily. Vidal, like Tagle, is strongly against Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement,
the tension against China, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and
Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, the construction of major
road infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery
holdups, the high-profile killings, and the onslaught of typhoon Glenda.
During the holy mass, seminarians, parish choirs and guest
artists will render praise songs and traditional music. Meanwhile, bands from
the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy will also be on hand to provide
music.
In his 1 hour
30 minute homily during the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary
Celebration Holy Mass; Pope Francis the First of Argentina praised Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide founder and spiritual director bishop Bro. Eddie C.
Villanueva for his belated birthday party and for the annual anniversary
celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and for the success of the annual
tri-media coverage live on radio and television stations all over the world and
on social media.
During the
Thanksgiving Mass officiated by the Pope himself, a mass wedding took place, in
which 360,000 who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied
the knot.
Representatives of labor, women and children, fisher folk,
farmers, indigenous communities and other sectors will join the Villanueva Family
in the offertory procession.
After the
Holy Mass, the Angelus Message was followed by the final blessing for the mass.
Bishop
Teodoro C. Bacani, the spiritual adviser of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Foundation International, Inc. and bishop-emeritus of Novaliches, spoke briefly
to the crowd on how their charismatic movements and the Catholic hierarchy
could differ on certain issues but remain united on basic Catholic tenets.
“We may
not agree on our politics, but we are united in faith,” Bacani said in Pilipino
in his message just before midnight.
He then
quoted a Catholic saint who said: “If there is doubt, let there be differences.”
Bacani,
who had earlier joined the Makati anti-Charter change and anti-pork barrel
rally, told the crowd that Cardinal Tagle had asked him to relay his birthday
greetings to Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual
director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who celebrated his birthday on October 6.
He asked the crowd to show their appreciation for the
country's 27 cardinals--
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, Manila
Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop
Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya,
Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio L.
Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan
Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cardinal V. Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates
B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Cardinal B. Aniceto, San
Fernando Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles,
Nueva Caceres Archbishop-Emeritus Leonardo Z. Legaspi, Nueva Caceres Archbishop
Rolando O. Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, Jaro
Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal,
Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr.,
Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla,
Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B.
Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro
Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Ozamiz
Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz.
''We love
you Cardinal Tagle, we love you Cardinal Vidal, we love you Cardinal Palma, we
love you Cardinal Rosales,'' Bacani and the El Shaddai members chorused.
At 12 midnight, Monday, October 20, 2014,
a 30-minute fireworks display set up by Bocaue, Bulacan-based Dragon Fireworks,
Inc. for P120, 000 lit the night sky.
Fireworks will also follow the
President's Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary celebration speech.
The El Shaddai members were expected to be
kept awake until an 8 a.m. breakfast Monday, October 20, staying up to listen
to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies and gospel hymns which are
common fare at their weekly Family Appointment.
A candlelight
ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of El Shaddai
servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde.
Velarde
delivered a three-hour “healing message” at 4 a.m., Monday, October 20 to the
El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide members still gathered
in Rizal Park before dawn October 20.
In his healing
message, he expounded that to attain a lasting unity in our society; every
Filipino should reconcile to God and to one another, love one another, and
learn to accept one another. He concluded his message with a healing and
deliverance prayer which included five particular intentions, as follows: that
God forgive the sins of our nation; that He grant us the freedom we seek in our
land; that He grant us “amnesia” from the past and the courage to look forward
to our future with faith, love and unity; that He grant divine wisdom and
extra-ordinary courage to President Benigno S.
Aquino III so he could
continue his vision of ASEAN Economic Community 2015 and Philippines 2016; and
that God grant to all of us the extraordinary power to remain firm in our faith.
So effective was President Benigno S.
Aquino III’s portrayal of himself as the underdog and victim in the ongoing
debate on Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension
against China, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority
Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe
Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in
Metro Manila including robbery holdups, and the onslaught of typhoon Glenda in
Metro Manila that Velarde and Villanueva said he consoled him after Mr.
Aquino's speech on Saturday, October 18.
“I told the President, don't be provoked
by those who try to provoke you,” Velarde, speaking in Filipino, told the crowd
which had grown during the night, spilling over from Roxas Boulevard to north
and southbound areas of Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street and United Nations
Avenue into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street, Padre Burgos Drive,
Port Area district, Jones, Ayala, McArthur and Quezon Bridges to Plaza Miranda
in Quiapo.
In the early
morning of Monday, October 20, thousands of doves for peace and prosperity were
released by the attendees.
The
gathering ended at 7:30 a.m., Monday, October 20.
El Shaddai DWXI PPFI founder and servant-leader
Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and
spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Philippine President
Benigno S. Aquino III were having dinner in the VIP Lounge at the Quirino
Grandstand on Sunday, October 19 when the two charismatic leaders advised
tolerance. El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde and Jesus
is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro.
Eddie C. Villanueva is the President’s spiritual adviser since 2010.
Villanueva enjoined his followers: “Let us
pray for those that oppress us,” referring both to the President's critics and
those who have questioned the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide's timing of its
grand annual anniversary celebration to coincide with the Makati rally over the
Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund
(PDAF) scam.
Villanueva’s birthday coincides with Jesus
is Lord Church Worldwide’s anniversary celebration. It has traditionally been
held on the Saturday nearest October since 1979. He was born on October 6, 1932
in Bocaue, Bulacan to Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz-Villanueva, both now
deceased. (The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented
the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in 1924).
Pastor Almeda, Pastor Quiboloy, Bro.
Velarde, Bro. Villanueva, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Bro. Eli C. Soriano and Iglesia ni
Cristo executive director Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo have expressed support for
Development Acceleration Program (DAP) is limited to the economic provisions.
But Velarde, Villanueva, Sanchez, Almeda
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, the illegal rice smuggling, the construction of major
infrastructure projects and extrajudictorial and high-profile killings.
Instead, they asked El Shaddai, Iglesia ni Cristo, Light of Jesus, Members of
Church of God International and Jesus is Lord 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.”
But the INQUIRER learned that apart
from its weekly scheduled gathering every Saturday and Sunday, El Shaddai wrote
the National Parks Development Committee to reserve on July 26, or five days
after Mae Paner announced the pro-democracy rally in Makati.
Meanwhile,
environmentalists and community leaders around Quiapo area are calling for an
annual “green” celebration of the anniversary of Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide.
Local leaders
and the environmental network Ecowaste Coalition urged devotees and visitors to
couple their devotion to the Jesus Christ, our Lord, and our Savior with
respect for the environment.
The call came
as participants leading to the annual anniversary celebration of the religious
group on October every year since October 1979.
“Combining
our people’s amazing devotion to the Jesus Christ our Lord with action
respecting, nurturing and defending Mother Earth will be a powerful force of
hope and deliverance against those who trash and ruin the environment,” Tin
Vergara, Zero Waste Campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition, said.
“If the
millions of devotees who come to Rizal Park and Quiapo will simply not litter
and avoid waste in all its forms, we’ll have a feast that is pleasing to the
eyes and pleasing to the Lord,” she added.
Past
celebrations in 35 years have seen truckloads of garbage collected from Rizal
Park to Port Area to Ermita to Quiapo that included cigarette butts, candy and
snack wrappers, plastic bags, cups, bottles and straws, polystyrene food
containers and bamboo skewers that often cause injuries to barefooted participants.
