500,000 devotees join Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand

At least 2 million devotees attended the Misa Mayor honoring the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21.

The high mass in celebration of the Feast of the Santo Nino de Cebu was headed by His Eminence Cardinal Jose Advincula.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, and other key officials joined the Eucharistic celebration.

The Grand Miracle Crusade commenced at around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. It started after the morning eucharistic celebration, at 7:30 a.m. the morning prayers to be led by the participating bishops of the country. It was followed by the January 1 to 31 birthday celebrants thank-offering salo-salo at the VIP lounge, then at the Grandstand at 11:30 a.m. for the Praise and Worship by the El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry, then at 12:30 p.m. for the helicopter dropping of miracle-vision souvenirs with Christmas carols by the El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry followed by thanksgiving prayer for their January 1 to 31 Birthday, Sacerdotal, and Wedding Anniversary Celebrants: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde and Release of Miracle-Vision Balloons, then at 2 p.m. is the Arrival of Pilgrim Image of the Black Nazarene, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary — La Naval de Manila, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Santo Nino de Cebu, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and San Pedro Calungsod at the back of Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, 3 p.m. is the motorcade of Pope Francis from the Apostolic Nunciature to Malacanang Park, 3:30 p.m. is the Helicopter Ride of Pope Francis from Malacanang Park to Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, 4 p.m. is the carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan del Norte, Palawan del Sur, Palawan Oriental, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Oriental, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Biliran, Leyte del Norte, Leyte del Sur, Samar del Norte, Samar Occidental, Samar Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato del Norte, Cotabato del Sur, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Maranaw, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue, 4:30 p.m. when the El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry in preparation for the Closing Mass of the 39th World Youth Day, at 5 p.m. is the Closing Mass of the 39th World Youth Day 2024 by Pope Francis.

Gawain is the biggest annual crowd gathering in the country for the Feast of the Santo Nino.

It was last held in 2020 and was postponed for three years due to the pandemic.

The gathering is expected to draw millions of devotees all over the Philippines.

Meanwhile, many devotees decided to spend the night at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday night, Jan. 18.

Lines already started to build up at the venue at 10 p.m. as devotees showed up early for the Misa Mayor and Gawain.

One of the devotees, Arlene, 47, said she arrived at the venue on Thursday for the "Pahalik" or kissing of the image.

She said she came from Mindoro and has no relatives in Manila so she decided to camp out at the Quirino grandstand and sacrifice sleep just to get the chance to venerate the image of the Santo Nino.

"Hindi na namin naisip yung tutulugan namin kasi ang gusto talaga namin makita ang Nazareno. Kahit puyat, ayos lang, kasi isang beses sa isang taon lang mangyari (We didn't think about where we would sleep because we really wanted to see the image of the Nazarene. Even if we had a sleepless night, it's okay, because this only happens once a year)," she said.

Police said no untoward incidents have been reported as of 4 a.m.

''They should declare the third Sunday of January a national holiday!'' exclaimed Elma Baldoz, 48, 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 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 January 1 to 31 birthday, sacerdotal anniversary, and wedding anniversary celebrants' celebrity guests were a little more blessed, as they partook of an eight-course lauriat.

Some of the celebrity guests are Carla Abellana, Susan Africa, Yayo Aguila, Marvin Agustin, Adrian Alandy, Angela Alarcon, Ivana Alawi, Sophie Albert, JC Alcantara, Kyline Alcantara, Bea Alonzo, Pinky Amador, Boots Anson-Roa, Christian Antolin, Nico Antonio, Angel Aquino, Kris Aquino, Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez, John Arcilla, Ria Atayde, Rita Avila, Nikki Bagaporo, RK Bagatsing, Kira Balinger, Dani Barretto, Julia Barretto, Leon Barretto, Kris Bernal, Kathryn Bernardo, Bea Binene, Jameson Blake, Andrea Brillantes, K Brosas, Shamaine Buencamino, Yesh Burce, Austin Cabatana, Hasna Cabral, Iza Calzado, Elijah Canlas, Melai Cantiveros, Ella Cayabyab, Ryza Cenon, Ricci Chan, Dawn Chang, Kim Chiu, David Chua, Joshua Colet, Noel Comia Jr., KC Concepcion, Cai Cortez, Mahlou Crisologo, Sharon Cuneta, Anne Curtis, Carlos Dala, Dingdong Dantes, Enchong Dee, Armand De Castro, Jane De Leon, Glaiza de Castro, Michael de Mesa, Kokoy de Santos, Bianca de Vera, JC de Vera, Ashley Diaz, Francine Diaz, Charlie Dizon, Justin Dizon, Mylene Dizon, Robi Domingo, Chuckie Dreyfus, Kyle Echarri, Julie Eigenmann, PJ Endrinal, Bituin Escalante, Vivoree Esclito, Wize Estabillo, John Estrada, Kaila Estrada, KD Estrada, Jake Ejercito, Rhen Escaño, Heart Evangelista, Jaime Fabregas, Topper Fabregas, Seth Fedelin, Aya Fernandez, Chienna Filomeno, Radson Flores, Gabbi Garcia, Joshua Garcia, Alyssa Gibbs, Cherie Gil, Shanaia Gomez, Jay Gonzaga, Lexi Gonzales, Diego Gutierrez, Janine Gutierrez, Sheena Halili, Pepe Herrera, Barbie Imperial, Agot Isidro, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Keanne Johnson, Elisse Joson, Cedrick Juan, Richard Juan, Angela Ken, Helga Krapf, Maricel Laxa, Trina Legazpi-Jarina, David Licauco, Angel Locsin, Rio Locsin, Mara Lopez, Nadine Lustre, Maxene Magalona, Saab Magalona, Jolina Magdangal, Shaina Magdayao, Mac Manicad, Joseph Marco, Belle Mariano, Carmi Martin, Leo Martinez, Zanjoe Marudo, Rain Matienzo, Aya Medel, Alex Medina, Melissa Mendez, Aljon Mendoza, VJ Mendoza, Gabe Mercado, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Molina, Mikoy Morales, Margaux Montana, Mosang, Arlene Muhlach, Alyssa Muhlach, Jerald Napoles, Hershey Neri, Miles Ocampo, Jane Oineza, Kaori Oinuma, Chynna Ortaleza, Mika Pajares, Daniel Padilla, Gabby Padilla, Gem Padilla-Thomas, Pamu Pamorada, Angelica Panganiban, Candy Pangilinan, Donny Pangilinan, Ian Pangilinan, Paolo Pangilinan, Benjie Paras, Bodjie Pascua, Piolo Pascual, Heaven Peralejo, Paula Peralejo, Rica Peralejo, Cherry Pie Picache, Vaughn Piczon, Camille Prats, Yassi Pressman, Precious Lara Quigaman, Patrick Quiroz, Maris Racal, Khalil Ramos, Miko Raval, Marvin Raymundo, Rissey Reyes, Marian Rivera, Raphael Robes, Ana Roces, Donita Rose, Janella Salvador, Maja Salvador, Sam YG, Julie Anne San Jose, Beatriz Saw, Sharlene San Pedro, Empress Schuck, Steven Silva, Liza Soberano, Fifth Solomon, Carmen Soo, Maricel Soriano, Paulina Sotto, G Toengi, Kakki Teodoro, Kaloy Tingcungco, Joel Torre, Dennis Trillo, Nikki Valdez, Adrienne Vergara, Nova Villa, Teetin Villanueva, Phoebe Walker, Maureen Wroblewitz, Lauren Young, Nomer Yuzon and Amanda Zamora, beauty queens Beatrice Gomez, Catriona Gray, Mela Habijan, Maria Isabel Lopez, Aurora Pijuan, Kylie Verzosa and Pia Wurtzbach, blogger Spanky Enriquez, celebrity chefs Gerick Manalo, Myke Tatung and Sharwin Tee, chef, blogger and vlogger Erwan Heussaff, drag queen Amadeus Pagente, host Kring Kim, models LA Aguinaldo and Kelsey Merritt, TV host Lyn Ching, model and TV host Bianca Gonzalez, model and activist Ella Eiveren Lubag, dancer Gabriel Valenciano, music producer, audio engineer, and music supervisor Otep Tumambing, singer-songwriters Lolita Carbon, Bullet Dumas, Jonathan Manalo, SAB, Gary Valenciano, Kiana Valenciano and Nyoy Volante, internet personalities Angel Dei Peralta, Mico Del Rosario, Arshie Larga, Gab Pangilinan, Sky Quizon and Pat Rigodon, comedians Macoy Dubs, Vice Ganda, Wacky Kiray, Pokwang, Michael V. and Loi Villarama, theater actor Phi Palmos, digital influencer and makeup artist Gabs Gibbs, social media / influencers and content creators Kate Adajar, Andrew Beso, Camille Co, Ivan De Guzman, Kaye Figuracion, Ina Garcia, Shai Habon, Kate Hizon, Inah Evans, Vien Ilagan-Velasquez, Mariela Kliatchko, JC Lopez, Ezra Mane, Jae Miranda, Kevin Montillano, Ira Denise Oyco, AK Policar, Patricia Prieto, Eugene Sayson, Christian Tiu and Kim Tapel, vlogger and content creator M.A. Buendía, YouTubers Lance De Ocampo, Kimpoy Feliciano, Rei Germar, Mimiyuuuh, Luigi Pacheco, Hannah Pangilinan, Bella Racelis, Adam Smith and Janina Vela, band groups Imago, Ben&Ben, Gracenote, Rivermaya, Moonstar88, Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino – Iskomunidad, Music Hero Band, musical groups Ateneo Chamber Singers, Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Gloria Patri Singers, Hangad and Himig Heswita, musical duo Leanne & Naara, musical vocal group The Company, singer, actress and comedian Tuesday Vargas, singer and musician Bayang Barrios, singers Zion Aguirre, RJ Agustin, Ogie Alcasid, Renzo Almario, Jong Azores, Nikki Bacolod, Christian Bautista, Janine Berdin, Dan Billano, Rico Blanco, Ely Buendia, Lance Busa, Noel Cabangon, Bo Cerrudo, Jose Mari Chan, Sam Concepcion, Yeng Constantino, Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, Jex de Castro, Nica del Rosario, Moira Dela Torre, RJ dela Fuente, Zephanie Dimaranan, Dani Dixon, Tippy Dos Santos, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Darren Espanto, Hannah Hakami, Migz Haleco, Jason Hernandez, Danny Javier, Jaya, JMKO, Eunice Jorge, Jugs Jugueta, Kyla, Juan Karlos Labajo, Fatima Lagueras, Reese Lansangan, Kuh Ledesma, Celeste Legaspi, Mark Mabasa, Arkin Magalona, Leanne Mamonong, OJ Mariano, Jimi Marquez, Jeli Mateo, Leah Navarro, Elha Nympha, Miguel Ordon, Jim Paredes, Tim Pavino, Justine Peña, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Tosca Puno, Lance Reblando, Chloe Redondo, Jamie Rivera, Vic Robinson, Anthony Rosaldo, Rhap Salazar, Lea Salonga, John Mark Saga, Mika Salamanca, Paolo Sandejas, Erik Santos, Kowboy Santos, Sitti, Aicelle Santos, Mitch Valdes, Regine Velasquez, Lala Vinzon, Jona Viray, Young JV, Charlie Ysmael, Bianca Yuzon and Yanni Yuzon, songwriters Leila Alcasid, Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J., Trina Belamide, Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., Fr. Junjun Borres, S.J., Fr. Vic Baltazar, S.J., Fr. Danny Isidro, S.J., Robert Labayen, Lui Morano, Fr. Nemesio Que, S.J., Fr. Felipe Fruto Ramirez, S.J., Rox Santos, voice actress Inka Magnaye, directors Mac Alejandre, Adolf Alix, Jr., Jay Altarejos, Carlo Alvarez, Mae Cruz-Alviar, Rica Arevalo, Lino Cayetano, Rica Arevalo, Bobby Bonifacio, Jr., Quark Henares, Jose Javier Reyes, Mike Dagnalan, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Adrian Calumpang, Ditsi Carolino, Don Miguel Cuaresma, Sari Dalena, Ice Idanan, Sheron Dayoc, Trina Dayrit, Khavn De La Cruz, Wills Dela Cruz, Zig Dulay, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Irene Villamor, Lawrence Fajardo, Jolly Feliciano, Will Fredo, Dante Nico Garcia, Antoinette Jadaone, Jeffrey Jeturian, Joel Lamangan, Albert Langitan, Yam Laranas, Jason Paul Laxamana, Ed Lejano, Jim Libiran, Roderick Lindayag, Erik Matti, Pancho Maniquis, Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Treb Montreas, Nuel Naval, Emmanuel Palo, Roman Perez Jr., Andoy Ranay, Mikhail Red, Rae Red, Raymond Red, FM Reyes, Mandy Reyes, Keith Sicat, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Jojo Saguin, Rod Singh, Auraeus Solito, Paolo Tabuena, Petersen Vargas, Dan Villegas, Paolo Villaluna, Victor Villanueva and Baby Ruth Villarama, screenwriter Elmer Gatchalian, screenwriter and songwriter Vincent de Jesus, broadcast journalist and songwriter Lolito Go, entertainment columnist Dolly Ann Carvajal, newscaster Gani Oro, radio personalities Karla Aguas, Rammy Bitong, DJ Chacha, Tin Gamboa, Boom Gonzalez, DJ Jhai Ho, Vino-R, Migs Santillan and DJ Suzy, theater actresses Astarte Abraham and Jenny Jamora, theater artists Adrian Lindayag, Chamyto Aguedan, Jay Barrameda, Lance Reblando, Nar Cabico, Phi Palmos, Nelsito Gomez, Robbie Guevara, Fred Layno, Joseph Dela Cruz, Rolando Inocencio, Jep Go, Sarah Facuri, Arman Ferrer, Tanya Manalang-Atadero, Mark Tayag, Floyd Tena, Rallion Abeledo and Reb Atadero, vlogger and TikTok personality Pipay, producer and talent manager Noel Ferrer, talent managers Boy Abunda, Erickson Raymundo, Freddie Bautista, Popoy Caritativo, Malou Choa-Fagar, Rams David, Dolor Guevarra, Harley Tan, Henry Quitain, Ronald Monteverde, Ronnie Henares, Roselle Monteverde, Tyrone Escalante, Kate Pepito, Pia Magalona, Paula Punla, Rex Belarmino, Rina Reyes, Mau De Leon, Miguel Pacio, Ogie Diaz, Shirley Kuan, Perry Lansigan, Keren Pascual, Leo Dominguez, Manny Valera, Mario Colmenares, Jojo Ampeloquio, Jonas Gaffud, Joseph Moradas, Kat Aguila, Dingdong Avazado, Jessa Zaragoza-Avanzado, Dudu Ranay, Eric Arroyo, Biboy Arboleda, Brilliant Juan, Chinie Go, Dave Salindog, Atty. James Domingo, Atty. Joji Alonso, Aurora Ada Mendoza, Avel Bacudio, Anthony Pangilinan, Arnee Pangilinan, Arnold Vegafria, William Tan, Abby Niesta, Allan Altera, Annabelle Rama, Annie Tajanlangit-Mercado, Girlie Rodis and Vania Padilla-Edralin, basketball coaches Yeng Guiao and Chot Reyes, basketball players Christiana Dimaunahan, Dave Ildefonso, Kiefer Ravena, Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Olsen Racela, esports player Gia Llanes, fitness instructor and adventure racer Florentino Narciso, football player Camille Rodriguez, jump rope coach Aira Franco-Capistrano, volleyball analyst Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, volleyball players Kathy Bersola, Maruja Banaticla, Ponggay Gaston, Pia Gaiser, Jeushl Tiu, Kathy Bersola, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon, Alyssa Eroa, Ayel Estrañero, Jem Ferrer, Carly Hernandez, Rex Intal, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Maddie Madayag, Ysay Marasigan, Jia Morado, Ish Polvorosa, Joshua Retamar, Mika Reyes, Kat Tolentino, Chie Saet, Cherilyn Sindayen, Carmella Tunay, Alfred Valbuena, Alyssa Valdez and Deanna Wong, retired sports commentator and columnist Ed Picson, sports commentators Nikko Ramos and Sev Sarmenta, sports reporters and hosts Apple David, Carla Lizardo, Angelique Manto and Aiyana Perlas.

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 P 65 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 Marcos 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 that 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 lechon either.

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.

From the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue, the Pontiff arrived at Malacanang Park aboard the Popemobile at 4:20 p.m., where he was greeted by the families of members of the Presidential Security Group. 

They waved copies of his photograph and raised rosaries and images of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother for his blessing.

He then boarded the helicopter along with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

The President arrived at the back of the grandstand on board the same helicopter at exactly 4 p.m. He was accompanied by his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Ambassador Lolita R. Haney.

The three-and-a-half-hour Mass, earlier set at 3:30 p.m., did not begin until past 5.

The World Youth Day closing liturgy is thought to be the largest congregation ever assembled at a single site for a Mass. Vatican officials claimed it was the largest gathering, the Pope has seen in his 3,965 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, and 0 seconds or 10 years, 10 months, 7 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, or 130 months, 7 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes papacy.

The pope was visibly awed by the spectacle of more than 4 to 10 million people covering the whole of Luneta Park and stretching out as far as he could see from the elevated altar at the park grandstand. For a moment, the pope was motionless as he stared out at the mammoth crowd, but his lips quivered.

Tens of thousands more had lined the streets on the three-kilometer route from the Apostolic Nunciature to Luneta Park, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope as he passed in the custom-made “popemobile.”

Upon arrival and upon departure from the Quirino Grandstand area, Pope Francis rode his popemobile from the Apostolic Nunciature to the Malacanang Park was forced to use a helicopter to get to the Quirino Grandstand after an estimated eight billion people who came to attend the final Eucharistic Celebration made the Port Area, Intramuros, Rizal Park, Paco, Ermita and Malate roads, Cultural Center of the Philippines and SM Mall of Asia Complexes impassable for land vehicles and went around the crowds – blessing, waving, even shaking hands and kissing babies.

Cardinal Tagle, Bishop Mylo Vergara, and the Papal Visit and World Youth Day Organizing Committee, along with Delta Broadcasting System, Inc., Buhay Makulay Productions, Inc., NEP Group, Inc., Pro Beatbox Entertainment Concept Corporation, Mi3 Event Services, Audiotronix Professional Sound and Light System, event producer Robby Carmona of SAGA Events, ABS-CBN Events, Star Events, stylist Noel Manapat, and Keren Pascual deserve the highest commendation for preparing the Rizal Park papal concluding mass event.

Singing in the background was a 3,000-member choir, accompanied by a 300-piece symphony orchestra, led by a Franciscan father at the north side.

President Marcos and his family, their predecessors and members of Cabinet, and personalities from all sectors attended the Papal Mass as announced but he kept very much in the background, seated and waited at the Grandstand to greet the Pope before he boarded the helicopter back to the Malacanang Park.

Vice President Sara Duterte also greeted the Pope after Duterte.

Two hundred bishops and 3,000 priests concelebrated the Papal Mass; 300,000 lay ministers distributed communion in an orderly fashion under a white umbrella.

Cardinal Advincula, Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown, and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David delivered closing remarks to thank the Pope for visiting the country. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle read parts of mass prayers.

The Mass ended with the singing of the official song of 10th World Youth Day, “Tell the World of His Love.”

Also, during the mass, the “Universal Message of the Youth to the World,” a manifesto authored by the IYF delegates.

This was followed by the “Angelus Domini” led by the Pope, after which he delivered his special message entitled “Farewell to the Family and Youth.”

In his message, the Pope prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary to “let the flame of God's love be rekindled in the hearts of people everywhere” and to let others “share the new life which radiates from the cross of the Christ.”

After the message, the Pope greeted the different peoples of the world in their own languages after which he proceeded to thank all those responsible for the success of the 35th World Youth Day.

After the mass, President Marcos gave a 1-hour and 15-minute address to the people. The President kept his speech “apolitical” in respect to religious activity. In his speech, Marcos urged the people to remain ardent in pursuit of true Catholic life.

Before the mass, Cardinal Advincula of Manila gave his welcome remarks, saying that it was indeed a “beautiful day” amidst feverish chants of “Pope Francis, we love you!”

His Holiness Pope Francis was forced to use a helicopter to get to the Quirino Grandstand after an estimated eight billion people who came to attend the final Eucharistic Celebration made the Quiapo, Port Area, Rizal Park, CCP, PICC, and SM Mall of Asia complexes roads impassable for land vehicles, including the Popemobile.

Most of the people who attended the mass were carryovers from the overnight vigil and had camped on the streets. Others came to the vicinity as early as 4 a.m. to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father.

Vatican sources that the crowd, estimated to be at ten million, was an attendance record, surpassing the number who showed up during the late Pope John Paul II’s first visit in his native Poland in June 1979 after he was elevated to the papacy on October 16, 1978.

They were brought back by the same helicopter to Malacanang Park, where he boarded the Popemobile for the trip to the San Carlos Seminary in Makati City.

El Shaddai loves Tagle

Bishop Bacani 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 agree on our politics, but we are united in faith,” Mercado said in Pilipino in his message just before 9 p.m.

He then quoted a Catholic saint who said: “If there is doubt, let there be differences.”

He asked the crowd to show their appreciation for the Asia's 36 archbishops--Manila Archbishop Advincula, Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal 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 Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus Dosado and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz.

“We love you Cardinal Advincula, we love you, Cardinal Rosales, we love you, Cardinal Palma, we love you Palma,” Bacani and the El Shaddai members chorused.

The celebration ended with a cultural dance presentation show, followed by a youth concert and a fireworks display.

This will be participated in by Pasigarbo sa Sugbo contingents from Minglanilla, Talisay City, and Mandaue City. The Lumad Basakanon, who has reaped awards during the Sinulog festivities, will also be part of the presentation.

At 10 P.M., a 60-minute firework display from four barges in Manila Bay 250 meters off the shore, between the Manila Yacht Club and the United States Embassy set up by pyrotechnic experts from Bocaue, Bulacan for P 120,000 lit the night sky and lasted an hour and was met with a roar of applause by people at the parade grounds.

The El Shaddai faithful were expected to be kept awake until 6 a.m. breakfast Monday, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies, and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly prayer rallies.

‘Hope’

The Pope called the world’s youth the “hope for the future” which will depend on the year 2025 which he described as “a marvelous epoch for humanity but which also raises not a few fears and anxieties.”

“Build your lives on the one model that will not deceive you,” he urged the youth.

“I invite you to open the Gospel and discover that Jesus Christ wants to be your friend.”

He challenged the Christian laity to do its part.

He called on “people who till the soil, factory workers, engineers, technicians, doctors, nurses and health care personnel, teachers, men and women in the legal profession, those who serve in public life.”

He also challenged “writers, people who work in the television, theater and cinema and the media, artists, celebrities, musicians, sculptors and painters” to take part in the mission.

Again, addressing the family and youth, the Pope added “one specific challenge and appeal, which involves the healing of a source of immense frustration and suffering in many families all over the world.”

Gratitude toward parents He said: “Parents and older people sometimes feel that they have lost contact with you, and they are upset, just as Mary and Joseph felt anguish when they realized that Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem.

“Sometimes you are very critical of the world of adults, and sometimes they are very critical of you… But always remember that you owe your life and upbringing to your parents.”

He exhorted both parents and children “to build bridges of dialogue and communication.”

People from all over the world, including a black youth clad in a G-string, presented offerings at the Mass.

A man from the Netherlands read the manifesto of the International Youth Forum.

More than a hundred members of the Presidential Security Group were around to secure the President and some members of his Cabinet.

Previously, the late Pope John Paul II’s biggest crowd was the 2 million people who turned out on June 6, 1979, in his hometown of Krakow, Poland for his first visit to the late pope's Polish homeland after his elevation to the Papacy on October 16, 1978.

The last state visit to the Philippines, that of Pope John Paul II on January 15, 1995, attracted around 5 million people— “the largest papal crowd in history”—according to the Guinness World Records.

The Mass was the climax of the Roman Catholic Church’s annual celebration of the annual weekend feast of Santo Nino de Cebu which brought together Roman Catholics from around the world.

The main concelebrants of the Mass were Advincula, Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Cáceres Archbishop Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Emeritus Jesus Tuquib, Capiz Archbishop José Advincula, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Lingayen–Dagupan Archishop Socrates Villegas, Lingayen–Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, Lipa Archbishop Emeritus Ramon Arguelles, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario Perlata, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Ernesto Salgado, Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad, Ozamiz Archbishop Emeritus Jesus Dosado, Palo Archbishop John Du, Palo Archbishop Emeritus Pedro Dean, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop Emeritus Diosdado Talamayan, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo dela Cruz, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Dean of the College of Cardinals Angelo Cardinal Sudano, and Stanisław Cardinal Ryłko, head of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Hundreds and thousands of cardinals, bishops, deacons, and priests also served as concelebrants.

The concluding rites started over an hour later than slated as the gathering, estimated to number more than five to ten million, prevented the Pope from traveling a short distance from the Apostolic Nunciature to the park grounds in his popemobile.

Instead, the Pope was brought to the Quirino Grandstand by helicopter.

The entrance hymn had to be sung before the mass began in earnest. The priest in charge of the event enjoined the crowd to sing, to pray and even to do a “love wave” to help while away the time and to stretch aching muscles.

So thick was the crowd that even the base of the Rizal monument, normally off-limits to the public, became a dais on which the people stood shoulder-to-shoulder.

Neither the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila nor the Vatican had prepared for such an eventual. There, was some discussion on whether the pontiff should take a helicopter or a boat through Manila Bay to the Luneta when the sheer size of the crowd exceeded all expectations.

The mass of people stretched from north to south from the Manila Hotel all the way down to the CAVITEX exit in Kawit. No blacktop was visible from as far as huge portions of T.M. Kalaw, U.N. Avenue, and Padre Faura, three major streets perpendicular to the main road fronting the venue of the Feast of Santo Nino de Cebu event.

Scores of government officials, foreign dignitaries, sports icons, entertainment celebrities, and high society personalities attended the 3-day annual feast of Santo Nino de Cebu which was televised live nationwide via domestic satellite television over GMA-7, ABS-CBN 2, PTV 4, TV5, ETC and aired live on radio over Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), GMA Radyo Bisig-Bayan AM, ABS-CBN Radyo Patrol AM and My Only Radio FM, Catholic Media Network, Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC)’s DZRH, 90.7 Love Radio, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.9 Home Radio, 100.3 RJFM, 101.1 YES! FM and Radyo Natin FM, RPN Radyo Ronda AM, and Bureau of Broadcast Services-Radyo ng Bayan radio stations.

“To see him”

Scores of people who had been waiting for the Pope started leaving Rizal Park when they learned he had taken a helicopter.

“Why should I stay when I won’t see him, after all?” said an elderly woman. “I just came here to see the Pope.”

By the time the annual event started, the crowd in front of the Manila Hotel had shrunk to a third of its original size.

More than 10 million children aged Under 1, 1 - 4, 5 - 9, 10 - 14, 15 - 19, and 20 - 24, were reported missing while thousands suffering from intense heat and cold collapsed in the mass camp-out at the Apostolic Nunciature, Port Area, Plaza Miranda, Rizal Park, Ermita, Baywalk, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and SM Mall of Asia complex from Friday midnight to Monday noontime.

As of 5:30 p.m. yesterday, the Department of Health counted 10 million persons who were brought to emergency medical stations at the park, Port Area District, Manila Cathedral, Baywalk, CCP Complex, and SM Mall of Asia complex.

The complaints involved dizziness, asthma, allergies, and headaches, said Dr. John Layugan, a member of the Stop Disasters, Epidemics, Accidents, and Traumas for Health (Stop Death) team.

Criselda Tungcol, 39, a WYD delegate from San Juan City, Metro Manila, was rushed to the Polymedic General Hospital in Mandaluyong after suffering spasms at Rizal Park. She has since been discharged.

Although the Pope looked very tired and lost in thought as he arrived for a Sunday evening meeting with Asian bishops, aides said his Manila reception was just what he needed to help get through the loss of his former active lifestyle.

“That kind of change is difficult psychologically and this trip has helped him come to peace with himself about this new phase in his life,” the aide added.

“It has recharged his batteries.”

Crowd estimate

The WPD arrived at the crowd estimate by multiplying 610,000 square meters or 61 hectares (the approximate area of the western portion of the park from the Quirino Grandstand to Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand) by four (the number of persons who, Razon said, could stand inside one sq.).

Three days before the event, tents of sacks, plastic, and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The residential families from the local government units arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned. Because of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, Roxas Boulevard was closed and a large 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.

While at least seven persons can fit into one sq., the MPD reduced the number to four, taking into consideration that portions of Parade Avenue and the field in front of the grandstand had numerous obstructions such as trees, vendors’ booths, and muddy ground.

Added into the equation was the estimated number of people at the eastern portion of the park from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue, and those outside the park proper on T.M. Kalaw Street, Maria Orosa Street, Roxas Boulevard from T.M. Kalaw to Padre Faura Street, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area District, Padre Burgos Drive and Finance Road, Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge and Ayala Bridge, United Nations Avenue, Quirino Avenue Extension, Taft Avenue from Quirino Avenue southbound and northbound, Baywalk, CCP Complex, PICC and SM Mall of Asia complex and ends at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Asuncion was assisted in computing the crowd number by the police command center led by Chief Insp. Ferdinand Ampil, head of the MPD Tactical Operations Center. The center was based on the fourth floor of the Manila Hotel overlooking the park.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, January 19, Ampil and the command center placed the number at 10 million, which swelled, he said, shortly after the President arrived for the concluding mass of the 35th World Youth Day.

“There were no untoward incidents, thank God,” he told reporters.

The MPD and the National Capital Regional Police Office deployed 2,500 uniformed and plain-clothes personnel in the area.

Razon himself was posted on Katigbak Street leading to the grandstand.

Enlightenment

Representatives of religious organizations took turns praying for Mr. Duterte’s enlightenment. They did not ask that he see the good of his success, as Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle put it at the Jesus is Lord Church event on the occasion of its 41st-anniversary celebration at the same venue on October 27, 87 days prior to the concluding mass of Pope Francis on the third and last day of his state visit and apostolic journey to the country yesterday and today, but for him to continue to lead the country toward peace, unity and prosperity.

Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, who, event organizers had said was to have delivered a testimonial to the President, was present.

Organizers also earlier said that the Philippine Independent Church would participate.

“Let the light of Your Face shine upon his life… so that he may see the path that you want him to take,” said Bishop Efraim Perez of the New Hope of Life Church based in Barangay Pinagbarilan, Bulacan.

Rev. Fr. Larry Faraon, representing the Catholic Church, went against the stand of the Manila Archdiocese and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines as he led the prayer for “productive interaction between the Church and the government.”

Faraon replaced fellow Dominican Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez in leading the prayer.

El Shaddai’s Velarde, Mr. Aquino III’s spiritual adviser, and the INC’s Samson, Jr. prayed for an end to divisions among the people so that there could be a dialogue for the country’s good.

“Let all political parties and religions (come together) so that this annual event may be successful,” Velarde said.

“Help us find the way to harmony and peace so that we can do away with hate and fighting,” said Samson.

Frank Rola, a leader of the Jesus Miracle Crusade (JMC), said: “For the respectable President of our country, President Rodrigo Duterte, give him strength and physical health. Guide him… for the progress of our country, especially in his resolve to uplift the condition of the majority of our people.”

The JMC had one of the largest contingents, coming in third in number after the El Shaddai and the INC.

The others who led prayers were Patriarch John Florentine Teruel of the Apostolic Catholic Church; Roger Arienda of the Federation of Christian Churches, who called the three-day weekend gathering “a miracle”; Ruth Castro of the Cheers Prayer Fellowship; and Aleem Mohammad Cana of the Ulama Conference of the Philippines.

Brisk sales

People started arriving at the rally site on Thursday, January 16 at 12 a.m.

As the day wore on, more people came from Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, San Pedro, Taguig, Valenzuela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Benguet, Pangasinan, La Union, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon Province, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Antique, Aklan, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Dinagat Island, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and sovereign states of 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, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Transnistria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe were attended.

The business was brisking for vendors of "street food"--fish balls, popcorn, chicken innards--and ice cream, bottled water, and soft drinks.

The event may have been held to mark the “40th Annual Grand Miracle Crusade,” but many of the participants were observed feasting on food and drink and engaged in card games.

“The accusations against the President are all lies. Noynoy is good. He loves the poor. He gives them land. We came here to fight for Noynoy,” Gemma Mananglay of Tondo, Manila told the INQUIRER.

A women’s group came in red shirts that bore the message “Mahal namin si Mayor Isko Moreno.”

Moreno is a staunch supporter of Mr. Duterte.

Police confiscated several pro-Noynoy streamers and posters mostly brought by a group from Mandaluyong.

Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice said he had received a complaint that a resident, supposedly an El Shaddai member, was given P 10,000 yesterday morning by a barangay captain to mobilize people to attend the rally.

A group of Marcos loyalists who claimed to have spent Friday night at the rally site walked in before the President arrived Sunday when they noted that they were among the groups acknowledged.

“It’s because we’re poor and have no influence. We are not considered important here,” said a middle-aged female loyalist before leaving.

‘Merienda’

Journalists covering the rally were told to register with organizers in a function room at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

After listing down the reporters’ names and distributing access tags, the organizers gave them cakes that bore the phrase “peace and unity” written in icing.

Reporters were also invited to partake in pancit canton, fresh lumpia, and ensaymada before they were sent off in air-conditioned vans to the rally site.

Nearly all parking areas of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Arena parking lot in Pasay City, and Harrison Plaza Shopping Center in Manila were occupied by provincial buses.

Passengers wore color codes on their collars, apparently to make their group easily identifiable to their marshals.

On Ortigas Avenue, police observed three buses loading people supposedly bound for the gathering site.

“It’s obviously hakot, most probably by Gov. Ynares because he has been vocal about his support for the President,” said a rookie cop.

The Manila Bulletin witnessed other “hakot” activities in Pasig City and Payatas, Quezon City.

A tricycle driver said they were offered P300 each to attend. “But even if they did not offer P300, many drivers will still go because the President promised them land titles,” he said.

After the mass, Kris shared the photo taken prior to the ceremony.

"The picture was taken before Mass started. I really obeyed when it was announced that no pictures please during Mass," Kris wrote.

"When I was about to take the picture PNoy said: “Instagram na naman?” I said please pagbigyan na ko, super cute naman the 3 of them, and it's a mother's joy to take pics of her sons. And anyway, no signal in Luneta, so late upload."

“After the Mass, when Pope Francis was waving from the Popemobile, Bimb said: "Thank You God, this was the best experience ever.”

On Friday, January 19, Kris met the Pope for the first time during the Pontiff's Philippine visit during a private moment. She shared the photos on Instagram.

Pope Francis in his homily highlighted the Filipinos' special relationship with Santo Niño, the Child Jesus, asking the faithful to embrace the identity of being “God’s children.”

“Throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song: ‘We are all God’s children.’ That is what the Santo Niño tells us. He reminds us of our deepest identity. All of us are God’s children, members of God’s family,” said Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, in the country for a five-day visit, added that Catholics are God’s adopted children, and in turn Jesus’ own siblings.

“Today Saint Paul has told us that in Christ we have become God’s adopted children, brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is who we are. This is our identity. We saw a beautiful expression of this when Filipinos rallied around our brothers and sisters affected by the typhoon,” he said, referring to super typhoon Yolanda, which leveled Central Visayas and killed thousands on November 8, 2013.

3-hour speech

Velarde delivered a three-hour “healing message” at 6:10 a.m. to the El Shaddai faithful still gathered in the park before dawn.

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. Marcos’s speech on Saturday, January 20.

“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, Port Area, Quiapo, Paco, Malate in the north and Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in the south.

At his conclusion, a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter soared into the air dropping thousands of handkerchiefs to the joy of the crowd.

Velarde and Mr. Marcos were having dinner in the VIP Lounge at the Quirino Grandstand on Saturday when the charismatic leader advised tolerance. Velarde is the President's spiritual adviser.

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 grand miracle crusade for the celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino to coincide with the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

A Catholic charismatic organization, El Shaddai is under the supervision of the Archdiocese of Manila which Advincula heads.

Velarde, who turned in millions of votes for the President's electoral bid in 2016 is expected to present Mr. Duterte 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 Monday morning, with praise and worship and a Mass.

Local leaders and the environmental network Ecowaste Coalition urged devotees and visitors to couple their devotion to Jesus Christ our Lord Savior with respect for the environment.

The call came as participants led the annual grand massive crusade weekend for the overnight global celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino every year since 1985.

“Combining our people’s amazing devotion to 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, Port Area, Ermita, Malate, Quiapo, San Miguel, Paco, CCP Complex, SM Bay City, Aseana City, Okada Manila, Marina Bayhomes, Marina Baytown East, Marina Baytown South, and Asia World 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 40 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. 

“It will be more meaningful if we attend mass. Be one in praying for a safe celebration,” said Badong.

Pregnant women and those who are sick are being discouraged from joining the procession due to the expected big crowd.

Church officials earlier said that they expect the number of people who will participate in the different activities for the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú to exceed the ten million crowd of the previous year.

The Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú usually draws millions of devotees from all over the world who walk with the image in procession barefooted as a sign of penance and thanksgiving for favors received.

It received international attention as news websites, magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Variety, BBC News, CBS News, Time, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, the Associated Press, ABC News, NHK, KBS, the Financial Times, and The Straits Times published stories on the annual largest religious gathering.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/9/175-000-devotees-join-misa-mayor-at-quirino-grandstand