Papal Visit Asia 2014

This event is dedicated to the Filipino
People on the occasion of the five-

day pastoral and state visit of Pope
Francis here in the Philippines on
October 23 to 27, 2014 part of
eleven-day Asian tour from October
22 to 30, 2014.
Papal Visit
Asia 2014
A Special Tri-Media
Coverage
a
Papal Visit Asia 2014 2014

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The Pope in Manila (October 23
to 27, 2014)
Contents
About the project ............................................................................................... 1
About the Theme of the Apostolic Visit: Mercy and Compassion.................................. 3
Executive Branch of the Philippines ......................................................................... 5
Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ......................................................................... 5
Vice Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ................................................................ 5
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines .............................................. 6
Presidents of the Senate of the Philippines ............................................................................ 7
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines ........................................................ 7
Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church .................................................................. 8
Pope (Roman Catholic Bishop of Rome and Worldwide Leader of Roman Catholic
Church) ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila ................................................................................ 14
The Life of Pope Francis/ Jorge Mario Bergoglio .................................................. 15
Childhood in a happy Catholic family ................................................................................. 15
Growing up with the Salesians................................................................................................ 16
The Grandma Who Stood Up to Mussolini ............................................................................ 17
Preparations for the event (August 2013-September 30, 2014) ........................... 19
Paseo de Manila tourism zone to rise in Luneta Park ......................................................... 19
The 2013 Year-End Report ....................................................................................................... 21
DOLE A year of building legacy .......................................................................................... 27
The Pope in Manila: Pre-papal activities .............................................................................. 42
History of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide............................................................................ 55
The visit (October 22-30, 2014) ............................................................................... 59
The Purpose of the Apostolic Visit .......................................................................................... 59
Pre-Papal Activities (October 17-23, 2014) .......................................................................... 60
Pope Francis' First Visit to the Philippines (October 23-31, 2014) ...................................... 61
After the celebration .............................................................................................................. 333

About the project
The Preparation for the Visit of Pope Francis was announced on July 28, 2014. The
tri-media coverage was on all local television networks, national newspapers
and radio stations to cover it the event. It was the once of a lifetime event to
celebrate the Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is
Lord Church on its annual anniversary celebration in October since 1979 and
the 20
th
anniversary of the song Tell the World of His Love composed by Trina

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Belamide released in January 1994. It was the theme song of Tenth World Youth
Day 1995 Manila, held last January 12 to 15, 1995.

World Youth Day is a worldwide religious gathering of youth presided by a Pope.
Every World Youth Day has had its own theme song. Tell The World of His Love is
the theme song of the 1995 World Youth Day which was held in the Philippines.

In January 1994, a nationwide song-writing contest for the theme song of World
Youth Day 1995 was launched in the Philippines. The entry Tell the World of His
Love was chosen.

The song was composed by Trina Belamide whose real name is Katrina Marie
Concepcion Ruiz Belamide. Prior to the contest, she has already been writing
songs for different Filipino artists for three years.

In an interview, Ms. Belamide was asked how she came out with the beautiful
lyrics and the melody of the song. Ms. Belamide explained, "I started the song
with the title, Tell the World of His Love, and I built it from there. Actually, I didn't
have a rough time writing the lyrics. I had a rough time with the melody. I had a
clear vision of what I really wanted. I wanted the people to sway with the music.
And I pictured them with a lighter in their hands as they sang it. I wanted a
melody that could easily get the "feel" of the youth.

As a Filipino, I'm so proud of this song. It was played at St. Peter's Square on the
day of Pope John Paul II's beatification. It was reportedly one of the late Pope's
favorite songs.

The project: The Pope in Manila 2014 was formally planned in November 2013
after the installation of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 in Vatican. The date of
the visit of the Pope from October 23 to 27, 2014 in Manila and again, January 15
to 19, 2015 for the Twentieth Anniversary of World Youth Day Manila held last
January 12 to 15, 1995.

The month-long Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Festival opens on
October 1 at the Rizal Park and ends on November 1, 2014.

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About the Theme of the Apostolic Visit: Mercy and Compassion

The Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines from October 23 - 27, 2014
and January 15 19, 2015 will have for its theme Mercy and Compassion.
Pope Francis will visit the Philippines primarily to comfort Filipinos devastated
by the typhoon and the earthquake that hit the Visayas in October and
November 2013 and again that hit Luzon in July to September 2014.
This visit calls to mind what Jesus did as recounted in the Gospel. In Matthew
9:36, Jesus after seeing the people, felt compassion for them, because
they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
And like the Good Shepherd of Whom he is the Vicar here on earth, the Holy
Father saw the suffering of his flock. He felt compassion and comes to us bringing
the joy of the gospel to revive our drooping spirit and to lead us to greener
pastures (cf. Psalm 23).
The message the Holy Father brings with him challenges us to imitate Christ, the
Good Shepherd, who is Mercy and Compassion.
In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis proclaims that the
Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel
welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the
Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium 114). Thus, the Holy Fathers visit is to bring Christs
compassion for our suffering people still struggling to rise from the devastations
wrought by the earthquake and the typhoon that hit the Visayas last year and
the typhoon Glenda in July, Luis and recent tropical storm Mario and monsoon
rains that hit the Metro Manila and Luzon in September.
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president and
Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, said the most distinctive way to
prepare spiritually for the coming of Pope Francis is for the country to become a
people rich in mercy.

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Our compassionate shepherd comes to show his deep concern for our people
who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao. He comes to confirm us in our faith as we face the challenges of
witnessing the Joy of the Gospel in the midst of our trials. This is an eloquent way
of showing mercy and compassion, Archbishop Villegas said.
Filipinos as a preparation for the papal visit resolve to make an act of mercy
everyday, such as giving food to the hungry, helping build homes for the disaster
victims, visiting prisoners or patients in the charity ward of hospitals, drug
rehabilitation centers, homes for the elderly, and orphanages. It is a time to re-
learn and live the Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy. Further, the bishops
encourage us to meet Christ, Mercy Himself, in the Tribunal of Mercy, the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, in the person of the priest, He awaits us with
open arms to show us His mercy, compassion and love.
Let us make mercy our national identity. Trust in Gods mercy is part and parcel
of our traditional Filipino Christian culture. Let us make the practice of mercy our
gift to the pope when he comes to visit us, the CBCP president said at that time.
The Logo

COLORS.
The colors of the logo (blue, red, and yellow) are the colors of the Philippine flag. The
colors therefore represent the country and its people. It is in solidarity with the victims of
recent calamities from October 2013 to September 2014 that the Pope is coming to the
Philippines.

CIRCLES.
The innermost circle resembles a pearl, and again it symbolizes the Philippines, which is
known as the pearl of the orient seas. The white Cross symbolizes the Christian faith, and
our fervent prayer that the center of our country be our Lord Jesus Christ. It serves as a
reminder as well that more than a State Visit, the primary objective of the Papal visit is a
religious one. He comes to show and share the Lords mercy and compassion with the
Filipino people.

The red circle symbolizes Mercy, one of the themes of the Papal visit. Red is the color
of blood and recalls the sacrifice of our Lord on the cross for our salvation, a holy
sacrifice that manifests and exemplifies Divine Mercy for sinful humanity.

The blue circle means Compassion, the other theme of the Papal visit. Blue is the color
of divine presence it is the color of the sky and the sea that surround our life, much like
Gods presence, that is, Gods compassionate love that permeates and sustains human
existence.

The sequence of the colors follows the order of the colors of the Philippine flag: Yellow
at the center, blue on top, and red at the bottom.

The red and blue circles appear like arms embracing the yellow circle. These are the
merciful and compassionate arms of the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, embracing the

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Philippines, the pearl of the orient seas. The current Pope is well known for expressing
his love and care for people by spontaneously hugging and kissing them. The red and
blue circles or arms therefore symbolize the Popes Merciful and Compassionate
Embrace, and by extension, Christs loving embrace. The Pope now comes to the
Philippines to embrace us with his arms of love.

Finally the blue and red circles appear like ripples, or waves emanating from the
inner circle, from the Cross. We pray that the Papal visit will indeed create ripples of
compassion and mercy throughout the Filipino nation and beyond October 2014 and
January 2015.

Executive Branch of the Philippines
Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines
Emilio F. Aguinaldo (June 12, 1898 (Term began with the formal establishment of
the Malolos Republic, considered the First Philippine Republic.) - April 1, 1901
(Term ended when Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. forces at Palanan, Isabela.)
Manuel Luis M. Quezon (November 15, 1935 August 1, 1944) (Died due to
tuberculosis at Saranac Lake, New York.)
Jos P. Laurel (October 14, 1943 August 17, 1945) (Term ended with his
dissolving the Philippine Republic in the wake of the surrender of Japanese forces
to the Americans at World War II.)
Sergio Osmea, Sr. (August 1, 1944 May 28, 1946)
Manuel A. Roxas (May 28, 1946 April 15, 1948) (Died due to a heart attack at
Clark Air Base.)
Elpidio Quirino (April 17, 1948 December 30, 1953)
Ramon F. Magsaysay (December 30, 1953 March 17, 1957) (Died on a plane
crash at Mount Manunggal, Cebu.)
Carlos P. Garcia (March 17, 1957 December 30, 1961)
Diosdado P. Macapagal (December 30, 1961 December 30, 1965)
Ferdinand E. Marcos (December 30, 1965 February 25, 1986) (Deposed in the
1986 People Power Revolution.)
Corazon S. Cojuangco-Aquino (February 25, 1986 June 30, 1992)
Fidel V. Ramos (June 30, 1992 June 30, 1998)
Joseph M. Ejrcito-Estrada (June 30, 1998January 20, 2001) (Deposed after the
Supreme Court declared Estrada as resigned and the office of the presidency as
vacant as a result, after the 2001 EDSA Revolution.)
Gloria M. Macapagal-Arroyo (January 20, 2001June 30, 2010)
Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III (June 30, 2010June 30, 2016)
Vice Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines
Mariano C. Tras (March 22, 1897 November 2, 1897) (Term ended with the Pact
of Biak na Bato.)
Sergio Osmea (November 15, 1935 August 1, 1944)
Elpidio Quirino (May 28, 1946 April 17, 1948)

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Fernando Lpez (December 30, 1949 December 30, 1953)
Carlos P. Garcia (December 30, 1953 March 17, 1957) (Succeeded after the
death of president.)
Diosdado Macapagal (December 30, 1957 December 30, 1961)
Emmanuel Pelaez (December 30, 1961 December 30, 1965)
Fernando Lpez (December 30, 1965 - September 23, 1972)
Arturo M. Tolentino (February 16, 1986 February 25, 1986) (Term ended when
Marcos was overthrown in the 1986 People Power Revolution)
Salvador H. Laurel (February 25, 1986 June 30, 1992) (Assumed vice presidency
by claiming victory in the disputed 1986 snap election.)
Joseph M. Ejercito-Estrada (June 30, 1992 June 30, 1998)
Gloria M. Macapagal-Arroyo (June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001)
Teofisto T. Guingona, Jr. (February 7, 2001 June 30, 2004) (Nominated by
President Arroyo and confirmed by Congress.)
Noli L. de Castro, Jr. (June 30, 2004 June 30, 2010)
Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. (June 30, 2010 June 30, 2016)
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines
Sergio S. Osmea, Sr. (October 16, 1907 1922)
Manuel A. Roxas, Sr. (1922-1933)
Quintin Paredes (1933-1935)
Gil Montilla (November 25, 1935 December 30, 1938)
Jos Yulo (December 30, 1938 December 30, 1941)
Benigno Simeon Q. Aquino, Sr. (September 25, 1943 February 2, 1944)
Jose Zulueta (June 9, 1945 December 20, 1945)
Eugenio Prez (May 25, 1946 December 30, 1953)
Jos B. Laurel, Jr. (January 25, 1954 December 30, 1957)
Daniel Z. Romualdez (January 27, 1958 March 9, 1962)
Cornelio T. Villareal (March 9, 1962 February 2, 1967)
Jos B. Laurel, Jr. (February 2, 1967 April 1, 1971)
Cornelio T. Villareal (April 1, 1971 September 23, 1972)
Querube C. Makalintal (June 12, 1978 June 30, 1984)
Nicanor E. Yiguez (July 23, 1984 March 25, 1986)
Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. (July 27, 1987 June 30, 1992)
Jose C. de Venecia, Jr. (July 27, 1992 June 30, 1998)
Manuel B. Villar, Jr. (July 27, 1998 November 13, 2000)
Arnulfo Fuentebella (November 13, 2000 January 24, 2001)
Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. (January 24, 2001 June 30, 2001)
Jose de Venecia, Jr. (July 23, 2001 February 5, 2008)
Prospero C. Nograles (February 5, 2008 June 30, 2010)
Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. (July 26, 2010 June 30, 2016)

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Presidents of the Senate of the Philippines
Manuel Luis M. Quezon (October 16, 1916-1935)
Manuel A. Roxas (July 9, 1945- May 25, 1946)
Jos Avelino (May 25, 1946 February 21, 1949)
Mariano Jess D. Cuenco (February 21, 1949 December 30, 1951)
Quintin Paredes (March 5, 1952 - April 17, 1952)
Camilo Osas (April 17, 1952 April 30, 1952)
Eulogio A. Rodriguez, Sr. (April 30, 1952 April 17, 1953)
Camilo Osas (April 30, 1953 May 20, 1953)
Jose Zulueta (May 20, 1953 December 30, 1953)
Eulogio A. Rodriguez, Sr. (January 25, 1954 April 5, 1963)
Ferdinand Emmanuel E. Marcos (April 5, 1963 December 30, 1965)
Arturo M. Tolentino (January 17, 1966 January 26, 1967)
Gil J. Puyat (January 26, 1967 September 23, 1972)
Jovito R. Salonga (July 27, 1987 January 1, 1992)
Neptali A. Gonzales, Sr. (January 1, 1992 January 18, 1993)
Edgardo J. Angara (January 18, 1993 August 28, 1995)
Neptali A. Gonzales, Sr. (August 29, 1995 October 10, 1996)
Ernesto M. Maceda (October 10, 1996 January 26, 1998)
Neptali A. Gonzales, Sr. (January 26, 1998 June 30, 1998)
Marcelo B. Fernan (July 27, 1998 June 28, 1999)
Blas F. Ople (June 29, 1999 July 12, 2000)
Franklin M. Drilon (July 12, 2000 November 13, 2000)
Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (November 13, 2000 June 30, 2001)
Franklin M. Drilon (July 23, 2001 July 24, 2006)
Manuel B. Villar, Jr. (July 24, 2006 November 17, 2008)
Juan Ponce Enrile (November 17, 2008 June 5, 2013)
Jinggoy P. Ejercito-Estrada (June 5, 2013 June 30, 2013)
Franklin M. Drilon (July 22, 2013 June 30, 2016)
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Cayetano L. Arellano (June 15, 1901 April 1, 1920)
Victorino Mapa (July 1, 1920 October 31, 1921)
Manuel Araullo (November 1, 1921 July 26, 1924)
Ramn Avancea (April 1, 1925 December 24, 1941)
Jos B. Abad Santos (December 24, 1941 May 2, 1942)
Jos Yulo (February 5, 1942 July 9, 1945)
Manuel Moran (July 9, 1945 March 20, 1951)
Ricardo Paras (April 2, 1951 February 17, 1961)
Csar Bengzon (April 28, 1961 May 29, 1966)
Roberto Concepcion (June 17, 1966 April 18, 1973)
Querube Makalintal (October 31, 1973 December 22, 1975)
Fred A. Ruiz Castro (January 2, 1976 April 19, 1979)
Enrique Fernando (July 2, 1979 July 24, 1985)
Felix Makasiar (July 25, 1985 November 19, 1985)
Ramon Aquino (November 20, 1985 March 6, 1986)

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Claudio Teehankee (April 2, 1986 April 18, 1988)
Pedro Yap (April 19, 1988 June 30, 1988)
Marcelo Fernan (July 1, 1988 December 6, 1991)
Andres R. Narvasa (December 1, 1991 November 30, 1998)
Hilario G. Davide, Jr. (November 30, 1998 December 20, 2005)
Artemio V. Panganiban (December 20, 2005 December 7, 2006)
Reynato Puno (December 8, 2006 May 17, 2010)
Renato C. Corona (May 17, 2010 May 29, 2012)
Antonio T. Carpio (May 29, 2012 August 25, 2012)
Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno (August 25, 2012 July 2, 2030)
Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church
Pope (Roman Catholic Bishop of Rome and Worldwide Leader of Roman Catholic
Church)
1. Innocent I
2. Zosimus
3. Boniface I
4. Celestine I
5. Sixtus III
6. Leo I
7. Hilarius
8. Simplicius
9. Felix III
10. Gelasius I
11. Anastasius II
12. Symmachus
13. Hormisdas
14. John I
15. Felix IV
16. Boniface II
17. John II
18. Agapetus I
19. Silverius
20. Vigilius
21. Pelagius I
22. John III
23. Benedict I
24. Pelagius II
25. Gregory I
26. Sabinian
27. Boniface III
28. Boniface IV
29. Adeodatus I
30. Boniface V
31. Honorius I
32. Severinus

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33. John IV
34. Theodore I
35. Martin I
36. Eugene I
37. Vitalian
38. Adeodatus II
39. Donus
40. Agatho
41. Leo II
42. Benedict II
43. John V
44. Conon
45. Sergius I
46. John VI
47. John VII
48. Sisinnius
49. Constantine
50. Gregory II
51. Gregory III
52. Zachary
53. Stephen II
54. Paul I
55. Stephen III
56. Adrian I
57. Leo III
58. Stephen IV
59. Paschal I
60. Eugene II
61. Valentine
62. Gregory IV
63. Sergius II
64. Leo IV
65. Benedict III
66. Nicholas I
67. Adrian II
68. John VIII
69. Marinus I
70. Adrian III
71. Stephen V
72. Formosus
73. Boniface VI
74. Stephen VI
75. Romanus
76. Theodore II
77. John IX
78. Benedict IV
79. Leo V

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80. Sergius III
81. Anastasius III
82. Lando
83. John X
84. Leo VI
85. Stephen VII
86. John XI
87. Leo VII
88. Stephen VIII
89. Marinus II
90. Agapetus II
91. John XII
92. Benedict V
93. Leo VIII
94. John XIII
95. Benedict VI
96. Benedict VII
97. John XIV
98. John XV
99. Gregory V
100. Sylvester II
101. John XVII
102. John XVIII
103. Sergius IV
104. Benedict VIII
105. John XIX
106. Benedict IX
107. Sylvester III
108. Benedict IX
109. Gregory VI
110. Clement II
111. Benedict IX
112. Damasus II
113. Leo IX
114. Victor II
115. Stephen IX
116. Nicholas II
117. Alexander II
118. Gregory VII
119. Victor III
120. Urban II
121. Paschal II
122. Gelasius II
123. Callixtus II
124. Honorius II
125. Innocent II
126. Celestine II

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127. Lucius II
128. Eugene III
129. Anastasius IV
130. Adrian IV
131. Alexander III
132. Lucius III
133. Urban III
134. Gregory VIII
135. Clement III
136. Celestine III
137. Innocent III
138. Honorius III (Cencio Savelli) (18 July, 1216 18 March, 1227)
139. Gregory IX (Ugolino di Conti) (19 March, 1227 22 August, 1241)
140. Celestine IV (Goffredo da Castiglione) (25 October, 1241 - 10
November, 1241)
141. Innocent IV (Sinibaldo Fieschi) (25 June, 1243 7 December, 1254)
142. Alexander IV (Rinaldo di Jenne) (12 December, 1254 - 25 May,
1261)
143. Urban IV (Jacques Pantalon) (29 August, 1261 2 October, 1264)
144. Clement IV (Guy Foucois) (5 February, 1265 29 November, 1268)
145. Gregory X (Teobaldo Visconti) (1 September, 1271 10 January,
1276)
146. Innocent V (Pierre de Tarentaise) (21 January, 1276 22 June, 1276)
147. Adrian V (Ottobuono de' Fieschi) (11 July, 1276 18 August 1276)
148. John XXI (Pedro Julio) (13 September, 1276 20 May, 1277)
149. Nicholas III (Giovanni Gaetano Orsini) (25 November, 1277 22
August, 1280)
150. Martin IV (Simon de Brion) (21 February, 1281 28 March, 1285)
151. Honorius IV (Giacomo Savelli) (2 April, 1285 3 April, 1287)
152. Nicholas IV (Girolamo Masci) (22 February, 1288 4 April, 1292)
153. Celestine V(Pietro Angelerio) (5 July, 1294 13 December, 1294)
154. Boniface VIII (Benedetto Caetani) (24 December, 1294 11
October, 1303)
155. Benedict XI (Nicola Boccasini) (22 October, 1303 7 July, 1304)
156. Clement V (Raymond Bertrand de Got) (5 June, 1305 - 20 April,
1314)
157. John XXII (Jacques Duze) (7 August, 1316 4 December, 1334)
158. Benedict XII (Jacques Fournier) (20 December, 1334 - 25 April, 1342)
159. Clement VI (Pierre Roger) (7 May, 1342 - 6 December, 1952)
160. Innocent VI (tienne Aubert) (18 December 1352 12 September
1362)
161. Urban V (William de Grimoard) (28 September, 1362 19 December,
1370)
162. Gregory XI (Pierre Roger De Beaufort) (30 December, 1370 27
March, 1378)
163. Urban VI (Bartolomeo Prignano) (8 April 1378 15 October 1389))
164. Boniface IX (Piero Tomacelli) (2 November 1389 1 October 1404)

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165. Innocent VII Cosimo de' Migliorati (17 October, 1404 6 November,
1406)
166. Gregory XII (Angelo Correr or Corraro) (30 November, 1406 4 July,
1415)
167. Martin V (Oddone Colonna) (11 November, 1417 20 February,
1431)
168. Eugene IV (Gabriele Condulmer) (3 March, 1431 23 February,
1447)
169. Nicholas V (Alfons de Borja) (8 April, 1455 6 August, 1458)
170. Callixtus III (Tommaso Parentucelli) (8 April, 1455 6 August, 1458)
171. Pius II (Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini) (19 August 1458 14
August, 1464)
172. Paul II (Pietro Barbo) (30 August 1464 26 July, 1471)
173. Sixtus IV (Francesco della Rovere) (9 August, 1471 12 August, 1484)
174. Innocent VIII (Giovanni Battista Cybo) (29 August, 1484 - 25 July,
1492)
175. Alexander VI (Roderic Llanol) (11 August, 1492 - 18 August, 1503)
176. Pius III (Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini) (22 September, 1503 - 18
October, 1503)
177. Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere) (1 November, 1503 21 February,
1513)
178. Leo X (Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici) (9 March, 1513 1
December, 1521)
179. Adrian VI (Adriaan Floriszoon Boeyens) (9 January, 1522 14
September, 1523)
180. Clement VII (Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici) (19 November 1523 25
September, 1534)
181. Paul III (Alessandro Farnese )(13 October, 1534 10 November,
1549)
182. Julius III (Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte) (7 February, 1550 23
March, 1555)
183. Marcellus II (Marcello Cervini degli Spannochi) (9 April 1555 1 May
1555)
184. Pius IV (Giovanni Angelo Medici) (25 December 1559 - 9 December
1565)
185. Pius the Fifth (Antonio Ghislieri) (8 January 1566 - 1 May 1572)
186. Gregory XIII (Ugo Boncompagni) (13 May 1572 10 April 1585)
187. Sixtus V (Felice Peretti di Montalto) (24 April 1585 27 August 1590)
188. Urban VII (Giovanni Battista Castagna) (15 September 1590 27
September 1590)
189. Gregory XIV (Niccol Sfondrati) (5 December 1990 16 October
1591)
190. Innocenth XI (Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti) (29 October 1591 30
December 1591)
191. Clement VIII (Ippolito Aldobrandini) (30 January 1592 3 March
1605)

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192. Leo XI (Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici) (1 April 1605 27 April
1605)
193. Paul V(Camillo Borghese) 16 May 1605 28 January 1621)
194. Gregory XV (Alessandro Ludovisi) (9 February 1621 8 July 1623)
195. Urban the Eighth (Maffeo Barberini) (6 August 1623 29 July 1644)
196. Innocent the Tenth (Giovanni Battista Pamphilj) (15 September 1644
7 January 1655)
197. Alexander the Seventh (Fabio Chigi) (7 April 1655 22 May 1667)
198. Clement the Ninth (Giulio Rospigliosi) (20 June 1667 9 December
1669)
199. Clement the Tenth (Emilio Bonaventura Altieri) (29 April 1670 - 22
July 1676)
200. Innocent the Eleventh (Benedetto Odescalchi) (21 September 1676
- 12 August 1689)
201. Alexander the Eighth (Pietro Vito Ottoboni) (6 October 1689 1
February 1691)
202. Innocent the Eleventh (Antonio Pignatelli) (12 July 1691 27
September 1700)
203. Clement the Eleventh (Giovanni Francesco Albani) (23 November
1700 19 March 1721)
204. Innocent the Thirteenth (Michelangelo dei Conti) (8 May 1721 - 7
March 1724)
205. Benedict the Thirteenth (Pietro Francesco Orsini) (29 May 1724 21
February 1730)
206. Clement the Twelfth (Lorenzo Corsini) (12 July 1730 6 February
1740)
207. Benedict the Fourteenth (Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini) (17 August
1740 May 3, 1758)
208. Clement the Thirteenth (Carlo della Torre di Rezzonico) (16 July 1758
- 2 February 1769)
209. Clement the Fourteenth (Giovanni Vincenzo Antonio Ganganelli)
(19 May 1769 - 22 September 1774)
210. Pius the Sixth (Count Giovanni Angelo Braschi) (15 February 1775 -
29 August 1799)
211. Pius the Seventh (Barnaba Niccol Maria Luigi Chiaramonti) (14
March 1800 - 20 August 1823)
212. Leo the Eleventh (Annibale Francesco Clemente Melchiore
Girolamo Nicola Sermattei della Genga) (28 September 1823 - 10
February 1829)
213. Pius the Eighth (Francesco Saverio Castiglioni) (31 March 1829 - 30
November 1830)
214. Gregory the Sixteenth (Bartolomeo Alberto Cappellari) (2 February
1831 - 1 June 1846)
215. Pius 9 (Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti) (16 June 1846 - 7 February
1878)
216. Leo 13 (Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci) (20 February
1878 - 20 July 1903)

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217. Pius 10 (Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto) (4 August 1903 - 20 August
1914)
218. Benedict 15 (Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa) (3
September 1914 - 22 January 1922)
219. Pius 11 (Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti) (6 February 1922 - 10
February 1939)
220. Pius 12 (Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Cardinal Pacelli) (2
March 1939 9 October 1958)
221. John 23rd (Angelo Giuseppe Cardinal Roncalli) (28 October 1958
3 June 1963)
222. Paul 6 (Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Cardinal Montini) (21
June 1963 - 6 August 1978)
223. John Paul 1
224. John Paul 2 (Karol Jzef Cardinal K. Wojtya) (16 October 1978 - 2
April 2005)
225. Benedict 16 (Joseph Cardinal P. Ratzinger) (19 April 2005 - 28
February 2013)
226. Francis (Jorge Mario Cardinal S. Bergoglio) (13 March, 2013
present)
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila
1. Domingo de Salazar, O. P. (February 6, 1579 - December 4, 1594)
2. Ignacio Santibez, O.F.M. (August 30, 1595 - August 14, 1598)
3. Miguel de Benavides, O. P. (October 7, 1602 - July 26, 1605)
4. Diego Vzquez de Mercado (March 28, 1608 - June 12, 1616)
5. Miguel Garca Serrano, O.S.A. (February 12, 1618 - June 14, 1629)
6. Hernando Guerrero, O.S.A. (January 9, 1634 July 1, 1641)
7. Fernando Montero de Espinosa (May 20, 1644 1645)
8. Miguel de Poblete - September 9, 1650 December 8, 1667)
9. Juan Lpez, O. P. (1672 - February 12, 1674)
10. Felipe Pardo, O. P. (October 28, 1681 - December 31, 1689)
11. Diego Camacho y vila (August 19, 1696 - January 14, 1704)
12. Francisco de la Cuesta, O.S.H. (August 12, 1707 1722)
13. Carlos Bermudez Gonzalez (1722 - November 13, 1729)
14. Juan ngel Rodrguez, O.S.T. (May 18, 1731 - June 24, 1742)
15. Pedro de la Santsima Trinidad Martnez de Arizala,O.F.M. February 3, 1744
- May 28, 1755
16. Manuel Antonio Rojo del Ro y Vieyra 1758 - 1764
17. Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa, S.P. April 14, 1766 - December 15, 1787
18. Juan Antonio Orbigo de Gallego, O.F.M. December 15, 1788 - May 17,
1797
19. Juan Antonio Zulaibar, O. P. March 26, 1804 - March 4, 1824)
20. Hilarin Dez, O.S.A. (July 3, 1826 - May 7, 1829)
21. Jos Segu, O.S.A. (July 5, 1830 - July 4, 1845)
22. Jos Aranguren, O.A.R. January 19, 1846 - April 18, 1861)
23. Gregorio Melitn Martnez Santa Cruz (December 23, 1861 1875)
24. Pedro Payo y Pieiro, O.P. (January 28, 1876 January 1, 1889)

15

25. Bernardino Nozaleda y Villa, O. P. (May 27, 1889 February 4, 1902)
26. Jeremiah James Harty (June 6, 1903 - May 16, 1916)
27. Michael J. O'Doherty (September 6, 1916 - October 13, 1949)
28. Gabriel M. Reyes (October 13, 1949 - October 15, 1952)
29. Rufino J. Cardinal Santos (February 10, 1953 - September 3, 1973)
30. Jaime Cardinal L. Sin (September 3, 1973 - November 18, 2003)
31. Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales (November 21, 2003 - December 12, 2011)
32. Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle (December 12, 2011 - present)
The Life of Pope Francis/ Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Childhood in a happy Catholic family
Fr. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of
Argentina,on December 17, 1936. He was baptized by Fr. Enrique Pozzoli, an
Italian Salesian priest who was close to the family. Today, Pope Francis often
speaks of the importance of Baptism and urges the faithful to remember the
date on which they became a Christian.

His father,Mario Jose Francisco Bergoglio, was an Italian immigrant. One of his
grandfathers brothers had started a flooring enterprise in Parana, Argentina that
was doing well and the four Bergoglio brothers were putting up a family business.
They disembarqued from the Julius Caesar, though they should have sailed on
an earlier voyage: with the Princess Malfada, which sank. Fr. Jorge wrote. You
cannot imagine how many times I have thanked divine Providence!

Having worked as an accountant in the Bank of Italy in Turin, Papa Mario, though
an only child, had enjoyed being part of Don Boscos Salesian Family in Italy.
When he arrived in Buenos Aires in 1929, he went to live with the Salesians in Solis
Lane where he was warmly welcomed in typical Salesian fashion. It was there
that Mario encountered Fr. Pozzoli who promptly became his confessor.

Photography and other creative activities attracted the youth. Mario settled in to
his new life in Buenos Aires and joined the lively group of young men that
gathered around Fr. Pozzoli in much the same way the young men in Turin had
often surrounded Don Bosco.

Fr. Pozzoli the missionary, confessor, and watchmaker, was also a photographer
and much loved by the Sivori family, and most of all by their eldest son, Vincent
Sivori, who had a passionate love for photography.

Mario met the Sivori brothers who were part of the Crulos Catlicos de
Obreros and eventually met Regina Maria Sivori whom he married on December
12, 1935 in San Carlos. Jorges Mama devoted herself to raising the family and to
giving their five children a healthy religious upbringing.

His grandmother, Dona Rosa Margarita Vasallo de Bergoglio, a great promoter
of Catholic Action,greatly inspired young Jorge who often carried with him one

16

of her leaflets entitled St. Joseph in the life of the maiden, the widow and the
bride.

He recounts one occasion when his grandmother said things that did not please
the government and they closed the hall where she was to speak. Undaunted,
she spoke out on the street, standing on a table.

Its not strange that I speak with affection of the Salesians, he wrote, because
my family was nourished spiritually by the Salesians of San Carlos.
As a child I learned to go to the procession of Mary Help of Christians, he
wrote, and also to that of Saint Anthony of Mexico Street. When I was at my
grandmothers home, I went to the Oratory of Saint Francis of Sales.
As a child I had in my hands the Religious Instruction of Father Moret. Fr Jorge
added. They had taught us to ask for the blessing of Mary Help of Christians
every time we took leave of a Salesian.
An economic recession,however, began to take a toll on the flourishing
Bergoglio family business. The President of the firm, Jorges granduncle, became
ill with leukemia and lymphosarcoma and died.
The two eventsthe recession and the death of Juan Lorenzocaused the
family business to fail. They had to sell everything, from the family chapel in the
cemetery to the four storey Bergoglio Building where the four brothers lived.
Jorges grandparents and his Papa were left with nothing.
Growing up with the Salesians
As a family, the Bergoglios always turned to Fr. Enrique Pozzoli whenever there
was a problem, or when they needed help or advice. He had baptized all the
children but one, Jorges second brother who was born in 1938 when Fr Pozzoli
was in Usuahia.
Then in February of 1948, it happened that after Jorges Mama had his sister, the
fifth and last child, she became very weak and exhausted making it necessary
for the three eldest children to board. His sister, the third child, who is today the
mother of a Jesuit and of a woman religious, was placed as a boarder at Mara
Auxiliadora with the help of Fr. Pozzoli.
Fr. Pozzolis prayers to Mary Help of Christians for his boys when they were
going through difficult situations did not go unheeded, however, and he was
able to introduce the family to a person who lent them 2,000 pesos so that
Jorges grandparents could set up a store in Barrio Flores. His Papa who had
been an accountant at the Bank of Italy, now had to be the delivery man for the
family store.
Near the end of 1948, Fr. Pozzoli intervened again so that Jorge and his brother
could enter as boarders at the Colegio Wilfrid Barn de los Santos Angeles in
Ramn Meja.
There I completed sixth grade, in 1949, and my brother fifth and sixth in 1949
and 1950, Pope Francis wrote Fr. Bruno.
The future pope was in Class 6B and won first prize that year in conduct, religion
and the Gospel.

17

Life in any Salesian college is the same anywhere in the world. One only has to
visit any Don Bosco school in the Philippines to get a sense of the Salesian Spirit
that permeates Don Bosco schools and opens the hearts of the young to God.
Pope Francis writes that the Wilfrid Baron School of the Holy Angels in Ramos
Mejia, Buenos Aires, prepared him for life. Reflecting on what it was like to
attend the school, Pope Francis describes its Catholic culture:
School life was a whole. I was immersed in a way of life prepared so that there
wouldnt be time to be lazy. The day passed as an arrow without time for one to
be bored. I felt myself submerged in a world that, although prepared
artificially (with pedagogic resources), had nothing artificial about it. The most
natural thing was to go to Mass in the morning, as well as having breakfast,
studying, going to lessons, playing during recreation, hearing the Good night
of the Father Director.
On devotion to Mary
Recourse to Our Lady is essential for life. It goes from the awareness of having a
Mother in heaven that takes care of me to the recitation of the three Hail Marys,
or of the Rosary.
On the Good Night talk
One of the key moments of this learning to seek the meaning of things was the
Good night that the Father Director generally gave. When one or two years
later I came to know how Father Isidoro Holowaty died, of how he endured for
the sake of mortification so many days of pain in his stomach (he was a nurse)
until one Wednesday Father Pozzoli, who had gone there to confess the
Salesians, ordered him to see a doctor, well, when I came to know this it seemed
to me the most natural thing that a Salesian should die this way, exercising virtue.
On sports
Sports is an essential aspect of life. One played well and a lot. The values that
sport teaches (in addition to health) we already knew. In study as in sport the
dimension of competition had a certain importance: we were taught
to compete well and to compete as Christians. (Like most South American kids,
young Jorge became a fervent fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro, one of the
classic teams of Argentine ftbol.)
Education in creativity
There was room for hobbies and crafts Father Lambruschini taught us to sing,
with Father Aviles I learned to build machineryand so many other things
(theater, organization of championships, academic ceremonies, taxidermy, etc.)
that channeled hobbies and anxieties.
Reason, religion and loving kindness
How did our educators address crises? They made us feel that we could trust,
that they loved us, they were able to listen, they gave us good opportune
advice, and they defended us both from rebellion as well as melancholy.
The Grandma Who Stood Up to Mussolini
By Ma. Lourdes Ll. Galza
Castor Oil and Live Toads
During the dark days under Benito Mussolini,armed squads in black called
theCamicie Nere, or Black shirts, quelled critics of the Fascist regime bytying

18

them to trees, pouring castor oil down their throats and forcing them to eat live
toads. 1Most people found it expedient to keep their thoughts to themselves.
Political correctness, however, meant compromising principle and one
concerned citizen with a conscience could notcompromise Gods truth.
Catholic Courage
Doa Rosa Margherita Vasallo de Bergoglio wasPope Francis Nonna or
grandmother. Shehad that special courage born of grace. Nonna, Doa Rosa
Margherita Vasallo de Bergoglio, worked with the newly founded Catholic
Action. The future Pope wrote his friend, Salesian historian Fr. Cayetano Bruno.
Nonna had known Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasatti.2
Bl. Giorgio was a handsome, fun-loving, young man with a great sense of humor.
Born of a wealthy Italian family, he secretly helped the poor. A mountaineer and
popular athlete,he was a passionateCatholic social activist who opposed
Fascism. He died at the age of 24 and was beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul
II.3
With similar passion, the Popes Nonna Rosa gave rousing lectures on Catholic
Action. She lectured everywhere, then Fr. Bergoglio explained. It seems that
my grandmother said things that did not suit the policy Once they closed the
hall where she was to speak, and so she spoke out on the street, standing on a
table.4
The Popes sister Maria Elena, confiding to Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli
added, Grandmother Rosa was a heroine for us, a very brave lady. Ill never
forget when she told us how in her town, in Italy, she took the pulpit in church to
condemn the dictatorship, Mussolini, fascism.5
She taught me a lot about faith
Today, Pope Francis describes his Nonna as the woman who had the greatest
influence 6 on his life. It was my grandmother who taught me to pray. She
taught me a lot about faith and told me stories about the saints,6 He said ina
radio interview released from Barracas, Buenos Aires.
Tornielli reports that Pope Francis keeps in his breviary a little note from his
Nonna Rosa that reads:
May my grandchildren, to whom I have given the best of my heart, have a long
and happy life. But if there are days of pain or illness, or if the loss of a loved one
fills them with despair, may they remember that a whisper of a prayer and a look
to Mary at the feet of the cross, can be like a drop of balsam on even the
deepest and most painful wounds. 7
1 Life in Fascist Italy History Learning Site. Retrieved September 2014 from
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/life_in_fascist_italy.htm
2 Leon, SDB, Fr. Alejandro. Francis and Don Bosco. Quito, Ecuador: Published by
CSPP Jos Ruaro/ CSRFP, 2014.
3 Who Is Pier Giorgio Frassati? Retrieved September 2014 from the official
website for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. www.frassatiusa.
4 Leon, SDB, Fr. Alejandro. Francis and Don Bosco. Quito, Ecuador: Published by
5Tornielli, Andrea. Francis: Pope of a New World. Ignatius Press, Retrieved
September 2014 from http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/francis-pope-new-
world/

19

6Leon, SDB, Fr. Alejandro. Francis and Don Bosco. Quito, Ecuador: Published by
7Marshall, Dr Taylor.Pope Francis Special Note from His Grandmother Rosa.
Retrieved September 2014 fromtaylormarshall.com/2013/04/pope-franciss-
special-note-from-his.html

Preparations for the event (August 2013-September 30, 2014)
Paseo de Manila tourism zone to rise in Luneta Park
The country's national park agency has bigger plans to redevelop the People's
Park
By Pia Ranada, Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines, August 30, 2013 - A tourism enterprise zone dubbed Paseo
de Manila will rise in Luneta Park, Juliet Villegas, outgoing National Parks
Development Committee (NPDC) director, announced on Friday, August 30.
In a public presentation held in Makati, Villegas showed a graphic of the
proposed development meant to attract more local and foreign tourists to the
national park and stimulate economic growth in the area. Paseo de Manila will
be constructed in the western part of the park, near Quirino Grand Stand and
Manila Ocean Park.
The graphic showed 8 new proposed buildings, ranging from 3 to 15 stories high.
Villegas said proposals recommended that these buildings be boutique hotels,
restaurants or shopping centers.
All 8 buildings will feature a "green roof" or roof garden to add greenery to the
park as a whole.
"It is now undergoing a validation plan, because in Tourism Act of 2009, Luneta
Park is designated as a flagship destination to become a tourism enterprise zone
together with Intramuros," explained Villegas.
Paseo de Manila is just one of the key proposals for the redevelopment of the 54-
hectare People's Park.
The agency also plans to add more entry points to the park. One in the works will
connect the United Nations LRT-1 station to the children's playground. A raised
walkway "decorated with vines and flowers" will connect Luneta to Intramuros,
said Villegas.
An airconditioned glass-walled Visitor's Center will be constructed as a hub for
tourists who both want to know more about the park and rest from the heat.
The Rizal Park Amphitheater designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin will be
outfitted with a modern canopy so that public events like concerts or film-
screenings can enjoy protection from rain. Park-goers can see the finished
product for themselves in October when the Philharmonic Orchestra formally
opens the amphitheater to the public.

20

Revival
Stretching from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay, Luneta is said to be the largest urban
park in Asia. Since the 1800s, it has served as the People's Park, the preferred
venue for public events like: the Feast of the Black Nazarene (January 8-9), El
Shaddai Easter Overnight Celebration (every Black Saturday to Easter Sunday),
Independence Day (June 12), El Shaddai Anniversary Celebration and 2014
Million People March protest.
The NPDC, an agency under the Department of Tourism, is the designated
steward of Luneta. When Villegas was appointed NPDC head in 2010, she set out
to fix the most glaring problems that pulled down the public park from its "golden
age" in the 70s, when Filipinos from every economic class patronized it.
"Due to budget constraints, the park couldn't do as much. It was just going
through the rounds of sweeping, cleaning, garbage-disposal. There were a lot of
overgrown shrubs and trees that made the park darker at night. Some of the
bulbs were busted," she recounted during a public presentation in Makati.
The park increasingly became more crime-prone, with the notorious "palakpak
boys" mugging park-goers and carrying out petty crimes. The August 2010
hostage-taking of Chinese tourists in a bus in nearby Quirino Grand Stand
cemented Luneta's menacing reputation in the minds of local and foreign
tourists.
With P300 million allotted to the NPDC for 2010 to 2013, Villegas sought to make
quick but effective fixes to the park.
She is proud to report a lower crime rate due to the 24-hour security provided by
tourist police and CCTV cameras. Jog lanes now run through the park. "Green"
rest rooms that collect rainwater for the flushing of toilets are open to park-goers.
With the help of urban planner Paulo Alcazaren, who is also leading the revival
of Roxas Boulevard, the agency has rehabilitated many of the park's most
famous features: Paco Park, the giant relief map of the Philippines, Flower Clock,
children's playground, musical dancing fountain, and diorama of Jose Rizal's
martyrdom.
READ: Bike-friendly, billboard-free Roxas Boulevard?
Private-public partnerships have added new features like sculptures, mosaic
murals, the Senior Citizen's Garden and bus stops for tourists.
The importance of urban parks
Urban parks pose many benefits to communities.
According to University of California Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, urban
parks improve quality of life and and provide "visual and psychological relief" for
weary city dwellers.
Parks encourage healthy physical activities like sports, and create a sense of
community by providing space for interaction and gatherings.

21

Dubbed the "green lungs" of a city, urban parks also offer many environmental
benefits. Their trees and plants help cool cities by lowering surface and air
temperature. The shade they provide can lower temperature of surfaces by 11
to 25 degrees Celsius. Cooling also happens when water evaporates from soil
and transpires from plants.
Trees and vegetation lessen air pollution from the heightened commercial
activity and traffic of vehicles in urban zones. Along with soil, park greenery
mitigates flooding by absorbing water run-off.
To maximize these environmental benefits, NPDC unpaved the park's concrete
walkways to allow floodwater to seep through and be absorbed by the soil.
About 20 hectares of what was once pavement are now trees and vegetation.
Though it seems that NPDC's efforts have revitalized Luneta Park, Villegas knows
this is only the beginning.
We have too few public parks in the country. While our mandate only covers
Luneta, Paco Park and Pook ni Mariang Makiilng in Laguna, we can work
towards creating more parks nationwide, she said. - Rappler.com
The 2013 Year-End Report
Super-typhoon Yolanda in APs 2013 Top 10 stories
New York, New York, USA, December 23, 2013 (AP) The glitch-plagued rollout of
President Barack Obamas health care overhaul was the top news story of 2013, followed
by the Boston Marathon bombing and the dramatic papal changeover at the Vatican,
according to The Associated Press annual poll of US editors and news directors.
The saga of Obamacare as the Affordable Care Act is widely known received 45
first-place votes out of the 144 ballots cast for the top 10 stories.
The marathon bombing received 29 first-place votes and the papal transition 21.
Other strong contenders were the bitter partisan conflict in Congress and the leaks about
National Security Agency surveillance by former NSA analyst Edward Snowden.
Last year, the top story was the massacre of 26 children and staff at an elementary school
in Newtown, Connecticut.
That result came after a rare decision by the AP to re-conduct the voting; the initial round
of balloting had ended Dec. 13, a day before the Newtown shooting, with the 2012
election at the top.
The first AP top-stories poll was conducted in 1936, when editors chose the abdication of
Britains King Edward VIII.
APs 2013 top 10 stories, in order:
HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL: The White House had hoped the Oct. 1 launch of open
enrollment would be a showcase for the upside of Obamas much-debated health care
overhaul.
Instead, the website became a symbol of dysfunction, providing Republicans and late-
night comics with ammunition, and worrying the presidents Democratic allies.
The site gradually improved, but a wave of cancellation notices from insurers undercut
Obamas oft-repeated promise that people who liked their existing coverage could keep
it.

22

BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING: In seconds, a scene of celebration transformed into
one of carnage, as two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in
April.
Three people were killed and more than 260 injured, including at least 16 who lost limbs.
Authorities soon identified two suspects 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who died in a
shootout with police, and his brother, Dzhokhar, 20, who faces multiple charges,
including 17 that carry a possible death penalty.
Though jolted by the bombings and a subsequent lockdown, the city rallied under the
slogan Boston Strong.
VATICAN CHANGEOVER: Pope Benedict XVI stunned Catholics around the world
with his announcement in February that he would resign.
The Argentine cardinal elected to succeed him, soon known as Pope Francis, proceeded
to captivate many Catholics and non-Catholics alike with a new tone of openness,
modesty and tolerance.
Without challenging core church doctrine, he suggested it was time to rethink policy on
divorce, focus more on serving the poor, and devote less rhetoric to condemnations of
gay marriage and abortion.
DIVIDED CONGRESS: Opinion polls showed Congress with historically low approval
ratings, and the key reason was seemingly intractable partisan conflict.
Among the consequences were the harsh automatic spending curbs known as
sequestration, the partial shutdown of the government in October, and bitterness in the
Senate after Democrats used their majority to reduce the Republicans ability to stall
presidential nominations via filibusters.
NSA SPYING: The ripple effect continues, seven months after the world learned of
Edward Snowden.
The former NSA analyst leaked vast troves of secret documents detailing NSA
surveillance operations, including programs that collected Americans phone records and
eavesdropped on allied leaders.
After a stay in Hong Kong, Snowden spent a month in Moscows airport before obtaining
asylum in Russia.
The leaks have roiled diplomacy, triggered lawsuits and calls for reform, and prompted
warnings that terrorists could benefit from the disclosures.
GAY MARRIAGE: Capping decades of activism, the gay-rights movement won a
monumental victory in June in the form of two Supreme Court decisions.
One cleared the way for ending a ban on same-sex marriages in California, the most
populous state.
The other struck down a 1996 law passed by Congress that banned federal recognition of
same-sex marriages. In subsequent months, Hawaii, Illinois and New Mexico boosted the
number of states allowing gay marriage to at least 17.
NELSON MANDELA: A freedom fighter, a political prisoner, a statesman revered for
preaching reconciliation in a nation torn by racial strife.
Nelson Mandela was all that and more the icon of the anti-apartheid movement and
South Africas first black president.
With his death at the age of 95, his compatriots, world leaders and countless other
admirers mourned the loss of a one-of-a-kind hero.

23

PHILIPPINES TYPHOON: There were dire warnings beforehand, but the toll wreaked
by by super-typhoon Haiyan (locally named Yolanda) was still stunning in its scope
after it struck on Nov. 8.
More than 6,000 people died; hundreds more remain missing. The typhoon damaged or
destroyed the homes of more than 16 million people, with rebuilding expected to take
years.
SYRIA: The death toll mounted inexorably, past 120,000, as Syrias nearly 3-year-old
civil war raged on with no signs of resolution.
The government of Bashar Assad did agree to eliminate its chemical weapons, but
prospects for peace talks were complicated by infighting among anti-government rebels.
Nearly 9 million Syrians have been uprooted from their homes, with many of them
seeking refuge abroad.
MISSING WOMEN FOUND: The call for help came on May 6, and the revelations that
followed were gripping and grim.
A former bus driver, Ariel Castro, had abducted three women from the streets of
Cleveland from 2002 to 2004 when they were 14, 16 and 20.
He periodically kept them chained, restricted access to food and toilets, and repeatedly
raped and assaulted them until their escape. Castro pleaded guilty to multiple charges,
and in September, faced with life in prison, hanged himself in his cell.
Sao among 2013 10 People Who Mattered in science (By Ron B. Lopez, Manila
Bulletin)
Manila, Philippines, December 24, 2013 - Climate Change Commissioner Naderev
Yeb Sao represented the millions of Filipinos affected by super typhoon Yolanda
(internatioanal name Haiyan) when he spoke at the United Nations climate talks in
November, and it is still to them that he dedicates the honor of being named one of the
Ten People Who Mattered in 2013.
Sao, who drew a standing ovation over his solidarity plea at the UN climate talks at
Warsaw, is chosen as one of 10 people who mattered worldwide in 2013 by Nature
Journal, an international science journal, joining the list of people who excelled and made
breakthrough discoveries in the field of science.
The Climate Conscience
Nature journal described Sao as the Climate Conscience for focusing the worlds
attention to global warming following the destructive typhoon Yolanda that killed more
than 6,000 people in Eastern Visayas.
On November 20, Sao started his fasting during the 14-day climate talks until a
meaning outcome. His sacrifice has resulted in the last-minute deal of delegates from
international community to keep negotiations on track for the next major climate summit
in 2015.
Sao, a climate change advocate since 1997 and served as part of the NGO delegation to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, also dedicated the
acknowledgement he got to all the people around the world confronting inequity,
injustice, and the risks of a planetary system gone awry, he told Manila Bulletin Online.
His said he was deeply moved that his message at the UN talks has been recognized by
several organizations worldwide.

24

I am absolutely stunned. To have been lined up with these amazing people who are
trailblazing in their quest to make peoples lives better is a huge honor, he said.
But this only serves as the beginning for Sao.
The University of the Philippines-Diliman graduate said they are launching a program
which is similar to the fasting he and other concerned groups in the climate talks did: the
#FastForTheClimate campaign.
Sao joined the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), together with other global
organizations, in a monthly Day of Fasting for the Climate beginning 1 January. They
urge prayer and spiritual reflection to express solidarity with those who are most
vulnerable to climate change.
[We are] calling on people to join us in fasting every 1st day of each month
until December 1st 2014 when the next UN Climate Change Conference takes place in
Lima, Peru, he said.
In the Philippines, Sao and his group will visit communities nationwide to highlight the
things needed to be done to build resilience against climate change.
I also dedicate it to my children and future generations from whom we are merely
borrowing this Earth.
Sao noted that even his name will be forgotten, whats more important is that the
message has been delivered to the world so solidarity and the global awakening live on.
The most important thing is to be a living example of what we advocate for. I will
continue to take public transport regularly to build awareness on the need to improve the
public transport systems, he said.
Sao is chosen together with Feng Zhang of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
Cambridge who has been tagged as the DNAs master editor, and Tania Simoncelli, a
US science-policy expert who fought to keep genes open to all which earned her the title
the gene patent foe.
The science journals list also includes Deborah Persaud, a virologist which proved that
infants born with HIV can be cured, Michel Mayor who belongs to a group who have
found hundreds of exoplanets during the past two decades, Viktor Grokhovsky or the
meteorite hunter, and virologist Hualan Chen who helped China to combat an outbreak
of H7N9 avian flu in humans.
Also in the list are Shoukhrat Mitalipov, or the cloning chief, who developed a line of
stem cells from a cloned human embryo; Kathryn Clancy, an anthropologist who
unearthed disturbing trends in sexual assaults at field sites; and Henry Snaith or the Sun
worshipper who boosted the efficiency of solar cells this year.
Nature journal is one of worlds most highly cited interdisciplinary science journals,
according to the 2012 Journal Citation Reports Science Edition. It is a weekly
international journal which started to publish finest peer-reviewed researches in all fields
of science since 1869.
The Visayas in 2013: Growth and daunting crises (First of Three Parts)
Manila, Philippines, December 24, 2013 - YEAREND REPORT
For the entire Visayas islands save for Eastern Visayas 2013 started and was
sustained by robust growth all through most of the year only to end in calamities so
horrendously devastating that this particular instance in Philippine modern history will be

25

etched indelibly in the memories of Filipinos and the whole world for a long period of
time.
Altogether, the Visayas regions, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and to a lesser degree,
Eastern Visayas, were estimated to contribute as much as 12 percent to the overall growth
of what has largely been regarded by the outside world as, Asias new economic strong
man, of late.
Sans catastrophic crises, the Philippines full-year growth through 2013 was projected to
hover between 7.3 to 7.5 percent from a clearly indicated 6.8 percent growth at yearend
2012.
A diversified economy fueled by, among other drivers, a booming property development
sector, vibrant tourism, and a healthy banking and burgeoning business process
outsourcing (BPO) industry, all contributed to Western Visayas positive 8.2 percent
economic growth. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas deputy director Fernando Silvoza pointed
out during an October 11 visit to the regional capital, Iloilo City, was higher than the
national average of 6.8 percent.
Meanwhile, Central Visayas, strategically located between major island groups,
Mindanao and Luzon, has always been an economic leader among the countrys regions,
growing by 9.3 percent last year, 6.8 percent in 2011 and 12.9 percent in 2010. Given its
strong momentum in the last three years, Efren Carreon, assistant director for the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Central Visayas (Neda-7)
said, in early December, that despite the devastating natural calamities that affected parts
of the region, particularly the regional capital, Cebu, in the fourth quarter, we are
targeting 7.5 to 10 percent growth of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) for 2013.
He said whatever critical events may have occurred in the region in 2013, many of the
industries, including manufacturing, have already produced goods to sell for the entire
year. Some activities, tourism for instance, and particularly agriculture would most
likely be affected by the disastrous events that befell the region in October and
November, but construction will remain positive as both government and the private
sector make efforts to undertake rehabilitation and reconstruction work in areas affected
by the calamities.
Even Eastern Visayas, the perennial laggard in terms of growth and development among
the three Visayas regions, showed promise. For instance, in September, Department of
Science and Technology provincial director in Leyte John Glen Ocana said there were
certain indicators that point to an improvement in certain infrastructure, such as the
development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) parks and the setting
up of telecommunications in rural areas.
Leyte province, and its capital city Tacloban, were in fact regarded by the BPO sector in
the country as so-called next wave areas, which mean they are eyed as potential hubs
among locators in the BPO industry.
By the third quarter of 2013, the BPO sector in Eastern Visayas was employing some
4,000 workers, whose total contribution to the regional economy is estimated at about
P100 million annually.
Political Events
The year 2013 also saw the holding of two consequential political events the senatorial
election of May 13, and the barangay elections on October 28. The first was held, using
automated machines, and the latter, via the conventional, manual method. But no matter

26

the disparity by which both electoral exercises were held, the fact that the incidents of
violence and disorder did not reach alarming levels and the conduct of both electoral
exercises was generally peaceful. That was an accomplishment by both the electorate and
the authorities who maintained order worth commending.
At the macro level, it was pretty apparent that the country was well on its way to realizing
its 2013 growth target projections.
Calamities
There were a few incidents that marred an otherwise promising year, including the
sinking of 2GO passenger ship M/V Thomas Aquinas after a collision with cargo ship
MV Sulpicio Express Siete owned by Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation at Cebu
Strait off the coast of Talisay City, which resulted in 61 deaths, 59 missing and 750
rescued passengers. However such and other incidents were all eclipsed by the two major
natural calamities that struck the Visayas in quick succession, first in mid-October, and
then barely two weeks later, in November.
7.2 Earthquake
The first of the two calamities was a 7.2-magnitude earthquake described by Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum as having
the energy equivalent of 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs which disembowelled Central
Visayas.
The earthquake on Oct. 15, the deadliest in about a quarter of a century to happen in
the country shook up the entire Visayas, particularly hitting hard Bohol and Cebu
provinces, and was felt beyond, as far as Masbate and even portions of southern
Mindanao.
Total damage suffered by Bohol province which was the most affected by the earthquake,
and Cebu, is estimated at over P2 billion. Beyond estimation is the heartbreaking damage
on some of the countrys and Bohols most precious national cultural heritage
treasures the centuries-old Roman Catholic churches in Loon, Loboc, Maribojoc,
Baclayon, Dais, Loay and Dimiao. The earthquake also caused landslides on the famed
natural wonders, the Chocolate Hills in Carmen and the leaning bell tower which serves
as the Hills viewing deck.
In Cebu City, the quake destroyed the belfry of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nio which
was constructed in the 16th century.
In all, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) says
over 3,000,000 persons or 671,000 families were affected by the massive tremor. Nearly
350,000 people or 72,000 families were displaced and the casualty count included over
200 people dead, eight missing and nearly 90,000 persons injured.
People in the province, most especially the children, have to be given trauma therapy
because to date, after shocks continue to cause anxiety among the populace. Phivolcs has
recorded over 4,000 aftershocks.
Strongest Cyclone On Record
A little over two weeks after the earthquake struck, aid and rehabilitation efforts for
victims of and areas hard hit by the earthquake had to be disrupted when what would be
described by such weather experts like real time weather information online service,
wunderground.coms Dr. Jeff Masters as the strongest tropical cyclone on record to
make landfall in world history, packing extreme wind speeds of 315 km/h (195 mph), hit

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the country, initially ramming the coastal town of Guiuan, at the southernmost tip of
Samar Island facing the Pacific.
Leyte province and Eastern Visayas capital Tacloban City, some 96 miles away from
Guiuan, was next to be hit by super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).
Seawater, rising to as much as over 20 feet, roared through the city, severely damaging
the airport, and drowning thousands of people who local authorities failed to convince to
leave their homes in lowland areas, and not sparing even those who did, many of those
being evacuees at the 5,000-capacity Tacloban City Convention Center, locally referred
to as the Astrodome. Like many major edifices in Tacloban, including Mayor Alfred S.
Romualdezs own mansion, the Astrodome is built near the sea.
DOLE A year of building legacy (by Samuel Medenilla, Manila Bulletin)
Manila, December 25, 2013 - It was a good year to build a legacy.
This was how Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz described the
performance of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) wih less than three
years remaining in President Aquinos term.
Baldoz said 2013 saw DOLE finally laying the groundwork for much-needed
international labor reforms, which will outlast the current administration.
It was a year of the institutionalization of the reforms we started in 2010 So it was a
good year of work, when you will see these reforms last beyond the administration,
Baldoz said.
Among these were the countrys landmark ratification of two international labor
conventions the Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention and the Maritime
Labor Convention 2006, which will protect household service workers (HSW) and
seafarers, respectively.
DOLE was also able to secure a bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA), to protect the thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFW), particularly HSWs,
who are staying there.
It was also able to sign other bilateral agreements with Germany, Canada and Papua New
Guinea to provide additional overseas jobs for more Filipinos.
Institutionalize Policies
Baldoz said DOLE pushed for the passage of laws, which will institutionalize DOLEs
innovative policies.
These include the Single Entry Approach (SENA), which she attributed to the sharp
decline of work stoppage in the country and the Kasambahay Law, which provides legal
and social protection for local HSWs.
Overseas Displacement
But aside from this landmark reforms, Baldoz said the year was also defined by disasters,
both natural and man-made.
As with the previous three years, when the so-called Arab spring in the Arabian
Peninsula and other nearby countries began, DOLE also assisted in the repatriation of
thousands of OFWS through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
(POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Last August, POEA issued a total deployment ban to Egypt after it declared a month-long
State of Emergency amid its worsening political tension. It was lifted this month after its
turmoil subsided.

28

POEA also re-imposed its deployment ban in Yemen this month due its escalating
domestic violence.
It, however, lifted the deployment ban in Iraq after tension in that country began to
subside last April except in four no-go zones, which are still deemed unsafe for OFWs.
A voluntary moratorium in the deployment of HSWs was also declared by some local
recruitment agencies for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore to force their counterpart
agencies in the Asian countries to comply with POEAs mandatory $400 minimum wage
for HSWs.
DOLE said it supported these initiatives. These were all lifted later in the year as
countries began complying with POEA-set minimum wage.
Saudization
This year also signaled the beginning of KSAs crackdown on millions of illegal migrant
workers as it attempted to raise the participation of Saudi nationals through the
Saudization program in local establishments.
The program affected at least 200,000 undocumented OFWs staying in KSA who rushed
to legalize their status or seek repatriation within the seven-month amnesty period
givenby the Saudi government which ended in November.
The record showed that 104,364 of the OFWs changed professions, while 53,330
transferred to new employers to comply with KSA standards for foreign workers.
The remaining 38,939 OFW opted to be repatriated so they could either seek
redeployment to other countries or permanently stay in the Philippines and start their own
business through POEA and OWWA, respectively.
Major Calamities
The country was also prepared to end the year with some improvements in the labor
market in the last quarter when it was hit by major calamities.
Last September, thousands of workers were turned to refugees after a faction of the Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) raided and razed part of Zamboanga City, which
lasted for almost a month.
Many employees from Bohol also grappled with lost jobs and livelihood after a
magnitude-7.2 earthquake struck it on October 15.
In its recent survey for the month of October, the National Statistics Office (NSO) noted
the countrys labor market was able to shrug off the two incidents, when it posted a
slightly lower unemployment rate from 6.8 percent in same period last year to 6.5
percent.
Underemployment or the rate of workers seeking better work opportunities also declined
to 17.9 percent, while employment rate also slightly rose to 93.5 percent.
2013 a smashing year for PH beauties (by Robert R. Requintina, Manila Bulletin)
Manila, Philippines, December 25, 2013 - The year 2013, just like 2012, was a
banner year for beauty pageants here and abroad highlighted by the three
major titles won by the Philippines and the successful return of Venezuela in three
other beauty contests.
For the first time, the Philippines finally clinched the elusive Miss World crown
when movie and television actress-television host Megan Lynne Young, 23, of
Olongapo City, won in Bali, Indonesia, on Sept. 28, 2013. It was a historic win for

29

the Philippines in the 63-year-old beauty contest, although the country only
started to send representatives to the worlds longest running pageant in 1966.
Prior to Youngs victory, the highest ranking the country had achieved in the Miss
World pageant was first-runner up won by (now Sister) Evangeline Pascual in
1973 and Gwendoline Ruais in 2011.
This year, the Philippines also notched another international crown after Mutya
Johanna Datul, 21, was crowned Miss Supranational in Belarus on Sept. 6, 2013.
Although the international pageant is relatively new only five years old and
hardly heard in the Philippines the contest is fast gaining a reputation as one of
the most popular beauty events in Europe. With Datuls triumph, she holds the
record as the countrys and Asias first Miss Supranational winner.
Smashing Record
Datuls victory also contributed to another smashing record for the country in
beauty contests: the Philippines now hold the record as the country that has won
in all major beauty pageants (Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss
Earth, and Miss Supranational).
Bea Rose Santiago, 23, of Masbate, capped the successful run of Filipino
beauties in 2013 by winning the Miss International beauty contest in Tokyo,
Japan, last December 17. She bested 66 candidates from around the world.
Controversy
The Miss International beauty pageant was, however, rocked by controversy for
the first time when 2012 titleholder Ikumi Yoshinatsu of Japan was dethroned for
her alleged involvement in a scandal with a media executive.
During the 2013 coronation night, Ikumi was barred from attending. Instead,
Santiago was crowned by 2008 Miss International Alejandra Andreu of Spain at
the end of the competition. Santiago dedicated her victory to the victims of
super-typhoon Yolanda which ravaged the Visayas last November, killing more
than 6,000 people.
Santiagos win was the fifth Miss International crown won by the Philippines. Past
four winners were Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez
(1979), and Precious Lara Quigaman (2005).
Impressing Judges
During the question and answer portion, Santiago was asked: What will you do if
you win the crown?
She impressed the judges with her answer: The whole world saw how my
country hurt. One by one, other countries helped. You have opened my heart
and eyes on what we can do to help each other. I will work to hold the spirit of
sympathy and spirit of hope. As long as we work together, there is hope.
Other Shining Beauties
Three other Philippine candidates also made good in beauty contests when they
placed third runner-up in international competitions.
Ariella Arida, of Alaminos, Laguna, won third runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe
beauty contest held in Moscow, Russia, for the first time last Nov. 9. This was the
fourth year in a row that the Philippines finished in the Top 5 of the most
prestigious beauty contest. Maria Venus Raj won fourth runner up in 2010;

30

Shamcey Supsup, third runner-up in 2011, and Janine Tugonon, first runner-up in
2012.
Professional singer Annalie Ali Forbes, 20, also placed third runner-up in the first
edition of the 2013 Miss Grand International contest in Bangkok, Thailand last
Nov. 19.
The beauty contest, sponsored by the government of the Kingdom of Thailand,
campaigns against war. Its first winner was Janelle Chaparro, of Puerto Rico.
Koreen Medina, 18, of Quezon City, also finished third runner-up at the 2013 Miss
Intercontinental contest held in Madgeburg, Germany last Dec. 14.
Medinas achievement was the highest since 1993 when Maria Sovietskaya
Bacud placed second runner-up in the same beauty contest, which continues to
hold the record for the most expensive crown of all beauty competitions. The
crown named Oriental Holy Water is worth US$361,446 (roughly P16,265,070).
Gil Wagas, 22, of Cebu City, placed fourth runner-up in the Mister International
contest held in Bali, Indonesia, last Nov. 21, won by Jose Paredes of Venezuela.
Paredes was crowned by 2012 Mister International first runner-up Ron Teh of
Singapore after Ali Hammoud of Lebanon could not make it to Bali because of
his participation in the Lebanese version of Dancing With The Stars.
Venezuela On Top
Venezuelans also finished on top of two other competitions when Maria Isler was
crowned 2013 Miss Universe and Alyz Henrich won the 2013 Miss Earth held in
Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The two are good friends back home.
Maria Isabelle Zaragoza Mendoza, 19, of San Beda College, was crowned Miss
Campus World in Malaysia last Dec. 6. Roland William de Dios finished second for
male category of the contest.
Other notable finished in 2013 were Angelee delos Reyes, Top 8 in the 2013 Miss
Earth pageant, and Cindy Miranda who was in the Top 10 of the Miss Tourism
Queen International in China last October.
Social Responsibility
Meanwhile, at the start of the worldwide broadcast for the 2013 Miss Universe
beauty contest, Thomas Roberts of MSNBC Live and ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown
dedicated the beauty pageant to the Philippines and Vietnam, both affected
by super-typhoon Haiyan (named Yolanda in the Philippines).
The environment-driven Miss Earth beauty contest, during a live telecast, also
thanked the countries that aided the Philippines during the crisis. The contestants
joined the disaster relief efforts for typhoon victims.
The News that Defined 2013 Part 1 (by MB Online)
Manila, Philippines, December 26, 2013 - The year 2013 will be remembered, first and
foremost, for the devastating calamities that were visited upon the nation.
When super typhoon Yolanda ripped through the Visayan provinces on Nov. 8, nobody
could foretell the deadly effect of the 7-meter storm surges that inundated the coastal
areas. With Tacloban City all but flattened, the death rose above 6,000 as relief workers
continued to dig bodies out of the rubble, or fish them out of the water.
This and the powerful earthquake that rocked Bohol barely a month earlier made
calamitiesboth natural and manmadethe top story of the year.

31

In Manila Bulletin Onlines yearend review, the other big stories of 2013 were: the pork
barrel scandal and its impact on the countrys politics; Manilas territorial dispute with
Beijing over the West Philippine Sea; the economys gains that were dampened by rising
unemployment; Nur Misuaris violent misadventure in Zamboanga City; a shooting
incident in Philippine waters that triggered a diplomatic and economic backlash from
Taiwan; the repatriation of thousands of Filipinos from countries that had become
inhospitable to foreign labor; the mid-term elections in which the administration
strengthened its grip on the Senate; a bloody and futile bid by the Sulu sultanate to assert
its ownership of Sabah; and the repeated grounding of ships in the precious Tubbataha
Reef.
Heres a snapshot of the most defining news of 2013.
Super Typhoon and Super Quake
October 15 and November 8, 2013 would be remembered for the two calamities that
inflicted so much pain, death and destruction in the Visayas.
The earthquake that struck Central Visayas in October registered a 7.2-magnitude
intensity enough to kill 222 people in seconds. It also injured 976 people and left eight
missing. It flattened a good part of Tagbilaran, Bohol and also Cebu, toppling centuries-
old churches, schools, hospitals and other landmarks that would take years to repair. The
killer earthquake affected 3.221 million people and damaged P2.257 billion of properties.
But the force of nature was not finished yet. In less than a month, it landed the most
destructive typhoon in Leyte and other nearby provinces. For just a few hours, it
obliterated Tacloban City, killed over 6,000 people, displaced millions of Filipinos and
destroyed everything in its path. It was a super typhoon the world had never seen before
and its name was Yolanda.
Fishy Pork Barrel
On July 12, a P10-billion pork barrel scam was exposed and it had the name Janet Lim
Napoles written all over it. The scandal implicated senators and government officials and
sent the whole country demanding for truth and justice.
Since then this story has developed a cast of characters that include an army of
whistleblowers, the socialite daughter of the accused, government officials charged with
plunder, and even the President to whom Napoles personally surrendered.
The stinky pork barrel scam is an issue that fired the nation to stage pork rallies to
demand the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). It caused
social media to boil over, senators to quarrel publicly, and for the accused to turn the
table to their accusers.
The pork barrel scam is a running story that will continue in 2014. Although PDAF has
been ruled unconstitutional and has been put to rest, getting to the bottom of the pork
barrel scam would take awhile.
Troubled Waters
The United Nations on April 25 announced that it has completed the arbitration body
which will tackle the case filed by the Philippines against China over its excessive
claim to the South China Sea. What followed was a verbal tussle between officials of the
two countries that didnt improve relationships and even caused Japan, the European
Union and the United States to get involved somehow.

32

Ironically, it took an ugly event such as super typhoon Yolanda to somehow relax the
strained relationships between the two countries, with Chinas decision to send aid,
including its hospital ship, for the typhoon-ravaged parts of the Philippines in November.
The arbitration case, however, remains as the fragile relationship between Philippines and
China hangs in the balance.
Economic boom?
On October 3, the country has received its third investment grade rating for the year from
credit rating firm Moodys Investor Service. Moodys has rated the country Baa3 from
the previous rating Ba1.
In March, Fitch Ratings recognized the countrys improving economic standing, while
Standard & Poors and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) upgraded their assessments of
the countrys economic outlook last May.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), however, acknowledged
that impressive economic growth for five consecutive quarters is not enough to combat
the problems of unemployment and poverty, citing the need of other factors to help
trickle down the economic boom.
Zamboanga Siege
The Zamboanga siege began around 1:45 a.m. of Sept. 9 when fully-armed members of
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from the faction of its founding chairman Nur
Misuari, came to Sitio Bugok in Barangay Sta. Catalina but were blocked by government
security forces. It was an unfortunate event that lasted over 20 days and, when the smoke
cleared, revealed the death of over 100 rebels and the capture and surrender of some 223
and 52 MNLF men, respectively.
However, the government also suffered casualties, including 18 soldiers and five
policemen killed in action (KIA) Nd 167 soldiers and 14 policemen wounded in action
(WIA).
Among the innocent civilians who were caught in the crossfire, nine were killed and 57
wounded.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also
reported that the violence affected at least 23,794 families or 118,819 people from 14
villages in the city and one barangay in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Misuari, however, has avoided capture and reportedly has managed to leave the country
to face charges of rebellion filed against him by the government.
Backlash from Taiwan
Relationship with Taiwan went sour in May when a Taiwanese fisherman was reportedly
shot by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after they were found to be
poaching off Balintang Channel, which is part of Philippine waters. This led to a string of
events such as Taiwans economic sanction against the Philippines that included its
refusal to hire Filipino contract workers and demands for compensation and apology to
the family of the victim.
Three months later, the National Bureau of Investigation recommended the filing of
homicide charges against PCG officers in connection with the accidental shooting of the
Taiwanese fisherman. On August 9, Taiwan lifted its sanction to the Philippines. It is also
one of the many countries that come to the aid of Yolanda victims.
OFW woes
Throughout 2013, thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) made news mostly

33

for being in miserable situations. From repatriations to sex-for-flight scandals, many
OFWs in Egpyt, Syria, Saudi Arabia and other places around the world have become
victims of their circumstances.
On Sept. 19, however, came one good newsOFW Rodelio Dondon Lanuza returned to
his family after 13 years in Saudi prison. Lanuza has been saved from death row in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after killing an Arab national. The Saudi Arabian court
sentenced him to death but pardoned him after his family was able to pay the 3 million
Saudi riyal blood money. The Philippine government was able to raise 700,000 riyal. The
remaining 2.3 million riyal came from Saudi King Abdullah.
Mid-term Elections
The mid-term elections had the administration strengthening its grip on the Senate when
most of its senatorial bets were proclaimed winners. Grace Poe Llamanzares, daughter of
the late Fernando Poe, Jr., garnered the highest vote, followed by Loren Legarda, Alan
Peter Cayetano and Francis Escudero.
Quest for Sabah
When some 200 armed followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III occupied a town in
Lahad Datu in Malaysia on February 11 to reassert their territorial claim on Sabah, it
caught both the governments of Malaysia and the Philippines by surprise.
The standoff had triggered a standoff and saw eight members of the Royal Forces
captured and charged with terrorism in Malaysia, facing death or life imprisonment over
the intrusion.
On October 20, the Sultan died in Quezon City due to multiple organ failure caused by
diabetes, but the ownership claim of the sultanate over the Sabah continues.
Tubbataha grounding
On January 17, the US Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, ran aground in the Sulu
Sea and got stuck on Tubbataha Reef.
Known as one of the worlds best dive sites, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a
97,030-hectare World Heritage Site consisting of two coral atolls that harbor a wide
range of marine species including large marine life such as manta rays, sharks, and
turtles.
It took months to dislodge the USS Guardian from Tubbataha and not after causing huge
damage to the priceless natural resource. The United States has since then made
compensation for damage to the reef caused by their ship.
But barely weeks after the USS guardians wreckage was removed from the reef, a
Chinese fishing vessel also ran aground at the Tubataha Reef on April 8, causing more
damage to the marine protected area in Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard said that the fishing vessel F/V Min Long Yu had 12 crew
members, allegedly Chinese poachers found to have crates of dead, protected wildlife
anteaters.
While it was smaller than the USS Guardian, the Chinese fishing vessel had caused worse
damage to the heritage site than the US Guardian as the boatmen tried to forcibly
dislodge their vessel.
The Tubbataha Management Office said that based on the result of the study of scientists
that analyzed the damage caused by the Chinese vessel, it has severely damaged 3,902
square meters of corals-including some massive corals 500 years old. The damage is 66
percent larger than the damage caused by the USS Guardian.

34

The USS Guardian measured 224 feet by 39 feet, while the Chinese fishing vessel
measured 48 meters long and eight meters wide.
Other stories
Before 2013 comes to a close, other big stories developed and one of them is the
impending P4.15 per kWh power rate hike of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). This, in
itself, represents the continuous crucifixion of Filipino consumers who today suffer the
worlds highest rates for electricity.
Slapped with a temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court, Meralco has to shelve
its planned rate increase, but said they will defer about P9-billion of payment to power
suppliers. This, and other stories, will spill over to 2014.
The Visayas in 2013: Growth and daunting crises (2nd Of Three Parts) (by Teodoro
Y. Montelibano, Manila Bulletin)
Manila, Philippines, December 25, 2013 - YEAREND REPORT
Guiuans Fear
Meanwhile, compared to Tacloban, the coastal town of Guiuan, with a population of
some 45,000, and first to be beaten up by Yolanda, did not suffer as much casualties.
Guiuans mayor, Christopher Gonzalezs assiduous determination in getting town
residents to move up to higher ground paid off. Referring to the storm as delubyo, or
deluge, he managed to provoke fear amongst the majority of townspeople, who left their
homes for safe, higher grounds. As a result, only 87 of Guiuans population perished, 23
remain missing and some 930 injured.
Yolanda stormed through the Visayas region, hitting landfall on other areas, including the
northern parts of Cebu, Panay, and Negros Occidental provinces, before making its exit
the following day, Nov. 9, toward the direction of Vietnam. Within three days of the
monstrous typhoons occurrence, various provinces beyond Leyte and Samar in the
Visayas Cebu, Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo, as well as Palawan in the Mimaropa region
were declared under a state of national calamity. (With inputs from Mars W. Mosqueda,
Malou Mozo, and Phoebe J en I ndino)
The World Helps
Immediate response, both locally, and from the international community, was immediate
and overwhelming. To date, some 57 countries in the world have pledged close to P24
billion ($539 million) with about P593 million ($12.337 million) in cash already received
by government.
The governments of many countries, including the United States of America, the United
Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Russia, Israel, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia,
New Zealand, and even the Peoples Republic of China, with which the country is at
loggerheads over territorial disputes, sent cash as well as relief goods and equipment by
the tons, along with actual humanitarian missions.
The Norwegian Shipowners Associations Norwegian Training Center-Manila, for
instance, mobilized over a hundred cadets and volunteers, to load for a full day tons of
relief goods targeted for areas in Eastern Visayas not yet reached by aid, on board a
training vessel. The vessel set sail from Manilas South Harbor under heavy rains for
Tacloban port, the first civilian ship to undertake relief efforts for Yolanda victims in
Eastern Visayas.
Oil Spill

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Japan Coast Guard personnel, employing modern techniques and equipment, also proved
instrumental in speeding up work on an oil spill incident at Barangay Botongon, Estancia,
one of several towns badly hit when Yolanda ravaged northern Iloilo.
The incident involves the spilling of some 900,000 liters of bunker fuel from a power
barge supplying power to the Visayas grid that was dislocated from its mooring site by
typhoon-caused huge waves and ferocious winds and was swept aground the barangays
coastline.
Operated by the National Power Corporation for the Power Assets and Liabilities
Management (PSALM), 32-megawatt Power Barge 103s storage tanks were believed to
have been punctured when it rammed the coastline, causing bunker fuel stored in the
tanks to spill into the water.
Some 2,000 people had to be evacuated from the barangay to an evacuation center at the
Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College-West Campus at Estancia town proper when
tests indicated that benzene level from fumes from the spilled oil reached 16.9 ppm or 30
times the allowable level. PSALM hired contractor, Kuan Yu Global Technologies to
clean up the oil spill, but to a large extent, it was modern technical help provided by the
Japan Coast Guard that effectively helped to speed up the work.
More current test results show the reduction of toxicity levels to zero parts per million
(ppm), which is lower than the tolerable level of 0.5 ppm, and very recently, the
Department of Health in Iloilo has recommended that resident-evacuees could return
home.
Meanwhile, a 20-meter radius from the spill site remains off limits and continued air
quality monitoring continues. Transfer of the remaining bunker fuel inside the power
barge has been completed and the contaminated water and debris transferred to a
treatment facility in Luzon. Refloating and towing of the barge off Estancia has also been
set by the contractor for Jan. 9, 2014.
Achievements, experiments mark bumpy year in transport (By Kris Bayos, Manila
Bulletin)
Manila, Philippines, December 26, 2013 Airplanes overshooting the runway,
buses flying off the expressway or ramming other vehicles, ships sinking, and
trains breaking down have made public transportation a frequent item in the
headlines this year. But 2013 has also been a year of achievements, of successful
experiments and of new feats in the transportation sector.
Probably the most noteworthy accomplishment of the Philippines in the field of
transportation this year is recovering from an infamous reputation in the global
aviation industry. This was after being delisted from the International Civil Aviation
Organizations tally of member-states with unresolved significant safety concerns
(SSCs) last March.
AVIATION SAFETY
In an electronic bulletin dated March 7, 2013 sent to the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DoTC), the ICAO Council formally stated
that the [Philippine] State has implemented corrective actions in accordance
with the mechanism approved by the Council to resolve two SSCs the issuance
of air operator certificates and the aircraft registration process. Following its
audit findings, the ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions team recommended to

36

the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada the lifting of the SSCs it previously
raised with respect to the Philippines.
Shortly thereafter, the European Unions Air Safety Committee started lifted its
ban against Philippine carriers from serving European destinations, starting with
Philippine Airlines (PAL) last July 12. Ambassador Guy Ledoux, head of the
delegation of the European Union (EU), lauded the efforts of Civil Aviation
Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officials for taking sufficient corrective actions
to address the EU Air Safety Committees requirements and that of the ICAO.
The ICAO delisting and EU ban lifting has not only invigorated tourism but also the
contributed to the growth of the economy as the Philippines have become more
accessible to incoming tourists and returning Filipino travelers and workers in
Europe.
After these achievements, the Philippine government is expecting the United
States Federal Aviation Authority to upgrade the countrys status from Category
2 to 1. The US FAA had earlier identified major safety, management and
regulation shortcomings in Philippine aviation and consequently downgraded
the countrys rating to Category 2 from Category 1.
Once upgraded, Philippine carriers would be able to deploy trips to more
destinations in the US and switch to newer and fuel-efficient aircrafts to serve the
flights.
SAVING MARINERS
Similarly, Philippine maritime transportation stakeholders are awaiting the result of
the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) audit last October pertaining to
the Philippines Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for
seafarers compliance. The audit was in line with the Philippines commitment to
the 1978 International Convention on STCW.
EMSA had threatened to ban Filipino seafarers from EU-flagged ships after the
Philippines failed to act on the recommendations of a previous STCW audit in
2006. The ban could put at least 100,000 Filipino seafarers out of work and leave
European ships with serious crew shortage.
Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia admitted
that if we fail the audit, it could result in the major disruption of an important
symbiotic relationship, he said, adding that Filipinos stand to lose jobs, while
European ships come to a standstill for lack of seafarers to operate them.
But Mejia said Marina is making sure that the Philippines will pass the EMSA audit,
stressing that the international shipping communitythe maritime world has
increasingly put its faith in the Filipino to carry global commerce from far end of
the earth to the other, so much so, that today close to 30 percent of all seafarers
in the international trade are Filipino.
TRANSPORT EXPERIMENTS
Meanwhile in land transportation, the government has test-ran a proposal to limit
public utility buses entering Metro Manila by setting up a centralized terminal for
provincial buses in Paranaque. Originally part of the three terminals envisioned
for the Integrated Transport System (ITS), the Southwest Interim Transport Terminal,
which started operating last August 6 at the corner of MIAA and Coastal Roads,
has contributed to the reduction of vehicular traffic volume in the city.

37

Commuters have also started to adapt with the new system just before
government implements the ITS project, with centralized provincial bus terminals
rising at the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) property along Coastal Road,
the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig City and at a soon-to-be-identified location
in Quezon City.
Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the DOTC is scheduled to start the bidding
process for the construction of the ITS terminals in Taguig and Paranaque City
early next year.
Once the ITS is implemented, all provincial bus terminals will be relocated to the
central hub and will greatly reduce the number of vehicles entering Metro
Manila. Full implementation of the ITS is reportedly Malacanangs requirement for
the planned rehabilitation of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).
RAIL IMPROVEMENTS
Also a prerequisite to the EDSA rehabilitation, the government is close to
awarding the P3.8-billion MRT 3 Capacity Expansion Project to supply 48 new
train cars to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3. According to DOTC Secretary Joseph
Emilio Abaya, the Bids and Awards Committee has found the Chinese supplier
Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. CNR Group as fit to do the project for
having adequate, if not impressive, manufacturing facilities. He said post-
qualification of the bid is ongoing and that awarding is expected early next
year. Ideally, delivery of the prototype can be expected by the first quarter of
2015 and the delivery of the rest of the LRVs by the third quarter of 2016.
And speaking of bidding, the DOTC was able to generate negative bids for two
of its public-private partnership (PPP) projects: the P17.5 billion Mactan-Cebu
International Airport Development Project and the P1.72 billion Automated Fare
Collection System (AFCS) for the Light and Metro Rail Transits (LRT-MRT). By
offering negative bids, the proponents are offering to implement the projects
and even willing to pay government to win the contract. According to DOTC
BAC chairman and Undersecretary Jose PerpetuoLotilla, government did not
only get the best deal, it also saved taxpayers money through meticulously
packaged projects.
TRANSPORT APPS
Another innovative achievement in the transportation industry this year is the
launching of the first Philippine Transit App Challenge last July. At least 17 apps
competed for the best transit application, which was aimed to enable multi-
modal trip planning by providing commuters and tourists with information on the
available means of multi-modal transportation means and location of key
transfers. The winning app, Trip Barker, bested other entries for being a
community-based trip planner which can be used to report and share weather,
traffic, and events in real-time with other users.
Public transportation in the Philippines may be far from being world-class but
government is surely doing its part in making it at par with the rest of the world.
Various transportation infrastructure projects are in the pipeline and more are
coming up, including an ambitious plan to revive the Philippine National
Railways operation from Cagayan, Isabela to Sorsogon to tap government-
owned tracks for rapid transit (passenger) and cargo services in Luzon. Delays
have marred awarding of several key projects and put a doubt if the

38

administrations projects will be implemented before President Benigno S. Aquino
III steps out of office on June 30, 2016 but Abaya said PPP remains a continuous
learning process for both government and the private sector.
It has been a good year but still there is a lot of room for improvement,
Abaya said.
Big year ends with Wall Street hopeful for 2014
As Wall Streets best year in more than 15 draws to a close, few are expecting a
repeat performance in 2014, though traders have plenty of reasons to feel
optimistic.
While the market will likely enter January quietly, with many traders still out for the
holidays and few major catalysts, the upward trend is seen continuing next
week, especially in some of 2013s high-flying names.
Economic growth is expected to accelerate next year, boosting employment
and consumer purchasing power. But with markets repeatedly notching all-time
highs, that may not translate to market gains as dramatically as in 2013.
Theres a pervasive feeling that the economy is getting better, and the Fed is
still on the markets side after saying it would keep rates low, said Donald Selkin,
chief market strategist at National Securities in New York.
However, while new money will still be flowing into stocks next year, probably
well see less money come in. Theres little chance of another 30 percent gain or
so next year.
The S&P 500 .SPX has risen 29 percent so far in 2013, its best annual performance
since 1997. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI is up 26 percent while the
Nasdaq is up nearly 38 percent.
The gains have been widespread, with all 10 S&P 500 sectors higher on the year.
The weakest group, telecoms .SPLRCL, rose 6.5 percent while consumer
discretionary .SPLRCD led the year with a gain of 40 percent.
One of the markets biggest boosts this year the Federal Reserves stimulus
program will not be as strong a factor after the central bank announced a
slowing of the program in December. The Fed beginning in January will buy $75
billion in Treasuries and mortgage-backed bonds per month, down from $85
billion, and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, whose term expires on January 31,
suggested the U.S. central bank could continue to slowly reduce that stimulus
throughout 2014.
The latest Reuters poll showed analysts expect the S&P 500 to rise to 1,925 points
by the end of 2014, which represents a rise of 4.5 percent from current levels.
Subscription video company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) was the S&Ps strongest
performer in 2013, with a jump of almost 300 percent, followed by electronics
retailer Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) and semiconductor maker Micron Tech (MU.O),
both of which climbed nearly 240 percent. Tesla Motors (TSLA.O) was another
standout, soaring 346 percent, while Facebook Inc (FB.O) more than doubled.
These names could see further upside next week thanks to window dressing, a
practice in which investors buy securities with big gains to improve the
appearance of their holdings before presenting the results to clients. The 2013
year will close out on Tuesday, with the market closed on Wednesday for the
New Years Day holiday.

39

Consumer discretionary and tech names have driven the market over the past
12 months, so it wouldnt surprise me to see continued upside on them next
week, said Jake Dollarhide, chief executive of Longbow Asset Management in
Tulsa, Oklahoma.
However, Dollarhide said the names were priced for perfection and vulnerable
to pullbacks next year.
There wont be a sudden lets sell Micron and Netflix movement, but if profit
growth slows or a conference call doesnt go well, absolutely you could see a 20
to 30 percent selloff after doubling this year, he said.
The fourth-quarter earnings season wont start in earnest until the second week
of January, but there will be a few clues into the economys strength coming out
next week, with data on consumer confidence and manufacturing.
Next week will also see reads on the housing market with November pending
home sales on tap for Monday and the Case/Shiller report on October home
prices on Tuesday. The housing sector has been in focus as U.S. benchmark
Treasury yields rose to two-year highs, which could put pressure on mortgage
rates, which are typically driven by the yield on the 10-year Treasury note.
If yields stay this high, I would consider that both a technical and psychological
negative for markets, said Mark Grant, managing director at Southwest
Securities in Fort Lauderdale.
Pending home sales, or sales which are in contract but not yet closed, are seen
rising 1 percent while the October home prices are expected to rise 0.8 percent.
In the latest week, the Dow rose 1.6 percent while the S&P was up 1.3 percent
and the Nasdaq rose 1.3 percent.
2013 America: the good, the bad and the funny
December 28, 2013 - Vice President Joe Biden congratulated the wrong man on
being elected mayor of Boston and college football star Manti Teo publicly
mourned the death of a girlfriend who never was.
While U.S. headlines in 2013 were dominated by the Boston Marathon bombs,
Edward Snowden leaking government secrets, and the disastrous rollout of
President Barack Obamas healthcare reform law, the news also brought plenty
to laugh about.
In the category of Politicians Behaving Badly, former Congressman Anthony
Weiners campaign to become mayor of New York City tanked when news
broke that the Democrat, who resigned from Congress in 2011 after a sexting
scandal, was at it again this time using the name Carlos Danger. The X-rated
dj vu inspired a play called The Weiner Monologues.
On the West Coast, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner made the headlines with what
came to be known as the Filner Headlock. After asking a woman for a date,
he came up behind her and wrapped one arm around her in an embrace that
was more World Wrestling Entertainment than Kama Sutra. Sexual harassment
accusations followed from nearly 20 other women, resulting in Filners resigning,
getting sued and being sentenced to home confinement.
A foot-in-mouth moment occurred on the November night Massachusetts state
Senator Marty Walsh was elected mayor of Boston. As new mayor Walsh

40

prepared to greet supporters, another Marty Walsh a Boston public affairs
consultant saw an unfamiliar 202 number pop up on his cell phone.
Congratulations, Marty, you son of a gun. You did it! he heard the voice of the
U.S. vice president shout gleefully, before he realized his mistake.
In October, the federal government shutdown led to some strange stories,
including the blackout of the wildly popular online Giant Panda Cam at the
National Zoo in Washington and the furloughing of poison ivy-eating goats in
New Jersey and New York.
Months later, the fumbled launch of Healthcare.gov whipped up a search for
the Obamacare Girl, who was re-named Glitch Girl after her smiling face
remained frozen on the home page that frustrated millions of computer users.
In the sports world, former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Teo put a new twist on
the old adage that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved
at all. Romantics were drawn to the tale of his devotion to Lennay Kekua and her
tragic death from cancer until her very existence was exposed as a fraud. The
snarky Twittersphere was flooded with photos of people Teoing hugging
empty chairs or puckering up in an otherwise empty room.
Broken hearts were mended after a New Jersey commercial fisherman lost
$12,000 in cash he had saved to buy an engagement ring. His backpack had a
faulty zipper and the money fell out as he rode his motorcycle to the docks.
Much of the loose cash was scooped up, but after the story came out, good
Samaritans returned it to him.
Elsewhere on the Jersey Shore, Wildwood officials banned saggy pants on the
boardwalk, pressing their crusade for decency with the threat of a $200 fine for
pants that sag more than three inches below the waist. To those who invoked
their right to wear low-slung pants, Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. said: I have a right not
to look at your rear end.
Animals acting up got their share of attention in 2013. A foul-mouthed Rhode
Island cockatoo landed its owner in trouble by cursing at a next-door neighbor,
who happened to be the girlfriend of the owners ex-husband. The City of
Warwick initially slapped the woman with a $15 fine for the birds salty language,
but eventually dropped the case.
In Colorado, a man on his way to his brothers wedding 600 miles away in Utah
was arrested for being drunk while riding his horse. He had a small dog in his
backpack.
As the year drew to a close, an African flamingo that had been on the lam for
eight years after escaping from a zoo in Wichita, Kansas, was spotted this month
cavorting with a companion in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast. Flamingos
pair up for life, but the gender of these two birds was unknown, a zoo official
said.
Malacaang: 2013 a year of foresight and prudence (by Madel Sabater - Namit,
Manila Bulletin)
Manila, Philippines, December 28, 2013 - Malacanang on Saturday described 2013 as a
year of foresight and prudence for the Aquino administration which faced political
challenges and disasters in the last 12 months.

41

The past year has been a remarkable year for the Filipino people: one in which the
President showed his indomitable will to lead the nation forward, and where the mandate
for change was renewed in the years midterm elections, Deputy presidential
spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
It has been a year wherein the foresight and prudence of the President and his team
holding fast to the long-term vision of a more prosperous, stable, and dynamically
competitive Philippineshas been upheld time and again, she said.
It has been a year of challenges not only for the Administration but also for the Filipino
people. Another year where our collective commitment to persevere and to stand
shoulder to shoulder enabled us to overcome the trials set before us, thus making the
world admire and respect us all the more, she added.
In the first quarter of the year, as the government was starting its rehabilitation and
reconstruction efforts in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental that were hit by typhoon
Pablo, the Aquino administration was thrown into a sudden crisis in Sabah when
Sultan Jamalul Kiram III invaded it to reclaim its as part of their ancestral right.
The February Saban incursion was followed in May by another foreign problem: the fatal
shooting of 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-Cheng off the Balintang
Channel that sparked a rift between the Philippines and Taiwan, with Taiwan imposing
sanctions on the Philippines that adversely affected the state of overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) in the island state.
Before the cloud over the Balintang tragedy could settle, the country was rocked by the
pork barrel or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal that continues
to drag until now.
But it was the ber months that proved to be the most challenging, starting with the
September brazen siege of Zamboanga by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
founding chairman Nur Misuari and his men. The Zamboanga standoff caused the
displacement of more than 120,000 individuals and the destruction of more than 10,000
homes. There were also 200 people who died and 270 members of the MNLF had been
captured by government forces while 24 of them surrendered during the standoff.
October had been a month of natural disasters as typhoon Santi ravaged Central and
Northern Luzon while Bohol and Cebu had been rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
But the biggest one came in November as super typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern
Visayas.
But 2013 is not without its good news. Valte cited the Philippine economys positive
performance with the country able to get an investment grade in all three major credit
rating agencies: a BAA3 (positive) from the Moodys Investors Services; and a BBB-
(stable) from both Standard & Poors and Fitch Ratings.
The countrys GDP has also remained within seven percent: at 7.8 percent in the first
quarter; 7.5 in the second quarter; and seven percent in the third quarter, she said.
Peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is also within reach as three of the
four annexes had been signed this year: the Transitional Arrangements and Modalities
Annex, signed on Feb. 27, 2013; the Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing Annex,
signed on July 13; and the Power Sharing Annex, signed on December 8.
In terms of the governments efforts against corruption, this year a total of 157 cases had
been filed against smugglers; 195 cases filed against tax evaders; and plunder,

42

malversation of public funds and other charges filed initially against 39 individuals and
34 more individuals in the second batch, including businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.
Our achievements only tell us that nothing is impossible to the Filipino people, Valte
said, citing the achievements of Filipina beauty queens and Filipino athletes all year
round.
Maraming mga Pilipinong namayagpag sa ibang bansa at nagdala ng karangalan sa atin
[A lot of Filipinos took center stage in the international arena and brought honor to the
country], she said.
These include Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, and beauty queens Megan Young
(Miss World); Bea Rose Santiago (Miss International); and Mutya Johanna Datul (Miss
Supranational 2013), among others.
The Pope in Manila: Pre-papal activities
Pope Francis visit set October 23-27, 2014 and January 15-19, 2015
MANILA, Philippines, July 28, 2014 (UPDATED) - Roman Catholic Church leaders
announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis will visit the Philippines on October 23 to 27,
2014 and January 15 to 19, 2015.
In a press conference at the Arzobispado de Manila, Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal
Tagle said his holiness Pope Francis will make his apostolic visit to Sri Lanka on
October 30 to 31, 2014 and January 12 to 15, 2015 and to the Philippines on October 23
to 27, 2014 and January 15 to 19, 2015.
In a sign of joy, Tagle ended his initial statement with, Thanks be to God!
Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the current nuncio to the Philippines, described the visit as a
spiritual typhoon.
Tagle said the Vatican will announce the details of the visit before the end of the year, but
reiterated previous statements that Pope Francis wants to visit areas devastated by super
typhoon Yolanda.
On reports that Francis will hold a rally at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in
Manila, Tagle could only say that in past visits of popes in the Philippines, UST has
always figured as one of the sites.
Preparations are now under way for the Pope's visit, with the national government also
taking the lead.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino has appointed
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as the lead point person in helping the papal visit
committee.
He said the government expects the Filipinos to accord [Pope Francis] the warmth of
their hospitality and manifest the fervor of their faith as they welcome the first pontiff
from South America.
The visit of Pope Francis also coincides with the 20th anniversary of World Youth Day
Philippines, which took place in Manila on January 10 to 15, 1995.
Asked what Filipinos can do to prepare for the visit, Tagle said: We could prepare best
by undergoing spiritual renewal, tasting the mercy of God, returning to God through the
sacrament of reconciliation.
He also urged Filipinos to engage in specific actions of mercy.

43

He reminded Catholics of the unique style of Pope Francis, which was already obvious
on the first day of his papacy.
He wants to journey with the people where they are, he said.
Tagle noted that when Pope Francis blessed the mosaic of St. Pedro Calungsod at St.
Peters Basilica back in November, he took time to include Filipinos in his prayers.
It was not just a blessing of an icon During that event, he said plainly that he was one
with the suffering of the people and that we should not be afraid to ask God: Why? he
said.
Filipinos should not be afraid to show Pope Francis their worth, he said. We show him
who we truly are: the resilience of Filipinos, [full of] faith, compassion, and bottomless
hope.
Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Leonardo Legaspi succumbs to cancer
NAGA CITYThe archbishop emeritus of the Archdioceses of Caceres has succumbed to
lung cancer early morning Friday, August 8 at University of Santo Tomas Hospital beside
his brother and fellow Dominican priests, two months before the 36th anniversary
celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park,
Manila on October 26 to 27 as part of the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis
here in the Philippines. He was 78.
Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., the prelate of the
Catholic Church in Camarines Sur from 1984 to 2012, died after battling for years and
losing the battle against lung cancer, according to Father Louie Occiano, director of
Caceres Archdiocesan Communications Commission.
Legaspi found he had cancer three years ago (2011-2014) before he bowed out of his
duties to the present Archbishop Rolando T. Triona, who was installed on September 8,
2012, the birthday of Mama Mary.
Filipino Catholics flocking to social media dedicated to pope's visit
Facebook page and Twitter account attract growing number of followers
Manila, Philippines, September 12, 2014 - Large numbers of Catholics in the
Philippines are frequenting the official social media site for the visit of Pope
Francis in January, following the site's launch earlier this week by the Catholic
Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
More than 11,000 people were following the Facebook page "papalvisitph2015",
which invites users to share a photo of their parish welcoming the pontiff.
"If your parish has posted a photo welcoming the Holy Father to the Philippines,
share it with us and we will post it here!" reads the Facebook page invitation.
If you can have your picture taken holding your message board or paper with
your message and/or artwork printed on it for the Holy Father, then share it, it
adds.
A Twitter account, @papalvisitph, has also been launched, with close to 200
followers so far.
A website dedicated to the Pope's visit, papalvisit.ph, also went live last
month. The site carries news, features, and statements related to the pope's

44

upcoming visit, and a video titled We are all God's Children, the official theme
song of the 2015 apostolic visit.
A digital clock counts down the weeks, days, hours, and seconds left before the
arrival of Pope Francis.
In a pastoral statement issued on July 7 the Philippine bishops' conference said
the underlying spirit of the papal visit to the country is "mercy and compassion.
Pope Francis will visit the country on October 23 to 27, 2014 and January 15 to 19,
2015, after a visit to Sri Lanka.
It will be the third time a pontiff has visited the country after Pope Paul VI in 1970
and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and January 12 to 16, 1995.
WATCH: We Are All God's Children, official theme song for 2015 Papal Visit
What better way for Filipinos to show their unity than through a song?

In the case of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in January, that song would be
"We Are All God's Children," penned and sung by multi-awarded actress-singer
Jamie Rivera, with music by Noel Espenida.

Rivera told GMA News in August that upon finding out about the Papal visit, she
called Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops'
Conference of the Philippines, to ask if she could write a song for the event.

Rivera was the voice behind "Tell the World of His Love," the official theme song
of the 1995 World Youth Day, attended in Manila by now-Saint John Paul II.

"We Are All God's Children," she said, was inspired by the humility showcased by
Pope Francis.

It carries the message of "solidarity with the poor and mercy to the weak," Rivera
said. "We should help the poor with joy and humility."

As in "Tell the World of His Love," the official song for the 2015 Papal visit has
actions and gestures choreographed by Yolanda Juan.

Rivera and Espenida have also made the music score of the song for the public's
use.

Listen to the song with this "action video" performed by the Ligaya ng Panginoon
Community:

Study faith ahead of Popes visit bishop
MANILA, September 26, 2014A high-ranking member of the clergy is positive
that Pope Francis upcoming visit to the country will be an avalanche of
blessings to all Filipinos, but advises them to consider seriously studying the
faith.

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In a recent interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas, Tarlac Bishop Florentino
Cinense called on the faithful to deepen their knowledge of the faith in order to
prepare themselves better for the apostolic visit.
Filipino Catholics who know next to nothing about Catholicism must now learn
everything a Catholic is supposed to learn. Its not enough that theyre Catholics
in name only. They can only share the faith with others if they know what the
faith is about in the first place, explained Cinense.
He stressed Filipino Catholics who have little knowledge of their Catholic beliefs
should see the occasion both as a challenge and an opportunity to study the
faith seriously.
According to him, it is high time the Philippines receive the spiritual blessings it
badly needs given the current sorry state of things.
We need some progressive moves in order to better our situation. That is why I
believe that the visit of the Pope will give us these blessings of unity, fraternity,
love for one another, and ultimately, the progress that we have been looking for
all these years, said Cinense.
The prelate shared all Filipinos, including those in power, must learn to love one
another for the sake of the common good, adding that unity is key to national
progress.
Based on data collated by the Catholic Directory of the Philippines in 2013,
about 76.18 million Filipinos, out of a total of 96.8 million, identify themselves as
Catholics.
Meanwhile, various Church organizations await the papal visit scheduled on
October 23 to 27, 2014 and January 15 to 19, 2015.
After Bl. Paul VI in 1970 and St.John Paul II in 1976unofficially, as Krakw
Archbishop Karol Jzef Cardinal Wojtyla,1981, and 1995, Pope Francis will be
the third Catholic pontiff to visit Asias largest Christian nation.
http://www.cbcpnews.com/papalvisit/?p=245

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Vatican, CBCP officials meet, discuss Papal Visit preparations

VATICAN CITY Philippine representatives and Vatican officials on Thursday
(Sept. 25, 2014) concluded a three-day meeting on media and liturgical
preparations for the 2015 Papal Visit.

47

Meeting at Sala Stampa Santa Sede with Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, host of the Papal Visit on January
1519, 2015, led the Philippine panel. Joining him were Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert
Vergara, chairman of the Committee on Information and Media; Fr. Joselito
Jopson, executive secretary and in-charge of telecommunications and satellite
transmission; and Fr. Genaro Diwa, chairman of the Liturgy Committee.

Bishop Vergara and Fr. Jopson collaborated with Vatican media representatives
from the Sala Stampa Santa Sede (Holy See Press Office) represented by
spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J. and Matteo Bruni, in-charge of
accreditation.

48

Other media representatives included Roberto Romulo of the Vatican Television
Center (CTV), Elena Pinardi of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Alberto
Gasbarri and the team from Radio Vaticana, and Prof. Giovanni Maria Vian and
collaborators from the LOsservatore Romano.

49

Final Meeting For media concerns on Papal Visit In the office of Osservatore
Romano, September 25, 2014.

Meanwhile, Monsignor Guido Marini of the Vaticans Office on Liturgical
Celebrations discussed with Fr. Diwa the liturgical preparations for the Papal Visit.

50

Bishop Vergara said he found the meetings very assuring. With the confirmation
and support of the Vatican in our preparations, we hope to offer all the countries
of the world a truly meaningful and spiritual experience of Pope Francis first and
second visit to the Philippine soil, he said.
Report by Fr. Joselito Jopson
AFP, PNP begin preparations for Pope's visit
September 29, 2014 10:22pm - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the
Philippine National Police (PNP) have already started preparing for Pope Francis's
visit to the Philippines on October 23 to 27, 2014 and on January 15 to 19, 2015.

AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang said in a report on 24 Oras
aired early Monday evening that the military is committing two battalions of its
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone (UNDOF) peacekeepers who
have been withdrawn from Golan Heights and those who had been training to
replace them.

Joining the soldiers are some members of the PNP. A special task force headed
by a star rank PNP official will be formed for the Pope's visit.

Security threats

PNP's new spokesman Sr. Supt. Wilben Mayor said that the national police is

51

looking into reports of security threats in the country such as alleged recruitment
in Mindanao by Islamic State militants.

Aside from the Islamic State threats in the country, the PNP is also looking into
possible threats similar to "Oplan Bojinka" that was discovered a few days before
Pope John Paul II, now a saint, visited the Philippines in 1995. Muslim extremist
Ramzi Yousef who led the terror project was planning to assassinate the Pope
back then.

The plan was revealed when a chemical fire sparked in one of the rooms at
Doa Josefa Apartment in Malate, Manila that the terrorists occupied.

Aside from assassinating the Pope, "Oplan Bojinka" also involved plans to bomb
11 airliners en route to the United States and crashing a plane full of bombs into
the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Virginia, USA.

The thwarted attack plan was said to be the basis of the 9/11 terror attacks in the
United States. Trisha Macas/JDS, GMA News
Department of Tourism Philippines announces 'Visit Philippines Year 2015'
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines has announced 2015 as 'Visit
Philippines Year' (VPY 2015). With numerous major events lined up in 2015,
Philippines includes India as one of its key markets. As a part of the promotion,
the DOT has launched a new microsite itsmorefuninthePhilippines.com.
Speaking about VPY 2015, Maria Corazon G Jorda-Apo, officer-in-charge,
market development group, DOT, said, We see India as a potential market, as
the population is huge. We are promotion luxury tourism and shopping tours for
the Indian market as the number of HNIs in India is very large. 2015 is a big year
for us as it is Visit Philippines Year. We have many major events happening in our
country. In January 2015, Pope Francis will be visiting Philippines. We will be
hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings and
leaders summit in November, which is one of the biggest MICE events in our list.
The DOT Philippines has witnessed a positive trend in Indian tourist arrivals, with
nine per cent growth in July 2014. Speaking about the Indian market, Jorda-Apo,
commented, We have seen a strong interest amongst the Indian travellers. We
have recently launched the Philippines Specialist Programme, as the Indian
travel agents have shown interest to know more about our nation. We are
expecting a lot of Indian tourist in 2015. Also the Indian travellers love to explore
different cuisines, next year we are hosting the biggest culinary event in the
world, the Madrid Fusion Manila in April.
The DOT has unveiled fresh campaign banners focusing on five themes, namely:
business meetings; history and culture; lifestyle and entertainment; music and the
arts; sports, adventure, and eco-tourism.
AFP more worried about crowds than armed groups in papal visit
By Alexis Romero (philstar.com)

52

MANILA, Philippines, September 30, 2014 - What worries soldiers about the visit of
Pope Francis to the Philippines this October 2014 and January 2015?
Its not so much about the armed groups who could sabotage the pontiffs
historic visit to the largest Catholic country in Asia.
The military is more concerned about the crowds who might mob the pope, who
is fond of mingling with devotees.
There is no such threat (from armed groups). Our concern is he might be
mobbed by the devotees, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. told
reporters Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.
Catapang noted that the pope sometimes alights from his heavily guarded
vehicle just to greet the crowds. He said they are concerned that the pontiff
might trip off if he gets swarmed by devotees.
The people like him very much, the Catapang said.
But apart from possible mishaps, the military does not see any serious threat that
could disrupt the papal visit.
There is no threat to our pope. You know, our pope is very popular, he added.
While securing important persons is a daunting task, Catapang said they are
looking forward to Pope Francis visit.
Pope Francis will visit the country from January 15-19 and is expected to go to
areas affected by typhoon Yolanda.
The visit will come amid concerns over the threats posed by the Islamic State of
Syria and Iraq, a terrorist group that is reportedly recruiting members in different
countries.
President Aquino has given assurance that the pope would be given adequate
security during his visit.
The military will provide two battalions to augment the security forces who will
secure Pope Francis.
Among those who will help safeguard the pope are the Filipino peacekeepers
who figured in a standoff with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights last August.
PAPAL VISIT | Philpost issuing special Pope Francis stamps
By: Beverly Natividad, News5
September 30, 2014 2:34 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Postal Corp. is issuing special stamps to celebrate
the papal visit on October 23 to 27, 2014 and in January 2015, but first, it is seeking
public participation in the design.
According to Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz, Philpost will launch on Oct. 11 an on-
the-spot design contest.
The agency expects to print some 150,000 such special stamps for Pope Francis's visit, or
more than the usual 100,000 as in previous similar projects, because they expect a huge
demand for these stamps, considering this pope's popularity.
"We will launch an on-the-spot drawing contest. The top four winners will be the official
design of the stamps in honor of his visiting the Philippines," said dela Cruz.
While the stamp's designs will be crowd-sourced, the souvenir sheet already has a design.
The souvenir sheet is the envelope in which the special stamps will be placed, and the so-
called First Day Cover (the bigger envelope that is considered a collectible because it is

53

sold only during the launch) will be designed with a special coinage stamp with metallic
foil something that is not usually used for a souvenir sheet.
The Stamp Committee still has to deliberate on the price at which the stamps will be sold.
Besides the design contest, Philpost is also encouraging young people to write letters to
the Pope, which it promises to deliver to His Holiness when he comes to Manila.
Philpost will install mail boxes for this purpose when it conducts the roadshow to exhibit
the first stamps that will be printed.
"Now, to drum up interest about his visit, on November 3 we will have a moving exhibit.
It's about the four popes for whom Philpost has issued stamps already. The mail boxes
will be installed wherever we will have the moving exhibit, same in Tacloban, Davao, or
SM Aura."
This will be the second Pope Francis stamp in the country. In April this year during the
anniversary of his election as Pope, Philpost also printed special stamps featuring the
pope's image. Philpost partnered with the Vatican Post in the design and printing of this
earlier stamp.
Philpost usually issues special stamps for papal milestones: the visit to Manila of Pope
Paul VI in 1970; the visits in 1981 and 1995 of John Paul II; the death in 2005 of Pope
John Paul II; and his canonization together with Pope John XXIII this year.
Since Pope-related stamps are not issued often, there are actually no Pope stamp
collectors in the country, except for those who really collect all items related to popes.
"If ever they are not active members (of philatelic groups) and it's hard to find where they
are. Normally they are not stamp collectors but only souvenir collectors because there are
so few issues of papal stamps here for them to form a decent collection," said Rey Ong,
president of the Philippine Philatelic Federation.
Still, according to Philpost, demand is high for papal stamps printed in the Philippines.
When they printed the twin canonization stamps this year, they received numerous calls
from Italy from people wishing to book orders.

Ordinary No More
Nothing can hinder JILs pastors and leaders from a deeper quest for God. NO
the cost of traveling many miles away from home to a place of a different time
zone

the trouble of studying in a school (even at an age past good eyesight and
sharp memory)

even the risk of being terminated from a fulltime and stable secular job.
That was what the sixty-eight (68) pastors, church coordinators and select core
leaders of the North American Hemisphere (NoAH) of the JIL International
Operations proved.

No ordinary students
Traveling from across the different parts of the USA and Canada, they gathered
at JIL Cornerstone in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from August 18-September 1,
2014 for the Advanced Pastoral and Shepherding Ministry Course of the Bro.

54

Eddie School of Ministries International (BESMI).

What could have caused their zeal? Partly because it was the first ever BESMI
program outside the Philippines. But mostlyand primarilybecause of their
simple desire to be found efficient AND faithful as they carry out the delicate
calling of God in their lives.

That, they obtained... and more. Because BESMI is a Bible school and more.
No ordinary curriculum
With in-depth teachings on the most fundamental topics such as theology,
soteriology, hermeneutics and bible prophecies, their already gifted minds were
sharpened.

Through exhaustive discussions on the practical basics of pastoral skill and
practice such as church planting, church growth, concept formation, outlining
and homiletics, their already hardworking hands and feet were strengthened.
Coupled with stirring lessons on the core principles of pastoring such as
shepherding ministry, leadership pitfalls and finishing well, their already burning
hearts were set ablaze.
Reinforced with firsthand accounts on the history and principles of this church
born from the very heart of God, their already surging bloods were pumped up.

Then, through fresh impartations from God through the personalized talks of their
apostolic parents and spiritual leaders, Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Dr. Sis.
Dory Villanueva, their already uplifted spirits were stirred.
Laced with some fun-filled activities such as group presentations, Philippine
games and a Gala night, their already vigorous bodies were bolstered.
Finally, wrapped up with the mighty move and power of the Holy Spirit, their
entire beings were ministered to and empowered.
Holistic in every way, students were baffled. They never expected that a
discussion in theology or homiletics would make their eyes wet and red! Such a
balance between the heart and the mind demanded this declaration at the
end of the course:

JIL NoAH will never be the same again!
No ordinary accounts

But even while they were still halfway through the course, most of the students
already wanted to go home. That is, back to their respective churches
toapply what they have learned in BESMIstraightaway.

We were given a vision, but we didnt know how to fulfill the vision, they would
say. But now, were excited to go back and start making Gods vision come
alive!

Even NoAH Operations Director, Rev. Bong M. Gonzales, share the same

55

thoughts, Today, we do not only have the passion, we also have the ability.
Because we have spent time to learn.
Such was the impact of the BESMI training to them that, seasoned pastors and
leaders as they are, they were still encouraged and edified.

For others, it was having the DNA of the church they have been called to serve
ingrained in their bloods. Church coordinator Sis. Cora Criss, who came to know
Christ in the USA, shared how badly she desired to enroll in BESMI to know what
the JIL Church distinctly is.

No ordinary outcome

And yet, if these were all that the 68 students gained from BESMIbeing
equipped in the ministry and being rooted in the JIL ChurchBESMI failed.

Because, as Bro. Eddie has put it, BESMI is not about Bro. Eddie, nor about the JIL
Church. BESMI is all about JESUS CHRIST, the God from whose heart this church
was born.

But BESMI did NOT fail. Because at the end of the course, all the 68 students cry
was: JUST TO PLEASE GOD.

With such a mantra as that, indeed, JIL NoAH will never be the same again!

Because they did not only enter in a Bible school. They encountered the God of
the Bible.
History of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
n 1973, Eddie Villanueva (also known as Bro. Eddie or Bishop Eddie), then an
Economics and Finance professor in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines,
began preaching the Gospel to his students and colleagues.
On October 5, 1978, Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva invited his listeners for a Thanksgiving
Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally that was held at the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines Santa Mesa Campus on the Thursday nearest his birthday,
Friday, October 6. About one thousand people attended the affair and experienced the
miracle-working power of God!
Encouraged by the success of the rally, Bro. Eddie scheduled a monthly Roman Rite
Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally at the DWRV Compound in Quezon
City. Some time later, as more people came to be led back to the Lord Jesus Christ, the
rally was held weekly. A monthly Catholic Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar (CLSS) and a
weekly fellowship were also held at the 22
nd
Floor, Strata 2000 Building, F. Ortigas Jr.
Avenue, Ortigas Center in Pasig City.
After a while, Bro. Eddie decided to air his program three times a week and began
thinking of a new title and theme song for it. At this time, a friend gave him a magazine
entitled Jesus is Lord, which quickly aroused his interest.
I

56

He made a study of the meaning of the term and discovered that it was one of the seven
Covenant Names, by which God the Father revealed Himself to Israel.
Jesus is Lord, the motto of the World Council of Churches. The most popular and briefest
was "Jesus is Lord" found in 1 Corinthians 12:3; Romans 10:9 and probably in the
baptisms referred to in Acts 8:16; 19:5 and 1 Cor 6:11 since their being described as "in
the name of the Lord Jesus" certainly seems to imply that "the formula 'Jesus is Lord' had
a place in the rite". The phrase might be extended as "Jesus Christ is Lord" as in
Philippians 2:11. Shortly, he heard the song "Jesus is Lord" over Radio DWRV 860
itself:
"Jesus is Lord" by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Jesus is Lord
The cry that echoes through creation
Resplendent pow'r eternal Word our Rock
The Son of God
The King whose glory fills the heavens
Yet bids us come to taste this living bread

Jesus is Lord
Whose voice sustains the stars and planets
Yet in His wisdom laid aside His crown
Jesus the man who washed our feet
Who bore our suffering
Became a curse to bring salvation's plan
Jesus is Lord
The tomb is gloriously empty
Not even death could crush this King of love
The price is paid the chains are loosed
And we're forgiven
And we can run into the arms of God
Jesus is Lord,a shout of joy a cry of anguish
As He returns and every knee bows low then every eye and every heart will see His glory
the judge of all will take His children home.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the weekly fellowship came to be called the
DWRV Prayer Partners Jesus the Healer, since Radio DWRV was the broadcast medium,
he and his first listeners became prayer-partners, and Jesus is Lord was the Divine Name
revealed to him by God. Every week, God added thousands of new prayer-partners to this
community by means of the Good News aired over the radio DWRV and the Mass and
Healing Rallies held all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces. As the community
grew, they voluntarily gave their tithes and miracle-seed-of-faith offerings to support the
radio program "Jesus the Healer" and the Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and
Healing Prayer Rallies. Some prayer-partners even volunteered to serve
without compensation.

57

Inspired by the outcome of events, Bro. Eddie thought it was time to formally organize
the community. Thus, the Jesus is Lord Fellowship, Inc. was established, which in due
time was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was organized,
primarily, as an institution where Bro. Eddie could channel his tithes and donations
derived from his real estate business and other companies to support the religious
activities of various Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious groups and some
projects of charitable organizations. These however were not enough to support the
expenses of the newly-founded Roman Catholic charismatic community, especially the
radio programs of DWRV Radio Veritas and the Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship
and Healing Prayer Rallies. And so, he had to continue shelling out funds from his own
personal earnings. For him, though, it was a great enough blessing from Jesus is Lord that
his radio listeners came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and was receiving
answers to their prayer-requests.
From 1986 to present, other chapters were formed in Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Akrotiri and
Dhekelia, land 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, Curaao,
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, Runion, Russia, Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthlemy, 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 Andrs and
Providencia, San Marino, So Tom and Prncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Korea, South Ossetia, South Sudan, Spain,
Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste,
Togo, Tonga, Transnistria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu,
Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,
Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These were formed
by Filipino and foreign prayer-partners working abroad, who were motivated by the
desire to bear witness to the love and goodness of Jesus Christ our Lord. With the
emergence of the chapters abroad, the corporate name registered with the Securities and

58

Exchange Commission of Department of Finance, Republic of the Philippines was
amended to Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, Incorporated.
Later in 1993, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) realized that
the growth of the Foundation, particularly since it was affecting Catholics, could not be
taken for granted any longer. Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani Jr., DD, then-Auxiliary
Bishop of Manila and Overall Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Movement (CCRM) in the Archdiocese of Manila, invited Jesus Miracle Crusade
International Ministry spiritual director Pastor Wilde Almeda, El Shaddai DWXI Prayer
Partners Foundation International Founder and Servant-Leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde and
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director
Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva to the CBCP Conference on January 24, 1993, to shed light on
what was going on in the Foundation. On that occasion, Bishop Bacani was beside Pastor
Wilde, Bro. Mike and Bro. Eddie, not to defend him, but to bear witness to what God was
doing through the Foundation. The result of the meeting was satisfactory because most of
the questions asked were clearly and humbly answered by Bro. Eddie.
On October 13 to 14, 1979, during its First Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord
Fellowship at the DWRV Compound in Pasig City one year after the founding of Jesus is
Lord Fellowship on October 5, 1978, about five thousand people witnessed and
experienced the miracle touch of Jesus is Lord.
Some eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary Celebration of
the Jesus is Lord Fellowship at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on
October 12, 1980. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staffs were surprised because the
affair lasted one whole day and it was the first time that its Reception and Plenary Halls
were filled to capacity.
The Third Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship was celebrated with
an Overnight Roman Rite Holy Mass and Worship and Healing Prayer Rally at the Rizal
Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from October 17 to 18, 1981. It rained
heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed
until it ended in the morning.
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 Track and Football Stadium in Vito
Cruz Street, Manila to participate in its Eleventh Anniversary. By midnight of Monday,
October 9, 1989, the entire stadium was jammed with over half a million people from all
over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise and worship dedicated
to Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some
Roman Catholic priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, Lipa,
Cebu and Davao, led the Holy Mass.
From October 13 to 14, 1990, the Twelfth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship
was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila. In attendance were thousands
of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit as
they praised and worshipped to Jesus and listened to His Word despite a storm which
flooded some parts of the venue with knee-deep water.

59

The scenario of the Thirteenth Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Fellowship held at
the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from October 12 to 13, 1991, was identical
to that of its 12th Anniversary. Nevertheless, the almost half a million attendees braved
the monsoon rains and knee-deep flood to give thanks, praise and worship to God.
On the occasion of the Fourteenth Anniversary Celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from October 17 to 18,
1992, more than one-and-a-half million prayer-partners attended the affair. His
Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, gave his greetings to the congregation.
For the first time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that
matter, about three million people joined the Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration of the
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at the national park from October 8 to 9, 1994. The
participants crowded the 61-hectare national park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard,
Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them
came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from
Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the
Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also present were members
from different overseas chapters of the Foundation.
His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Eighteenth
Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila on October
13, 1996. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different
charismatic groups and religious groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the
Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, a mass wedding
took place, in which 5000 couples who had been living together as common-law spouses
finally tied the knot.
Two days after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75
Mens Basketball Tournament Finals between the Ateneo de Manila University Blue
Eagles versus University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at Smart Araneta Coliseum on
October 11, 2012, at least nine million participants participated in the 34
th
Anniversary
Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, with no less than the President of the
Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III as guest-of-honor in
the celebration, traversing a crowd from the 61-hectare Rizal Park to Port Area to the
Quiapo church in a celebration that lasted twenty-four hours from 7:00 a.m. of Sunday,
October 14, 2012 to 8:00 a.m. of Monday, October 15, 2012.
The visit (October 22-30, 2014)
The Purpose of the Apostolic Visit
The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15-19, 2015 is
indeed a great blessing to a nation whose covenant with God has been tested
in various ways, but which has also savored many triumphs in its four centuries of
Christian faith.

The spotlight will not be on the person of the Pope but on the communities
devastated by Haiyan,, Rammasun the strongest typhoon on record, whose

60

destructive path displaced four million people and flattened a million homes.
Pictures of survivors, carrying religious images and clutching their rosaries while
fleeing in the height of the typhoons devastation, are images of faith that have
struck a chord in the common humanity that brings the world together in times of
tragedy.

Pope Francis will be with the people of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Tacloban and
Palo in Leyte as they recount their stories of survival, pray for their dead, and
continue to rebuild their lives. Our compassionate shepherd comes to show his
deep concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities,
especially in the Visayas.

He comes to confirm us in our faith as we face the challenges of witnessing to
the Joy of the Gospel in the midst of our trials, states the Pastoral Letter issued by
the bishops of the Philippines on July 4, 2014 to Prepare the People of God for
the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis.

The 2014 and 2015 visit is also in response to the invitation of civil authorities,
which affords the Holy Father the chance to meet the faithful in Manila, the
nations capital.

Christians from all walks of life are urged to prepare spiritually for the Popes
forthcoming visit, embracing the mercy of God and becoming a merciful
people, concretely by extending an act of mercy every day and by frequenting
the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

When the Pope comes, he will bring with him the message of the mercy and
compassion of God. When he meets us, may he see in us a people touched by
the mercy of God, living out the compassion of God, a people truly rich in mercy
and compassion and grateful to those who have shown mercy to us especially
after various calamities hit our country, the Pastoral Letter states.
Pre-Papal Activities (October 17-23, 2014)
FABC Plenary Program

The Twelfth Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences
(FABC) will open with a Eucharistic celebration on October 21 at Manila
Cathedral with Cardinal Francis Arinze, Papal representative to the assembly, as
presider. This will be followed by the official opening of the meeting at Pius XII
Center, along United Nations Avenue.

The afternoon of the first day and the morning of Wednesday, October 22, will
be devoted to the discussion of a working paper on the conference theme
Living the Eucharist with Christ in Asia. Wednesday afternoon will be a
discussion on the Statutes of the Federation, while Thursday, October 23, will see
groupings of the participants according to regions; including a conference on

61

"The Word of God and the Eucharist" by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of
Guwahati, India.

For Friday, October 24, the workshop reports of the regional groupings will be
presented as well as activity reports from the nine FABC offices, which carry out
the basic activities of the Federation.

The morning of Saturday, October 25, will be open for interventions of individual
bishops' conferences while the late afternoon and evening of this day will
distribute the participants to some 12 parishes in Metro Manila for a pastoral
exposure and dinner with local communities.

The Plenary will end on Monday morning, October 27, with the final document of
the meeting and the concluding Eucharist at the conference venue, Pius XII
Center, Manila. All in all, some 120 delegates and participants are expected,
representing the 18 member-bishops' conferences of the Federation and 11
associate members. The general theme of the assembly is "Living the Eucharist in
Asia." This will be the thirdtime that such a plenary takes place in Manila, after
the foundation of the Federation in Manila in 1970, the 6th Plenary Assembly in
1995 and the 9
th
Plenary Assembly in 2009.

Pope Francis' First Visit to the Philippines (October 23-31, 2014)
The Pope visited the Philippines on October 23 to 27, 2014 in time for the annual
anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. Some 3 million people lined
the streets to welcome Pope Francis, who arrived on October 23, 2014, three days after
the Beatification of Pope Paul VI on October 19, 2014 at the Vatican.

The five-day visit was the Popes first overseas trip after he led the canonization rites in
the third week of October of the same year.

62

Tagle can't stop
me; he's not God-
Noy (By Juliet L. Javellana and Stella O. Gonzales)
Manila, Philippines, October 19, 2014 (INQUIRER) CARDINAL Tagle is not God and
no matter what accusations he makes against me, he cannot stop me.
An angry President Benigno Aquino III yesterday struck back at Manila Archbishop
Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle for calling his administration disgusting, and used
up almost all of his two-hour radio program to attack the leader of the country's
more than 50 million Roman Catholics.
Mr. Aquino said he was willing to resign right now! if Tagle could prove he was
guilty of corruption.
The President made his anti-Sin offensive as his ally, El Shaddai founder and
servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, brushed off concerns that he would be
disobeying Sin by holding a separate gathering of his flock on the same day the
rallyists would lead an anti-Charter change rally.
Velarde said that in the October 26-27 El Shaddai gathering, prayer requests would
be made, including the resolution of the Marcos wealth issue in a referendum and
the successful of several events.
Speaking on his weekly radio show yesterday, Mr. Aquino criticized Tagle, saying
we still respect him but there is no truth to these accusations.
He was reacting to Sin's statement calling on the public to oppose Mr. Aquino's
moves to amend the Constitution and attacking the alleged return of cronyism and
the renewed influence of the family of the late deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos
under the Aquino III administration.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Tagle said Mr. Aquino's administration was
''disgusting'' for allowing the return to power of Marcos associates and also accused
the government of a lack of transparency and for a perceived clampdown on at least
two newspapers, the Manila Times and the INQUIRER.
Baseless
The President assailed Tagle for writing lies (walang katotohanan) and baseless
accusations.
Mr. Estrada has been repeatedly accusing the INQUIRER of the same offenses.

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The statement is set to be read today in all Catholic churches in the country.
Rallysts called for a massive protest rally on October 26, mainly against the issues
raised in the pastoral letter.
The Catholic bishops are backing Tagle's opposition to Charter changes but the main
business groups are in favor of such amendments.
More than 50 million of the country's 74 million population are Roman Catholics.
The late former Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and the late former Philippine
president Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino led the 1986 Edsa popular revolution that
toppled Ferdinand E. Marcos from power and installed her as president on February
25, 1986.
Backed by losers
Mr. Aquino belittled the planned protest, saying the ones behind that are those who
ran against me in the election and were ignored by the people and even up to now,
they continue their attacks without basis.
This was a reference to the fact that Sin and Aquino backed a losing candidate
against him in the 2010 elections, which Mr. Aquino III won by a landslide victory.
Mr. Aquino slammed Sin in his Report kay Boss radio program, which is aired
nationwide.
The President mentioned the name of the highest-ranking Catholic leader in the
country 12 times during the two-hour program, which yesterday was devoted
entirely to his plans to amend the Constitution.
''We still respect him because he's the cardinal, but he should not overdo it (making
accusations) because no one will believe him anymore,'' the President said in
Pilipino.
His co-host, Ted Failon, read to him this portion (translated into Pilipino) of Sin's
letter: The return to power of the former plunderers is disgusting. The harassment
of press people is alarming. The compromise with the heirs of the dictator is
immoral.
Prove it
Mr. Aquino, a former Marcos ally, denied he was restoring the Marcoses to power or
suppressing press freedom. He vehemently denied any corruption under his
administration.
He pointed out that as mayor of San Juan town in Metro Manila, then as senator and
vice president, and now as President, he was never linked to any corruption.
Now, if Cardinal Tagle can prove I stole from the government, I will resign right
now, he said.
I am not challenging him to a debate. He just has to prove I committed any act of
graft and corruption in the government.
He cannot call me a thief,'' he said. ''He has no proof. He is a cardinal. He shouldn't
make accusations like that.
Not people's sentiments

64

He said Tagle's letter did not reflect the sentiments of the Catholic faithful.
What the Cardinal says should have at least a little truth in it, he said.
The trouble is, the people who are joining him are the same ones who ran against
me in the election and were ignored by the people. Even up to now, they continue
their attacks without basis.
Mr. Aquino has been repeatedly assailing the INQUIRER for its 2010 Election Day
headline, Anybody but PNoy, which was based on a statement the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines issued just before the election.
The President found an ally in Novaliches Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Bacani who, in
a meeting at Malacaang on Thursday, denied that the CBCP had issued
that 2010 statement.
Money from Marcos
The President, saying he was not a Marcos crony, revealed for the first time that
Marcos gave him P18 million in 1978, when the dictator asked him why he was
angry at the then President.
I told President Marcos I was not mad at him but I was against martial law, he said.
He said he used the money to buy land for squatters.
He said Tagle was well aware of this because he bought the land from Radio Veritas,
a Catholic radio station.
That's on record, so it can't be said that I stole, he said.
He has no proof,'' he said. He's a cardinal, he shouldn't make such accusations.
No press suppression
The President insisted his government was transparent and there was no
curtailment of press freedom.
He said he had not jailed any reporter and had not sued anyone in the media after
his P101-million libel suit against the 116-year-old Manila Times.
He said that for that newspaper, referring to the INQUIRER, freedom was not
reduced, only its income.
He said there was no stopping his administration's efforts at Charter change.
As long as I know that what I am doing is for the Filipino masses, no one can stop
me, he said.
No matter what anybody, like Cardinal Tagle, accuses me of, he cannot change my
mind because I believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God, he said.
The people elected me. I know that Cardinal Tagle is not God, so he cannot stop me,
no matter what accusations he makes.
Not compulsory
The Presidents big backer, El Shaddai's Bro. Mike Velarde and Jesus is Lord Church's
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, said in a news conference yesterday: I suppose that (circular)
is not compulsory. Everybody is really for freedom and if they are for freedom, why
should they compel their constituents or force their constituents to attend rallies?
He was referring to the Aug. 6 circular issued by the Archdiocese of Manila calling
on all archdiocesan ministries, parishes, organizations, schools and other

65

institutions to join the Aug. 23 and Oct. 26 Rally for Democracy to be led by the
protesters in Makati.
El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. and Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide are under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. It will have
its own October 26-27 rally at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila for the
five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines part of the
eleven-day Asian Journey from October 22 to 30, 2014.
Four requests
Velarde said that at 3 p.m. on October 26, thousands of white doves will be released,
bells will be tolled, thousands of miracle mission balloons of faith, love and unity
would be released with four prayer requests and petitions written on them and
fireworks will be lit to signal the band to play the Happy Birthday song for Brother
Eddie.
The four prayer requests are:
For El Shaddai to continue touching people's lives, healing the sick, and repairing
broken relationships.
For President Aquino to succeed in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor
through food security and peace and order initiatives.
For the Marcos wealth issue to be resolved by the people in a referendum so the
stigma and bitterness caused by this unresolved issue may be healed and bring
about unity and love among our people.
For media to be a constructive partner in nation building by their truthful, honest
and fair reporting of events.
Asked later if the last request means that, like the President, he thinks some in
media are irresponsible in their reporting, Velarde replied: ''I am not saying that. I'm
just praying that media would continue being a constructive partner in nation
building.''
Not forced
(People) should be free to attend rallies and in fact our members are free to attend
the rallies, whichever rally they would want to attend, Velarde said. ''I'm not
forcing anyone to attend any particular event. That's how democracy should be
observed, including by the Church.''
But he conceded that when it comes to matters of faith and morals, religious
movements like his can only follow what the Catholic hierarchy says.
Velarde and Villanueva held a news conference at the VIP Lounge of the Quirino
Grandstand to formally announce the celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
founder, international president and spiritual adviser Bishop Bro. Eddie C.
Villanuevas birthday on October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwides 36th
founding anniversary celebration on October 26 to 27 for the five-day pastoral and
state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

66

This event has long been planned and scheduled since last year after the October 16,
2013 Bohol earthquake, the November 8, 2013 Super Typhoon Yolanda and the July
15, 2014 Super Typhoon Glenda, Velarde said, explaining why the annual founding
anniversary celebration of the rival religious group Jesus is Lord Church headed by
Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva will coincide with the pork barrel rally.
No changing date
My birthday was scheduled 75 years ago on August 20, 1939 while Bro. Eddie
Villanuevas birthday was scheduled 81 years ago on October 6, 1933, he added.
We can't change that.
An INQUIRER source said he discovered that El Shaddai submitted a reservation
letter on July 26 to Rizal Park authorities to include Saturday, August 23 and
Sunday, August 24, in the group's celebration.
El Shaddai's regular gathering is held on Saturday and Sunday, and requires
reservation letter.
Tagle announced the October 26 to 27 rallies on October 19, 2014.
President Benigno Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte, Jr., Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno and other government officials
have been invited to attend the El Shaddai rally.
The event will be aired live nationwide by the Peoples Television Network (PTV)
Channel 4 through its 19 provincial television stations and 600 cable and satellite
television operators. With a report from AFP
EL SHADDAI NOT JOINING CORY-SIN RALLY
Manila, October 19, 2014 - Bro. Mike Velarde, servant leader of El Shaddai, yesterday
expressed support for President Aquinos proposed amendments to the Constitution, and
said he and millions of his followers will stay away from the anti-Aquino rally over the
PDAF controversy in Makati.
There is no reason to be afraid of these changes because these would be good for the
people, Velarde said in a press forum at the Quirino Grandstand lounge.
Velarde, spiritual adviser of President Benigno Aquino III, arguedthat the Filipinos will
still have the last say on any amendments proposed by Congress. He added that a
plebiscite will be held to vote on the approval of these proposed changes.
Despite strong opposition from Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle,
Catholic bishops, and former President Fidel V. Ramos, Velarde insisted that plans to
amend the Charter are appropriate and necessary.
I'm surprised at those who are opposing Charter change, Velarde said, adding these
changes are for the country's economic development, benefitting all people.
President Aquino is pushing for Charter-changes, which he calls Constitutional
Corrections and Development (Concord), through Congress convening itself into a
constituent assembly to suggest amendments based on economic reforms.
Aquino said the constitution hurts the nation's economy because it limits foreign
investment in the Philippines. He said the country's poor would suffer if the constitution
is not amended soon.

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The proposed Charter change and the pork barrel scam sparked the opposition to hold a
pro-democracy rally on October 26, the same day when the El Shaddai and Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide members will celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanuevas 81st birthday
and the 36th founding anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at the
Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.
The anti-pork barrel, anti-charter change, construction traffic and anti-police groups will
lead the rally mainly against the proposed amendments to the constitution, the passage of
the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, the alleged suppression of the press, the
resurgence of the Marcos family, the carjacking cases and high-profile killings and
incidents, in Metro Manila, the massacre in Atimonan, Quezon; his order to stop support
to the Officers Ladies Club; the plunder charges filed against Philippine National Police
Director General Alan L.M. Purisima before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection
with the alleged anomalous deal the PNP entered into with a courier service;
disappointment among legitimate firearms holders over the stricter issuance of permit to
carry firearms outside residence and license to own and possess firearms; the P316-
million funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, extend the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by five years, the transfer of assignment of Task
Force Tugis chief Senior Superintendent Conrado Capa after the arrest of Globe
Asiatique president Delfin Lee; and the spate of killings nationwide, the Bohol
Earthquake rehabilitation, the Yolanda rehabilitation and supposed cronyism in
government.
Velarde clarified that the gathering on Sunday is held annually is the anniversary
celebration of rival religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide is headed by
founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva on October 26-27
by which has intentions to instigate feud with the other group.
This annual event has long been planned and scheduled since last year in 2013, he said.
Asked if he would go the the Aquino-led rally, Velarde said there would be difficulty,
saying the program at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila would start as early
as 10 a.m., October 26 until the next day, Monday, October 27, 2014 at 8 a.m. The rally
against the national issues of the Philippines will start at 1 pm and end at 3 pm in Makati
City.
Besides, he said, he was not invited to attend the rally led by former President Fidel V.
Ramos and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle in Makati City.
Like Me, the El Shaddai-DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International has gone
through all kinds of life threatening crises. And yet by Divine Grace it survived, and
continue to grow by leaps and bounds, miraculously touching millions of people all over
the earth, Velarde said.
Guests include President Aquino, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, House Speaker
Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno.
Pope Francis, who will officiate the mass together with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio
Cardinal G. Tagle.
The event will serve free food for all. All expenses will be paid by the Villanueva family
and close friends and not by the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide movement.

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By 3 p.m., thousands of balloons will be released with these prayer requests: for El
Shaddai to continue touching people's lives, healing the sick and repairing broken
relationships; for President Aquino to succeed in bridging the gap between the rich and
the poor; for the Marcos wealth issue to be resolved by the people in a referendum; and,
for the media to become a constructive partner in nation-building.
Aug. 20 rally: No invitation needed; come if you believe
Manila, Philippines, October 20, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - COME if you believe.
With this exhortation, organizers invited all sectors of society to the Aug. 20 and October
26 Rally for Democracy in Makati City and register their opposition to the constitutional
amendments proposed and national issues by the Benigno Aquino III administration.
Former Sen. Rene Saguisag, chair of the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood,
Integrity and Nationalism (Mabini), announced that the lawyers' group had decided to
join the rally.
The other groups that have vowed to see action in the rally include the Kilosbayan led by
former Senate President Jovito Salonga, the religious such as the Church People's
Initiative Against Cha-cha, Tyranny and Cronyism, the Promotion of Church People's
Response, students such as members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines,
artists led by the Kontra-Busal, and gays represented by Progay Philippines.
You do not need to be invited, convenors of the protest rally said in an advisory.
Come if you believe.
Saguisag said in a statement that on Friday night, the seven trustees of Mabini decided to
join the Makati rally.
He said the Mabini officers and members agreed to meet and assemble in front of the
fire station near the corner of Ayala Avenue and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue.
In the end, it is a question of individual choice, said Saguisag. ''Basta ang hindi
sumama o makisama, maitim ang buto.
How many will show up on Aug. 23-24 and October 25-26? he said. One man in the
right is a majority.
Salonga's Kilosbayan yesterday made its own decision to join after an overwhelming
vote. Only one member voted against the decision, according to Kilosbayan member
Quintin Doromal.
It is the first time since the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that Kilosbayan is
joining a protest action.
The members called the decision a patriotic political action.
They said their group was endorsing the three issues raised by the Aug. 20 and October
26-27 rally organizers--protest against constitutional change at this time, against
cronyism and against threats to press freedom.
Good governance
Lawyer Chito Gascon, who represented the youth in the 1986 Constitutional
Commission, said in a breakfast forum at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City that it was ''good
governance, not Charter change, that will bring about economic reforms.''
Gascon, a member of the organizing committee of the Aug. 20 and October 26-27 rally,
will marshall the rally participants who will gather at the corner of Buendia and Ayala
avenues.

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One guest at the Sulo Hotel forum said public officials should be ''punished not only for
their sin of commission but for their sin of omission as well.''
When the guest noted that Vice President Jejomar Binay was nowhere'' at this crucial
time, rally convenor Noel Tolentino said Macapagal had been giving them support,
however ''invisible.''
He admitted that the rally organizers had been missing the support of other officials.
Remember Edsa
People who are joining the Rally for Democracy must feel the same sense of urgency that
they did during the 1986 Edsa Revolution, Ibon Facts and Figures executive director
Tony Tujan told a crowd of about 1,000 in a forum in Bacolod City on Friday.
''Every right-minded Filipino should stop any effort at Charter change at this time
because all its intentions are clearly anti-Filipino,'' Tujan said.
The Bacolod forum was sponsored by the Church People's Initiative Against Cha-cha,
Tyranny and Cronyism. The same group will spearhead the anti-Cha-cha rally in Bacolod
on Aug. 20, September 21 and October 26.
Tujan noted that the El Shaddai had been regularly holding its holy masses and
worship and healing prayer rallies at night. Now for the first time they are holding
it during the day, he said. I think there really is an intention to weaken the
political impact of the nationwide protest movement against Cha-cha, he added.
Tujan urged the reported 5 million members of El Shaddai to attend the pro-
democracy rally first before going to their gathering at Rizal Park.
Even the El Shaddai people should realize that now is the time to be truly
Christian and Filipino by joining the anti-Cha-cha rallies, he said.
El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde is celebrating his 75th birthday last August 20,
while Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide movement founder, international president
and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva is celebrating his 81st birthday
on October 6.
National Democratic Front executive committee member Luis Jalandoni said
President Benigno Aquino III was trying to use Velarde and Villanueva's birthday
celebration as a political weapon to counter the anti-political rally.
Artists, gays
Artists and gays, too, are set to take part in the Makati rally.
The artists, led by Kontra-Busal, and the gays, represented by the Progressive Gays
Organization of the Philippines (Progay), are members of People Resist, a broad alliance
of organizations and individuals formed in 1997.
The Kontra-Busal and Progay groups will assemble in front of Rustan's department store
along Ayala Avenue.
A People Resist statement said religious people headed by the Promotion for Church
People's Response (PCPR) will launch an activity called the Church against Rising
Tyranny (Christ) on October 21.
On the same date, health professionals will launch the Health Alliance against Tyranny
and Charter Change (HaTaC Na), said People's Resist.
On Aug. 16 and Oct. 21, People Resist will hang black ribbons in designated areas in
Quezon City, Pasay City and Caloocan City.

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On Aug. 18 and Oct. 22, at exactly 6 p.m., People Resist will hold a 30-minute noise
barrage in three major noise centers in Metro Manila: Welcome Rotonda in Quezon
City, Monumento in Caloocan City and Pasay City.
Mask appeal
Yesterday, artists and writers gathered at Vinzon's Hall at the University of the
Philippines in Diliman to stage Mask Action, sponsored by Kontra-Busal. More than
80 artists and writers designed and created anti-Charter change masks.
The masks were made from materials like found objects, paper, abaca fiber, acrylic paint,
paper cups, etc.
We will wear these anti-Cha-cha and anti-tyranny masks in the Aug. 20 rally, said
Kontra-Busal spokesperson Chickoy Pura of the rock band Jerks and the group Musicians
for Peace.
Bomen Guillermo of the Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center said in the same UP
gathering that his group's fight against ''any attempted restoration of fascist dictatorship''
is in the great tradition of Jose Rizal, Aurelio Tolentino, Amado V. Hernandez, Lino
Brocka, Ismael Bernal and many more artists and writers before us.
In yesterday's Kapihan sa CyPress in Quezon City, Progay secretary general Oscar
Atadero said his group, together with the Lesbians in Baguio for National Democracy
(Lesbond), the Gays United to Wipe Out American Military Presence in the Philippines
(Guwapo), and the Gays Opposed to Charter Change (Gotcha), would rally gays to join
the protest rallies in major cities in the Philippines.
Fasting, prayers
The religious sector in Lucena City will lead the people in Quezon province in fasting
and prayers from Aug. 17 to 20 and October 19 to 22.
The activity will coincide with the celebration of Quezon Day in the province, according
to Fr. Raul Enriquez, chair of the Social Concern Commission of the Lucena diocese.
It will start with the simultaneous pealing of church bells in all parishes in the diocese,
praying of the rosary in Pilipino Language and Panalangin Para sa Lipunan (Prayer for
the People) on August 17 to 19 to and October 19 to 21.
On Aug. 18 and October 22, a grand ecumenical assembly will be held on the grounds of
the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena City.
The four-day event will end with a march to the monument of President Manuel L.
Quezon in the city's outskirts.
Religious and students
The Reject Charter Change Movement in Cebu said no amount of ''coercion'' or divisive
tactics could stop the people from rejecting Mr. Aquinos Cha-cha efforts.
In Davao City, the Davao Archdiocese said it would mobilize priests, nuns, lay members,
students and other religious congregations for the August 23 to 24 and October 26 to 27
rallies.
Student councils and members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)
will hold simultaneous education forums on Cha-cha and press freedom in at least eight
colleges and universities on Aug. 16 and 18.
CEGP Davao City chair Beng Hernandez said students would light candles in the eight
schools before marching to Freedom Park in that city for a rally. With reports from
Delfin T. Mallari, Southern Luzon Bureau; Carla P. Gomez and Frauline Maria
Sinson, PDI Visayas Bureau; J owel F. Canuday, PDI Mindanao Bureau; AFP

71

APPEAL TO BISHOPS: Don't demonize ErapBarican (By Juliet Labog-Javellana)
Manila, Philippines, October 22, 2014 - MALACAANG yesterday protested what it
said was a tendency to demonize certain people in the supposed portrayal of the issue
of Charter change as a battle between good and evil.
And Senate President Franklin Drilon reminded Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle of the
separation of powers between Church and State, in an apparent attempt to discourage the
outspoken Manila archbishop from further expressing objection to amending the
Constitution.
At a press briefing, President Benigno Aquino IIIs spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda
said ''some of the words that have been expressed seem to indicate a moral judgment that
those who are for Charter change are somehow the personification of evil, or have an evil
agenda.''
Asked if the exchange of harsh words between the President and Sin last weekend
indicated a rift between the two leaders, Lacierda said: ''There has been a tendency over
the past weeks to demonize people, to raise the rhetoric, and I just wonder if that is good
for the country.''
''I think we can argue, if necessarily very passionately, among ourselves, but let's grant
that the people who have views opposite to us are not necessarily demons and evil
persons out to destroy the country,'' he added.
But Lacierda could not resist referring to those strongly opposed to amending the
Constitution at this time as ''hecklers.''
We can't have a hecklers' veto. You can't have a situation where the person with the
loudest voice is allowed to defeat the democratic process, he said.
Lacierda, a lawyer and a student activist in the 1960s, posed this question to opponents of
Charter change: Are we forever going to live under the shadow of the Marcos years?
He also pointed out that ''we're going to live with each other after October 26.
The day will be marked by a pro-democracy rally to be led by protesters in Makati City,
and an apparent countergathering by the El Shaddai, led by Mr. Aquinos spiritual
adviser Bro. Mike Velarde, at the Rizal Park in Manila for the pastoral and state visit of
pope Francis here in the Philippines.
Sinful
Sin, however, made no mention of the word ''evil'' in his pastoral letter, which was read in
all Catholic churches last Sunday.
Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla of Davao City, however, described Charter
change as ''sinful,'' while Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said the
Church could not meekly stand at the sidelines without voicing its concern over national
issues.
In the pastoral letter, Sin urged the faithful to join the rally for democracy in Makati as a
patriotic duty.
''We want morality in government. We want transparency in public office. We want the
truth all the time,'' he said.
The rally is meant to air opposition to any Charter change now, the perceived return of
Marcos-style cronyism, and threats to press freedom.
Stung by the contents of the letter, the President spent much of his two-hour radio
program Report kay Boss last Saturday in attacking Tagle.

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Cardinal Tagle is not God, and no matter what accusations he makes against me, he
cannot stop me, Mr. Aquino said.
He was particularly offended by the part wherein Tagle said: ''The return to power of the
former plunderers of our nation is disgusting. The harassment of press people is alarming.
The compromise with the heirs of the dictator is immoral.''
According to the President, the letter contained lies and baseless accusations--charges he
often makes against the INQUIRER.
'Both ways'
Atty. Lacierda , who treated reporters to a lunch to mark his first year on the job,
appealed for sobriety.
If we are all going to characterize each other in very personal things, it will be very hard
to form a community, a nation that can move forward, he said.
I think what's important here is a little bit of good faith, a little bit of respect for those
who disagree with us however strongly--and that works both ways.
And it's important for us to sometimes lower the temperature of our rhetoric, especially
us Filipinos (who) take these things very personally.
Atty. Lacierda also said it was important not to let bitterness divide the nation.
We're going to live with each other after October 26. The kind of personal bitterness that
comes out of this has the capacity (of) poisoning our whole society for a good 10 or 20
years,'' he said.
Filipinos, he said, should ''step back from the precipice of personal attacks, and think
at the end of the day, 'We will recognize that even those opposed to us may have valid
things to say.
Let's listen to each other. And perhaps we can move forward as a people, he said.
'Difficult'
Atty. Lacierda said the Church's ''personal attacks'' were making it difficult for public
servants to do their job.
When you are doing public service under these rather difficult conditions, I just think
that perhaps we ought to reexamine some of the statements we are making about people,
he said.
In the long run, I think it's also important that we are balanced about this. This is a
democracy, people have a right to speak up, express strong views, and those sides will
continue to be protected, as they should be.
Atty. Lacierda said those opposed to Charter change would have the opportunity to
express their views when concrete proposals are made and during the plebiscite.
He said the Aquino III administration had proposed solid economic changes and had
issued the assurance that no political amendments would be introduced to benefit the
President and other officials.
So far, Mr. Aquino III has announced allowing foreign ownership of land, public utilities
and media, and clipping the powers of the Supreme Court as among the amendments that
he favored.
Barican took those opposed to Charter change to task for living in the shadow of martial
law.
Are we forever going to live under the shadow of the Marcos years? Let's learn from it,
but are we going to be so afraid of the Marcos years that all the reforms we need to do
won't get done because of the fears we have of what happened in 1972 to 1986? he said.

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I would like to think that we can learn from that experience and overcome it as well.
Otherwise, he said, Filipinos just have to pay the price.
'Limits'
At the Senate, Ople said in an ambush interview: ''I think there are constitutional limits
for religious interference with the affairs of the government.
(But) at this time, we are inclined to give Cardinal Tagle the benefit of the doubt,
because he himself says he is utilizing his constitutional freedom as a citizen of the
Philippines to express his opinions on some vital issues of the State.
Ople warned further that Sin's vocal stand on highly political issues, coupled with his
critical views against the Aquino III administration, might be regarded by many as
stepping beyond the confines of religious influence.
If this leads somewhere to a serious advocacy for a theocratic state in the Philippines,
I'm sure that the Filipino people would not like it, because we are a secular state by
constitutional choice, Ople said.
He added: A theocratic state is something we find in Iran or in maybe some parts of
Mindanao, but this is not acceptable to the Filipino people because we believe in the
separation of the Church and State.-- With a report from Cathy C. Yamsuan
47 dioceses to hold simultaneous rallies (By the PDI Bureaus)
Manila, Philippines, October 22, 2014 - THE NUMBER of dioceses holding
simultaneous rallies on August 23 to 24 and October 26 to 27 to protest Charter change
has risen to 47 even as a senior Church official urged the founders of the El Shaddai
Movement and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide to follow his bishop on issues with
moral dimensions.
The dioceses of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, and Digos, Davao del Sur, have firmed up
plans to hold rallies on Friday. Forty-five other dioceses earlier finalized plans to hold
rallies against Charter change.
More groups have also signified their intention to hold rallies to oppose moves by
President Benigno Aquino III to amend the Constitution.
In Cebu, at least 12 groups from different sectors yesterday attended the launching of the
Reject Charter Change Movement (Reject).
Among those who joined the launching of Reject were representatives from nine Catholic
religious groups--the Salesian Fathers, the Religious of Virgin Mary, the Society of
Divine Word, the Redemptorist Fathers, the Religious of Mercy, Franciscan Sisters,
Daughters of St. Paul and the Carmelite Sisters.
For its part, the Kilusang Mayo Uno appealed to employers to allow their workers to take
a day off on Friday to enable them to attend the protest rallies being organized by the
Church.
Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla said Bro. Mike Velarde, founder of
El Shaddai, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, founder, president and spiritual director of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, must follow Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle on issues with moral dimensions.

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''The principle to follow: lay people in Manila, including El Shaddai (followers) and
Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church (members) and Villanueva, must follow their bishop--and
that is Cardinal Tagle--on matters of the faith,'' Capalla said in Legazpi City on Saturday.
Capalla and some 100 bishops and other church leaders came to Legazpi City to attend
the 50th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Bishop Jose C. Sorra.
Velarde is leading a rally cum celebration of his 75th birthday last Wednesday while
a belated birthday celebration and the anniversary celebration of El Shaddai DWXI
Prayer Partners Foundation International on August 23 to 24 at the Rizal Park in
Manila on the same day that Tagle lead a rally against Charter change on Ayala
Avenue in Makati City.
While Villanueva is leading a rally cum celebration of his 81st birthday on October
6 while a belated birthday celebration and belated anniversary celebration of Jesus
is Lord Church Worldwide Movement on October 26-27 during the four-day
pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.
The El Shaddai rally will be attended by President Benigno Aquino III.
Capalla said lay Catholics could disagree with their bishops on political issues like
Charter change.
But he declared in a pastoral letter which was read in all the churches in the Davao
archdiocese that moves to amend the Charter were ''morally sinful'' and ''outright
oppressive.''
Capalla stressed that the Church must also make a stand on political and economic issues
with moral dimensions.
Mindanao
In Mindanao, he said, the Catholic Church had made a stand against Charter change
because the proposed amendments would allow foreigners to own land in the country
amid widespread lawlessness.
Catholic Church leaders in Cebu, Negros Occidental and Iloilo are preparing to bring
thousands of people to the streets for the pro-democracy protest rally on Aug. 20 and
October 26.
In Cebu City, the rally spearheaded by Archbishop Jose Palma is expected to mobilize
some 250,000 people, according to Msgr. Roberto Alesna.
Besides Charter change, the Cebu rally will address the threats to press freedom,
cronyism, foreign debt, gambling, illegal drugs, pornography, prostitution and violence
against women and children.
Representatives from the Philippine Peasants Institute, the Kilusang Pambansang
Demokrasya and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter also attended the
launching of Reject in Cebu.
In Negros Occidental, Bishop Vicente Navarra of Kabankalan City and Bishop Nicolas
Mondejar of San Carlos City have called on the faithful to join the rallies set in their
respective areas.

75

A Church-led rally in Bacolod City is also expected to draw a lot of people despite
Bishop Camilo Gregorio's announcement that he will not join the mass action.
Gregorio had said he was against moves to change the Constitution but he believed the
rally would be a ''useless and futile exercise'' and ''a waste of time.''

Rivas letter
In the absence of a pastoral letter from Gregorio, some Bacolod priests read instead in
their Masses on Sunday the letter of Msgr. Victorino Rivas, vicar general of the Diocese
of Bacolod, inviting the faithful to join the Bacolod rally.
In his letter, Rivas said ''given the numerous statements of Pope Francis I regarding the ill
effects of the neo-liberal policies of globalization against the poor of the world, we are
morally and duty bound to inform the people on the move to globalize the Constitution
through numerous amendments favoring the whims of giant transnational corporations
controlling the world economy.''
In Iloilo, parishes from all over the province had been told to send delegations to the rally
being spearheaded by the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (Jasac).
Members of the Hublag Demokrasya, a church-backed anti-Charter change coalition, and
cause-oriented groups are also participating in the rally.
''If the Constitution is changed, this can jeopardize our civil liberty, particularly freedom
of expression and of the press, and more cronies are to be surely benefited by this move,''
said Fr. Meliton Oso, director of the Jasac.
Organizers have designated two assembly areas for participants, at the plaza of Jaro
district and at the Rotary Amphitheater, beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Hublag Demokrasya will lead the assembly at the Rotary Amphitheater.
At 2:30 p.m., the two groups will march toward St. Clement's Church in Lapaz district for
a prayer rally at 3 p.m.
At the end of the rally, organizers will release balloons attached to a banner with the
word ''Kahilwayan,'' Hiligaynon for freedom, will be attached.
Tagbilaran
In Tagbilaran City, the Church-led Aug. 20 and October 19 activity will come in the form
of a symposium that will spell out the anti-Charter change sentiment of the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The symposium will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City.
Boholanos opposed to amending the Constitution launched on Sunday the ''People Resist
Cha-cha'' movement.
Its convenors include Fr. Justino Estoque Jr. of the Promotion of Church People's
Response; Michael Bagaipo of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Bohol; and
John Gerard Lumantao, of the National Union of Students of the Philippines-Bohol.

76

In Davao City, militants and moderates will again join forces for the rally on Friday, their
fourth team-up since the Sept. 21, 1997 anti-Charter change rally.
3 marches
Leaders from the militants and the moderates, Catholic and Protestant churches have
agreed during a weekend meeting to follow what they did in 1997: hold three separate
marches from the northern, southern and central parts of the city and converge either at
Rizal Park or Freedom Park for the prayer rally.
Glen Amoroso, Bayan secretary general, said such an expression of unity showed the
people's serious concern over the ''selfish'' motives behind Mr. Estrada's move to amend
the Constitution.
He said the people were also alarmed by the President's ''pattern of actions'' undermining
the democratic gains won by the people.
Amoroso noted the continued attacks by the President on the INQUIRER for ''its
unwavering critical reports about his presidency, the return of the Marcoses and their
cronies in powerful business and political posts and the move for a compromise
settlement on Marcos ill-gotten wealth.''
On Wednesday, the multisectoral People Resist against Rising Tyranny-Southern
Mindanao will hold a ''Torch Parade for Freedom'' in the city's main streets to entice more
people to join the Aug. 20 and October 26 rally.
In urging workers around the country to take a synchronized ''day-off'' on Friday, KMU
chair Crispin Beltran said the threats to democratic rights and the nation's patrimony
under the Estrada administration were ''much more dire than the effects of any
supertyphoon.''
''We ask the capitalist employers to allow their workers to do so (attend the mass actions)
as a matter of patriotism,'' Beltran said.
The militant labor group had earlier announced it would mobilize its ranks to join the
rally to be held on Ayala Avenue in Makati.
KMU said it would hold coordinated mass actions nationwide along with the Bagong
Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
''It's crucial that the Filipino working people go out into the streets and loudly air their
protests against the Estrada government's comprehensive attempt to curtail civil and
political rights and sell out to foreign monopolies what remains of our nation's wealth,''
Beltran said in a statement.
More protests
The Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya said it would also launch coordinated
mass actions on Aug. 20 and October 26-27 to add voice to the Church-led rally.
Sonia Soto, KPD chair and co-convenor of the Reject Charter Change Movement, said
thousands of protesters would hold rallies in Negros, Cebu, Cordillera, Bicol and
Mindanao on the same day.

77

A 20,000-strong contingent from Central Luzon led by Bishop , regional head convenor
of the Reject Cha-cha Movement, will lead a motorcade to Metro Manila to join the
Makati rally.
In Mindanao, protest actions will also take place in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and
Bukidnon.-- Reports from Rey Nasol, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; Cynthia A.
Borgueta, Carla P. Gomez, Nereo C. Lujan and Chito A. Fuentes, PDI Visayas
Bureau; Jowel F. Canuday, PDI Mindanao Bureau
FABCs 11
th
Plenary Assembly Opens in Manila
The Eleventh Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences
(FABC) opened on October 21, 2014 at San Carlos Seminary Auditorium, Makati
City.

The gathering, which marks the federations 45th anniversary (November 26,
1970 - November 26, 2015), is focused on the theme FABC at Forty-Five Years:
Responding to the Challenges of Asia. Among 71 participants consisting of
cardinals, archbishops and bishops from more than 20 Asian countries in
attendance is Pope Benedict XVIs special envoy to the six-day event, Cardinal
Gaudencio Rosales, the archbishop emeritus of Manila. Other participants
include executive secretaries of various offices of FABC, fraternal delegates and
guests from Oceania, Europe and Latin America.

Cardinal Rosales presided at a concelebrated Mass that launched the event. His
homily evoked the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd who leaves 99 of his flock
to go out and find one lost sheep. Since Catholicism is so limited in Asia, where
only about three percent of its 3.8 billion people are Catholics, the cardinal said
the Church in Asia has a kind of reverse challenge, leaving the one in its fold as it
tries to reach out to the other 99. At the end of the Mass, he also read the Holy
Father's special message to the assembly.

The official opening ceremony that took place after the Eucharistic celebration
showcased the presence of government officials from Vietnam's religious affairs
bureau, as well as leaders of Buddhist, Muslim and Protestant communities in
Xuan Loc diocese and Dong Nai province.

The special representative of the Philippine government delivered a message in
which he stressed the appreciation of Vietnam's people for the helpful role
Catholics and the Catholic Church have played in the cultural, political and
moral growth of the local community and the country at large. To complete the
gesture, the government official presented three man-sized flower arrangements
as gifts to Cardinal Rosales and Indias Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, the
FABC secretary general and Bishop Dominic, the local bishop of Xuan Loc
diocese.

The two cardinals then thanked the Vietnamese government for the hospitality
and warm reception extended to all the participants from the time they arrived

78

in Ho Chi Minh City to the moment they reached the pastoral center in Xuan
Loc. On behalf of the local Church in Vietnam, they also expressed an assurance
that Vietnamese Catholics will continue to be the good citizens they are. With
continuing dialogue and cooperation, the Catholic Church in Vietnam also
hopes to contribute to a better future for the country.

800 cops to guard rival rallies (By Michael Lim Ubac)
Manila, Philippines, October 22, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - THE October 26-27 rallies led
separately by protesters, Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide's Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva
and El Shaddai's Mike Velarde shall be given equal protection, police said yesterday,
August 30.
The National Capital Regional Police Office said yesterday that about 400 policemen
would be deployed on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, where Pro-Democracy Rally will be
held from three assembly points.
Velardes gathering of El Shaddai flock at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila will
also be provided with 400 policemen.
The El Shaddai founder and servant-leader ruled out political undertones in staging
the anniversary celebration and holy mass and worship and healing prayer
gathering of Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal
religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide on Sunday, October 26,
saying it will be held only to celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder,
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva's 81st birthday on
October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church, is celebrating 36th anniversary on Sunday,
October 26 to Monday, October 27 at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila just
in time for the 5-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines
as part of the eleven-day Asian journey tour from October 22 to 30.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., NCRPO chief, said that he had already placed the
five police districts in Metro Manila under red alert in preparation for the political
and religious rallies.
Of the 400 to be deployed on Ayala Avenue, 200 policemen will come from the Makati
police, while the rest will come from the Southern Police District, according to Senior
Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati police chief.
Lukban maintained that even though the Family Appointment with El Shaddai would
need bigger police force due to its sheer number, the Ayala rally deserved the same
security since, he said, the Anti-Aquino protesters will be there, including the transport
groups.
About 5 million people, including President Benigno Aquino III and Bro. Mike
Velardes political and showbiz friends, several government officials, society figures,
foreign dignitaries and 1,000 guests in the July 28 State of the Nation Address,
Church leaders, are expected to attend Velardes rally on October 25 to 27, 2014,
seven days after the beatification of Pope Paul VI in Vatican.
Lukban said they are waiting for the official guest list of the Archdiocese of Manila and
instructions from the Presidential Security Group.
ROTC cadets, police trainees and civilian agents will bet tapped.

79

Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, who inspected the celebration site yesterday, said he
wants vehicular traffic closed off around the venue.
I want to make it a general rule that only the people can come in. If there are vehicles
that really need to get inside the venue, it should not cause gridlock, he said.
Estrada said residents should be prepared to walk from the parking area to the templete
site, similar to the way revelers of the Sinulog are mostly pedestrians who move around
sealed streets.
National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Elizabeth Espino
accompanied Estrada who went around the area to check on earthworks and construction.
Estrada said the platform for the altar table should be made higher so that officiating
Roman Catholic priests from Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand,
Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, United
States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea are seen by
those sitting in the front rows.
Estrada got a chair and demonstrated that VIPs are seated; they can only seethe priests
from his waist up.
The best view is not in front, he said.
He said the city government is doing its share by making public roads leading to the
Quirino Grandstand presentable.
He ordered the City Traffic Operations Management (CiTOM) to prepare a traffic plan.
We are seeing to it that everything is in its proper place, he said.
Reyes also belied reports that his intelligence personnel had received bomb threats from
unscrupulous groups out to sow violence and terror in the Ayala political rally.
But to be sure, we would dispatch bombsniffing dogs as early as Friday night, October
23, he said.
Reyes added that police operatives would also tighten security measures on the towering
buildings near the corner of Paseo De Roxas and Makati avenues, the exact site where the
political rally will be held.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will also dispatch 100 traffic enforcers
to man traffic on roads leading to Ayala Avenue.
MMDA officials said half of the Ayala Avenue would be closed to traffic but could not
divulge the details since they are yet to be finalized tomorrow.
MMDA said that 170 traffic and security personnel of the combined members of the
Makati Parking Authority and the Makati Public Safety were also expected to help it
direct the flow of traffic.
Chief Insp. Renato Ferrer Go, Manila Police District Deputy Chief for Traffic, said
some 400 traffic enforcers of the MMDA would be deployed in Manila to augment
the police force. He said the deployment will start as early as 9 a.m. Friday until the
dispersal of the protesters before dusk. Alintog said he had requested the Truckers
Association of the Philippines to order their trucks not to pass from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on Friday on roads surrounding Quirino Grandstand to lessen traffic gridlock in
Manila. He said the Katigbak Drive leading to Roxas Boulevard would be closed for
traffic on Friday. El Shaddai will start its celebrations at 6 p.m., October 25 which
will last until the next day, Monday, October 27, and possibly December 25 to 26
and December 31 to January 1, 2015.

80

The crowd, expected to reach over four million, poses a special challenge for Catholic
Church officials who are prepared to feed the faithful during the Mass and distribute
holy wafers during communion.
Pope Francis will preside over the 8 p.m. Concelebrated Roman Rite Holy Mass, which
will be broadcast live nationwide via domestic satellite on television and video streamed
to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.
Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the
liturgical rites unfolding in the Grandstand, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.
In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual
grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of
activities which start before noon with foot processions
Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses
which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.
Expect tighter security in coming to the 58-hectares national park where the grand annual
anniversary celebration of Evangelical Roman Catholic Charismatic Christian renewal
movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide will be held.
At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Manila Bay: from Guadalupe, Makati City to
will bring the image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod to the Quirino
Grandstand which houses the main altar.
An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in
Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva
Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan,
Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna,
Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon,
Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate,
Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros
Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte,
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands,
Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon,
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur,
Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat,
Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga
Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.
We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning,
Secretary Joel Villanueva, the overall chairman of the Manila celebration for Jesus is
Lord Church anniversary, said.
He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.
We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be
able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion, Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.
This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor, he added.
There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.
Anyone who cant go to the Rizal Park can watch the thanksgiving Mass through GMA
Network Channel 7 and other stations. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv
for a live streaming of the activities.
Radio stations will also broadcast the events live.

81

On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow
the crowd to see at is going in the altar.
At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Mandaue City will transport the elderly
and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Bishops who will be brought from the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park to the Quirino
Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area
before the Mass.
Although there are 12,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their
own portable chairs.
Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one
standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.
Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the Grandstand.
In going to the Rizal Park, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in
front of the Park N Ride and a block away from the Lagusnilad.
While those who would attend the rally on Ayala Avenue, which will last from 1 a.m to 3
p.m., will assemble at three points Don Bosco Church on Pasay Road, Makati Central
Fire Station on Ayala Extension; and Shell gas station at the corner of Edsa and Gil Puyat
Avenue.
MMDA said the designated parking areas are as follows: Both sides of Paseo De Roxas,
from Villar to Ayala Avenue and both sides of Paseo De Roxas from Ayala to Dela Rosa
Street. Parking shall not be allowed along Ayala Avenue.
The MMDA will reroute traffic on Friday to avoid gridlock. Here is the rerouting plan:
On Ayala Avenue (westbound lane), from Makati Avenue to Herrera Street will be closed
while the eastbound will remain as is.
Vehicles passing Ayala Avenue, from Edsa to Gil Puyat shall turn right to Makati
Avenue, turn left to Gil Puyat Avenue, turn right to Dela Rosa Street (which will be made
twoway temporarily), turn right to Salcedo St. and turn left to Ayala Avenue again.
MMDA said Paseo De Roxas from Dela Rosa Street to Villar Street (both lanes) will be
closed to vehicular traffic.
Vehicles passing Paseo De Roxas, from Arnaiz Avenue to Ayala Avenue, shall turn right
to Dela Rosa Street, take Makati Avenue.
Those coming from Makati Avenue going to Dela Rosa Street, shall turn right to Villar
Street, turn left to Alfaro Street, and turn left to Herrera Street.
Those coming from Edsa Gil Puyat shall use the westbound lane of Gil Puyat Avenue,
then to Paseo De Roxas.
Those vehicles coming from the Makati fire station shall use the eastbound lane of Ayala
Avenue. With a report from J erome Aning
Protestants, Muslims join Ayala march
Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - MUSLIMS and Protestants will march on Ayala
Avenue in Makati City on October 26-27.
The Philippine Muslim Task Force (PMSF) and the National Council of Churches of the
Philippines (NCCP) yesterday said they were joining the rally called by Manila
Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle.
In a statement, Jamil Yahya, PMSF's spiritual leader, called on Muslims to join the rally
to protest President Benigno Aquino III's immoral plan to amend the Charter.

82

Yahya said the PMSF was also opposed to the immoral act of returning to power the
cronies of Marcos and Mr. Aquino III's unjust animosity against the INQUIRER and
anti-Muslim policy.
Yahya, who claims to be a co-founder of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said Mr.
Aquino III had not kept his promise to nominate Muslims to his Cabinet.
He said Mr. Aquino was the fourth President who took his oath of office in a church to
the exclusion of Muslims. The Muslims were again excluded during Mr. Aquino's
inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila on June 30, 2010.
Allah
O Allah, the Almighty. Guide President Aquino to the right way to save the Filipino
people from destruction. If you know he could not be guided to the right way, destroy
him before he destroys our country, Yahya said in a prayer.
He said PMSF was the same group that staged rallies in front of the US Embassy on
Roxas Boulevard last year to protest the US bombing of Sudan and Afghanistan and the
attacks on Iraq.
Former Vice President Noli L. de Castro, Jr. has also come out in the open to denounce
the Aquino administration.
Noynoy (President Aquino) does not perhaps realize that he is forcing the polarization
of the people. So let it be. Let there be a realignment of forces,'' de Castro, Jr. said.
''Let all those who are disappointed and disgusted with the way he is running the country
now join a reunited democratic opposition,'' he said in a statement.
NCCP sec-general
The People Resist coalition said that Bishop Roman Tiples, NCCP secretary general,
would join the rally which will start at 9 a.m. at the vicinity of the Rustan's department
store on Ayala Avenue.
The NCCP, which counts 10 Protestant churches and seven associate member churches
under its wings, played a significant role in the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship.
Obispo Maximo Tomas Millamena of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the Protestant
church with the largest membership in the country, has issued letters to parishes
nationwide calling on members to join similar rallies in their respective areas.
Millamena will also join the contingent of the People Resist in Makati.
Bishop Elmer Balocon of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines said the church's
national council leaders and bishops would take part in the rally in Cebu.
Other NCCP member churches--the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and the
Episcopal Church in the Philippines--have expressed support for the rally.
In Davao City, priests, nuns, lay and other members of the Davao Archdiocese will hold a
motorcade in the city's main streets this afternoon to drum up support for Friday's rally.
The militant People Resist Against Rising Tyranny will also troop to the streets for a
''Torch Parade for Freedom'' and candle-lighting activities at 6 p.m. today.
Bishop Generoso Camia said the marches and rallies in Davao del Sur on Friday would
be organized by the Democratic Initiative for Strengthening the Constitution and Against
Resurging Dictatorship (Discord-DS).
Discord chair Antonio Navidad said the rally would be in solidarity with the October 26
rally in Makati and key cities in the country.
The Catholic Church yesterday clarified that it was not forcing students of its schools to
attend the August 23 and October 26 pro-democracy rallies.

83

Only fourth year high school students and all college students of Catholic schools will be
asked to voluntarily join the rally, said Chris Panaglima of the Manila Archdiocesan and
Parochial Schools Association (Mapsa).
The De La Salle University Student Council agreed with the October 26-27 rally's stand
on Charter change, press freedom and Marcos cronies.
''We oppose any use of government power to protect itself against public criticism
because we believe that public office is public trust,'' it said.
Doctors
At least 35 doctors mostly from Quezon City hospitals like the Capitol Medical Center,
Quezon City Medical Center and the Philippine Children's Medical Center signed a call
for unity among health professionals against rising tyranny.
The proposed Charter change, suppression of press freedom, re-ascendance of the
Marcoses and their most notorious cronies and the escalation of human rights violations
indicate rising tyranny, they said in a statement.
Government employees belonging to the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and
Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) also announced their plan to join the
rally.
Other groups which oppose Charter change include the Federation of Free Workers
(FFW) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
Sound legislation and good governance are the appropriate responses to our nation's
problems at this time, the FFW said.
The FFW said there was no compelling reason to allow foreign ownership of land, public
utilities, media, advertising firms and other areas exclusively reserved for Filipinos, and
to clip the powers of the Supreme Court.
''We are strongly opposed to Charter change at this time. It is divisive and dissipates the
energy of the nation,'' the IBP said.
The Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino of labor leader Felimon Popoy Lagman said
BMP, Sanlakas and Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod would join the
Makati rally and stage simultaneous municipal-level protests in Metro Manila.
Farmers, too
Provincial and regional chapters of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and the
Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas are also mobilizing
members for local protest actions.
These will be held in Angeles City, Calamba in Laguna, Cebu, Davao City, Iloilo, Baguio
and Mamburao, Mindoro Occidental.
The Diocesan Social Action Center in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino are also joining the
October 26 rally.
Students of a university and six other colleges in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino have
opposed Charter change, saying that ''it is not the Constitution that has a defect but rather
the leadership of the country who have been into power struggle.''
In Baguio City, officials of the Catholic Territorial Diocese of Baguio and Benguet said
they would first poll the Cordillera faithful, before they invite them to join the October 26
rally.
Sr. Paz Rimando, directress of the Social Action Center here, said the Cordillera parishes
wanted to show the President that the Catholics, who would join the rally would not be
hakot (bussed) crowds.

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A Baguio-based official of a national association of provincial cable providers also
announced that they would join the democracy march to protest plans to open media to
foreign investors.
Baguio-Benguet Bishop Ernesto Salgado, chair of the Episcopal Commission on
Indigenous Peoples (ECIP), invited 50 parishes to a forum on the eve of the rally which
would discuss all available information about the Constitution.
The Church here is not softening. The Cordillera is plagued by more development
issues. There is (the P1.2-billion) San Roque multipurpose dam project. There are mines
here. There is the ancestral lands issue which will be affected by Mr. Aquinos decision
to open land ownership to foreigners, Sr. Paz Rimando said. Reports from Gerald G.
Lacuarta and Philip Tubeza in Manila; Leander Domingo and Vincent Cabreza, PDI
Northern Luzon Bureau; J owel F. Canuday and Allan A. Nawal, PDI Mindanao
Bureau
October 23 a holiday, says Ochoa.
Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr. yesterday clarified that October 23
which has been declared as Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Festival by
President Benigno Aquino III, is a special non-working holiday for government
workers
Ochoa said the President issued the proclamation to allow government workers
to attend both the celebrations as well as the visit of Pope Francis.
Traffic Re-Routing Plan for the Papal Visit (October 23, 2014)
Closure of north-bound lane of Taft Avenue (between Vito Cruz and President Quirino
Avenue) shall start at 3:00 P.M. of Thursday, October 23, 2014 and lasts until
about 11:00 A.M. of October 27, 2014.
The existing southbound lane shall be open for use of northbound vehicles. Southbound
traffic along Taft Avenue from Manila shall turn right to Remedios or San Andres, turn
left to M. Adriatico and finally turn left at Vito Cruz and re-take Taft Avenue going
south.
During the arrival of the Pope, closure of Old MIA Road (between Nayong Pilipino and
Roxas Boulevard); Roxas Boulevard (between Seasaide Drive and President Quirino);
and President Quirino (between Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue) shall take effect
on October 23, 2014 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. When the Pope leaves on October
27, 2014, the same roads/route shall be closed from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Affected vehicles may take the following routes:
1. Northbound traffic from Cavite City using Roxas Boulevard in going to
Baclaran will be rerouted to Victor Medina/Kabihasnan Street towards their
destination. Those going to Manila may take Dr. A. Santos (Sucat Road) - South
Luzon Expressway - South Superhighway route.
2. Southbound vehicles along Roxas Boulevard coming from Luneta will be
rerouted to Pedro Gil Street enroute to Taft Avenue or South Super Highway.
3. All vehicles going to Roxas Boulevard coming from: a) President Quirino
Avenue, b) Buendia Avenue, c) EDSA, d) Airport Road; and e) Old MIA Road
are advised during the aforecited time slots and dates to take the South
Superhighway or Taft Avenue route.

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Ordinary motorists, participants or devotees during the Papal Visit may help decongest
heavy traffic areas or ask any form of assistance from the
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN HON. ATTY. FRANCIS N. TOLENTINO - 882-
4154 to 74 loc. 205; 207
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Usec. ALEX RAMON Q.
CABANILLA - 882-4154 loc. 282
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CENTER Dir. Noemie T. Recio Director III - 882-
0858
Grand welcome awaits Pope.
Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - Pope Francis, head of the Worldwide Roman
Catholic Church and Vatican City State, arrives today from Rome, Italy for a five-day
pastoral and state visit aimed at strengthening the Filipino people's Christian faith and
improving relations between the Church and the Aquino Government.
President Benigno Aquino III, during his regular press briefing, said he will discuss with
the Pope key issues affecting Church-Government relations, including the the Charter
change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the
Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority
Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the
rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and
the recent typhoon Glenda in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office funds 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, the
high-profile killings, the gang rape, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, the 100 million
population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the
awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project, the legal battle between SM Prime
Holdings and Ayala Land on the proposed common train station in Quezon City.
Mr. Aquino also assured that the Pope will be well-secured during his entire visit. Some
20,000 security personnel from various law enforcement agencies have mobilized for the
visit.
The President said his talks with the Pontiff will very brief. But, Mr. Aquino hinted that
the talks will ensure improvement relations between the Church and the Government.
Some 1,500 people will also be on hand to welcome the Pope. Upon the Pope's arrival,
the President will deliver his welcome remarks, after which the Pontiff will deliver a
message to the Filipino People.
Tomorrow, the Holy Father will make a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III at
Malacanang's Music Room, to be followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two
leaders. A Private audience with the First family follows.
On Saturday, October 25, the Holy Father will officiate at the Celebration of The Holy
Eucharist at the Philippine International Convention Center in celebration of the 420th
Anniversary of the Elevation of Manila as a Metropolitan See and the Creation of
Episcopal Sees of Cebu, Nueva Caceres and Nueva Segovia. He will then proceed to the
Arzobispado de Manila for a Private Lunch with the Members of the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines

86

At 4:30 P.M., the Holy Father will attend the Sapphire Jubilee celebration of Radio
Veritas Asia and 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards at the Philippine International
Convention Center Plenary Hall. He will then proceed to Luneta to attend the Vigil.
On Sunday, October 26, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass at 6:45 P.M. at the
Quirino Grandstand, Luneta for the 36
th
Anniversary Celebraton of annual anniversary
celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious
group and movement Jesus is Lord Church.
This will be followed by a meeting with the members of the Federation of Asian Bishop
Conference at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium in Makati City.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
3:00 P.M. 4:30 P.M. Opening Program
4:30 P.M. 6:30 P.M. Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and Healing
Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder, International President and
Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
6:30 P.M. 12:00 A.M. Overnight Vigil with the Pope
Sunday, October 26, 2014
7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Gospel Music and Life Testimonies
11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, International
President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva's 81st Birthday
Thank-Offering Salo-Salo
2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Choir
3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision Handkerchiefs
3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration of Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie
C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide led
by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Foundation International, Inc. and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons
3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International,
Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry Choir
4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed by His
Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other Special Guests
5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde,
Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S.
Aquino III
5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan"
5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo
Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community
6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91
7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St.
Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter from the
Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand

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7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic Celebration:
El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir
8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope Francis, as Main
Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, and
other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests
Con-celebrating (Offertory: Villanueva Family)
Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests
Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
Angelus Message
Angelus Prayer
Farewell Message by the Pope
Final Blessing
Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Bishop Teodoro C.
Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Diocese of Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director
of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
Monday, October 27, 2014
12:00 A.M. - 12:30 A.M. - Cultural Show and Fireworks Display with El
Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International,
Inc. Bagumbayan, Taguig City Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
o Candle-Light with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Chapter Gospel
Music Ministry
2:30 A.M. - 3:15 A.M. - Documentary about the history of big four largest
religious groups: Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry, Jesus is Lord
Church and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. plus
photos and video clips of Jesus the Healer from 1984 to 2014, Weekly El Shaddai
Gathering from 1992 to 2014
3:15 A.M. - 4:00 A.M. - Candle-Lighting Ceremony in preparation of Healing
Message
4:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. - Healing Message by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder
and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc.
7:00 A.M. - 7:30 A.M. - Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S.
Aquino III
7:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. - Breakfast Salo-Salo
President Aquino and His Family, together with other government and church
leaders, will sent off the Pope on the Morning of October 28 at the Old Manila
International Airport. The Pope will fly on to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for
the Continuation of his four-nation Asian tour.
The Pontiff's five-day visit is actually a fulfillment of a promise he made early last
year when he assumed as pope on March 13, 2013 and he planned by
announcing he will be in Manila in October.

88

Newsbits (October 23, 2014)
NCCA to serenade Pope.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with
the Department of Tourism, will welcome the Pope with a special "Harana sa
Papa" by Andion Fernandez, the Coro de San Antonio, the UP Choral Ensemble
and the Festival Choir.
Tough job ahead for GMA-7 (Scenes by Norma Japitana)
As the war of the two channels heats up even the coverage of the Popes visit
becomes a contention. Mel and Jay, a popular radio and television show on
Channel 2 practically lambasted the people behind the granting of the
exclusive coverage of the Papal Visit to Channel 7 at a recent program.
Some excerpts from that show:
Jay Sonza - Can you now franchise a television coverage? A live television
news coverage?
Mel Tiangco - Ang aming prinsipyo ay simple lang. We are a diversified
multi-media company at tungkulin namin sa bayan na ihatid ang mga
pangyayari at mga balita. 'yan lamang naman ko ang prinsipyo ng
aming kumpanya.
Jay Sonza - Nakalimutan siguro ang Simbahang Katoliko na Protesante at
ang PLDT ang may-ari ng GMA.
(ABS-CBN Background Theme Music).
Jay Sonza: You are listening to a catholic broadcast network ABS-CBN. Ang
Katolikong himpilan ng ABS-CBN ay kasapi sa KBP... Kapisanan ng mga
Broadkaster sa Pilipinas... Ang tumpak na oras para sa kapakanan ng lahat na
Kristyano at Muslim dito sa Bansa, ay ganap ng makalipas ang alas nuebe...
Patuloy kayong nakikinig sa Katolikong palatuntunan ng "Mel and Jay".
(Commercial gap)
Jay Sonza: Ito po ang Mel and Jay... Ang Pambansang Broadcast sa Radyo...
Kasama po ang inyong lingkod Mel Tiangco... Lumaki sa mga madre sa Saint
Theresa's isang Katoliko sarado. At ang inyong lingkod Jay Sonza, isang dating
seminarian...
Selected members of media listened to this portion. Of course the wit of the
Pinoys one came out with something like: "Cardinal Tagle may be living in the
house of Sin, while others living"
The Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines has appointed GMA-7 as the
official television carrier for the event. The coverage will be live. (No
commercials. Can you imagine asking the Pope to pause for commercial
breaks! Other television networks may apply for limited rights such as hook-ups.
There will be a Broadcast Center to facilitate all other media organization and
their requirements. These events were the first to be produced and broadcast
entirely in 16:9 1920 pixels 1080 lines (2.1 megapixels) temporal resolution of 60
interlaced fields per second digital high-definition)
When GMA won the bid they also carry the responsibility of providing full
coverage of the events. This will mean huge investments in equipment, man-
hours and other resources. Also, a substantial portion of the revenues that they

89

will be able to raise from sponsors of their coverage, will help pay for the many
expenses expected by CBCP as hosts of the two significant events. GMA will put
into effect the most comprehensive live coverage of the Papal Visit and Jesus is
Lord Church Anniversary Festival 2014 activities with more than 40 hours of live
broadcast and specials.
GMA has assembled an army of over 450 production and news specialists
together with over 10 remote broadcast teams to simultaneously cover all the
sites of the Pope's appearance.
GMA broadcasts live coverages pre-empting regular programming beginning
October 23 with the Pontiff's arrival at 2:00 p.m. On October 24, the live
coverage of his courtesy visit to Malacanang airs at 9:00 A.M. and the Pope's
special message airs at 5 p.m.
On day three of the Papal visit (October 25), the live coverage of the
Quadricentennial Mass airs at 8:00 A.M. and the Sapphire Jubilee of Radio
Veritas Asia and the 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) at 4:00 P.M.
Televiewers will see the Pope and the residents together at the Youth Vigil.
On October 26, the live coverage of the Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide airs at 8:00 a.m. A statement, prepared by the leaders of the
International Youth Forum, will be presented during the Holy Mass.
Finally, on October 27, televiewers will see Pope Francis' departure for Papua
New Guinea at 8:00 A.M. The Marathon Papal coverages will be anchored by
broadcast journalists Malou Mangahas and Cheche Lazaro, plus the pool of
GMA Radio and Television reporters stationed at various points all over Manila.
The official international broadcasters for the papal visit are:
Albania: RTV21
Australia: Seven Network
Austria: TW1
Argentina: Amrica 2
Bahamas: ZNS-TV
Bermuda: ZBM-TV
Belgium: Star!
Bolivia: Unitel
Brazil: Rede Globo
Brunei: RTB1
Bulgaria: BNT 1
Canada: CBC Television
Chile: TVN
China: CCTV-1
Colombia: Canal A
Costa Rica: Teletica
Cyprus: Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation
Denmark: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
Dominican Republic: Color Vision
Ecuador: Ecuavisa
Egypt: MBC3
El Salvador: TCS
Estonia: Star! and Viasat Baltics

90

Finland: MTV3, Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
France: Paris Premire
Germany: Das Vierte (German)
Greece: ANT1
Honduras: Canal 11
Hong Kong: TVB Pearl
Hungary: m1
Iceland: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
India: DD National
Indonesia: Indosiar (Indonesian)
Ireland: RTE One
Israel: Arutz 2
Italy: Rai Uno
Jamaica: Ination TV
Japan: NHK
South Korea: KBS1
Latvia: Star! and Viasat Baltics
Lebanon: LBC and MBC3
Malaysia: TV1, TV2
Republic of Malta: TVM
Mexico: Canal de las Estrellas (XEW-TV)
Myanmar: TV Myanmar
Namibia: NBC
Netherlands: Star!
Nicaragua: Televicentro
Norway: TV2
Pakistan: PTV Home
Panama: Telemetro
Peru: ATV
Philippines: GMA Network
Poland: TVP2
Portugal: RTP1
Puerto Rico: WAPA-TV
Romania: TVR1
Russia: C1R (Russian)
Singapore: MediaCorp Channel 5
Spain: TVE1
Serbia: RTS
Sweden: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
Switzerland: SF 1
Taiwan R.O.C.: CTS
Thailand: Channel 7 (Thailand) (Thai)
Trinidad and Tobago: CCN TV6
Turkey: NTV
Ukraine: UT1
United Arab Emirates: MBC3
United Kingdom: BBC One

91

United States: NBC
Venezuela: Venevisin
Vietnam: VTV1 (Vietnamese)
Pope gets
grand
welcome
Manila, Philippines, October 24, 2014 - In his fifth trip and his first to this country, Pope
Francis called on the people to "see the world around you through the eyes of Jesus
Himself.

Looking less fit than his previous pastoral and state visit of deceased former Pope John
Paul II in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Sri Lanka 19 years, 11
months and 30 days ago on January 12 to 21, 1995.

Addressing the crowd from a specially-built stage on the tarmac, the pope said, The
Filipino people are never far from my mind and heart, and I reach out to embrace each
one in esteem and affection.

Pope Francis called on the people to reflect the theme of the anniversary celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide: Peace 10-26-2014

When the Pope ended his short speech with Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! the crowd went
wild waving handkerchiefs, pennants and flags.

In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis approached the schoolchildren, garbed in native
costumes and who had come to dance for him, instead of boarding the popemobile as
scheduled.

Security measures went awry as people took the opportunity to move near the pope and
receive the blessing. Finally boarding the specially build vehicle an hour after he arrived,

92

the Pope took a Moment to raise his hands before members of the joint Vatican and
Presidential Security Group guards closed the door.

Until he arrived at the Papal Nunciature 50 minutes later, the aging pontiff continued to
wave to the throngs who braved the heat to greet him along Roxas Boulevard, Quirino
Avenue and Taft Avenue.

Throngs of Roman Catholic faithful waved flags and shouted Viva Il Papa! as the
pontiff made his way to the Apostolic Nunciature, his official residence for his five-day
stay in Manila.

Travelling along the designated route from the Old Manila International Airport in Pasay
City to the Nunciature in Taft Avenue, Manila the 76-year-old Pope was met each time
with huge crowds who circled his specially made, bullet-proof "popemobile". So thick
were the crowds that what would have been a 15-minute trip stretched to 50 minutes. In
some areas, the crowd may have 30 to 40 deep, barely allowing the Papal convoy
passage.

On his arrival, the Pope addressed the youth and invited them to [s]ee the world
around you with the eyes of Jesus himself! The Gospel says that when he saw the crowds,
he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without
a shepherd.

The Pope had arrived as scheduled at 2:57 p.m. on board an Air Alitalia Airbus. He
paused to greet the Airport crowd before being accompanied down from the plane
by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila and Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto,
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines.

The Pope was met by President Bengino S. Aquino III and his sisters, Maria Elena
Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee and Kristina
Bernadette Aquino-Yap, who were the first to greet them officially.


93

The National Anthems of the Republic of the Philippines and Vatican City State were
played as he went through the cordon of honor and greeted Filipino officials and
members of the diplomatic corps.

Among those on hand to welcome Pope Francis on his first visit were Philippine Vice-
President Jejomar C. Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Senate President
Franklin M. Drilon, Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert
F. del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Vatican Mercedes Arrastia Tuason.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and Pampanga 2nd
District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were also among his first welcomers.

WELCOME CEREMONY: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS, POPE FRANCIS (Ninoy
Aquino International Airport, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Thursday, October 23, 2014)

Dear President Aquino, Dear People of the Philippines,

1. I thank you, Mister President, for your kind words of welcome, full of the warmth and
hospitality with which Filipinos traditionally welcome their guests. I greatly appreciate
all that you and your Government have done to make this visit possible. For a long time I

94

have looked forward to stepping on to Philippine soil once more. The Filipino people are
never far from my mind and heart, and I reach out to embrace each one with esteem and
affection. We are indeed old friends, ever since assumed as a pope on March 13, 2013.

2. My Brother Bishops, Cardinal Rosales and Cardinal Palma, and all the Bishops
whom I gladly greet in the Lord expressed many times their wish for the Successor of
Peter to share the joy of Filipino Catholics on the Fourth Centenary of the Archdioceses
of Manila, Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia. I am here to celebrate with the Catholic
community of the Philippines four hundred and twenty years of the organized and
hierarchical presence and action of the Church in these Islands. That first evangelization
has produced enduring fruits of Christian life and holiness, of civilizing action, of the
transmission especially through a strong family life of fundamental human and civic
values. As the next presidential administration approaches, we should all be convinced
that those fruits can thrive even more in concerted action by all sectors of society, in the
building of a nation resolutely set on the path of genuine and integral development, and
fully committed to the wellbeing of all its citizens, with special concern for the weakest.

3. The thought of celebrating the annual anniversary of the religious group Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide, founded by activist and Evangelical Christian religious preacher
Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, in the Philippines, in Asia, has gladdened me and given
me encouragement. The Spirit of God has led thousands of young men and women here
and they are now filling the streets of Manila with their youthful joy and Christian
witness. A large group of them are right here. I greet each one of you: I warmly embrace
every young person here, all the youth of the Philippines, and all those who have come
from other countries and continents. At Rio, Brazil, during the last World Youth Day
outside Rome, we meditated on the new life which comes from Jesus Christ: I came
he said that they may have life, and have it abundantly (Io. 10, 10). Now, here in
Manila, we gather to hear him say: "As the Father sent me, so am I sending you" (John
20: 21). During these days we shall reflect on and pray about what these words mean for
each one of you, for the young people of the end of the Twentieth Century, the young
people of the Third Christian Millennium.

4. To all Filipino people, to all gathered for the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
Anniversary Festival, I make this invitation: See the world around you with the eyes of
Jesus himself! The Gospel says that when he saw the crowds, "he had compassion for
them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew
chapter 9 verse 36). The Good News of Gods love and mercy the word of truth, justice
and peace which alone can inspire a life worthy of Gods sons and daughters must be
proclaimed to the ends of the earth. The Church and the world look to young people for
new light, new love, a new commitment to meeting the great needs of humanity.

The people gathered in Manila for the annual anniversary celebration of the religious
group "Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide" know this. The Church in the Philippines
knows that it has a special vocation to bear witness to the Gospel in the heart of Asia.
Guided by Divine Providence, your historic destiny is to build a "civilization of love", of

95

brotherhood and solidarity, a civilization which will be perfectly at home among the
ancient cultures and traditions of the whole Asian continent.

5. Mister President, members of the Government, and distinguished representatives of the
Filipino people: the Church and the political community work on different levels and are
mutually independent, but they serve the same human beings (cfr. Gaudium et Spes, 76).
In that service there is ample room for dialogue, cooperation and mutual support. You
have a very valid and specifically Philippine model of cooperation for development in
The Social Pact, formally signed in March 1993. I pray that the "new solidarity" which
The Social Pact espouses will be a striking success for the good of the Filipino people,
and for the pride and glory of the Nation as a beacon of peace and harmony in Asia.

6. Cardinal Tagle, Cardinal Palma, Brother Bishops, Deacons, Filipino Brothers and
Sisters in Christ: I look forward to celebrating with you in faith the great things done in
the Church and by the Church in these Islands over the last four centuries. Together we
shall pray that God may continue to protect and guide his pilgrim People in the
Philippines!

God bless the Philippines! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

The following day, October 24, 2014, the Pontiff met with President Benigno S. Aquino
III at Malacaang and later celebrated Mass for the 233 delegates of the International
Youth Forum at Central Seminary Chapel of the UST. He also gave a 20-minute speech
to some 200,000 cheering students and academicians gathered at UST Grandstand and
Parade Grounds.

I see that it is my great privilege to be here, to be here and discover anew this
phenomenon I knew before, and today I know better, the Pontiff said.
Traffic Re-Routing Plan for October 24, 2014 Papal Visit 2014 and 36th
Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
Between 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., President Quirino Avenue and A. Lacson from Taft
Avenue to Dapitan will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists are advised to take the
following alternative routes:

1. Vehicles along Taft Avenue going to Roxas Boulevard are advised to take
both San Andres and Vito Cruz Streets.
2. From 7:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., northbound vehicles along President
Quirino Avenue going to A. Lacson (Governor Forbes) are advised to take
San Andres Street or Vito Cruz Street, then northwards at Taft Avenue and
take Rizal Avenue or Quezon Boulevard to their areas of destination.
3. Southbound vehicles using the A. Lacson (Governor Forbes) - President
Quirino Avenue towards the Taft Avenue way, are advised to take the
Quezon Boulevard - Taft Avenue Route.


96

Also on the same day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Espana fronting UST from P.
Noval to A. Lacson will be closed to Public Utility Vehicles. Only Northbound PUJ's
and PUB's are advised to take P. Paredes Street towards Sergio Loyola. Southbound
PUJ's and PUB's will be re-routed to Don Castillas, Don Quijote and Maria Cristina
Streets enroute to the Laong-Laan-Andalucia-Quezon Boulevard route.


4154 to 74 loc. 205; 207
0858
One-on-one: President Aquino scores point with the Pope.
Manila, Philippines, October 25, 2014 - President Benigno S. Aquino III won points
with Pope Francis when he talked on his social reform agenda - programs meant to uplift
the lives of the poor - during the brief meeting at Malacanang on October 24.
The President informed the Pontiff of his commitment to help disadvantaged sectors of
society - particularly in the 19 poorest provinces - hand-in-hand with the continuing
economic progress of the country.
This was their second encounter since Mr. Aquino visited the Pope at his summer
residence at Castel Gandolfo, a few miles from Rome.
The Papal motorcade was slowed down by a thick crowd that lined-up the street from
Magsaysay Boulevard near Nagtahan Bridge up to Gate 7 of the Palace near St. Jude
Church.
The Pope was expected to arrive at the Palace by 8:50 a.m., but he came at 9:10 a.m.
The Pope and his entourage were met by the President and his sisters Ballsy, Pinky, Viel
and Kris. The Pope went up the stairway, instead of taking the elevator prepared for him.
The Pontiff and the President had a 20-minute one-on-one meeting at the Music Room.
During their meeting, the Pope reiterated his special affection for the Filipino People
which he has demonstrated by personally choosing Manila as venue for the Visit.
The Pope also entrusted the Basilica of Santa Prudenziana to the Filipino Community of
Rome.
Mr. Aquino informed the Pontiff that the Government had extended the franchise of
DZRV Radio Veritas 846, the Philippine Roman Catholic free-to-air commercial AM
radio broadcast station for another 30 years (2014-2044).
I also conveyed the Filipino people's admiration for the commitment and courage shown
by His Holiness when he installed on March 13, 2013, despite his installation day as Pope
of the Roman Catholic Church after the resignation of former Pope Benedict the 16
th
on
February 11, 2013, the President said.
He said he also briefed the Holy Father of the Government's Development Assurance
Program fund and firm resolve and desire for peace with insurgents and rebels.

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I assured His Holiness that the Philippine Government is determined to keep all doors
open for our peace progress to succeed and that the Government recognizes that the Basis
of Authentic Peace is the promotion of Human Dignity through Social Justice, the
President said.
Toward the end of their Meeting, Mr. Aquino gave a set of gifts that included a solid,
narra woodcarving of the Virgin and child surrounded by children of all races designed
by artist Manuel Baldemor, a bronze statue of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and a copy of the
President's latest book entitled: "From Growth to Modernization."
For his part, the Pope presented the President with a mosaic painting of Jesus. While the
Pope and the President were meeting, the Papal Delegation led by held a bilateral
meeting led by Foreign Affairs Alberto del Rosario, Jr. and Executive Secretary Pacquito
Jojo Ochoa, Jr.
The Pope had a private audience with the Members of the Aquino Family at the main
conference room. They included
The First Family had their picture taken with the Pope. The Pope was then introduced to
the Members of the Cabinet led by Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr.
While descending at the stairway, the Pope was attended but held on the railing. The
Papal Entourage left the Palace at 10:10 A.M.
Before boarding the Popemobile, the Pope gave the President a firm handshake and
waved to swarms of the cheering Malacanang employees and mediamen.
Second day for Pope fever.
Manila, Philippines, October 25, 2014 - Filipino enthusiasm for Pope Francis remained
unabated yesterday as devout thousands flocked to the University of Santo Tomas, the
oldest Catholic and only pontifical university in Asia.
Francis loves you, the Pontiff told an estimated 300,000 flag-waving, cheering
Filipinos, many of whom had been waiting in the broiling heat for over six hours.
I hear and I feel, a smiling but visibly drawn Pope Francis told the faithful after they
had repeatedly chanted, Francis 1, Francis 1, we love you.
Earlier, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy has expressed the sentiments of the crowd
and said, We hope that the love you, feel for us has doubled in intensity because this is
your visit.
Karina Torralba, speaking for the visit, assured the Pope that the people have not
abandoned the Church.
We seek you, Holy Father, together with your clergy, she said. Continue to help us
strengthen our faith and to live with conviction our Christian faith.
The pontiff continued to endear himself to the people as he used every opportunity to
make himself visible to them, even climbing the ramp to the sage despite his injury.
To shouts of Mabuhay! and Viva il Papa! the Pope commended the Filipino People
for their joyous hospitality in celebration of the anniversary of Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide.
I am very grateful, he said repeatedly.
He said it was a great privilege to address the Thomasian community and that he has a
special affinity to UST, having visited the Campus twice.

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As early as 4:00 a.m. yesterday, hundreds of Catholic faithful had gathered at the
downtown university in anticipation of the Popes visit after the main gate was forced
open.
Although the seven-hectare football field were the rally held a capacity of only 150,000
more and more people crammed their way in. Nearby buildings and a pedestrian overpass
were brimming with those who could no longer enter the campus.
Despite the long wait and huge turn-out, the rally was generally peaceful.
A New Hero on Campus for the multiracial group.
MANI LA, Philippines, October 25, 2014 I am very anxious to meet you personally
after the Celebration to be near every one of you from so many different languages,
countries and nations of the world...
This was the response of Pope Francis to the hundreds of beaming to the hundreds of
beaming and jubilant delegates of the International Youth Forum (IYF) who attended the
multi-lingual mass he celebrated at the University of Santo Tomas on October 24, 2014.
The Gospel was read. The first reading, followed by the singing of Responsible Psalm
while the second reading was in English.
The Pope speaks and writes in nine languages:
Filipino
Ilokano
Ibaloi
Ibanag
Pangasinense
Kampanganan
Central Bikol
Romblomanon
Masbateo
Palawano
Hiligaynon
Capiznon
Aklan
Cebuano
Waray-Waray
Maranao
Davawenyo
Butuanon
Surigaonon
Standard Chinese (Mandarin Pinyin)
Jin Chinese
ZhangjiakouHohhot dialect
Hong Kong Cantonese Jyupting
Gan Chinese
Korean
Japanese
Russian
Tatar

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Chuvash
Bashkir
Chechenm
Ukrainian
For an hour, the Pontiff remained on his feet to bless and greet each IYF delegate in their
respective national costumes that queued and thronged down the aisles of the Saint
Thomas Aquinas Chapel of the Central Seminary of the University of Santo Tomas.
Touched, many were in tears as they kissed and hugged the Holy Father Pope Francis,
who gave them his fatherly kiss, a caress and even brushed away their tears.
Simultaneously, the Chapel reverberated with songs in different languages, brought in by
the delegates from their countries.
But the familiar sound of a Filipino harp stood out, giving an upbeat Filipino flavor to the
whole affair.
I see the People in the Philippines very joyous, the Pope Adlibbed in his homily to the
delight of his young audience.
Why are they so joyous, full of Joy? I am convinced you Filipino people are joyous, so
full of joy because you have received the Good Newsthose who received the Good
News (are) joyous (You give) joy to God, today you are giving the joy to the Pope.
You are also giving joy to the Cardinals, to the Bishops, the priests, the monsignors, the
deacons, and the pastors and to all of you. And I and all of us, we are so grateful to the
Filipinos for the joyous hospitality As my personal conviction, it was so important for
me to hear these words: I am with you. Be not afraid.
At the UST Grandstand
Despite the long morning audience at the University of Santo Tomas Chapel, the Pontiff
skipped his lunch and proceeded to the UST Grandstand at 1:30 p.m. to address the
University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) member-school students and
alumni who had been on vigil since 5:00 a.m.
By the time the ceremonies began the crowd swelled from 80,000 to 300,000 estimated to
be twice over the 150,000 expected turnout.
While alighting from the pope mobile a cheering crowd began unfurling banners, flags
and streamers and chanting Francis, we love you.
The Pope grabbed the microphone by the rostrum and quipped, Francis, he loves you!
I hear and feel, the pope said.
He sought the help of the UAAP member-schools students and alumni in saving their
own generations from the futility, emptiness and frustration of modern society.
Traffic Re-Routing Plan for October 25, 2014 (Papal Visit and 36th Anniversary
Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide)
On October 25, 2014, Roxas Boulevard (from Buendia Avenue to Anda Circle) and
President Quirino Avenue (from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard) will be closed to
vehicular traffic from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Motorists are advised to take the following
alternate routes:
1. Northbound vehicles using Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue to Bonifacio
Drive are advised to take A. Mabini, Taft Avenue or South Super Highway routes.

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2. Southbound vehicles traversing Roxas Boulevard are advised to take Taft Avenue
or South Superhighway.
3. South Harbor-bound vehicles will have to wait 30 minutes due to the closure of
vehicular traffic along Aduana, Intramuros or take Jones Bridge - C.M. Recto and
Bonifacio Drive route towards Aduana.
4. Luneta-bound vehicles are only up to P. Burgos-Taft-Avenue-T.M. Kalaw
intersections/junctions.
On the same day (October 25), General Luna Street (from Aduana to P. Burgos) will be
closed to vehicular traffic from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. and motorists are advised to take
other parallel streets or take Aduana-P. Burgos-Taft Avenue.
The Quirino Grandstand Area will definitely be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7:00
A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
4154 to 74 loc. 205; 207
0858
Manila See marks 420th year.
Manila, Philippines, October 24, 2014 - A con-celebrated mass to be led by visiting
Pope Francis will mark the 420th Year of the Creation of the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of Manila on October 25, 2014. The mass will be held at the sprawling 10-
hectare lot located at the back of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)
within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex along Roxas Boulevard, starting at
8:00 A.M. As main celebrant, the Pontiff will be assisted by co-celebrants: Manila
Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, 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 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 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, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore
Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald
Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-

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Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy
Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter
Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu
Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo
Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja and
Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto.

Some one million people coming from all over the Philippines, Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide members and other foreign nationals are expected to attend the first of two
public Masses, Pope Francis will officiate during his five-day pastoral visit to the
Philippines.

The second public mass for the grand annual anniversary celebration and prayer assembly
of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and birthday celebration of ZOE Broadcasting
Network, Inc. Board Chairman and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder,
international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva at 6:00
p.m., October 26 at the Luneta Park in front of the Quirino Grandstand.

In the crowd will be some 4,000 religious including members of the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines, Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences and Roman
Catholic archbishops, bishops, monsignors, pastors, deacons from foreign countries,
priests, diocesan and religious.

Government officials and their families, led by President Benigno S. Aquino III are
expected to hear the Mass. The Holy Father will arrive at the site 15 minutes before the
start of the Mass and will bless the crowd on his way to the Altar.

The Prayer of the Faithful will be read in English. Only 70 chosen faithful will receive
Holy Communion personally from the Pope.
Message and Final Document of FABC Plenary
The 11th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences
(FABC) will issue a message to the Churches and Christians in Asia at the
conclusion of the October 20 to 27 meeting.
The text refers to the role and importance of the Eucharist in the life of Christians
in Asia. Christians in Asia are encouraged in the unity given by the Eucharist to
cross boundaries of religion and race, culture and language, caste and class,
as well as to forge bonds of fellowship within and also with the people of other
religions and cultures.
The message encourages families to listen to the Word of God regularly,
especially on Sundays. A culture of listening to the Word of God is encouraged
as a basis for authentic Christian spirituality.
A longer final document on the theme of the assembly Living the Eucharist in
Asia was agreed upon in principle, but will be published in a final version at a
later stage.
Fourth centenary

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During this visit, Pope Francis celebrated Mass to mark the 420th Anniversary of
the Archdiocese of Manila and the Dioceses of Cebu, Caceres and Nueva
Segovia at the Philippine International Convention Center grounds in Pasay City
on October 25.
Pope prays for nation's poor, Yolanda victims
Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 - Pope Francis voiced concern for the millions of
Filipinos living in poverty and the victims of natural disasters as hundreds of thousands
of people gathered yesterday for a Mass beside manila bay in an outpouring of religious
fervor.
In the midst of our joy on this occasion we cannot forget our Filipino brothers and
sisters who live in difficult social and economic conditions, and those who are trying to
recover from the natural disasters which have occurred with a certain frequency in recent
times, he told the crowd. The Pontiff, celebrating the first public mass of his four-day
visit from October 23 to 27, 2014, singled out the victims of the November 8, 2013 Super
Typhoon Yolanda whose led to death of at least 5,000 people.

I ask God to strengthen and comfort those who have lost their loved ones, their homes,
their livelihood, and I earnestly hope that their appeals for further help and solidarity will
not go unheard, he said.

Half of the 100 Million Population of the Philippines is considered to be living below the
poverty line, and the country is regularly hit by natural disasters like tropical storms and
earthquakes.

The Pope cautioned people to confuse the church in the Philippines, Asia's only
Christian-majority nation with "some merely human or humanitarian organization."

Official estimates put the crowd at more than a million people but witnesses said it
appeared much smaller.

If the crowd was smaller, than Roman Catholic Church leaders of the Philippines had
hoped for, it made up for the lack of numbers with fervor at the sight of the Pope.

MABUHAY!

At one point, the 76-year-old pontiff replied to the cries of Mabuhay ang Santo Papa
(Long Live Holy Father) with his own Mabuhay ang Filipino People from the High
Altar specially constructed with a Pyramid Canopy.

At the end of the Mass on the big open area beside a gaudy fairground along Manila Bay,
hundreds of people descended on the flower-decked platform, after the Pope had left, to
snatch souvenirs. Children tried out his throne-like chair.


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Security was intense for the Mass marking the 420th Anniversary of the Roman Catholic
Archbishop of Manila and other Regions of the Philippine Islands after they were
conquered by Spain.

Even the Popes own Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was frisked before being
allowed to join archbishops, bishops, cardinals, deacons, monsignors, reverend fathers,
pastors throughout Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, Europe and Africa for
the Mass.

He smiled broadly as he was checked for weapons with a metal detector, part of the
security measures imposed after the Philippine Police arrested at least two people
suspected of plotting to harm the Pope.

The Pontiff was lifted to the top of the flower-decked platform for the Mass by a
Philippine Airlines Airport Hoist.

And he paid tribute to the spiritual joy of the Filipino people - expressed in their
traditional way through song.

I thank the Filipino people, the Wonderful Filipino people, the Pontiff told the cheering
crowd. My heart is going out to all of them, to all the Filipino men and women, to all the
men and women from all countries of the world.

Yesterday, October 24 was the busiest day of the Pope's five-day visit to the Philippines,
which began Thursday, October 23. Following the Morning Mass, he met with Asian
bishops, attended the 45th foundation anniversary of the Catholic short-wave radio
station Radio Veritas Asia and visited people during an evening vigil at Quirino
Grandstand, Rizal Park.

Vatican sources said the 76-year-old pontiff would also broadcast a message to the 1.2
billion people of China, whose government has refused to allow Roman Catholics to
acknowledge papal supremacy for six decades.
Go and make disciples of all nations
Pope Francis message at the Mass yesterday at the Philippine International Convention
Center.
"Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28, 18-19).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
1. These words from todays Gospel take on a special meaning in the context of the
Jubilee which, together with the World Youth Day, the Church in the Philippines is
celebrating. Four hundred and twenty years ago, in 1595, the first Ecclesiastical Province
was set up on these Islands: the Archdiocese of Manila and the Dioceses of Cebu,
Caceres and Nueva Segovia.

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I greet the whole Filipino people, wonderful Filipino people. I greet all their Pastors. I
thank Cardinal Tagle for these kind words of welcome. I greet also His Excellency
President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Authorities.
The establishment of a Metropolitan Church in the Philippines bore witness to the fact
that the work of the first missionaries had borne abundant fruit. The process of planting
and building up the Church had already taken place in other parts of the world, especially
in the European countries. In the case of my own Poland, it had taken place in the year
1000. Later, the same thing happened in the countries of South America, Central America
and North America. So it happened and continues to happen in Africa, in Australia and
throughout Oceania, and on the continent of Asia. All this has a meaning that is not just a
question of ecclesiastical administration. The Church is a living body. Like a living body,
at a certain point she reaches a stage of maturity which makes it possible for a particular
Church to give life to other Churches like itself.
Plantatio Ecclesiae. Mysterium plantationis Ecclesiae. Paulus plantavit; Apollo rigavit.
Deus autem incrementum dedit. I see that Filipino people are understanding very well
Latin.
2. Four hundred years ago the Church in Manila became the Metropolitan See for the
Church in Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia. In the space of these four centuries the
number of the particular Churches in the Philippines has greatly increased. Those first
four Dioceses have each become a Metropolitan See, and alongside them numerous
particular Churches have developed and continue to grow. In this part of the world it is
the Philippines which enjoys the greatest wealth of ecclesial life. Plantatio fecunda,
fecundissima.
Dear brothers and sisters, we have come together here to give thanks to God precisely for
this grace, great grace of God. Not just you who have come from all over the Philippines,
but also representatives of the Churches throughout Asia and the Far East. As I see also
many Cardinals from Europe, and from Africa, from Asia. All together we greet the
delegates of the other Christian Churches and Communities, as well as the representatives
of other religions. For me it is a great joy to be here with you on this day, as Bishop of
Rome and Successor of Saint Peter. Peter was the first in plantatio Ecclesiae in Rome
and from Rome. Plantatio Ecclesiae in Manila, in the Philippines, Peter, Successor of
Peter, also a grace. Together let us praise God for the grace of this Four Hundredth
Anniversary. In one great chorus let us commend the Church in the Philippines and the
whole Nation to Gods Providence: "Save your people, Lord, and bless your
inheritance"(Ps. 28 (27), 9).
In the midst of our joy on this occasion we cannot forget our Filipino brothers and sisters
who live in difficult social and economic conditions, and those who are trying to recover
from the natural disasters which have occurred with a certain frequency in recent times. I
am thinking in particular of the victims of the Pinatubo eruption and its after-effects. I ask
God to strengthen and comfort those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, their
livelihood, and I earnestly hope that their appeals for further help and solidarity will not
go unheard. And I think also there are many Filipinos in Rome, in Italy and through the

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world. I greet all of them. They are also the same inheritance. They are also celebrating
this centenary.
3. Today, we cannot fail to remember the first messengers of the Good News who came to
these Islands. Their origins were in Spain, for it was above all the Iberian Peninsula
which gave rise to that great missionary thrust which followed the discovery of America
by Christopher Columbus. At that same time other brave explorers were travelling south
and east, round Africa by way of the Cape of Good Hope, through the Indian Ocean,
towards Asia and the Far East. Those remarkable voyages opened up for the Church vast
new horizons for her evangelizing mission. It was in that context that the evangelization
of the Philippines began.
It is significant that the first Episcopal See in Manila was originally attached to Mexico,
in spite of the enormous distance involved in crossing the Pacific Ocean. Clearly that was
a temporary measure, until the first independent Ecclesiastical Province was erected in
the Philippines, precisely in 1595. After hesitation at the beginning, the missionary
Church of that early period gradually became more truly Filipina as the number of native-
born priests and Bishops increased.
Looking back today on that past, we must express our thankfulness to God for those
pioneers who laid the foundations of the Church in this land: for the Augustinians who
were the first to arrive, followed by the Franciscans, the Jesuits, the Dominicans and the
Augustinian Recollects. The early missionaries who sought to defend the native peoples
from the abuses of the conquistadores and encomenderos found a vigorous leader in the
Dominican Fray Domingo de Salazar, the first Bishop of Manila. As early as 1582 he
summoned the first Synod, which decided many questions regarding conquest, settlement
and administration in accordance with the principles of the faith and Christian morality.
A wonderful process, a wonderful history, history of the Church, history of salvation,
history of Filipino people. All of us, all of you Filipinos today, you are the inheritance,
the successors in this great process, great process.
4. Saint Paul writes to the Ephesians: "May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight... that you may know the great hope to
which he has called you... and the immeasurable scope of his power in us who believe"
(Eph. 1, 17-19). What Saint Paul wished for the Christian community at Ephesus is what
I wish today for the Catholic people of the Philippines. I pray above all that you will
appreciate ever more fully the grace of your Christian vocation as explained by the
Second Vatican Council in its Constitution on the Church (Cfr. Lumen Gentium, 40).
This vocation has its beginning and source in Christ himself. All Christians live by the
inexhaustible riches given to us in him. Saint John of the Cross, the great Spanish mystic
who lived just at the time when the evangelization of the Philippines was getting
underway, reminds us of this fact. He wrote in the Spiritual Canticle: "(Christ) is like a
rich mine with many recesses containing treasures, and no matter how men try to fathom
them the end is never reached" (Saint John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle, st. 36). Christ
is so rich!
In the work of the missionaries and in their service to the people, the power of Christ,
Crucified and Risen, was being manifested the power of Christ, who is seated at the

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right hand of the Father and who, as Redeemer and Bridegroom of the Church, works
through her in the Holy Spirit. It is very important not to confuse the Church with some
merely human or humanitarian organization. The Church lives and grows in Christ and
through Christ. All her members, in their thoughts and actions, are called to bear witness
to the living presence of the Redeemer.
5. The Father, as we read in the Letter to the Ephesians, "has put all things under Christs
feet and has made him thus exalted, head of the Church, which is his body" (Eph. 1,22-
23). That is why, after his Resurrection, Christ sent out the Apostles with the
words: "Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on
earth" (Matthew 28:18). This saving power of the Redeemer is what sustained the
missionaries who came to the Philippines in the sixteenth century. This same power is
what has preserved the sons and daughters of your nation in living their lives as
Christians, in forming Christian families, in educating your children in the faith. By doing
all of this, your forefathers laid the foundations of the only predominantly Catholic
country in this part of the world, a region which still presents an enormous challenge for
evangelization. In time, children of this land, as priests and Bishops, took over full
pastoral responsibility, while others filled the ranks of the congregations of men and
women religious, so that the Church which is "the fullness of him who fills the universe
in all its parts"(Eph. 1, 23) would be truly catholic and universal, but also truly immersed
in the life and culture of these Islands.
6. Today therefore is a day of great joy: rejoice in great gratitude to the Lord. The
Responsorial Psalm contains an appropriate invitation: "All you people, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness... For the king of all the earth is God... God reigns
over all the nations" (Psalm 47(46),2.8-9). The faith which springs from the Gospel
transforms the life both of individuals and of nations. For four hundred years the Church
has served as a leaven and as a kind of soul for Philippine society, most of all by her
healing and elevating impact on respect for the human person, and by the way in which
she strengthens families and communities, and imbues everyday activity with a deeper
meaning and reference to God (Cfr. Gaudium et Spes, 40). Inspired by their faith, Filipino
Catholics have begun countless initiatives for the good of society, in the fields of
education, healthcare and service of all kinds. Out of the Churchs religious mission
during these four hundred years there came a light and an energy which have served to
structure and consolidate the human community according to the divine law
(Cfr. Gaudium et Spes, 42). This is the source of our joy. This is the source for our joy
and our gratitude to the Lord, the Almighty Father. This is the reason for the Philippine
Churchs joy, visible in this celebration, with all the color and vitality of your culture and
Christian traditions. But this is also your task and responsibility: to remain faithful to
what has been handed down and to build on it, so that Gods law will abide in your hearts
and his blessings will increasingly be poured out on your nation.
A great boost to our joy is given by the people of the World Youth Day who have come to
Manila from every corner of the Philippines, from many parts of Asia and the Far East,
and from the other continents. They are the sign and the confirmation of your living faith.
My heart is going to all of them, to all the Filipino young men and women, and to all
young men and women of the whole world, of so many countries of the world...

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European, Asiatic, Africa, America, North America, Latin America, Central America,
Australia, all the continents.
7. The joy of the human heart springs from the presence of God in us, in our hearts.
Isaiah writes: "All who... hold to my covenant I will bring to my holy mountain and make
joyful in my house of prayer". The spiritual joy of Gods people in the Philippines has
two fundamental points of reference: the house of prayer and the holy mountain. First,
the community gathers in "the house of prayer"(Is. 56, 6-7) which is the home, or a
chapel, a parish church or a cathedral to celebrate the mysteries of our redemption and
to profess the one, holy, catholic and apostolic faith. From there Gods pilgrim people go
forth to ascend "the holy mountain": marching forward in hope towards the fullness of
Gods kingdom, all the time striving to make present and operative at every level of your
personal and national life that kingdom of holiness, justice, peace and solidarity. So two
points: the house of prayer and the holy mountain, being together and ascending with
Christ into heaven, into his kingdom. All that is inspired by the liturgical texts as of
todays liturgy.
8. Filipino People of God: at every Mass you hear the call to lift up your hearts: Sursum
corda!
Lift up your heart, holy Church, which in four centuries has built a solid dwelling place
for God in these Islands! So numerous islands, Filipino islands, wonderful islands!
Whole generations have gone up from here to the Holy Mountain, where the God of glory
dwells. The sign of this ascent are your Filipino Saints, beginning with Saint Lorenzo
Ruiz whom I had the joy to beatify here in Manila and to canonize in Rome. They remain
closely united with you in the Communion of the Saints. They show you the way to God,
which is the fulfilment of the vocation of each and every human being.
Rejoice Filipino people, holy Church of Manila, Cebu, Caceres, and Nueva
Segovia! Rejoice, every Filipino family, every Filipino Diocese and parish! Rejoice, for it
has pleased the Father to give you the kingdom! This promise of the Father is fulfilled
unceasingly through the power of Christ: to him be honor and glory for ever! Amen.
A long homily, but not too long for this occasion!
Mabuhay, to all Filipino people! Long live!
Very, very, very grateful for this celebration, for this great festivity of the Church in the
Philippines.
Very grateful to almighty God!
Very grateful to all of you!
Viva Manila, Cebu, Caceres, Nueva Segovia!
Thank you very much!
Mabuhay!
Sister Faith Abano: Please all stand.
In a private meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines, the Pope made the strongest comments defending the Catholic ban on
artificial contraceptives. He also condemned the injustice in the country and noted the
increasing gap between rich and poor.

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When powerful interests promote policies which are against the moral law inscribed on
the human heart, they offend the dignity of man who is made in the image and likeness of
God, the Pontiff said. In doing so, they undermine the foundations of society itself.
RAINBOW MARCH: Color-coding in Sunday rally (By Michael Lim Ubac and
Dave Veridiano)
PARTICIPANTS of the pro-democracy rally set on Sunday, October 26 in Makati City
will carry the colors of the rainbow in keeping with the multisectoral nature of the mass
action.
At a press forum yesterday in Makati, organizers said a color-coding scheme was
needed for easy identification and as a symbol of the diversity of the Filipinos' beliefs and
aspirations that would be unified at the rally.

Under the scheme, the rally colors are:
Green for farmers and environmental groups and students and alumni of De La
Salle University-Manila
Blue for students and alumni of Ateneo de Manila University
Maroon for students and alumni of University of the Philippines-Diliman
Red for progressive and militant groups and students and alumni of University of
the East-Manila
White for nuns, priests and the laity.
Yellow for the supporters of the late former president Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino
and students and alumni of University of Santo Tomas-Manila
The rally, intended to denounce government moves to amend the Constitution, Marcos-
style cronyism, threats to press freedom, transportation, power and water shortage in
Metro Manila, the rehabilitation after the triple disasters in Mindanao and Visayas such
as the Cagayan de Oro bombing last July 27, the Zamboanga Siege last September 9, the
Bohol Earthquake last October 16, the Super Typhoon Yolanda last November 8 and the
Super Typhoon Glenda last July 16, Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension
against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program
(DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet
Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda
caused in Visayas and the recent typhoon Glenda in Luzon last July, the P316-million
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds 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, the
high-profile killings: the killing of champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City,
Metro Manila and Crown Regency Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del
Sur last June 12, the gang rape and killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in
Calumpit, Bulacan last August 18 and 7-year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845,
Pandacan, Manila last September 6, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, the 100 million
population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the
awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project and P1.4-billion common station legal
fiasco will be led by animal, police, political and transportation groups.
Participants will converge at Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas from two points--the
fire station along Ayala and the Don Bosco Church on Pasay Road. Chito Gascon and

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Msgr. Melchor David will serve as grand marshals for the fire station contingent, and Fr.
Robert Reyes, for the Don Bosco contingent.
Earlier, however, Aquino stressed that rally participants could wear any color that pleased
them or best described their ideas or aspirations in upholding the gains of the 1986 Edsa
People-Power uprising.
It's really unity in diversity, said Boy Rellosa, a member of the executive committee of
the Samahan ng Gitnang Puwersa (SaGiP).
In contrast, members of the El Shaddai, who are set to stage an apparent countergathering
on the same day at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, are expected to wear
their customary white on October 25 to 27, 2014.
The El Shaddai gathering is supposed to mark the birthday celebration of its
founder and servant-leader, Bro. Mike Z. Velarde on August 20, as well as its 30th
anniversary last August 23 to 24 while Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement,
headed by founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie
Villanueva, is celebrating his 81st birthday on October 6 and their 36th anniversary
celebration on October 25 to 27, during the 5-day pastoral and state visit of Pope
Francis here in the Philippines.
Velarde and Villanueva, spiritual advisers of President Benigno Aquino III, have
announced his support for Charter change.
Security
Civilian groups pledged to help police maintain peace and order both at the pro-
democracy rally at Makati, Quezon City and the El Shaddai gathering.
The pledge of support was conveyed yesterday to Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., chief of
the National Capital Region Police Office, by leaders of the civilian groups.
Garbo said about 7,000 policemen from various districts would be deployed at the two
events.
Metropolitan police will be on red alert starting today.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has directed Deputy Director Edmundo L.
Larroza of the Philippine National Police to finalize security details.
In a letter to Larroza yesterday, Leo S. Magahum, Napolcom vice chair and executive
officer, said the PNP should ensure a balanced enforcement of the law with maximum
tolerance and respect for human rights.
Magahum said exercising fair security measures at the two events would foster unity and
prove the Aquino administration's adherence to democracy.
Dodie Limcauco, co-organizer of the pro-democracy rally, said some 2,000 priests, nuns,
seminarians and members of nongovernment organizations would serve as marshals.
Initially, some 1,000 NGO members had volunteered to serve as guards at the rally.
Limcauco said at a breakfast forum at Ciudad Fernandina in San Juan that the ''tight
guarding'' of their ranks would be implemented in response to unconfirmed reports that
communists planned to bomb the rally site.
The Netherlands-based Jose Maria Sison, chief political consultant of the communist-led
National Democratic Front, had earlier denied such plans.
By spreading in advance the intrigue that communists are out to make trouble, Mr.
Aquino III is revealing his own malicious intent to play the same old dirty tricks that his
mentor Marcos used to play in order to discourage and disrupt mass protest actions and
justify repression, Sison said in a statement.

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Limcauco said his group had engaged in a dialogue with a group of communist rebels
who also pledged to join the rally.
(The rebels) have assured us that they will not disrupt peace and order during the rally,
he said without elaborating.

Acrobatics
At the same forum, Msgr. Nico Bautista accused El Shaddai of resorting to ''mental and
verbal acrobatics'' in defending its gathering.
Bautista said the timing of the gathering was very unusual because El Shaddai usually
meets during the weekend.
He also chided Former Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani, El Shaddais overall spiritual
adviser, for not keeping the group in line with the Church's position against Charter
change.
I don't know why Bishop Bacani is acting like a lawyer for El Shaddai, he said.
Bautista said every Catholic ''should be one in mind and heart with the Church,''
especially on the issue of Charter change.
The (pro-democracy) rally is about moral issues, particularly the return to power of the
Marcoses and their cronies, he said.
For El Shaddai
Former first lady Imelda Marcos yesterday told reporters that she may attend the El
Shaddai gathering if she's invited.
Why not? It's just a birthday party. But I'd prefer to meet him in private to greet him,
she said.
Imelda was guest speaker at the Manila Hotel launching of two books by the Katotohanan
at Katarungan Foundation Inc. (KKFI), a group of military and government officials who
served during the regime of her late husband, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
She expressed support for the administration's move to amend the 1987 Constitution,
saying it was a bogus Charter created by a body composed of members hand-picked by
Aquino.
She also chided Sin and Aquino: ''It's sad that these people who should be promoting
unity are instead dividing the country.''
But she quickly added that Filipinos were free to attend the rally or the El Shaddai
gathering since this is a democratic country.
In a press statement, the KKFI called the Makati rally an elitist exercise, a lot of noise,:
and defended Mr. Aquino IIIs stand on Charter change.
Amendments are for the people to decide on in a plebiscite, and not for a few to pre-
empt by sowing speculative intrigues, the group said.
On the ad boycott on the INQUIRER, the KKFI said: Kung walang sinasanto ang isang
pahayagan, huwag itong umasa ng pagtangkilik (If a newspaper defies everybody, it
shouldn't hope for support).
Free
Members of the House of Representatives are free to decide whether to attend the pro-
democracy rally, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Jr. said.
But he was quick to qualify that this was only for the House.
I can't say about (those who belong to the ruling Laban ng Masang Pilipino) party.
That's a different matter,'' he said at a press conference yesterday.

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Villar said he respected each of his colleagues' decision and pointed out that it was
healthy for an institution of democracy like the House to be debating on the issue of
Charter change.
He said his office would not move to keep LAMP congressmen from joining the rally.
Quezon Rep. Alcala said that while he was opposed to amending the 1987 Constitution,
he would not attend the rally ''to respect the party position on the matter.
Alcala said he was convinced that ''intraparty discussions on Cha-cha have not been
exhausted.

Goma vs Spice Boy
On radio, movie idol Richard Gomez, who is also presidential adviser on youth and
sports, yesterday engaged one of the so-called Spice Boys of Congress in a battle over
young people's hearts and minds.
Gomez raised doubts as to whether organizers of the pro-democracy rally had enlightened
students and youth groups on the issues being raised by critics of the Aquino
administration.
He dared the other guests--among them Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Lakas, Surigao del
Norte)--to take full responsibility should violence erupt at the rally and victimize student
participants.
What are you really fighting for? Are you sure that the students and the youth joining
the rally understand the issues you are fighting for? Gomez said in Filipino during the
noontime program ''Paksa'' hosted by Tina Monzon Palma over dzMM.
Also in the panel were rally marshals Father Reyes, also known as the ''running priest,''
and lawyer Gil de los Reyes.
Gomez, who joined the discussion by phone, also warned that the rally could have
negative effects on the business climate.
Barbers countered by telling Gomez that ''we've done our homework'' as far as educating
the youth sector was concerned, through campus forums and mobilization.
He also said it was the Palace who should be blamed regarding the adverse effects on the
economy as ''it's the government who's reviving this divisive issue (of Charter change) in
the first place.''
As to the possible eruption of violence, Barbers said he didn't find such ''rumors'' credible
''since these came from the military.''
Reyes assured Gomez that the rally participants could police their own ranks, and that it
was very remote that they would instigate violence themselves as they would be led by
nuns and priests.
Support
Caloocan councilors yesterday pledged support for the pro-democracy rally despite
Mayor Oscar Malapitans continued refusal to make a stand on the matter.
Cong. Edgar Erice, majority floor leader of the city council and a close ally of Malonzo,
said his participation at the rally was a matter of ''individual conscience.''
''This is not a question of party affiliation now. I will support the rally because I believe
in what it stands for,'' he said.
Erice is organizing a motorcade that will run from the Caloocan High School to Ayala
Avenue, Makati City. City residents may join the contingent at around 11:45 a.m. on
Friday.

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Earlier, Mayor and at least three other councilors said they would join the rally.
Councilors Manuel Rayos and Chito Abel, active Church leaders in their respective areas,
are mobilizing religious groups for the motorcade.
LAMP councilors in the city have denied reports that they were intending to join the
rally. They said they were open to Charter change.
In Calapan City, at least 7,000 students, Mangyans, urban poor and Catholic faithful are
expected to join the march cum Roman Catholic Charismatic Holy Mass and worship
and healing prayer rally to be led tomorrow, Sunday, October 26 by Bishop Warlito I.
Cajandig, Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Calapan.
The protest action is in response to the call of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the
Philippines to show our opposition to Charter change, threats to press freedom and the
return of cronyism, said Fr. Jimson H. Ruga, an aide of Cajandig and director of the
Service Commission of the Diocese.
Ruga said the protest action would be synchronized with the pro-democracy rally in
Makati.
Similar demonstrations will be held simultaneously in 50 other cities nationwide. With
reports from J erome Aning, Volt Contreras, Rocky Nazareno, Philip Tubeza, and
Blanche S. Rivera in Manila; and J oel J . J abal, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau
Anniversary's success lies on prayers
The success of the 36th Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide
today, October 26, is ensured by the prayers and intercessions offered to God
worldwide.

From September 1-21, JIL churches established in 200 countries around the world
prayed in unity for God's blessings for the anniversary. In Manila, pastors and
intercessors also held a prayer-on-location yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand,
Luneta, venue of the JIL celebration.

One of the pastors who joined the prayer-on-location, Pastor Amor Robles-Adella
of JIL-PUP, said, My greatest prayer is that a larger percentage of our
population will be reached before the Lord Jesus comes again."

Pastor Lorna Rodriguez of JIL-Bunlo also prayed for the anniversary speaker, Dr.
Morris Cerullo, a world renowned evangelist. The prayer-on-location concluded
with a faith-filled declaration of Jesus is Lord over Luneta Grandstand!

Indeed, that is what we see today here in Luneta! Happy 34th Anniversary, JIL!

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PNoy expected to grace JIL 36th anniversary
Manila, Philippines, August 25, 2013 - The Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide will
be celebrating its 36th Anniversary on Sunday, October 26; 6am onwards at the Quirino
Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.

This years theme: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no
one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become
defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one
morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted
to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance,
though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to the mountain
that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness
and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those
who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. (For
they could not endure what was commanded: And if so much as a beast
touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow. And so terrifying
was the sight that Moses said, I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.) But you
have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and
church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to
the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. See
that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused
Him who spoke on earth, much moreshall we not escape if we turn away from
Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He

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has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also
heaven. Now this, Yet once more, indicates the removal of those things that
are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be
shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot
be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with
reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:14-29)

The Filipino version was: Sikapin ninyong mamuhay ng may kapayapaan at
kabanalan sa lahat ng tao, dahil walang sinumang makakakita sa Panginoon kung
wala ito. Mag-ingat kayo baka mayroong magkulang sa biyaya ng Diyos. Ingatan
ninyo na baka may sumibol na ugat ng sama ng loob na siyang dahilan ng kaguluhan
at sa pamamagitan nito ay nadudungisan ang marami. Tiyakin ninyo na walang
matagpuan sa inyo na taong imoral o mapaglapastangan tulad ni Esau na kaniyang
ipinagbili ang karapatang magmana bilang panganay na anak na lalaki dahil sa isang
pagkain. Sapagkat alam na ninyong lahat kung ano ang nangyari pagkatapos. Nang
ibig na niyang manahin ang basbas, itinakwil siya ng Diyos. Bagaman si Esau ay
humanap ng paraan na may pagluha upang siya ay makapagsisi, hindi siya
makahanap ng pagkakataon para makapagsisi. Sapagkat hindi kayo nakalapit sa
bundok na inyong mahihipo na naglalagablab sa apoy, sa kapusikitan, sa kadiliman
at sa unos. At ang naroon ay tunog ng trumpeta at ang tinig ng mga salita. Pagkarinig
nila ng tinig nito, nagsumamo sila na huwag nang banggitin sa kanilang muli ang
mga salitang ito. Sapagkat hindi nila makayanang dalhin ang iniutos na sinabi: Kung
ang isang hayop ay madikit sa bundok, dapat ninyong batuhin at sa pamagitan ng
sibat ay inyong tuhugin. Dahil ang tanawin ay labis na nakakasindak, sinabi ni
Moises: Nilukuban ako ng takot at ako ay nanginig. Subalit kayo ay nakalapit na sa
bundok ng Zion at sa lungsod ng buhay na Diyos, sa Jerusalem na maka-langit at sa
hindi mabilang na mga anghel. Lumapit na kayo sa pangkalahatang pagtitipon at sa
iglesiya ng mga panganay na nakatala sa kalangitan. Lumapit na kayo sa Diyos na
hukom ng lahat at sa mga espiritu ng mga matuwid na pinaging-ganap. Lumapit na
kayo kay Jesus na siyang tagapamagitan ng isang bagong tipan at sa dugo na
kaniyang iwinisik na nangungusap ng higit na mabubuting bagay kaysa sa dugo ni
Abel. Tiyakin ninyo na hindi ninyo tinatanggihan ang nagsasalita. Sapagkat kung ang
mga tumanggi sa nagsalita sa lupa ay hindi makakaligtas sa paghatol. Ang ating
kahatulan ay lalong tiyak kung tatalikuran natin siya na nagmula sa langit. Noon ang
kaniyang tinig ay yumanig sa lupa. Ngunit ngayon siya ay nangako na sinasabi:
Minsan na lang ay yayanigin ko hindi lamang ang lupa kundi gayundin ang langit.
Nang gamitin niya ang katagang, minsan na lang, ang ibig niyang sabihin ay aalisin
niya ang lahat ng bagay na mayayanig, na ang mga ito ay ang mga bagay na ginawa,
upang ang mga bagay na hindi mayayanig ay manatili. Tinanggap natin ang isang
paghahari na walang makakayanig. Kaya nga, tayo nawa ay magkaroon ng biyaya na
sa pamamagitan nito, tayo ay maghahandog ng paglilingkod na kalugud-lugod sa
Diyos, na may banal na paggalang at pagkatakot. Sapagkat ang ating Diyos ay isang
apoy na tumutupok. (Hebreo 12:14-29)


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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is expected to join the grand prayer assembly
where Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder and Spiritual Director of JIL Church
Worldwide will lead the 3rd anniversary of the launching of the prayer movement called
God Bless the Philippines.

God Bless The Philippines Prayer Movement calls upon every Filipino wherever he or
she may be in any part of the world to verbally say a short prayer of God bless the
Philippines! every day at 12:00 noon of the time zone of the place where he or she may
be.

To complement the daily 12:00 noon God Bless the Philippines! prayer right after the
Angelus Domini Prayer declaration is an online prayer
site, www.GodBlessThePhilippines.com, where every Filipino is encouraged to
participate in Post-A-Prayer for the Philippines.

President Benigno 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 26.

The President is expected to address the annual celebration at 5:05 p.m.

Highlights of the Event include the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, to be officiated by
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic
Church and a host of Roman Catholic territorial archbishops, bishops and cardinals,
deacons, monsignors, diocesan and religious priests from the Philippines, Singapore,
Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Syria,
Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Pacific
(Oceania), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, North and
South Korea, Japan, United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru,
Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, Guatemala, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic,
Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Germany, Portugal,
Belgium, Hungary, Austria, England, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovakia, Crotia,
Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lituhania, Romania, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Serbia and
Montenegro, Lativia, Luxembourg, Malta, Albania, Sweden, Greece, Estonia, Iceland,
Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, Chad, Senegal, Gabon, Madagascar, Burundi, Mozambique,
Rwanda, Sudan, Zambia, Malawi, Cameroon, Cote dIvore, Benin, Burikina Faso, Togo,
Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Eriterea, Cape Verde, Namibia, Central African
Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Niger, Comoros, Mauritania
and Algeria.

The 76-year-old Pope, who has been the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic
Church, was requested by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to lead the Holy Mass.
Other than Palma, Vidal, the other cardinals who will be present in todays liturgy
include Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints;

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Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle; Manila Archbishop Emeritus
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Agana, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron; Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto; the apostolic
nuncio in the Philippines; and Rome-based priest, Fr. Fernando Rojo, the main postulator
for Calungsods cause will also be around. Msgr. Villarojo said at least bishops,
cardinals, deacons and around 10,000 priests have confirmed to attend the event.
During communion, Villarojo advised the people not to flock to the main altar.

They should stay put until they see a communion distributor marked by umbrellas, he
said.

Villarojo said there are 2,000 communion distributors. Of the number 1,600 are lay
ministers. They will be augmented by priests and nuns.

After the communion, Pinto, the papal nuncio, will deliver a message.

President Aquino, who sought the permission of the archdiocese so he can deliver his
message to the Filipinos, will have to make his piece after the Mass.

Fr. Raul Gallego, chairperson of the committee on venue, urged the people to bring along
radios, water, flashlights, food, candles, portable chairs, and umbrellas.

On the other hand, people are prohibited from bringing guns and bladed weapons.

After the Mass and the message of the president, a cultural presentation will be made.
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.


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Also invited as speakers and guests during the Holy Mass are sports icons, fashion
models, movie and television celebrities and high society figures led by 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, countrys 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

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Farrales, McCann Erickson Client Service Director Bernadette Chincuanco, 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, Tony Ferrer,
Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque Roquito
Ablan, Suyen Corporation Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ben Chan,
stylist Noel Manapat, Star Magic Vice-President Mariole Alberto, public relations
practitioner, events orgainzer and talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis and
Star Magic handler Monch Novales, 300 Kapamilya stars, Iya Villania and Drew
Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata, Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj and Shamcey
Supsup, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas,
Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy Santiago, 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, Dominique
Cojuangco, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor
Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, 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, Raya Mananquil-de Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie
de los Santos; Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo;
Current Professional Models Association of the Philippines president Phoemela
Baranda also came with Manilas 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 Philippine STAR
Lifestyle section 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 mens basketball coach Bo Perasol and his players Ponso
Gotladera, Kris Porter, Anton Asistio, Isaac Jules Lim, former players JC Intal, Macky
Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort, Juami
Tiongson, Frank Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram, and Jai Reyes, Sen. Bong Revilla
Jr., William Lao, Mother Lily Monteverde, Shirley Kuan, Deedee Sytangco, Sec. Sonny
Coloma, Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily
Layug, Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-
Gavino, Joy Melendrez, Tonypet Albano, Maricar Bhel, Reps. Uliran Joaquin,

119

Hermilando Mandanas, Annie Susano and Butch Dumpit, Vanessa Francisco,
Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa, Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg Yu,
Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto, Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit
(OPM) President and EDSA People Power Commissioner Ogie Alcasid, Jake Cuenca,
Erich Gonzales, Paulo Avelino, Coco Martin and Julia Montes, model and television
show host Bianca Gonzales and music composer Jim Paredes, economist and former
NEDA secretary general Solita Collas-Monsod, actor Robin Padilla with his wife
Mariel Rodriguez and brother Rommel, noontime game and variety television show
host Willie Revillame, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Father and son Pen and Ping
Medina, cousins Isabelle Daza and Georgina Wilson, Pokwang, Wowowee girls RR
Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April Congratulations Gustilo, Carla Abellana, sexy
actress Katrina Halili, models Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Vince Ferraren and JC
Tiuseco, comedian Gelli de Belen, Dra. Vicki Belo, Edward Mendez, volleyball player
Gretchen Ho, comedian John Lapus, singer Kean Cipriano, Comedienne Candy
Pangilinan and Arnell Ignacio, film and television directors Jose Javier Reyes and
Manny Castaeda, Ramon Bautista, Richard Gutierrez, TV host Raymond Gutierrez,
Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Noel Trinidad and Jun Urbano, Judy Ann
Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Maricel Soriano, Aiai delas Alas, Vice Ganda, Ruffa
Gutierrez, Rustom Padilla, German Moreno and Gardo Versoza, 1986 EDSA veterans
Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and
Kiko Pangilinan and daughter KC Concepcion, Television host Paolo Bediones, Hall
of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach, former Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley, and
comedy superstar Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Charlene Gonzales, Christopher de Leon
and Sandy Andolong, Rez Cortez, William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-
Revilla, Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric
Quizon, G. Toengi-Walters and Romnick Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie
Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado, Philip Salvador, Smokey Manaloto, Beth Tamayo-
Wong, Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Janine Gutierrez, and basketball stars, Sunshine
Cruz-Montano, Gladys Reyes-Roxas, Daisy Reyes, Rufa Mae Quinto and Isabel
Granada, Bro. Eddie Villanueva 2010 presidential election campaign supporters
Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita Rose, Nonoy
Zuniga and Prof. Jeremias Jangad, Hawak-Kamay main cast members Nikki Gil,
Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, Yesha Camile, supporting cast
members Juan Karlos Labajo, Lyca Gairanod, Jacob Dionisio, Axel Torres, Maris
Racal, Manolo Pedrosa and Nichole Baranda, PBA players James Yap and sons Joshua
and Bimby Aquino-Yap, Marc Pingris and wife Danica Sotto, Gary David, Jimmy
Alapag and wife LJ Moreno, Doug Kramer and wife actress Cheska Garcia and
daughter Kendra, Larry Fonacier and wife Lora Gahol, and LA Tenorio and wife
Cheska, Fastbreak charity basketball game players Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis,
Daniel Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jose Manalo, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui Pio, Derek
Ramsay, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim, Lemuelle Pelayo, Jason Abalos, Arthur Solinap, Carl
Guevara, Rico Blanco, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Chris Tiu, JV
Kapunan, Jon Lucas, Ervic Vijandre, Arjo Atayde, Joe Vargas, Gab Valenciano, Jon
Hall, Carlo Gonzales and James and Jim Salas, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks,
Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, Von Pessumal,

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and Nico Elorde, NBA 3x3 Philippines celebrity basketball players Fabio Ide,
Rovilson Fernandez, Gerard Acao, Bobby Yan, Andy Smith, Will Devaughn, Robin da
Roza and Joross Gamboa, running coach Rio de la Cruz, basketball coaches Vince
Hizon and Allan Gregorio, Perlas Pilipinas womens national basketball team player
Melissa Jacob, sports broadcasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark Zambrano of
GMA News and Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas of ABS-CBN Sports, 7,107 International
Music Festival celebrity revelers Magalona siblings, KC Montero, Rhian Ramos,
Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Solenn Heussaff, Coleen Garcia, Sam Pinto, Felix and
Dominic Roco, Teresa Herrera-Anthony, Daniel Matsunaga, Lauren Young, Victor
Basa, Michelle Madrigal, Boys Night Out Radio Disc Jockeys, Kiefer Ravena, Brent
Javier, Borgy Manotoc, Ellen Adarna, Bianca King, Phil Younghusband, and more,
BENCH/ family stars, 6,200: The Mission Possible Project personalities and The
Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Fashion Show celebrity models Kim Chiu,
Karylle, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco,
Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Michelle Vito, Sofia Andres, Dianne
Medina, Helga Krapf, Melissa Ricks, Djanin Cruz, Kiana Valenciano with Samantha
Godinez-Valenciano, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan
and Randy See; Mr. Chinatown 2014 winners David Licuaco and Kurt Joshua Ong,
Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be BENCH/: The 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, newest BENCHsetters including actors Tom
Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Martin del Rosario and Dominic Roque, former University
of the Philippines Fighting Maroons basketball player Andre Paras and De La Salle
Green Archers mens basketball player Arnold van Opstal, America's Next Top
Models Dominique Reighard and Allison Harvard, Asias Next Top Model finalist
Katarina Rodriguez, television commercial, ramp, print and fashion models and
actors Benjamin Alves, Jon Avila, Franco Daza, Victor Silayan, John James Uy, Marvin
Raymundo, Miko Raval and Raphael Robes, Luisito Rabat, models and
athletes Anton del Rosario and Sam Richelle, Andrew Wolff and Janka
Cederstam, Hideo Muraoka, Catriona Gray, Valerie Bariou-Bondoc, Rima Ostwani,
Janeena Chan, 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, Yassi Pressman, 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, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, Ritz Azul, Eula Caballero, Martin Escudero,
Empoy Marquez, Mr. Fu, GMA News and Public Affairs personalities Mike Enriquez,
Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima, Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar,
Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Nathaniel Cruz, Media personalities Atty. Dong
Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Gerard Garcia, Jeanne Young, Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and
Jay Sonza, society columnist Mons Romulo, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen

121

Barretto, Boy Abunda, Cesar Montano, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Korina
Sanchez, Katrina Ponce Enrile and Ling-Ling King; celebrity makeup artist Patrick
Rosas; hair stylist Jing Monis; Karen Davila (with her sons David and Lucas),
Marjorie Barretto-Padilla and daughter Dani Barretto; Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega,
Edu Manzano, John Prats, Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and
Suzuki Sadatsugu, teen heartthrobs Robi Domingo and David Chua, Bayani
Agbayani, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, Streetboys and Ya Chang,
Peping Cojuangco daughters Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez
(and her adorable baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, music composer Ryan Cayabyab
and his wife Emmy, Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez,
Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, swimmer Johansen Aguilar, and wrestler Marcus
Valda, Gwen Garci, Preview magazine editor in chief Pauline Suaco-Juan, Daryl
Chang, Liz Uy, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual, Gretchen Fullido, MJ
Marfori, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert Martinez with daughter
Alissa Martinez, Benjie Paras with wife Lyxen, Mylene Dizon, Iza Calzado, Marco
Sison, Ivy Violan, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao, Bangs Garcia,
Jerome Florentino, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary Valencianos wife Angeli Pangilinan-
Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron Villaflor, Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Sam
Milby, Gina Tabuena-Godinez, Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Noel Cabangon,
Ariel Rivera, Hyubs Azarcon, Heber Bartolome and Paolo Santos, Rhap Salazar, Agot
Isidro, Liezel Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, musical director and
arranger Homer Flores, ballerina, actress and ballet director Maritoni Rufino-
Tordesillas, Nikki Tang, Marcott Almeda, Ruby Chua, Tiffany Chua, Sheree Chua,
Aziza Mondonedo, Cristina Gomez, 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, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn
Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip
and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander Tantoco, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman
Richard Gordon, Renna Hechanova Angeles, Karen Santos, Bobby and Chingbee
Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, 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, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia,
Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee,
Pepper Teehankee, Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack
de Mesa, Renna Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz,
Nick and Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos, Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miana, 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, Alvin Anson; Brian Llamanzares; Adel Tamano, Simon Tantoco, indoor
volleyball players Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Fille Saint Merced Cainglet-Cayetano, A
Nacachi, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Coach
Charo Soriano, Marge Tejada, Melissa Gohing, Mary Jean Balse, Mayeth Carolino,

122

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, Mitch
Datuin, Abby Praca, Bea Pascual, Judy Caballejo, Maruja Banaticla, AJ Pareja, Myco
Antonio, Henry Pecana, Rex Intal, Dindin Santiago, Jaja Santiago, Kathy Bersola,
Princess Gaiser, Shiela Marie Bang Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie Vargas, Jen
Reyes, Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, Edwin Tolentino,
Peter Den Mar Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Jeshul
Wensh Tiu, Abigail Marano, Mika Esperenza, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Victonara
Galang, and Cyd Demicillo, Renz Casanova, Chris Macasaet, Philip Cerveza, 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.

This coverage: The Pope in Manila, which will be aired live on a nationwide
simultaneous hook-up of radio and television stations.

RPN-9 will be the carrying station with the People's Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4),
IBC-13, GMA-7, and ABS-CBN Channel 2 hooked up along with all Bureau of
Broadcast Services-Radyo ng Bayan radio stations.

The entire celebration shall be covered live on radio and television through AM Radio
DZRV Radio Veritas 846 and GMA Channel 7 from 3 P.M. Saturday, October 25 to 8:30
A.M. Monday, October 27.

This coverage is simulcast live nationwide via domestic satellite on all GMA Network
regional radio and television stations:
GMA

123

1. TV-7 - Manila
2. TV-5 - Laoag
3. TV-46 - Batac, Ilocos Norte
4. TV-23 - Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
5. TV-48 - Vigan
6. TV-10 - Baguio
7. TV-5 - Mt. Amuyao, Barlig, Mountain Province
8. TV-8 - Tabuk
9. TV-6 - Bontoc, Mountain Province
10. TV-7 - Bangued, Abra
11. TV-11 - San Fernando, La Union
12. TV-10 - Cabanatuan
13. TV-10 - Dagupan
14. TV-7 - Tuguegarao
15. TV-13 - Aparri, Cagayan
16. TV-7 - Basco, Batanes
17. TV-7 - Ilagan, Isabela
18. TV-7 - Santiago, Isabela
19. TV-7 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
20. TV-5 - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
21. TV-5 - Baler, Aurora
22. TV-48 - Cauayan
23. TV-5 - Iba, Zambales
24. TV-10 - Olongapo
25. TV-10 - San Fernando, Pampanga
26. TV-46 - Malolos, Bulacan
27. TV-10 - San Miguel, Bulacan
28. TV-27 - Balanga, Bataan
29. TV-26 - Obando, Bulacan
30. TV-26 - San Pablo, Laguna
31. TV-31 - Calamba
32. TV-12 - Batangas
33. TV-44 - Jalajala, Rizal
34. TV-12 - Tagaytay
35. TV-8 - Lucena
36. TV-13 - Boac, Marinduque
37. TV-13 - San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
38. TV-33 - Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
39. TV-7 - Romblon
40. TV-12 - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
41. TV-6 - Brooke's Point, Palawan
42. TV-8 - Coron, Palawan
43. TV-7 - Naga
44. TV-13 - Iriga
45. TV-12 - Legaspi
46. TV-8 - Malilipot, Albay

124
47. TV-8 - Camalig, Albay
48. TV-7 - Masbate
49. TV-13 - Virac, Catanduanes
50. TV-4 - Sorsogon
51. TV-6 - Iloilo
52. TV-11 - San Jose, Antique
53. TV-8 - Kalibo, Aklan
54. TV-35 - Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
55. TV-5 - Roxas
56. TV-13 - Bacolod
57. TV-30 - Murcia, Negros Occidental
58. TV-7 - Cadiz
59. TV-2 - Toledo
60. TV-7 - Cebu
61. TV-11 - Barili, Cebu
62. TV-11 - Samboan, Cebu
63. TV-11 - Tagbilaran
64. TV-5 - Dumaguete
65. TV-10 - Sipalay
66. TV-10 - Naval, Biliran
67. TV-10 - Tacloban
68. TV-48 - Ormoc
69. TV-10 - Capoocan, Leyte
70. TV-12 - Isabel, Leyte
71. TV-8 - Borongan
72. TV-5 - Calbayog
73. TV-13 - Catbalogan
74. TV-7 - Dinagat Island
75. TV-9 - Zamboanga
76. TV-4 - Dipolog
77. TV-3 - Pagadian
78. TV-21 - Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
79. TV-5 - Ozamiz
80. TV-35 - Cagayan De Oro
81. TV-5 - Gingoog
82. TV-12 - Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon
83. TV-45 - Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
84. TV-48 - Valencia, Bukidnon
85. TV-41 - Mambajao, Camiguin
86. TV-11 - Iligan
87. TV-5 - Davao
88. TV-5 - Panabo
89. TV-8 - General Santos
90. TV-12 - Cotabato
91. TV-7 - Butuan
92. TV-10 - Surigao

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93. TV-2 - Tandag, Surigao del Sur
94. TV-12 - Jolo, Sulu
95. TV-8 - Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
QTV
1. TV-11 - Metro Manila
2. TV-29 - Laoag City
4. TV-22 - Baguio
7. TV-26 - Olongapo
8. TV-26 - Batangas
9. TV-27 - Puerto Princesa
11. TV-28 - Naga
12. TV-27 - Legaspi
13. TV-27 - Mobo, Masbate
14. TV-28 - Iloilo
15. TV-27 - Roxas
16. TV-27 - Cebu
17. TV-26 - Borongan
19. TV-26 - Pagadian
20. TV-43 - Cagayan de Oro
21. TV-22 - Ozamiz
22. TV-27 - Davao
Radyo Bisig-Bayan AM
1. DZBB 594 kHz - Manila
2. DWRC 1269 kHz - Laoag
3. DWRA 1413 kHz - Baguio
4. DZSD 1548 kHz Dagupan
5. DZCS 1129 kHz - Santiago, Isabela
6. DWBB 1271 kHz - Tuguegarao
7. DZIG 1192 kHz - Ilagan, Isabela
8. DZZR 1230 kHz - Bayombong
9. DYSP 909 kHz - Puerto Princessa, Palawan
10. DZRA 1503 kHz - Daet, Camarines Sur
11. DWAI 891 kHz - Naga
12. DZRC 783 kHz - Legaspi
13. DYSI 1323 kHz - Iloilo
14. DYRU 1341 kHz - Kalibo, Aklan
15. DYGM 1503 kHz - Roxas
16. DYSB 1179 kHz - Bacolod
17. DYSS 999 kHz - Cebu

126
18. DYSR 891 kHz - Dumaguete
19. DYWR 594 kHz - Tacloban
20. DYAX 99.7 MHz - Calbayog
21. DXRC 1287 kHz - Zamboanga
22. DXXY 1350 kHz - Dipolog
23. DXID 987 kHz - Pagadian
24. DXLX 864 kHz - Cagayan de Oro
25. DXND 90.1 FM - Iligan
26. DXGM 1125 kHz - Davao
27. DXRL 1341 kHz - Koronadal
28. DXYK 1179 kHz - Butuan
29. DXBM 990 kHz - Cotabato

THE GMA RADYO BISIG-BAYAN AM RADIO NETWORK COMING SOON in...
Baguio City, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Kalibo, Aklan, Tacloban City, Cotabato City,
Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod City, Naga City, Butuan City, Sorsogon, Sorsogon, Borongan,
Eastern Samar, Masbate, Masbate, Bislig, Surigao del Sur, Legaspi City, Iligan City,
Dasol, Pangasinan, Sual, Pangasinan, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, San Jose, Occidental
Mindoro, Basco, Batanes, Ozamiz City, Jolo, Sulu, Iligan, Isabela and Kidapawan, North
Cotabato

Simulcast Live via DOMSAT on RPN regional radio and television stations:
RPN TV
1. TV-9 - Metro Manila
2. TV-9 - Laoag
4. TV-30 - Pampanga
6. TV-9 - Ilagan, Isabela
8. TV-12 - Baguio
9. TV-13 - Dagupan
10. TV-6 - Tarlac
12. TV-6 - Olongapo
13. TV-2 - Rodriguez, Rizal
14. TV-7 - Morong, Rizal
15. TV-10 - San Mateo, Rizal
16. TV-9 - Lucena
18. TV-2 - Legazpi City
19. TV-2 - Naga City
20. TV-10 - Iriga
21. TV-5 - Puerto Princesa
23. TV-6 - San Jose, Antique

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24. TV-5 - Tacloban
25. TV-4 - Iloilo
26. TV-8 - Bacolod
27. TV-9 - Cebu
30. TV-5 - Pagadian
31. TV-5 - Dipolog
32. TV-5 - Cagayan de Oro
33. TV-9 - Davao
34. TV-4 - Surigao
35. TV-12 - Butuan

Radyo Ronda AM
1. DWIZ 882 kHz - Manila
2. DZBS 1368 kHz - Baguio
3. DZRL 639 kHz - Batac
4. DZTG 621 kHz - Tuguegarao, Cagayan
5. DWVA 1170 kHz - San Fernando, La Union
6. DZTC 828 kHz - Tarlac
7. DZKI 1332 kHz - Iriga
8. DWRN 657 kHz - Naga
9. DWIM 936 kHz - Occidental Mndoro
10. DYKB 1404 kHz - Bacolod
11. DYKC 675 kHz - Cebu
12. DYRM 1135 kHz - Dumaguete
13. DXXX 1008 kHz - Zamboanga
14. DXKD 1053 kHz - Dipolog
15. DXKP 1377 kHz - Pagadian
16. DXKO 1368 kHz - Cagayan De Oro
17. DXKT 1071 kHz - Davao
18. DXDX 693 kHz - General Santos
19. DXKS 1080 kHz Surigao
Simulcast Live on all PTV stations:
1. PTV 4 - Manila
2. PTV 4 - Abra
3. PTV 8 - Baguio
4. PTV 24 - Mt. Province
5. PTV 11 - Laoag
6. PTV 4 - Vigan
7. PTV 11 - Tuguegarao, Cagayan
8. PTV 39 - Santiago, Isabela
9. PTV 4 - Ilagan, Isabela
10. PTV 45 - Batanes

128
11. PTV 30 - Aparri
12. PTV 3 - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
13. PTV 5 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
14. PTV 5 - Bontoc
15. PTV 13 - Baler
16. PTV 2 - Cabanatuan
17. PTV 12 - Pampanga
18. PTV 3 - Tarlac
19. PTV 31 - Balanga
20. PTV 43 - Olongapo
21. PTV 5 - Cauayan
22. PTV 51 - Malolos
23. PTV 23 - Plaridel
24. PTV 21 - San Miguel, Bulacan
25. PTV 48 - Obando, Bulacan
26. PTV 53 - Batangas
27. PTV 31 - San Pablo
28. PTV 99 - Cainta, Rizal
29. PTV 24 - Tanza
30. PTV 26 - Boac
31. PTV 11 - Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
32. PTV 3 - Lucena
33. PTV 4 - Puerto Princesa
34. PTV 13 - Romblon
35. PTV 33 - Masbate
36. PTV 11 - Daet
37. PTV 8 - Naga
38. PTV 35 - Iriga
39. PTV 8 - Legaspi
40. PTV 4 - Goa, Camarines Sur
41. PTV 7 - Caramoran, Catanduanes
42. PTV 9 - Panganiban, Catanduanes
43. PTV 2 - San Miguel, Catanduanes
44. PTV 5 - Sorsogon
45. PTV 2 - Antique
46. PTV 2 - Jordan, Guimaras
47. PTV 2 - Iloilo
48. PTV 25 - Kalibo
49. PTV 33 - Roxas
50. PTV 2 - Bacolod
51. PTV 2 - Sipalay
52. PTV 24 - Victorias
53. PTV 31 - Binalbagan
54. PTV 13 - Cadiz
55. PTV 9 - Toledo
56. PTV 11 - Cebu
57. PTV 10 - Dumaguete

129

58. PTV 22 - Tagbilaran
59. PTV 8 - Tacloban
60. PTV 12 - Calbayog
61. PTV 4 - Borongan
62. PTV 4 - Naval, Biliran
63. PTV 7 - Zamboanga
64. PTV 11 - Pagadian
65. PTV 11 - Dipolog
66. PTV 25 - Ipil
67. PTV 21 - Dapitan
68. PTV 8 - Cagayan De Oro
69. PTV 11 - Malaybalay, Bukidnon
70. PTV 34 - Valencia
71. PTV 11 - Davao
72. PTV 27 - Mati
73. PTV 5 - General Santos
74. PTV 48 - Koronadal
75. PTV 9 - Butuan
76. PTV 3 - Bislig, Surigao del Sur
77. PTV 21 - Prosperidad
78. PTV 27 - San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
79. PTV 31 - Tandag
80. PTV 2 - Dinagat
81. PTV 8 - Cotabato
82. PTV 8 - Kidapawan
83. PTV 4 - Marawi
84. PTV 7 Jolo
Simulcast on all ABS-CBN regional television stations
ABS-CBN
1. TV-2 - Manila
2. TV-7 - Laoag
3. TV-11 - Vigan
4. TV-3 - Baguio
5. TV-11 - Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Province
6. TV-30 - La Union
8. TV-13 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
9. TV-9 - Bangued, Abra
12. TV-32 - Dagupan
13. TV-32 - Cabanatuan
14. TV-32 - Tarlac
15. TV-12 - Olongapo
16. TV-13 - Botolan, Zambales
17. TV-22 - Baler
18. TV-46 - Pampanga

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19. TV-34 - San Miguel, Bulacan
20. TV-12 - Meycauayan
21. TV-40 - Bataan
22. TV-40 - Jalajala, Rizal
23. TV-38 - Lipa
24. TV-24 - Lucena
25. TV-46 - San Pablo
26. TV-10 - Batangas
28. TV-34 - Calapan
29. TV-11 - Romblon
30. TV-10 - Masbate
31. TV-23 - Daet
32. TV-11 - Naga
33. TV-4 - Legazpi
34. TV-10 - Malilipot, Albay
35. TV-9 - Sorsogon
36. TV-7 - Virac, Catanduanes
37. TV-10 - Iloilo
38. TV-23 - Kalibo
39. TV-44 - Antique
40. TV-21 - Roxas
41. TV-13 - Naval, Biliran
42. TV-4 - Bacolod
43. TV-3 - Cebu
44. TV-13 - Jagna, Bohol
46. TV-26 - Sipalay
47. TV-2 - Tacloban
48. TV-7 - Catarman, Northern Samar
49. TV-10 - Calbayog
52. TV-9 - Pagadian
53. TV-42 - Dipolog
54. TV-2 - Cagayan De Oro
55. TV-2 - Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon
56. TV-47 - Mambajao
57. TV-7 - Ozamiz
58. TV-4 - Iligan
59. TV-4 - Davao
60. TV-52 - Panabo
61. TV-36 - Mati
63. TV-24 - Koronadal
64. TV-7 - Alabel, Saranggani
65. TV-11 - Butuan

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66. TV-12 - Surigao
67. TV-26 - Tandag
68. TV-5 - Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
69. TV-5 - Cotabato
70. TV-4 - Kidapawan
71. TV-25 - Marawi
And simulcast Live on all ABS-CBN AM and FM Radio Stations

ABS-CBN Radio Patrol
DZMM 630 kHz. - Metro Manila
DYAP 765 kHz. - Puerto Princessa, Palawan
DYRV 1188 KHz - Catbalogan
DYAB 1512 kHz - Cebu
DXAB 1296 kHz - Davao

My Only Radio
DWEL 93.1 MHz. Laoag
DZRR 103.1 MHz. Baguio
DWEC 93.5 MHz. Dagupan
DWAB 103.3 MHz. Santiago, Isabela
DWSF 90.3 MHz. San Fernando, Pampanga
DWBC 92.7 MHz - Batangas
DWAC 93.5 MHz. Naga
DWRD 93.9 MHz. Legazpi
DYAC 93.1 MHz. Iloilo
DYOO 101.5 MHz. Bacolod
DYEL 92.5 MHz - Dumaguete
DYTC 94.3 MHz. Tacloban
DXFH 98.7 MHz. Zamboanga

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DXEC 91.9 MHz. Cagayan de Oro
DXBC 92.7 MHz. General Santos
DXAJ 94.3 MHz. - Butuan
DXPS 95.1 MHz Cotabato

The special supplement: "Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration" published in
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star.

The souvenir-type magazine supplement contains the messages section, the lists of
former presidents, vice-presidents, chief justices, house speakers and presidents of the
Senate of the Philippines, the current members of the cabinet, the photographs from 1914
to present: black and white and full colored photographs of Iglesia ni Cristo events and
gatherings from July 27, 1914 to present, full-colored photographs of Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide gatherings in venues over Metro Manila from October 1978 to
present, full-colored photographs of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International gatherings from August 19, 1984 to present, full-colored photographs from
"John Paul II, We Love You: Papal Visit Manila 1995" by Prudentialife Group of
Companies which containing 165 still photos and "Mabuhay ang Papa", on Pope John
Paul IIs January 12-16, 1995 visit to Manila for World Youth Day CD-ROM by
Distributed Processing Systems which contains 900 still photos including World Youth
Day events and addressed the plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops'
Conferences that was commemorating the federation's 25 years of existence. The pope
also joined the silver jubilee celebration of the federation's Radio Veritas Asia and
celebrated the 400th anniversary of the elevation of Manila as an archdiocese, and the
event that drew a record crowd: estimated 4 million-to-5 million people at the January 15,
1995 World Youth Day Final Mass in Luneta Park, the official program, traffic re-routing
and the Holy Mass that contains Roman Catholic Archbishops, bishops, cardinals,
deacons and monsignors, Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests,
Pastors, and Parochial Vicars from the parishes in the Roman Catholic Territorial
Archdioceses of Manila, Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, Pampanga, Nueva
Caceres, Jaro, Capiz, Cebu, Palo, Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz and
Zamboanga in the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia,
Singapore, Jakarta, Ende, Kupang, Makassar, Medan, Merauke, Palembang, Pontianak,
Samarinda, Semarang in Indonesia, Bangkok, Thare and Nonseng, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
city and Hu and and the Roman Catholic Territorial 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, Oriental Mindoro, 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, Malacca-Johor, Penang, Miri, Sibu,
Sandakan, Denpasar, Larantuka, Maumere, Ruteng, Bandung, Bogor, Atambua,
Weetebul, Amboina, Manado, Padang, Sibolga, Agats, Jayapura, Manokwari-Sorong,
Timika, Pangkal Pinang, Tanjungkarang, Ketapang, Sanggau, Sintang, Banjarmasin,

133

Palangka Raya, Tanjung Selor, Malang, Purwokerto, Surabaya, Chanthaburi, Chiang
Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani,
Udon Thani, Bc Ninh, Bi Chu, Hai Phng, Hng Ha, Lng Sn and Cao Bng, Pht
Dim, Thi Bnh, Thanh Ha, Vinh, B Ra, Cn Th, Lt, Long Xuyn, M Tho,
Phan Thit, Ph Cng, Vnh Long, Xun Lc, Ban M Thut, Nng, Kontum, Nha
Trang and Quy Nhn, 1,009 Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in
America, 157 Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in East Asia, 192
Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar
and Syro-Malankara Rites in South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka and 514 Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in Europe and 72
Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in Oceania were listed as con-
celebrants for the Mass while the DVD features: a biography of John Paul II and a
Quicktime MTV movie converted to WMV featuring the 1995 World Youth Day
theme song Tell the World of His Love, interviews, footage and scenes of the making
of the song, the five-day visit are featured in "Mabuhay ang Papa," and the pontiff's
speeches, are featured in Pope's Messages and approximately 30 hours of video footage
contributed by GMA Network Channel 7, the TV station that had exclusive coverage of
the visit.

The largest gathering attended by more than 5 million people, which of residents from all
over the Philippines and 226 countries of the world.

Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Fiesta Pavillion of Manila Hotel.

Bro. Mike Velarde, founder and servant-leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Religious Movement (DWXI-PPFI-CCRM) will deliver the 3-hour Worship and Healing
Prayer Rally Message for the Family Appointment with El Shaddai was held in
thanksgiving for the grand prayer assembly and annual anniversary celebration of
evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and annual birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C.
Villanueva on Monday Morning at 4:00 a.m. followed by a Joyful Salu-Salo at 7:00 a.m.

For more information about the 36th Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary,
visit www.jilworldwide.org.

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

Saturday, October 25, 2014
3:00 P.M. 4:30 P.M. Opening Program
4:30 P.M. 6:30 P.M. Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and
Healing Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder,
International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide

134
6:30 P.M. 12:00 A.M. Overnight Vigil with the Pope
Sunday, October 26, 2014 (Sunday Family Appointment with El Shaddai)
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. - Joyful Praise and Worship and Opening Prayers
by Various Choir Groups
9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. - Sharing with Intermisssion after 4 Shares (Guest
Choirs and Waling-Waling Dancers)
11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder,
International President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C.
Villanueva's 81st Birthday Thank-Offering Salo-Salo
2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music
Ministry Choir
3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision
Handkerchiefs
3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration
of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual
Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder
and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious
Movement and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons to the air
3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry
Choir
4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed
by His Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other
Special Guests
5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z.
Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer
Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic
Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement
5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President
Benigno S. Aquino III
5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan"
5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo
Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community
6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91
7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz
and St. Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter
from the Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand
7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic
Celebration: El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir
8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope
Francis, as Main Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide

135

Roman Catholic Church, and other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops,
Cardinals, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests Con-celebrating
(Offertory: Villanueva Family)
o Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests
o Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
o Message: Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nunciature of
the Holy See to the Philippines
o Angelus Message
o Angelus Domini Prayer
o Farewell Message and Final Blessing by the Pope
o Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Most
Rev. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Diocese of
Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer
Partners Foundation International, Inc.
Monday, October 27, 2014
12:00 A.M. - 12:45 A.M. - Cultural Show
12:45 A.M. - 1:30 A.M. - Fireworks Display with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer
Partners Foundation International, Inc. Bagumbayan, Taguig
City, Metro Manila, Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
o Candle-Light with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Chapter
Gospel Music Ministry Choir
1:30 A.M. - 2:30 A.M. - Documentary about the history of big four largest
religious groups: Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry, Jesus is
Lord Church and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International, Inc. plus photos and video clips of Jesus the Healer from
1986 to 2014, Weekly El Shaddai Gathering from 1992 to 2014
3:15 A.M. - 4:00 A.M. - Candle-Lighting Ceremony in preparation of
Healing Message
4:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. - Worship and Healing Prayer Rally Message for the
Family Appointment with El Shaddai was held in thanksgiving for the
grand prayer assembly and annual anniversary celebration of evangelical
Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and annual birthday celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement founder, president and
spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde,
Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Foundation International, Inc.
7:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. - Breakfast Salo-Salo
Tell the World of His Love (World Youth Day 1995 Theme Song)
The hymn, the result of a nationwide song-writing contest done by the dioceses,
eventually became a hit tune, Tell the World of His Love.

136
Written by Filipino composer Trina Belamide, the hymn revolves around the overall
theme As the Father has sent me, so I send you? (John 20:21). It opens with this
line: God so loved the world that He sent His only Son (John 3:16).
Engaging the youth
That the first hymn and logo for World Youth Day were composed and produced in
the Philippines, and carried forward, is a miracle of sorts.
A year before the international youth gathering on January 10 to 16, 1995, a
committee was organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) headed by Bishop Leo Drona to start preparations.
The Philippine innovations began at that point. Instead of a written report
describing the proposed preparations, the CBCP committee sent a multimedia
computer presentation.
Among the plans major objectives was to engage the youth at the diocesan level to
participate and build up interest leading to World Youth Day.
A nationwide logo design and a song-writing contest were proposed.
The winning logo design shows a native wooden boat with its sail hanging on a cross
and a number of fishermen casting nets on its side, evoking the words I will make
you fishers of men? (Matthew 4:19) and supporting the overall theme.

Title: Tell the World of His Love
Originally Sung By: Raquel Mangaliag and Jeffrey Arcilla
Originally composed by: Trina Belamide
Country: Philippines

World Youth Day is a worldwide religious gathering of youth presided by a Pope.
Every World Youth Day has had its own theme song. Tell The World of His Love is
the theme song of the 1995 World Youth Day which was held in the Philippines.

In January 1994, a nationwide song-writing contest for the theme song of World
Youth Day 1995 was launched in the Philippines. The entry Tell the World of His
Love was chosen.

The song was composed by Trina Belamide whose real name is Katrina Marie
Concepcion Ruiz Belamide. Prior to the contest, she has already been writing songs
for different Filipino artists for three years.

In an interview, Ms. Belamide was asked how she came out with the beautiful lyrics
and the melody of the song. Ms. Belamide explained, "I started the song with the
title, Tell the World of His Love, and I built it from there. Actually, I didn't have a
rough time writing the lyrics. I had a rough time with the melody. I had a clear vision
of what I really wanted. I wanted the people to sway with the music. And I pictured
them with a "lighter" in their hands as they sang it. I wanted a melody that could
easily get the "feel" of the youth.


137

As a Filipino, I'm so proud of this song. It was played at St. Peter's Square on the day
of Pope John Paul II's beatification. It was reportedly one of the late Pope's favorite
songs.

Note: The above music video is not the official music video of Tell the World of His
Love. I choose this video because it plays the original version of the song which was
the carrier single of the official World Youth Day album that was released in a
limited tape edition. This version was the one used months before, during and after
the World Youth Day. I was one of the millions of participants of WYD 1995, and this
version is the one that always brings back all the wonderful memories that I have of
World Youth Day 1995.

TELL THE WORLD OF HIS LOVE
World Youth Day 1995 Theme Song
Words and Music by: Trina Belamide
Lead Vocals by: Carelle Mangaliag and Jeff Arcilla
Back-up Vocals: Dada de Pano, Niser de Pano, Trina Belamide, Andrei Jose, Wilson
Santos, Ritchie Ilustre
Vocal Arrangement: Trina Belamide
Musical Arrangement: N. Arnel de Pano
Producer: Trina Belamide

Carelle Mangaliag:
For God so loved the world He gave us Him only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior, His most precious one

Jeff Arcilla:
He has sent us His message of love and sends those who hear
To bring the message to everyone in a voice loud and clear

Duet:
Let us tell the world of His love The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners with His light from up above
Walk every step, Every mile, Every road
And tell the world, Tell the world of His love

For God so loved the world he gave us Him only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior His Most Precious One
He has sent us His message of love
And sends those who hear
To bring the message to everyone
In a voice loud and clear

Let us tell the world of His love

138
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above

(Tell the world of His love)
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home (lead them home)
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above

PRO-DEMOCRACY RALLY: 'It's like Edsa 1986' (By Rocky Nazareno, Cathy C.
Yamsuan and Philip Tubeza)
THIS is 1986 all over again. The only difference is we're now trying to nip a
dictatorship in the bud, a congressman yesterday said, echoing the sentiments
of the participants in the pro-democracy rally today led by the pork barrel
groups.
A senator said the issues being raised by the pro-democracy rally were about
freedom.
The Constitution protected our freedom. Now that the people who are
supposed to preserve and defend it are not doing so, the people must protect
it, Sen. Sonia Roco said.
Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. (Camarines Sur) said the two rallies are a throwback to
the last days of the Marcos regime as he urged the people to fight against the
enemies of democracy.
Andaya said People Power was in Edsa while those who wanted to keep the
Marcoses in power were in Malacaang.
The rally on Ayala Avenue in Makati City is protesting Charter change, the return
of Marcos cronies and the threats to press freedom.
Today, we again converge, not in Edsa but Makati, this time to make known our
opposition to the agenda of Malacaang,'' Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao
del Norte) said.
Foreplay
Roco compared the public outrage over Charter change to sex.

139

Once you start, once you have already engaged in foreplay, it will be difficult
to stop,'' he said in Filipino.
You must have a catharsis, and the rally (this afternoon) will lead to (that)
catharsis. I hope (once this is over), it will pacify the people. (If the rally doesn't
take place), emotions will continue to boil. It's important for the people to
express their (fear) that freedom is threatened, he added.
Roco reminded the President that his own plan to amend the Charter was the
cause of the rally.
He said Mr. Estrada better call off the administration's plan to amend the
Constitution if he wanted to stop the rally, which the President claimed was
threatening investor confidence in the country.
The only way to prevent the rally at this point (is) if President Benigno Aquino III
announces: 'No more efforts to amend the Constitution until 2016,' said Roco.
He said the President could ask voters in a plebiscite that will coincide with the
2016 elections if they wanted Charter change.
Roco said Sin and Aquino, in turn, could advise their followers not to proceed to
Makati anymore.
It will be easier if we tell everybody 'Let's not get wet (because) pneumonia is
difficult to cure, he said. The weather bureau has predicted rains because of
storm Luding.
But Roco said it would be hard to call off the rally at this point because Mr.
Aquinos insistence on Charter change had already ignited the people's
outrage.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday said it was
too late to call off today's rally.
To call off the October 26 rally is too late as of now. The whole exercise is
already definite and defined, CBCP president Socrates Villegas said.
He said the CBCP had said that Charter change at this time was untimely and
would divide the people. ''It is sad that those words fell on deaf ears.''
The archbishop said Mr. Estrada might as well junk his Walang tutulong sa
Pilipino kundi ang kapwa Pilipino slogan and replace it with Walang tutulong
sa Pilipino kundi ang estranjero.
Cruz said the President's proposal to allow foreigners to own land in the country
would undermine the Constitution's pro-Filipino character.
He said government should stop blaming the Constitution for the nation's
poverty. Rather, it should address the issues of insurgency, graft and partisan
politics.
Former Sen. Alberto Romulo said there was no need to amend the Charter at this
time. ''Why then is the President stubbornly pursuing charter changes?'' he asked.
Trojan horse
Is the avowed purpose truly for foreign investment to help the economy? Or the
poor? Or are the so-called economic proposals actually a Trojan horse for the
administration's true and real agenda?
Quoting constitutionalist Joaquin Bernas, Romulo said: ''The suspicion of many is
that the agitation about economic change is really a camouflage for political
change.

140
''Regrettably, this political change is aimed at no less than recreating, Marcos
style, an all-powerful, unaccountable and perpetuating chief executive.''
Oscar Atadero of Progay-Philippines said the economic reforms that Mr. Estrada
was seeking through Charter change would just worsen the situation of gays in
the country.
He said the plan to further liberalize the economy would put many gays out of
work as some 90 percent of them are working in small businesses.
''Gays will be forced to sell drugs and become prostitutes if this succeeds,'' he
said.
Rain or shine
It's all systems go for the pro-democracy rally, which is expected to draw
between 40,000 and 50,000 people.
Rally organizer Gil de los Reyes said the rally would precede rain or shine.
Dodi Limcauco said organizers were deploying 2,000 marshals consisting of
members of the clergy and nongovernmental groups.
There will also be a sub-marshal for each marching group so that they can
police their own ranks, Limcauco said.
Policemen who will be assigned to the rally site will not carry guns.
Organizers urged those protesters to stick a piece of paper on their cars showing
August 20 Rally Ayala or Manindigan para sa Demokrasya Rally, Ayala.
Msgr. Nico Bautista said the rally was something that must be done now.
Otherwise, we are just prolonging the agony.
Running priest Robert Reyes dismissed allegations that the rally was intended to
destabilize the government. This is not a destabilization move. In our hearts,
there's only one word--peace, he said.
He said the Church should not be afraid of El Shaddais numbers.
A genuine faith is not afraid to be unpopular and what is unpopular is not
oftentimes moral or correct, Reyes said.
132 amendments
Former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday disclosed that some congressmen were
planning to introduce at least 132 amendments to the Constitution, including
changing the form of government and lifting the term limits on elected officials.
He did not specify the other amendments.
At a forum at the Holiday Inn, he called on local officials to join today's pro-
democracy rally despite the administration's pressure.
He said some local officials were being pressured to toe the line of Mr. Aquino.
We were also being squeezed but we refused to change our mind on the
issue, he said, noting that friends of Mr. Aquino had approached him to ''ease
up'' on his hardline stance on Charter change.
As of yesterday, at least 26 members of the House of Representatives, including
some from the ruling LAMP party, had confirmed that they would attend today's
rally.
They include Andaya, Barbers, Zubiri, Abby Binay-Campos (Makati), Jose Yap
(Tarlac), Heherson Alvarez (Isabela), Hernani Braganza (Pangasinan), Federico
Sandoval II (Malabon-Navotas), Michael Defensor (Quezon City), (Misamis
Oriental), Feliciano Belmonte (Quezon City), Sergio Apostol (Leyte), Pantaleon

141

Alvarez (Davao del Norte), J. Mayo Almario (Davao Oriental), Enrico Echiverri
(Caloocan) and Ignacio Bunye (Muntinlupa).
The 14 party-list representatives will also join the rally.
LAMP Rep. Raoul Del Mar is attending the rally in Cebu.
In the Senate, those joining the rally are Roco, Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona,
Sergio Osmea III and Aquilino Pimentel.
Jose Concepcion Jr., a former delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, is
also joining the rally in Makati.
Concepcion described the rally as a ''call for the Filipino people to reaffirm our
commitment to democracy, which we have won back gloriously during the Edsa
Revolution.''
Education Secretary Andrew Gonzales left the decision to cancel classes in
private and public schools to the ''full discretion'' of principals whose schools are
located near the rally sites. With a report from Stella O. Gonzales
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_Congress_of_the_Philippines
PNoy: My decision will not change (By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Philippine Daily
INQUIRER)
Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - WHO'S afraid of the pro-
democracy rally in Makati City?
Not President Benigno Aquino III, who declared yesterday that the rally and other mass
actions nationwide would not make him stop pushing for Charter change, the case on
Maguindanao Massacre, the crime rate in Metro Manila and the pork barrel scam and, he
said, its resultant benefits for the people.
Hindi rin po mababago ng ilan ang ating hangarin na mapaganda ang buhay ng ating
mga kababayan, he said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Philippines.
During the 45-minute interview, which was aired by 43 Bombo Radyo AM and PBS
Radyo ng Bayan stations, the President was repeatedly asked whether he would change
his mind in the face of nationwide protests against his administration's initiative to amend
the 1987 Constitution.
Hindi magbabago ang aking kapasyahan sapagkat ang aking pananaw ay isa ito sa
tanging solusyon para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na puhunan para mahango natin sa
kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan (My decision will not change because in my view,
this is one of the ways to secure sufficient funds to solve the problem of poverty), he
said.
Mr. Estrada said he would not be deterred by the rally to be led today by the pork barrel
rallysts to protest Charter change, Marcos-style cronyism and threats to press freedom.
He pointed out that the Constitution needed amending in order to allow the Philippines to
keep in step with the rest of the world.
Hindi po ito makakapigil sa akin na pag-aralan ang mga nararapat na pagbabago sa
ating Saligang Batas sa ngayon. Ang aking pananaw ay hindi na angkop ang ating
Saligang Batas sa nagaganap sa ating mundo, he said.
But over lunch in Malacaang, the President told foreign correspondents that he planned
to meet with Aquino's group ''maybe after this rally,'' and ''especially at this point (when)
we have just overcome our economic crisis.''

142
''So as not to break the momentum of our economic recovery, and for the sake and for the
greater good of our people, I have to unite our people and talk to the leaders of the
opposition party,'' he said.
Change of tune
The other day, Mr. Aquino urged Tagle to call off their rally, saying it was hurting the
economy and the country's image abroad.
But he changed his tune yesterday when asked about his appeal.
''Kailan man, sa simula't simula ay hindi natin pinagbabawalan ang
kanilang rally sapagkat nasa demokrasya tayo (Since the start I have never prevented
them from holding their rally because we are in a democracy),'' he said.
The President also said he wanted to hear what the protesters would say, including the
reasons behind their mass action (''At mabuti nga, tinitingnan natin kung ano ang
sasabihin nila at may sarili silang dahilan kung bakit sila nagra-rally'').
He said he was not bothered by the rally, was not stopping anyone from attending it, and
was in fact pleased that many people wanted to participate in discussions regarding
Charter change.
Malaya ang lahat na magbigay ng pahayag tungkol ditto (Everyone is free to air views
on the issue), he said.
Mr. Aquino recalled that Aquino and Sin fought against him (nilabanan) during the
2010 presidential elections.
Kung ako po'y natakot sa kanila, hindi na po sana ako naging Pangulo. Pinatutunayan
po natin na tama tayo (If I became afraid of them then, I would not have been President.
This proves that I'm right), he said.
He added that the people had nothing to fear about his proposed constitutional
amendments as these would go through a lengthy process from the preparatory
commission until the plebiscite.
He stressed that it would be the public who would have the last say.
Velarde
The President was asked by Ronil Peaflor of Bombo Radyo Legazpi if he was using
El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church founder, international
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, or vice versa.
In reply, Mr. Aquino said no one was being used by anyone. He pointed out that Velarde
was his spiritual adviser and was helping him pray for the improvement of the state of the
nation, and that Velarde had many projects for the poor.
He added: Ang pakiusap ko po lamang ay sana ay tigilan na natin ang mga ganyang
intriga. Magtrabaho na lang po tayo para sa ikauunlad ng bayan (My request is that this
kind of intrigue be stopped. Let us just work for the good of the country).
El Shaddai is celebrating Velarde's 75th birthday and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Foundation Internationals 30th anniversary at the Rizal Park last August 23-24 while
Jesus is Lord Church is celebrating founder, international president and spiritual director
Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanuevas 81
st
birthday on October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwides 36
th
anniversary today at the Rizal Park on October 26-27, part of the five-
day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.
Peaflor observed that while the Catholic Church had been split by the Charter change
issue, Velarde had been enjoying a close relationship with the President (Kapansin-
pansin na masyado kayong malapit kay Bro. Mike Velarde).

143

Peaflor cited the 45-day reprieve that the President granted a death convict upon
Velarde's request.
The President reiterated that his main reason for going to the El Shaddai gathering was to
extend belated happy birthday greetings to Jesus is Lord Church founder, international
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva; he is celebrating his
birthday on Monday, October 6.
He said that should he be given the opportunity, he would speak before the gathering to
discuss his plans for Charter change.
Aquino
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma and an officer of the Foreign
Correspondents Association of the Philippines confirmed that the President would meet
with Aquino and company.
Yes. I think that's going to be after (the rally). The rally is going to be held tomorrow. I
don't think there's time (to set up the meeting earlier),'' Reyes said.
Focap board member Arthur Bariuad said: (The President) said he is willing to talk to
the group of Cory after the rally He also wants to hear the issues they are going to
present.''
Velarde and Villanueva himself said he was willing to broker talks between Tagle and
Mr. Aquino.
I am trying my very best so that everyone will be able to reach an understanding,'' he
said when asked if he was willing to arrange a meeting.
Asked if he had initiated anything, he said: Nothing yet. I will try. With a report from
Martin P. Marfil
It's countrywide, not just in Ayala (By the PDI Bureaus)
Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - NATIONWIDE outrage over
President Benigno Aquino IIIs plan to change the Constitution, Marcos-style cronyism,
to scrap the pork barrel and perceived threats to press freedom erupts today in Church-led
street political rallies in big cities and towns all over the country.
In Cebu, police units have been on red alert since noon yesterday to ensure that the
freedom march at the Fuente Osmea oval will be peaceful.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal
said he was not worried that trouble might erupt today as he expected the gathering to be
peaceful.
I have more faith in the Cebuano people. In Manila, I do not know. But here, I have
more faith, after all we are on the same island, he said in an earlier interview.
A small plane piloted by Capt. Pantaleon del Rosario, a businessman, is expected to
rain aerofetti and confetti on the rally this afternoon.
It's symbolic. It would show that the people are ready to oppose any Charter change on
land, sea and air, said Vicente Balbuena, chair of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang
Demokrasya in Cebu.
Among those expected to join the rally are members of the Catholic Educational
Association of the Philippines, Sugbuanong Pagpakabana and the Basic Ecclesial
Communities from Cebu City.
In Negros, thousands of people will march today to rally sites in Kabankalan and San
Carlos cities in the morning and in Bacolod and Dumaguete cities in the afternoon.

144
People's camps were set up yesterday afternoon on Magsaysay, Araneta, B.S. Aquino
and Lacson streets in Bacolod.
Almost a hundred persons lighted torches and candles at the two rally sites for press
freedom.
Fr. Greg Patino, Bacolod Diocese Social Action Center director, said about 100,000
people was expected to attend the rally in Bacolod.
He urged the participants not to be deterred even by possible rain. If Charter change is
not stopped, he said, ''what will hit the country will be worse than a storm and the
earthquake in Turkey.''
Protestants
In Iloilo, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC), an umbrella of 763
Protestant churches in the country, called on Mr. Aquino III to give dignity to his office
by upholding press freedom.
In a statement, the CPBC asked the President to be transparent and allow the press to
look into all dealings, decisions and transactions of the government.
In Aklan, Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc called on the faithful to attend the rally at
Pastrana Park in the capital town of Kalibo this afternoon.
Tala-oc said he was displeased over the decision of Bro. Mike Velarde, founder and
servant-leader of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Roman
Catholic Charismatic Religious Renewal Movement, to hold the birthday celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director
Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and the annual founding anniversary celebration of the
Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide movement simultaneous with the pro-democracy rally being
initiated by actvisits in Makati City in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of
Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October 25 to 27.
Tala-oc said Velarde and Villanueva, as members of the Roman Catholic Church, should
have at least shown some respect to the Manila archbishop.
In Tagbilaran City, Msgr. Leonardo Y. Medroso, bishop of Tagbilaran, said a symposium
on Charter change would be held at the St. Joseph Cathedral.
Tumulak, who leads the People Resist Cha-cha Movement, said City Vice-Mayor Toto
Veloso, Msgr. Antonieto Cabahug and a still unnamed priest would speak during the
forum.
More militant groups are expected to mount a demonstration.
Davao City
In Davao City, the Davao Archdiocese and militant groups rejected calls by Mr. Aquino
to call off today's rally as they hit back at the President for blaming anti-Charter change
advocates for the recent economic jitters.
Fr. Leonardo Dublan, Davao Archdiocese Social Action Center director, said that for as
long as President Benigno Aquino III would insist on amending the Constitution, mass
actions would go on.
Today's rally will serve as a grand opening salvo for more protest activities if the
Aquino III administration refuses to heed the clamor against Charter change, the
Maguindanao Massacre case, the Richard King murder case and the pork barrel fund
scam, he said.

145

Glen Amoroso, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Davao, said Mr.
Aquinos request to call off the rally was a sign that he was getting nervous and
worried about the impact of the growing public outcry.
On Thursday night, some 800 students from seven universities and colleges lighted
candles at the Freedom Park in Davao City. They later held a Torch Parade for
Freedom on the main streets.
In Koronadal, a newly formed multisectoral group, called the South Cotabato People's
Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy, will lead today's rally.
Alliance chair Peter Jabido said they expected up to 10,000 people from 11 towns to
converge downtown.
''Today is just a beginning of the series of protest actions to be spearheaded by the
multisectoral alliance to preserve the gains of Edsa and to resist anti-people policies of
the Aquino administration, Jabido said.
A rally will also be held in General Santos City, starting at 9 a.m.
In Mati, Davao Oriental, anti-Charter change groups vowed to intensify their protests.
Bishop Patricio Alo said they would drum up support for their campaign through the
Church-run radio station dxBM, the pulpit and the streets.
Resolutions
The provincial board is also planning to adopt a resolution condemning Mr. Aquinos
plan to rewrite the Charter, repression of the critical press and cronyism, according to
board member Anaclito Macatabog.
A similar resolution is being studied by the municipal council of Mati, said Councilor
Eric Albao.
In Digos, Davao del Sur, the Democratic Initiative for Strengthening the Constitution and
Against Resurging Dictatorship said the only way today's rally at 1 p.m. would be called
off is for Mr. Aquino III to forget Charter change.
He may employ all sorts of dirty tactics, including disruptions, but these will not prevent
the people from expressing their opposition to the Cha-cha and pork barrel, Antonio
Navidad, Discord chair, said.
Transportation is expected to be paralyzed starting at 5 a.m. as tricycle drivers also
promised to join the rally.
Simplicia Delada, spokesperson of Cause-DS, said the federation of tricycle drivers and
operators pledged to stop plying their routes in sympathy with the anti-Charter change
ralliers.
Bishop Generoso Camia appealed to the public to attend the rally.
In Iligan City, a torch parade was held last night by the Ranao Tri-people Movement for
Genuine Peace and Development, an alliance of government organizations and people's
organizations, according to its chairperson Adona Orquillas.
Iligan Bishop Emilio Bataclan said the protest march in the city would start at 2 p.m.
Western Mindanao
In Pagadian City, rally organizers said they expected 20,000 people to converge in the
city from various places in Western Mindanao.
Eugene Velez, chair of Alyansang Makabayan for Western Mindanao, said they
anticipated some 20,000 people to join.
Rallies will also be held in Ozamiz, Dipolog, Oroquieta and Zamboanga cities and in Ipil,
Zamboanga del Sur, Velez said.

146
In Bicol, church and multisectoral group leaders yesterday firmed up their plans for
today's protest rallies.
Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, Social Action Center head, said some 10,000 people from 40 church-
based groups, people's and nongovernment organizations would attend the rally at the
Freedom Park in Legazpi City.
Called Marcha-Bicol (Movement against Revision of the Charter-Bicol), the protest
action will also be joined in by groups from Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur,
Lobrigo said.
The participants will include bishops, priests, lay leaders, students, and leaders of militant
groups in the region.
Church-led groups will be holding a Solidarity rally in Daet, Camarines Norte.
The protest march in Legazpi will start at the Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga town,
Redemptorist Compound in Barangay Gogon and the St. Raphael Church.
Pangasinan
In Pangasinan, in lieu of a protest rally, church bells will ring at 3 p.m. on Sunday to call
everyone to prayer, said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said central
Pangasinan is not rally and demonstration-conscious.
He said that in deference to Pangasinenses, especially those in central Pangasinan, he had
issued a pastoral letter calling Catholic faithful to pray as a show of concern over the
issues raised during the rally.
In the circular letter to be read on October 27 and 28, Cruz urged everyone to pray for
our country, for its unity and peace, for its progress and prosperity under the rule of
democracy.
In Isabela, Catholic priests and devotees described the Charter change as an outright
oppression, morally wrong and should be rejected.
The Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Ilagan said changing the Constitution at this
time would affect Filipinos adversely.
Its pastoral letter, which will be read during Masses on Sunday, said Mr. Aquinos plans
would make the rich richer and the poor poorer.
Members of the Catholic clergy and laity from Olongapo City and Zambales will join the
rally in Makati City.
Fr. Alberto Avenido, social action director of the diocese of Iba, said Bishop Deogracias
Iiguez has issued a circular urging the Catholic clergy and lay people in the province to
be ''patriotic in these trying times'' and oppose Charter change.
Baguio City
In Baguio City, officials of the Cordillera police assigned about 200 police officers to
secure the parade grounds of the Burnham Park in Baguio City, where close to 2,000
persons are expected to rally today.
I have been monitoring a signature campaign being conducted by students and this
appeared to be the figure they are expecting to march today (Aug. 20). But we are certain
the rally will not be too disruptive, Chief Supt. Renato Paredes, Cordillera police
director, said.
Members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and the League of Filipino
Students in the city had gathered 1,200 signatures of people who are against Mr.
Aquinos plan to change the Constitution.

147

A member of the Baguio Colleges Foundation's Paralegal Volunteers Organization said
students from seven colleges and universities in the city will be represented in today's
march.
A CEGP candlelight ceremony to protest threats to press freedom was held last night on
Session Road. Tonton Antocop, Froilan Gallardo, Carla P. Gomez, Nereo C. Lujan,
Odon S. Bandiola and Chito A. Fuentes, PDI Visayas Bureau; J owel F. Canuday,
Aquiles Z. Zonio, Ferdinand O. Zuasola, Allan A. Nawal and Bobby Timonera, PDI
Mindanao Bureau; Rey Nasol, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; Catherine Aquino,
Villamor Visaya J r. and Vincent Cabreza, PDI Northern Luzon Bureau; and Henry
Empeo, PDI Central Luzon Desk
Bro. Eddies birthday pary worlds annual biggest and grandest
Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - THEY will be shouting at Ayala
while others will be praying at Luneta, said El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro.
Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to
celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual
director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva on October 6 and the 36
th
anniversary celebration
of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group
movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, and pro-democracy rallies are set in
Makati City and other cities nationwide in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope
Francis here in the Philippines on October 26 to 27.
Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic
Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the
provinces and all over the world were coming or had arrived for the gathering.
The birthday party at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break
records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of
roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Benigno
Aquino III and his political allies, foreign dignitaries and show biz friends.
Velarde was in Malacaang yesterday, October 25. I'm just going to check whether the
appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Sunday--did not
change, he told reporters.
Asked if Mr. Aquino would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the
administrations proposed Charter amendments, he said: I don't know what the President
has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on
what is happening in government.
As of last night, there was no official word from Malacaang whether Mr. Aquino would
attend the El Shaddai party for the anniversary celebration of rival religious group Jesus
is Lord Church Worldwide in time for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis here in the
Philippines today.
But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is
also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program
of activities.
Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the
Constitution now.
Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai
gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: Why is our focus on Charter change?

148
I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you
know, I have a different view.
He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if
change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.
''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are
involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all
help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''
Perception
Our celebration will not be destructive That is only the perception of observers,
Velarde said.
He appealed to journalists not to color their gathering, adding: The results of (the
Makati rally and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting
at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.
Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he
said: I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.
Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open
ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.
While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution,
he believes that now is the proper time for the undertaking, he added.
Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual
celebration of the anniversary of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic
renewal religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement which coincides
with the birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva in time for the pastoral and
state visit of the Pope here in the Philippines.
Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta, he said.
Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he
said: Everybody's invited at the Luneta.
Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-
democracy rally.
We are all for the preservation of our freedoms, he said.
Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the
freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.
He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced
to hew to the views of others.
Comparisons
The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons.
According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday
party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8,
1979.
It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky
Fried Chicken.
Would El Shaddai break this standing record?
Consider this: The crowd that attended El Shaddai 29
th
anniversary celebration on Aug.
17-18, 2013 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement 35
th
Anniversary
Celebration on October 27-28, 2013 was estimated at more than three million people.

149

The affair, at which Mr. Aquino and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. were present,
was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.
El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered
members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight
million).
With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock?
More important, how much wills the feast cost him?
The INQUIRER checked prices at Jollibee, KFC, Chowking, McDonalds, Greenwich,
Pizza Hut, Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.
These are the figures:
Lechon baboy goes for P3,500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8,500 for a 42-kilo pig at
Lydia's.
Lechon baka costs P18,000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21,000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at
Lydia's.
Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's.
The size of the whole Rizal Park is about 528,833 square meters. According to planners
of the National Parks and Development Committee of the Department of Tourism, a one-
square-meter area can hold two persons. If tightly crammed, four persons can be
squeezed in.
Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about
1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332).
7,000 cops to secure Makati, Manila rallies (By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana)
Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - TRAFFIC will be rerouted. But
to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be
deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the rallyists.
In Makati City, Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6
a.m. October 26, Sunday, the Ayala Avenue, from Herrera Street to Manila Peninsula on
Makati Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa
Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, and BPI Family will likewise be
closed.
At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustans Buendia will be closed to all vehicular
traffic.
The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the pro-democracy rally. The
participants will converge at the Ayala-Paseo de Roxas intersection for the main program
which will start at 1 p.m.
Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic
Management Group-PNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force.
No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue.
Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks.
No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District
or the places where the buses are parked.
Another group policemen will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected
mammoth crowd who will attend the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International
Family Appointment with El Shaddai for the annual founding anniversary celebration of
the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movement

150
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide on October 25 to 27 in time for the five-day pastoral
and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.
Chief Supt. Efren Fernandez, Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will
come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the
National Capital Regional Police Office.
He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd
swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Saturday, October 25 up to 9
a.m., October 27, Monday.
We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit
big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings, Fernandez said in another
briefing.
Some 3 million people, consisting mostly of El Shaddai followers, are expected to attend
the gathering.
President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials, Church leaders, foreign
dignitaries, sports and showbiz personalities are expected to show up at the celebration
because Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop
Bro. Eddie Villanueva is also celebrating his birthday on October 6. Mr. Aquino is
expected to address the rally at 5 p.m.
Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this
was a raw information that needed to be validated.
At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We
have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared, he said.
Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. Some people will be coming
from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa, he said.
He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless
necessary.
Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just
in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these, he said.
Fernandez said the 58-heactre Rizal Park can accommodate 2 million people.
In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard will be kept open to
traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai
rally.
The T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the
Port area were the designated parking zones.
Pope Francis will preside over the 6:45 p.m. thanksgiving Mass, which will be broadcast
live on TV and video streamed to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.
Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the
liturgical rites unfolding in the templete, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.
In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual
grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of
activities which start before noon with foot processions
Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses
which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.
President Benigno Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay are among several
government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries and showbiz personalities who
will grace the event.

151

Expect tighter security in coming to the 61-heactre national park where the celebration
will be held.
At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Pasig River: from Guadalupe, Makati City to
Intramuros, Manila will bring the image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro
Calungsod to the templete or little temple which houses the main altar.
An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in
Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva
Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan,
Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna,
Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon,
Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate,
Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros
Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte,
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands,
Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon,
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur,
Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat,
Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga
Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.
We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning, Msgr.
Dennis Villarojo, the overall chairman of the Cebu celebration for Calungsods
sainthood, said.
He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.
We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be
able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion, Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.
This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor, he added.
There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.
Anyone who cant go to the Rizal Park can watch the thanksgiving Mass through GMA
Channel 7 and other stations. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv for a
live streaming of the activities.
Radio stations will also broadcast the events live.
On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow
the crowd to see at is going in the altar.
At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Mandaue City will transport the elderly
and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Bishops who will be brought from the Manila Cathedral to the Quirino Grandstand
through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area before the Mass.
Although there are 12,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their
own portable chairs.
Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one
standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.
Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the templete.
In going to the SRP, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in front
of the Talisay City Hall and a block away from the SRP tunnel.
LITURGY
The Holy Mass will start at 8 p.m.

152
It will be presided over by Pope Francis.
The 76-year-old Pope, who has been the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic
Church, was requested by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to lead the thanksgiving Mass.
Other than Palma, Vidal, the other cardinals who will be present in todays liturgy
include Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints;
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle; Manila Archbishop Emeritus, and
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
Agana, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron; Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto; the apostolic
nuncio in the Philippines; and Rome-based priest, Fr. Fernando Rojo, the main postulator
for Calungsods cause will also be around. Msgr. Villarojo said at least bishops,
cardinals, deacons and around 10,000 priests have confirmed to attend the event.
said.
ministers. They will be augmented by priests and nuns.
Fr. Raul Gallego, chairperson of the committee on venue, urged the people to bring along
radios, water, flashlights, food, candles, portable chairs, and umbrellas.
On the other hand, people are prohibited from bringing guns and bladed weapons.
After the Mass and the message of the president, a cultural presentation will be made.
Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Manila Hotel.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/315739/open-field-ready-for-pedros-
national-thanksgiving-mass#ixzz3C4lXgRek
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Storm warning
RAINS are forecast for today in Metro Manila, probably accompanied by some gusty
winds. Tropical depression Luding has developed into a storm and it is expected to hit
land this morning in Northern Luzon.
But the stormy weather should not dampen the spirit of those who are going to the rally
on Ayala Avenue in Makati being led by anti-pork barrel groups. There are certainly
more pressing and nobler reasons to get drenched than paying respect to a religious leader
or stuffing oneself with lechon, roast calf and other delicacies which are expected to be in
abundance when El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde holds
belated birthday celebration for Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and the annual founding
anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic
Renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide to coincide with the
Ayala rally. Pork barrel groups have identified three of these reasons: to show the

153

people's opposition to amending the Constitution, to protest the resurgence of cronyism
and to oppose attempts to muzzle the press.
President Benino Aquino IIIhas said nothing would deter him from pursuing charter
change. He says lifting the protectionist provisions in the Constitution, like the ones
barring foreigners from owning land, public utilities and media organizations, is the only
way to liberate millions of hungry Filipinos from their poverty. He even has the
economic benefits from such constitutional reforms all figured out: an automatic plus 4
percent in GNP growth rate, although he has not said if that's only good for one year or
until forever.
No one else saw charter change as the miracle cure for the country's economic malaise. In
survey after survey, businessmen, both local and foreign, identified other factors as
barriers to investments and growth: cronyism, an uneven playing field, peace and order
problems, bad traffic, government red tape, inconsistent economic policies, unattractive
incentives. In sum, practically everything under the sun, except the Constitution, and all
correctable with a little imagination from Congress and some determination from the
executive.
Fully 86 percent of the Filipino people see no need to change the Constitution, according
to a recent survey. Why Mr. Aquino and his political lieutenants in Congress would try to
ram charter changes through Congress only raises suspicion about some hidden agenda,
like term extension on the part of politicians and, on the part of Malacaang, the removal
of any constitutional barrier to forging a compromise deal with the Marcoses on the
sharing of their ill-gotten wealth.
The hush-hush attempts of the administration to strike a deal with the Marcoses and the
return of cronies to positions of power and privilege constitute the second reason for the
rally. When Ms Aquino speaks of preserving the gains of Edsa, she means freedom and
democracy as well as our pride and dignity. Two successive administrations looked
pathetic as they bungled the attempts to recover the Marcoses' ill-gotten wealth. The
nation was put up to ridicule with the election of Imelda Marcos to Congress in 2010 and
Ferdinand Jr. as Senator in 2010. Now the Aquino administration wants to complete a
nation's shame by absolving the plunderers of any crime and sharing the loot with them.
As to the return of cronies and cronyism, is there any doubt about it? Marcos closest
business associate is back at the helm of the country's biggest food and beverage
conglomerate. A tycoon who is often seen in Malacaang had a P25-billion tax case
against him dismissed. A presidential adviser got a $25-million commission for brokering
the buyout of the country's largest telecommunications company by a firm backed with
foreign money. A generous contributor to the Aquino campaign kitty won the award to
operate online bingo. Even Mr. Aquinos old friends from the movie industry are
scrambling for various government contracts. If these are Mr. Aquinos friends, they are
helping themselves at the President's expense.
Finally, there are the attempts of the administration to suppress criticism by initiating or
encouraging an advertising boycott of this paper by movie producers, government
financial institutions and friendly business interests and the exclusion of its reporters
from presidential press briefings. It's a different version of the corporate strangulation
that squeezed the life of The Manila Times. Mr. Aquino swears with his right hand to
defend with his life our freedoms, while strangling with his left a newspaper that seeks to
publish the unvarnished truth about his administration.

154
All this constitutes a smorgasbord of issues for everyone to chew on. But whichever issue
one feels strongly about, it is again time to take a stand. Mr. Aquino may yet listen to our
collective voices raised in protest.
There is a storm brewing, and it is not called Luding.
Traffic Re-Routing Plan for October 26, 2014 (Papal Visit and 36th Anniversary
Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide)
On October 26, 2014, the following roads will be affected:
a) Roxas Boulevard (from P. Burgos to President Quirino Avenue) will be closed to
vehicular traffic from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
b) President Quirino Avenue (from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue) will be
closed to vehicular traffic from 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
c) South Super Highway (from President Quirino Avenue to Buendia Avenue) and
Buendia Avenue (from South Super Highway to EDSA) will be closed to all
vehicular traffic from 4:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. and also from 8:30 P.M. to 9:00
P.M.
d) South Bound Lane of EDSA (from Guadalupe to Buendia Avenue) will be
closed to South Bound traffic from 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. and from 8:30 P.M. -
9:30 P.M.
All motorists are, therefore, advised to take the following re-routing scheme during the
period of traffic closure:
1. Southbound vehicles traversing Roxas Boulevard are advised to take Aduana-
Magallanes Drive - Padre Burgos route - Taft Avenue towards Buendia Avenue
and Roxas Boulevard.
2. Luneta-bound Vehicles traversing Roxas Boulevard are only up to Padre
Burgos-Taft Avenue-T.M. Kalaw Intersection junction.
3. Northbound vehicles using Roxas Boulevard-bound vehicles comBoulevard are
advised to take Buendia Avenue and/or Vito Cruz towards Taft Avenue or F.B.
Harrison/A. Mabini Street route.
4. Roxas Boulevard-bound vehicles coming from Northeast are advised to take
Canonigo Avenue-Taft Avenue-Padre Burgos or Jones Bridge towards their
Destination.
5. Southbound vehicles traversing South Super Highway are advised to take Pedro
Gil-Taft Avenue-Ayala Avenue and EDSA Route from 4:00 P.M.-4:30 P.M. as
well as Ayala Avenue and EDSA route from 4:00 P.M.-4:30 P.M. & from 8:30
P.M.-9:30 P.M.
6. Roxas Boulevard-bound vehicles coming from the Southeast will be advised to
take Tejeron-J.P. Rizal-Pasong Tamo-Vito Cruz extension towards Vito Cruz to
Taft Avenue or Roxas Boulevard from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
7. Northbound lane of EDSA (from Boni Avenue to Buendia Avenue will be
converted to 2-way traffic and Southbound vehicles counter-flowing to EDSA
North lane from 4:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. and from 8:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
8. Northbound Light Vehicles along EDSA are advised to take Fort Bonifacio via
McKinley Road and exit at Guadalupe Bridge from 4:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. and
from 8:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

155

9. Southbound Light Vehicles along EDSA may take Guadalupe Bridge their right
turn towards J. P. Rizal and exit at the Makati Avenue-Ayala Avenue and back to
EDSA.
10. Northbound Vehicles traversing South Superhighway will be advised to take
Taft Avenue or the EDSA-Ayala Avenue-Makati Avenue-J.P. Rizal-Tejeron-
Pedro Gil route towards President Quirino Avenue Extension from 4:00 P.M. to
4:30 P.M. and from 8:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.
Participants to the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Celebration, devotees to
the Papal Visit or ordinary motorists may help de-congest heavy traffic or ask for
assistance from the:
4154 to 74 loc. 205; 207
0858
Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration on GMA-7
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide celebrates 36th Anniversary as Bro. Eddie Villanueva
celebrates his 81st birthday last October 6 and Pope Francis delivers his message to the
People of the World.
In a mass that will be concelebrated by more than thousands of archbishops, bishops,
monsignors, pastors and priests. His Holiness will bless the participants as well the next
venue again for this annual event.
Millions of television viewers from around the world will witness this historical occasion
as GMA Channel 7 does a live coverage starting at 7:30 a.m., October 26, Sunday.
A recap of the day's festivities will be aired at 11:30 p.m. right after Sunday Night Box
Office.
More than 5 million people from the Philippines and around the world look forward to
this momentous event as the highlight of their month-long festivities.
We are not afraid (By Ma. Ceres P. Doyo)
Manila, Philippines, October 27, 2014 (I NQUI RER) - MR. PRESIDENT does not
worry about us being afraid. We have been threatened by experts. We have faced bullets
outside the silver screen and faced down tanks with only rosaries in our hands.
Former President Fidel V. Ramoss voice reverberated yesterday in Makati City as an
estimated 70,000 marched in unison and stood shoulder to shoulder to denounce Charter
change now, suppression of press freedom, compromise with the Marcoses, and
cronyism.
In a rally of a magnitude not seen since the decline of the Marcos dictatorship, Paner and
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle exhorted pro-democracy advocates to
preserve the gains of Edsa, and sent a stinging message of no surrender to President
Benigno Aquino III.

156
Other, as fervent, mass actions were held simultaneously in major cities in Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao, drawing an estimated total of 160,000 people.
Aquino and Sin did not mince words in getting their message across.
Addressing the President, Ramos said: We will not surrender the guarantees of freedom
and good government for which we paid so dearly. We will not allow those who
plundered our country to return to power no matter who they think their best friend is.
Warned Tagle in Filipino: Mag-ingat ang mga may masasamang balak para sa
kalayaan. Lalaban kami. Hindi kami uurong (To those hatching sinister moves against
freedom, I say beware. We shall fight. We shall never surrender).
The Ayala business center, site of anti-Marcos rallies in the 1980s, turned yellow once
again as a continuous downpour of confetti competed with sudden rains.
Elected officials, Church and grassroots leaders joined the pork barrel groups on the stage
set up in front of the bronze statue of slain husband, former Sen. Benigno ''Ninoy''
Aquino Jr. at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas.
The Cardinal's spokesperson, Atty. Hernando Cabrera told the INQUIRER that Sin was
very happy and very proud of the turnout at Ayala.
The turnout of 70,000 was estimated by the INQUIRER based on the ground area of
streets occupied, at the density rate of two persons per square meter.
A strong moral message has been sent. Democracy is alive and well. People came in big
numbers in bad weather. This is a good sign, said Makati Business Club chair Guillermo
Luz.
Former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez said: These are the preliminary stirrings of
potential unrest.
One has to give in, and I am sure that the rallyists (at Ayala) did not brave the rains just
to give in. This is a strong message that they would not be cowed into submission.
Chavez attended the Ayala rally with Peter Muller, one of the foreign witnesses who
testified on the $13.2-billion Swiss account allegedly held by Irene Marcos Araneta.
Issue
The issue is not whether to remove the economic provisions of the Constitution, Ramos
said.
The issue is whether these are all we stand to lose--or we may well ask: Will cherished
rights and liberties be lost as well?
Ramos was referring to Mr. Aquinos assurances that only economic and not political
provisions in the Constitution would be amended.
The issue is not whether the Charter should be changed, but why now, when
Malacaang admits it does not yet know what should be changed, Aquino said, citing
more pressing problems that needed to be addressed.
Why now, when not only are kidnapping and bank robbery on the rise, and drug
addiction and drug dealing at an all-time high, but agents of the National Bureau of
Investigation are into car (theft)? Their building even blew itself up. Are these not more
disturbing concerns for foreign investors? she added.
Tagle who usually speaks in English, spoke in strong Filipino this time: Narito tayo
para sabihin sa lahat: Hindi na kami papayag na lokohin muli. Natuto na kami. Hindi na
kami papayag paglaruan ng kahit sino ang ating kalayaan.Pinaghirapan natin ito (We
are here to tell everyone: We will not allow ourselves to be fooled again. We have

157

learned our lesson. We will never allow freedom to be manipulated by anybody. We have
suffered a lot for it).''
To Mr. Aquinos statements that the protests against Charter change were causing
division, Tagle said: The source of all disorder is Cha-cha. If there is no Cha-cha, then
the nation will be at peace.
He added: The root of our economic problems is not Charter change. Corruption in
government is the cause. Investors' money is wasted in bribes and payola. If the
government is clean and honest, even if there are many restrictions in the Constitution
investors will come because they know they will get a fair deal.
Promises
Quoting Archbishop Socrates Villegas, head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines, the Cardinal said changing the Constitution was certainly not in the
campaign promises of those now elected in office, and that in fact, they even solemnly
swore before God to follow the Constitution and protect it.
Sin noted that the Constitution was always being toyed with if there were economic and
political problems, or if the Philippines had to show its indebtedness to foreigners.
Kawawa naman ang Konstitusyon. Ginagamit nating palusot (Poor Constitution. It is
always used as a scapegoat), he said.
He added: ''Is Charter change the answer to political problems? The problem is political
ambition. Politicians say they cannot do much because their term is short. We say: If they
cannot do anything in a short period, they can't do anything even if they prolong their
term. If they are lazy and corrupt during their first term, they will be lazy the next time.''
Then he exclaimed: Tama na! Palitan agad ang mga corrupt at tamad sa
gobyerno (Enough! Remove the corrupt and the lazy in government at once)!
Ramos assailed those surrounding the President, saying: ''The issue is trust. Not trust in
the President but in the company he keeps. I trust the President. But who can trust the
people who stepped out of the police lineup of the People Power Revolution?
She pointed out: ''Of course, we should not be telling the President what kind of company
to keep. But he cannot expect us not to worry when he tinkers with the Constitution given
the company he keeps.
''We are not saying that this administration is like the Marcos regime, but we do have
cause to worry, because even George Hamilton is back. The characters in power today
are the ones the people threw out yesterday.''
Hollywood actor Hamilton, a close friend of Imelda Marcos, is said to be a beneficiary of
the Marcos largesse. He is reported to have borrowed huge sums of money from the
former first lady.
Back again
The Marcoses and their cronies lost every election for national office, Aquino said.
But they are back again because of a popular President who did not say in the campaign
that he was taking them with him. Maybe he did not know. But they appear to be back in
and trying to grab everything they stole.
She took up Mr. Aquinos biblical-sounding assurance Be not afraid,'' saying: Yes, Mr.
President, we are not afraid But you are too trusting for our country's own good.
But trust me, Mr. President, we are not afraid.
Aquino enumerated threatening instances, and stressed that fear had never gotten in the
way.

158
But she cited things of which we are afraidevils that may tear up the country again''
and ''the past breaking loose in the present with a Marcos restoration.
Mr. President, she said, ''it is not just the future, but the present that calls for courage,
clarity of vision and concord.
It calls for vigilance against the return of a past this nation paid so high a price--in
blood, tears and wasted years--to escape.
Ramos also spoke of freedom of the press and her own experiences of it.
Ramos had earlier made the assurance that the pro-democracy rally was not against the
Presidents person.
Yesterday, he issued a similar assurance: This is not a fight against him. He has been
President only one year. He was only representative of Tarlac, senator and now
President.
This is a fight against a 14-year dictatorship and a dark legacy that refuses to die.
'Magical'
Among those present at the rally was Rene Saguisag, who briefly served as Aquino's
spokesperson and legal adviser.
Saguisag described the mood of the rally as euphoric and ''magical,'' and a celebration
of the Edsa spirit.
The former senator recalled the various campaign rallies in February 1986 on Ayala,
which also drew huge crowds.
But it was nothing like this. Then, it was personality-oriented and the weather was
divine. Now (the weather) is feisty. At the time, Marcos was universally despised. This
time we are up against a popular President,'' he said.
The turnout is incredible--the palpable excitement, the sense of commitment. It is
delightful to be present at the reconvening of the parliament of the streets when you are
betrayed by your President.
Saguisag said the rally had delivered its message to Mr. Aquino.
The people should exercise from time and time the sovereign right to speak directly to
the leadership and deliver the kind of message that we thought we did this afternoon, he
said.
We had the number, the quality, the entire spectrum, walang hakot.
Satur Ocampo, former spokesperson of the communist-led National Democratic Front,
said it was the first time that various issues converged and attracted a united front.
A broad front, not only the traditional politicians, not only the Left but also sections in
the business community, the basic masses, are united here in the registration of a basic
opposition, Ocampo said.
There is a very strong message against the return of the Marcoses, or a Marcos style of
government.
Ocampo warned the President against being headstrong regarding Charter change and
pursuing his tough stance against the press.
If that is his response, he is asking for an intensification of confrontation with the
people. Even Cory and Sin have said that he should step aside for the people, Ocampo
said.
He is asking for trouble. This is as a warning to him.

159

Jose Ma. Sison, NDF chief political consultant, had a stronger message: A broad united
front should strive to oust the Aquino ruling circle from power and replace it with a
government of national unity and people's democracy.
Conviction
Fr. Monching Carillo, a parish priest of San Pedro, Laguna, said that if it came to a
contest, the Ayala rally won over the El Shaddai gathering at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal
Park in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on
October 23 to 27.
It's not the numbers, but the conviction, Carillo told the INQUIRER.
He said the people who braved the rains and other difficulties to join the rally showed the
strength of their conviction against the issues raised.
We came here because we are against Charter change, for one. We did not come
for lechon, he added.
The CBCP said the rallies nationwide were very successful despite the inclement
weather.
There's no way of giving an exact estimate. All the rally venues in the major provincial
cities were all filled to capacity, said Msgr. Hernando Coronel, a CBCP spokesperson.
Coronel also said the Philippine National Police's estimate that 9,000 people were at the
Ayala rally was unbelievable.
Maybe that's the number of policemen they deployed, he said.
Dirty tricks
Certain sectors made a last-ditch effort to prevent people from joining the Ayala rally by
distributing leaflets indicating that communists were behind the mass action.
The 6-by-8 leaflets, circulated in various government offices, including police and
military camps in Quezon City, contained a seven-line invitation to join the Ramos-
Cardinal Tagle Rally and put an end to the Aquino regime.
On the leaflets were pictures of three top officials of the NDF and Communist Party of
the Philippines--Sison, Luis Jalandoni and Gregorio ''Ka Roger'' Rosal.
People who got a leaflet said it was apparently intended to sow fear among would-be
rally participants. With reports from Donna S. Cueto, Dona Pazzibugan and Dave
Veridiano
160,000 rally outside Metro
Manila, Philippines, October 27, 2014 - SOME 160,000 people outside Metro Manila
heeded the call of the Catholic bishops and former President Fidel V. Ramos to join the
pro-democracy rallies in time for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis here in Manila.
Neither strong rains nor winds brought about by Typhoon Luding prevented protesters
from joining the marches in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Dripping wet, many
trudged on under the banner of their organizations.
But others sought refuge in churches and covered gymnasiums where they held the
rallies.
In the Visayas and Mindanao, protesters were greeted with generally fair weather. But
their opposition to Charter change, threats to press freedom and the return of Marcos
cronies were not as less intense as that of their counterparts in Luzon.
LUZON: Protest marches held in the eye of the typhoon

160
PROTESTERS in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya and
Pampanga braved the heavy downpour and strong winds to protest the government's
proposal to change the Constitution and scrap the pork barrel.
About 500 protesters, including teachers and students, carrying anti-Charter change
placards and umbrellas marched on Session Road in Baguio City.
Others chose to march without their umbrellas and rain gear, ignoring the heavy
downpour that drenched their bodies.
Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon, C.I.C.M. said there might be a pro-democracy
rally after October 26. ''We believe that there is a need to change our Constitution but this
is not the right time for it. I still don't want to be an alien in my homeland,'' he said.
Dripping wet, Jeanette Ribaya of the Cordillera multi-sectoral alliance, said Cha-cha was
a threat to national sovereignty and patrimony.
More than 1,000 members of religious, student and civic groups disregarded the rains to
support the pro-democracy rallies in Candon and Vigan towns in Ilocos Sur.
Telephone brigade
In Ilocos Norte, the Catholic Church offered Masses in all parishes in support of the rally.
Some sectors lit candles in front of their homes while other groups formed a telephone
brigade asking friends to call television stations conducting a poll survey to register their
vote against Charter change.
Despite the possibility of flash floods, current Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan
and some 1,000 residents went to Makati to join the rally.
About 600 protesters belonging to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and ally
organizations staged a protest rally at the city proper.
Members of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD) in Central Luzon sang
their version of Que rico Vacelon, a popular cha-cha tune, before proceeding to Makati.
Jay-Ar Hipolito and Mel Soto, artists from the KPD's Teatrong Bayan, said they wrote
the song to help the people get the basic point of Charter change.
Prayers
Anti Cha-cha rallies in Isabela were called off after Typhoon Luding hit Cagayan Valley.
Instead, the groups held silent prayers inside churches.
Isabela bishops, priests and members of the Catholic Church signed a manifesto rejecting
Charter change, calling it demonic and hellish.
In La Union, Bishop Rodolfo Beltran of the diocese of San Fernando asked some 400 lay
people, Catholic school principals and school administrators to resist efforts of the
administration to amend the Charter.
Despite the downpour, people from the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Cordilleras gathered
without fanfare at the Saint Louis College gymnasium to echo the Church position on
Charter change, cronyism and press freedom.
The gathering was led by representatives from the Catholic Educators Association of the
Philippines and the Basic Ecclesial Communities in Northern Luzon.
During the Mass concelebrated by 11 priests from Northern Luzon, Tobias bewailed the
lack of transparency and the use of deceit by the Benigno Aquino III administration in
pushing for Charter change.

161

In Pangasinan, civic-oriented and religious groups held a motorcade despite the bad
weather. At 5 p.m., they led a noise barrage in Dagupan City.
Protesters in a convoy of at least 100 vehicles held a motorcade in Bayombong.
Church bells in Bicol
At least 10,000 people joined the rallies in Bicol.
The March-Bicol (Movement against Revision of the CharterBicol) in Albay was
attended by about 5,000 people.
Starting at three points, they braved a short rain and started moving at 1 p.m. amid the
pealing of church bells.
They started gathering in the morning at the St. Raphael Church and the Redemptorist
Church in Legazpi City and the Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga town.
The marchers, mostly students, converged at Pearanda where ecumenical prayers and
messages from sectoral representatives were delivered.
Two of their streamers read: Pilipino Muna Bago Dayuhan, Huwag Baguhin ang
Konstitusyon, and Crony mo, ihulog mo na sa impiyerno.
In Sorsogon, bells rang in all churches at 6:00 a.m. and Masses were held simultaneously.
Priests enjoined the faithful to participate in the rallies. The assembly point in the capital
town was at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Some 1,000 protesters led by Bayan attended the activity.
Earlier on Thursday, as part of the build-up activities for yesterday's rally, a press forum
was organized jointly by Bayan and the 15-year-old Sorsogon's Independent Media
Reporters Inc. to discuss possible actions against the continuing attacks on press
freedom.
In Naga City, about 2,000 participants joined the rally led by Bayan and the Pandayan
para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas.
Some 2,000 people led by People's Resist against Tyranny staged their own protest action
in Iriga City.
Three schools in the small upland town of Buhi in Camarines Sur--St. Bridget's
Academy, Buhi Lyceum and St. Joseph Academy--held their own protest activity.
A Churchled group also held a Solidarity rally in Daet, Camarines Norte.
Residents of Quezon province held a rally on Wednesday. Close to 10,000 people
attended the mammoth protest rally on Wednesday in Lucena City.
In Baler, Aurora, BayanAurora distributed leaflets as gesture of support to the nationwide
rallies. Though no protest action was launched, various Church-led organizations earlier
voiced out support to the rally.--Reports from Catherine Aquino, Estanislao Caldez,
Melissa Curameng, Leander Domingo, Gia Dumo, Kira Espino, Yolanda Fuertes,
Peter La. J ulian, J uliet Pascual, I melda Visaya and Villamor Visaya J r., PDI Northern
Luzon Bureau; Bert Basa, J un Malig and Tonette Orejas, PDI Central Luzon Desk;
and J uan Escandor, Rey Nasol, Reynaldo T. J amoralin and Delfin T. Mallari J r., PDI
Southern Luzon Bureau
MINDANAO: Bishop says Aquino must listen to the people
PROTESTERS in Davao City wore white ribbons to symbolize their ''pure intentions'' in
demanding an end to moves to amend the Charter.

162
During the march, motorcycle-riding workers from the Kilusang Mayo Uno, took the
lead, waving red, blue and white flags.
Some placards, carried by high school students read: Promote life, dump Concord,
Ang Concord di maayo sa atong isig katawo, and Foreign investors make Filipinos
poor.'' Nuns carried a streamer which read ''Cha-cha is morally sinful.
Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles
said 40,000 attended the rally. If he wants to serve the people, he must listen, he said of
President Benigno Aquino III.
Capalla disclosed that Mr. Aquino phoned him Monday about his pastoral letter which
said that the proposed Charter changes were ''outright oppressive'' and ''morally sinful.''
The archbishop said he stood by his statements.
In Iligan City, Archbishop Elenito de los Reyes Galido told about 1,000 protesters that
the Filipino people should fear Mr. Aquinos promise to change only the economic
aspects of the Charter.
Galido called Mr. Aquino III a liar.
In Cagayan de Oro City, some 400 people marched from the Vicente de Lara Park to the
city center yesterday morning.
At 2 p.m., about 500 students and faculty and university officials conducted a prayer-rally
inside the Xavier University campus.
Msgr. Rey Monsanto, vicar general of the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, said the
attacks on press freedom were ''immoral and unjust.'' He said the right to free expression
and the right to a free and independent press were God-given and must be upheld.
Kidapawan Bishop said his opposition to the Cha-cha was based on ''faith and moral
ground.''
The plan to change the Constitution ''will put the people at the losing end,'' he said,
adding that the ''unrestricted coming of foreign capitalists in the country will only cause
harm to the economy.
Simplicia Delada, spokesperson of Cause-Davao del Sur, said some 5,000 people joined
the rally in Digos, Davao del Sur. Police, however, placed the number at 1,000.
In General Santos City, some 500 protesters expressed disgust over what they called the
imperious attitude of the administration of Mayor Adelbert Antonino for preventing
them to use the Carlos Garcia Park in front of the City Hall.
Around 20 El Shaddai members joined some 1,500 people in the rally against Charter
change in Iligan City.
Heavy rains since yesterday morning spoiled the plan of Western Mindanao's anti-
Charter change and pork barrel protesters to gather in Pagadian City.
Some 120 houses were submerged in waist-deep waters for about three hours Friday
afternoon.
Rallies in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, Oroquieta and Ozamiz were cancelled,
according to a statement of the Alyansang Makabayan in Western Mindanao.
In Dipolog City, at least 1,000 residents joined a prayer rally to denounce the alleged
return of Marcosian rule and the administration's effort to amend the Constitution.
The rally, which started at 1 p.m., was disrupted by a power outage. Power was restored
only at 4:50 p.m., after the rally.
The power outage gripped the entire province of Zamboanga del Norte.

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Bishop Jose Manguiran of the Diocese of Dipolog told the crowd that Charter change
would do more harm than good to the Filipino people.--Reports from J owel F.
Canuday, Ayan C. Mellejor, Rex Godinez-Ortega, Roney C. Pacilan, Bobby Timonera,
J B Deveza, Larry C. Agpalo, Allan A. Nawal, Aquiles Z. Zonio and Hernan P. de la
Cruz, PDI Mindanao Bureau
VISAYAS: Palma writes down speech so he wont be misquoted
DO NOT touch the Constitution!
With this call, Cebu Archbishop Jose Cardinal Palma rallied the people to be vigilant
against any moves to amend the Constitution.
Palmas call was echoed in at least nine key cities in the Visayas where simultaneous
marches and rallies brought to the streets six Catholic Church bishops, including Vidal,
and some 95,000 people.
We must be vigilant. Let as make our voice heard and we must speak out, Palma said
in Cebuano to a cheering crowd of 15,000 who took part in the pro-democracy rally at the
Fuente Osmea Oval in Cebu City.
In Bacolod City, a crowd of 60,000 led by Current Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra
braved the rain and marched on the city's main plaza to denounce moves to amend the
Constitution.
The protest actions also drew 8,000 in Iloilo City; 5,000 in Kabankalan City (Negros
Occidental), 3,000 in San Carlos City (Negros Occ.), 1,500 in Tagbilaran City, 1,000 in
Kalibo, 1,000 in Dumaguete City, and 500 in Ormoc City.
Some El Shaddai members in Iloilo showed they had a mind of their own. About 20 El
Shaddai members from the town of Batorac Viejo joined the anti-Charter change rally in
Iloilo City.
Early in his speech, Palma said he wrote his message and read it to the crowd ''so that
nobody will misinterpret what I truly think and feel.''
This drew laughter among some of the protesters who remembered the conflicting
versions of what transpired during the meeting between President Benigno Aquino III
and the archbishop on the BRP Ang Pangulo on August 5 in Cebu.
The President had quoted Vidal as saying there was press freedom under the Aquino
administration. Vidal denied this, saying he was only referring to state of press freedom
in Cebu.
The President also said Vidal promised to help explain the administration's proposed
constitutional reforms. This was also belied by Vidal who reiterated his stand against
constitutional changes at this time.
We are not against anybody, Vidal stressed. We are only for something.
We are for our country's patrimony, we are for economic sovereignty, we are for the
entire Filipino people's civil and political liberties, he said.
Vidal criticized globalization, saying this would only worsen the misery of the Filipino
people.
He said globalization was being backed by greedy men supported by laws such as the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Law, Banking Sector Reform Law, Omnibus
Power Sector Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act and other private transnational
interests.

164
The weather in Cebu was overcast but there was no downpour, only a light short drizzle
and balmy winds.
Palma attributed the good weather to God's graces.
The Cebu rally also brought together former anti-Marcos street parliamentarians,
including former Assemblywoman Nenita Cortes-Daluz and former Cebu City
congressman Antonio Cuenco.
Bacolod
In Bacolod City, the protesters represented a cross section of Negros society. They
included workers, students and hacienda owners.
While Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra was not at the rally, Fortich gave the crowd the
moral boost they needed.
We are gathered together to inform the people that this is not the time for change, this is
the time for implementing programs for the poor, he said.
Noynoy promised to be for the poor but has failed to fulfill his promise, Fortich said.
We do not want to give a chance for a social volcano to destroy the structures of
democracy again, he said.
Navarra said Mike Velarde and Eddie Villanuevas holding an affair at the same time as
the anti-Cha-cha rally showed a defect in his character.
This is not a contest of popularity. This is a question of showing loyalty to the
Constitution, showing loyalty to the church, Fortich said.
In Iloilo City, Msgr. Jose Gamboa, administrator of the Jaro Archdiocese, called on the
President to listen to the people, who he said, were against Cha-cha.
Some 500 members of Bayan staged a separate rally at the Freedom Grandstand near the
Iloilo City Hall.
In Tacloban City, the protest action came in the form of a forum on Charter change,
initiated by the Freedom from Debt Coalition-Leyte Island Chapter (FDC-LIC).
In Kalibo, Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc led the some 1,000 participants in a rally at the
Pastrana Park.
We had been fooled before. Let us not allow ourselves to get fooled again, was the gist
of his message.
In Kabankalan City, about 5,000 persons led by Bishop Patricio Abella Buzon attended
the rally at the public plaza amid slight drizzle at 10 a.m.
He called on those who attended the rally to sign petitions against Charter change and to
send these to President Benigno Aquino III, the Congress and to local officials.
He also asked the Kabankalan residents not to remove anti-Cha-cha streamers posted in
public places and in the homes so the protests will continue to be felt.
We will continue (our anti-Cha-cha protests) even after today,'' he said.
In San Carlos City, about 3,000 people attended an anti-Charter change Mass officiated
by Fr. Alfredo Quiniquitio, judicial vicar of the Diocese of San Carlos, at the San Carlos
Borromeo Cathedral.
After the Mass, the people marched around the city to drum up support for the anti-
Charter change rally.
In Ormoc, students made up the bulk of those who took part in the rally. Reports by
Piedad Y. Gonzalez, Froilan Gallardo, Cynthia A. Borgueta, Carla P. Gomez, Vicente

165

S. Labro, Nereo C. Lujan, Romy G. Amarado, Chito A. Fuentes, Odon S. Bandiola and
Recto I . Vidal, PDI Visayas Bureau
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_San_Fernando_de_La
_Union, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Bacolod,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Kabankalan
Millions packed Luneta for
Papal Mass


166

167

They always start the gathering at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila on Saturday,
October 25 commences at 3:00 p.m. with the opening number, Reverend Ephraim Perez
and Bro. Boy Baldomaro of the New Hope of Life Church, Baliuag, Bulacan led the
congregation in the singing of praise and worship songs. Bishop Efraim M. Tendero of
the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCES) exhorted the crowd about the
importance of prayer. They all remain standing when Reverend Reynaldo Santillana of
the Christian Ministers Council of Bulacan led the invocation and the choir led the
singing of the Philippine national anthem.

By Saturday night, when the pope swayed with them in song at a prayer vigil in Luneta
Park, their numbers had swelled from an estimated half-million to a million, including the
450,000 participants to JIL Anniversary Celebration.

168

Overnight, hundreds of thousands of Philippine residents more pushed the figure to about
2 million. It was already such a throng that bishops were roused from their beds at dawn
to give them time to get through the multitude. Even then, the bishops in their purple-
fringed robes were forced to abandon their bus when it bogged down in the crowd.

By the time the Mass was supposed to start, the multitude had become a megatude.

These are the greatest numbers I have ever seen, said John L. Allen Jr., a Vatican
official from the United States. He said that even the record-setting 2 million who turned
out to see the late pope John Paul the Second in Krakow, in his native Poland, on June 6,
1979 after his October 16, 1978 Papal election, was a small crowd by comparison.

This is an excess of success, said the papal spokesman, Federico Lombardi.
The pope, he said, was delighted.

It is his first trip for such a long time, and he has found this kind of reception, Mr.
Lombardi said.

The pope himself reached the altar 80 minutes late. Resplendent in gold robes, he was
helped by an aide to clamber from a helicopter and onto the altar. He seemed struck by
the size of the throng before him, his lips quivering as if in silent prayer.

I love you, the Pope told the crowd, reflecting the tenor of the Roman Catholic
Churchs ceremonies in Asias only predominantly Catholic capital.

Manila television commentators estimated 1 million people attended the Saturday
overnight vigil, but todays turnout exceeded all expectations and knotted Manila solid.

His schedule called for a 15-minute, two-mile drive from the Apostolic Nunciature to the
altar, but he was trapped for more than an hour in the nunciature, where he spent the
night Saturday, October 25. Police finally decided to fly him in a helicopter over the vast
crowd.

This is the biggest crowd I have ever seen in my life; bigger than the ones in Poland
when the late Pope John Paul 2 went back for the first time, said Vatican TV
commentator John L. Allen Jr.

Festive Filipinos so far from the Mass site that they would have no chance of seeing the
Pope lined the street 50 deep.

Flags of dozens of nations, including the Stars and Stripes, waved under gray skies in the
humid air to salute the pontiff, who sat on a red velvet throne in the same park Saturday
night to hear the ideas and concerns of young pilgrims.


169

At 8:00 P.M. the Vigil with the Pope: The Pope arrived at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal
Park to celebrate a Eucharistic adoration.

11:00pm when Night in Rizal Park: From early in the morning, participants arrived at
Cuatro Vientos, but were not able to adore the Eucharist as planned because of the storm
that damaged the chapels. The stage was designed by Francisco Manosa, an Philippine
architect who had assisted with World Youth Day celebrations during the time of John
Paul II.

The number of people attending exceeded expectations, which means more land, had to
be found round the edges to accommodate the people. An estimated 5,000,000 were in
the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila at seven o'clock in the evening, which made
this the largest and the grandest annual Roman Catholic event ever staged in the
Philippines. Many pilgrims walked from the centre of Manila (12.6 km), although extra
public transport was put on.

The Pope arrived and a cross was carried in procession to the altar. Several young people
were picked to ask questions to the Pope, but a sudden thunderstorm and high winds,
meant that the Pope's address had to be communicated to the crowd in written form.

The Pope resumed the adoration of the Eucharist, after the rain, although with a shortened
programme. A mass with distribution of the Eucharist to many in the crowd had to be
reduced in dimension.

Many stayed during the night, and the Sunday morning mass took on a larger dimension
to make up for the day before.

Some who were at the Rizal Park as early as 6:00 A.M., Sunday, October 26 seemed
tireless, singing songs of praises over and over again.

JIL Anniversary organizers taught all those present at the vigil the melodies, along with
hand movements, of all the songs in booklets distributed early in the day.

170

Unfortunately, not all of them seemed to be aware of the real purpose of the Vigil. Those
assigned at shady and darker areas of the Park were sleeping as 7:00 a.m. while others
satisfied themselves playing cards, eating and listening to the radio while a mass ongoing.

Before noon of October 6, in observance of Bro. Eddies 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 (610,000 square
meter) Rizal Park for the grand prayer assembly and annual founding anniversary
celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious
movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and 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, crispy fried chicken, pizza,
doughnuts, mojos, burgers, Palabok, lasagna, spaghetti, French fries, criss-cut fries, ice
creams, pies, loafs, ensaymada, rolls, soups and salads from SM City Manilas SM
Supermarket section at the lower ground floor and 42 food tenants and were served
around 11:00:00 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 founder and 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

171

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 and the Lobby of the Manila Hotel, 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, cookies and cream ube, mango and pandan ice
cream, crema de fruta and fruit salad.

The celebritiy guests were at the Manila Hotel are: 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, countrys
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, McCann Erickson Client Service Director
Bernadette Chincuanco, 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,

172
Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos
Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Tony Ferrer,
Ablan, Suyen Corporation Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ben
Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, public relations practitioner, events orgainzer and
talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis and Star Magic handler Monch
Novales, 300 Kapamilya stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and
Suzi Entrata, beauty queens Lara Quigaman, Shamcey Supsup with husband
Lloyd Lee, Gwen Ruais, Bianca Manalo and Pia Wurtzbach, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine
Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart
Santiago, Randy Santiago, 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, Dominique Cojuangco, Dina Bonnevie with husband
Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Jericho Rosales,
apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, 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, Raya Mananquil-de Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with
Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles team manager
Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models Association of the Philippines president
Phoemela Baranda also came with Manilas 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 Philippine STAR Lifestyle section 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 mens
basketball coach Bo Perasol and his players Ponso Gotladera, Kris Porter, Anton
Asistio, Isaac Jules Lim, former players JC Intal, Macky Escalona, Nico Salva,
Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort, Juami Tiongson, Frank Golla,
Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram, and Jai Reyes, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., William Lao,
Mother Lily Monteverde, Shirley Kuan, Deedee Sytangco, Sec. Sonny Coloma,
Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily Layug,
Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-
Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa, Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg
Yu, Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto, Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-
Aawit (OPM) President and EDSA People Power Commissioner Ogie Alcasid,
Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Paulo Avelino, Coco Martin and Julia Montes,
model and television show host Bianca Gonzales and music composer Jim
Paredes, economist and former NEDA secretary general Solita Collas-Monsod,
actor Robin Padilla with his wife Mariel Rodriguez and brother Rommel, noontime
game and variety television show host Willie Revillame, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria

173

Diaz, Father and son Pen and Ping Medina, cousins Isabelle Daza and Georgina
Wilson, Pokwang, Wowowee girls RR Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April
Congratulations Gustilo, Carla Abellana, sexy actress Katrina Halili, models
Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Vince Ferraren and JC Tiuseco, comedian Gelli
de Belen, Dra. Vicki Belo, Edward Mendez, volleyball player Gretchen Ho,
comedian John Lapus, singer Kean Cipriano, Comedienne Candy Pangilinan
and Arnell Ignacio, film and television directors Jose Javier Reyes and Manny
Castaeda, Ramon Bautista, Richard Gutierrez, TV host Raymond Gutierrez, Mae
Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Noel Trinidad and Jun Urbano, Judy Ann
Gutierrez, Rustom Padilla, German Moreno and Gardo Versoza, 1986 EDSA
veterans Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon
Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan and daughter KC Concepcion, Television host Paolo
Bediones, Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach, former Chicago Bulls
center Luc Longley, and comedy superstar Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Charlene
Gonzales, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, Rez Cortez, William
Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso
Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric Quizon, G. Toengi-Walters and Romnick
Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado,
Philip Salvador, Smokey Manaloto, Beth Tamayo-Wong, Antoinette Taus, Tom
Taus, Janine Gutierrez, and basketball stars, Sunshine Cruz-Montano, Gladys
Reyes-Roxas, Daisy Reyes, Rufa Mae Quinto and Isabel Granada, Bro. Eddie
Villanueva 2010 presidential election campaign supporters Coney Reyes, Karla
Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita Rose, Nonoy Zuniga and Prof.
Jeremias Jangad, Hawak-Kamay main cast members Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla,
Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, Yesha Camile, supporting cast members Juan
Karlos Labajo and Lyca Gairanod, Jacob Dionisio, Axel Torres, Maris Racal,
Manolo Pedrosa and Nichole Baranda, PBA players James Yap and sons Joshua
Cheska, Fastbreak charity basketball game players Gerald Anderson, Anne
Curtis, Daniel Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jose Manalo, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui
Pio, Derek Ramsay, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim, Lemuelle Pelayo, Jason Abalos, Arthur
Solinap, Carl Guevara, Rico Blanco, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford,
Chris Tiu, JV Kapunan, Jon Lucas, Ervic Vijandre, Arjo Atayde, Joe Vargas, Gab
Valenciano, Jon Hall, Carlo Gonzales and James and Jim Salas, Thirdy
Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Chris
Newsome, Baser Amer, Von Pessumal, and Nico Elorde, NBA 3x3 Philippines
celebrity basketball players Fabio Ide, Rovilson Fernandez, Gerard Acao, Bobby
Yan, Andy Smith, Will Devaughn, Robin da Roza and Joross Gamboa, running
coach Rio de la Cruz, basketball coaches Vince Hizon and Allan Gregorio, Perlas
Pilipinas womens national basketball team player Melissa Jacob, sports
broadcasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark Zambrano of GMA News and
Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas of ABS-CBN Sports, 7,107 International Music
Festival celebrity revelers Magalona siblings, KC Montero, Rhian Ramos, Troy
Montero, Aubrey Miles, Solenn Heussaff, Coleen Garcia, Sam Pinto, Felix and

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Basa, Michelle Madrigal, Boys Night Out Disc Jockeys, Kiefer Ravena, Brent
Javier, Borgy Manotoc, Ellen Adarna, Bianca King, Phil Younghusband, and
more, BENCH/ family stars, 6,200: The Mission Possible Project personalities and
The Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Fashion Show celebrity models Kim
Chiu, Karylle, basketball players Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph
Marco, Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Michelle Vito, Sofia
Andres, Dianne Medina, Helga Krapf, Melissa Ricks, Djanin Cruz, Kiana
Valenciano with Samantha Godinez-Valenciano, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners
Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mr. Chinatown 2014 winners
David Licuaco and Kurt Joshua Ong, Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be
BENCH/: The 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,
newest BENCHsetters including actors Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Martin del
Rosario and Dominic Roque, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons
basketball player Andre Paras and De La Salle Green Archers mens basketball
player Arnold van Opstal, America's Next Top Models Dominique Reighard
and Allison Harvard, Asias Next Top Model finalist Katarina Rodriguez,
television commercial, ramp, print and fashion models and hunk actors Benjamin
Alves, Jon Avila, Franco Daza, Victor Silayan, John James Uy, Marvin Raymundo,
Miko Raval and Raphael Robes, Luisito Rabat, models and athletes Anton del
Rosario and Sam Richelle, Andrew Wolff and Janka Cederstam, Hideo
Muraoka, Catriona Gray, Valerie Bariou-Bondoc, Rima Ostwani, Janeena Chan,
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, Yassi Pressman, 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, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, Ritz Azul, Eula Caballero, Martin
Escudero, Empoy Marquez, GMA News and Public Affairs personalities Mike
Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima, Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida,
Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Nathaniel Cruz, Media
personalities Atty. Dong Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Gerard Garcia, Jeanne Young,
Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza, society columnist Mons Romulo,
Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto, Boy Abunda, Cesar Montano,
Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Korina Sanchez, Katrina Ponce Enrile and Ling-
Ling King; celebrity makeup artist Patrick Rosas; hair stylist Jing Monis; Karen
Davila (with her sons David and Lucas), Marjorie Barretto-Padilla and daughter
Dani Barretto; Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega, Edu Manzano, John Prats, Survivor
Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu, teen heartthrobs
Robi Domingo and David Chua, Bayani Agbayani, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin,
Danilo Barrios, Streetboys and Ya Chang, Peping Cojuangcos daughters Mikee
Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her adorable baby

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Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, music composer Ryan Cayabyab and his wife
Emmy, Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez, Arnold
Vegafria and Cris Villonco, swimmer Johansen Aguilar, and wrestler Marcus
Valda, Gwen Garci, Preview magazine editor in chief Pauline Suaco-Juan, Daryl
Chang, Liz Uy, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual, Gretchen Fullido,
MJ Marfori, Vanessa Matsunaga, Andi Manzano-Reyes and Diwa Party-List
Rep. Em Aglipay, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert Martinez
with daughter Alissa Martinez, Benjie Paras with wife Lyxen, Mylene Dizon, Iza
Calzado, Marco Sison, Ivy Violan, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales, Shaina
Magdayao, Bangs Garcia, Jerome Florentino, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary
Valencianos wife Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron Villaflor,
Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Sam Milby, Gina Tabuena-Godinez, Tonton
Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Noel Cabangon, Ariel Rivera, Hyubs Azarcon, Heber
Bartolome and Paolo Santos, Rhap Salazar, Agot Isidro, Liezel Martinez, Rachel
Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, musical director and arranger Homer Flores,
ballerina, actress and ballet director Maritoni Rufino-Tordesillas, Nikki Tang,
Marcott Almeda, Ruby Chua, Tiffany Chua, Sheree Chua,
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, Doris Magsaysay Ho,
Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rikki
and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander Tantoco, Philippine National
Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, Renna Hechanova Angeles, Karen Santos,
Bobby and Chingbee Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, 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, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, Liza Ilarde,
Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, Mariko
Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa, Renna
Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz, Nick and
Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos, Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miana, 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, Alvin Anson; Brian Llamanzares; Adel Tamano, Simon
Tantoco, indoor volleyball players Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Fille Saint Merced
Cainglet-Cayetano, A Nacachi, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alyssa
Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Coach 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, Mitch Datuin, Abby Praca,
Bea Pascual, Judy Caballejo, Maruja Banaticla, AJ Pareja, Myco Antonio, Henry

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Pecana, Rex Intal, Dindin Santiago, Jaja Santiago, Kathy Bersola, Princess Gaiser,
Shiela Marie Bang Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie Vargas, Jen Reyes,
Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, Edwin Tolentino, Peter
Den Mar Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Jeshul
Galang, and Cyd Demicillo, Renz Casanova, Chris Macasaet, Philip Cerveza,
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.

Respected heads of different religious organizations also joined in the celebrations
including Roman Catholic Bishop-Emeritus Deogracias Iniguez of the Diocese of
Caloocan, Bishop Leo Alconga of the International Bible Society, Bishop Dan Balais of
Philippines for Jesus Movement, Pastor Ed De Guzman of Intercessors for the
Philippines, Pastor Paul Chase of Alabang New Life in Christ, Apostle Renato Carillo of
Jesus Our Shield Worldwide Ministries, Pastor Art Ferriol of Pentecostal Missionary
Church of Christ, Pastor Emilio Henares of River of Life in Bacolod, Pastor Joshua
Bontogan of Life Touchers Ministry, Pastor Entoy Sintos of Jesus Miracle Crusade, and
Bro. Danny Navales of Ang Dating Daan.

Their anniversary and birthday cakes came from Fernandos Bakeshop of Pinky
Fernando-Ramos, Penk Ching, 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 Bishop Brother Eddie, Mallonga said.

Security nightmare
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.


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El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. founder and servant-
leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde told local and foreign newsmen he spent a few million on
the handkerchiefs and other freebies and props, including bells, 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 television 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 Manila Bay to the area behind the Rizal monument
across Roxas Boulevard. By nightfall, the El Shaddai followers and members 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 congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were blaring of
sirens in all government offices, mobile police cars and watercraft, firetrucks and jail
service vans, thousands of white doves will be released, bells will be tolled, blowing of
horns, pounding of musical drums or tin cans and other noise-producing objects, tied to
balloons and released to the air and fireworks will be lit at the signal of Bro. Eddie.

Velarde said that at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, blaring of sirens in all government
offices, mobile police cars and watercraft, firetrucks and jail service vans, thousands
of white doves will be released, bells will be tolled, blowing of horns, pounding of
musical drums or tin cans and other noise-producing objects, miracle mission balloons
of faith, love and unity would be released to the air with 4 prayer requests and petitions
written on ballpen or pencil on them and fireworks will be lit to signal to brought out the
cake, chilled champagne, blow the candles and sang Happy Birthday.

A thousand-voice choir will sing the birthday song accompanies by the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra.

The 4 prayer requests are:
For these religious groups to continue touching people's lives, healing the sick, and
repairing broken relationships.
For President Aquino to succeed in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor
through food security and peace and order initiatives.
For the Marcos wealth issue to be resolved by the people in a referendum so the stigma
and bitterness caused by this unresolved issue may be healed and bring about unity and
love among our people.

178
For media to be a constructive partner in nation building by their truthful, honest and
fair reporting of events, such as: international and local competitions, television programs
and movies.
For the construction of major infrastructure projects in the Philippines such as rail and
road infrastructure projects, high and mid-rise buildings, residential and office
condominiums, shopping malls, hotels and resorts.

Asked later if the last request means that, like the President, he thinks some in media are
irresponsible in their reporting, Velarde replied: I am not saying that. I'm just praying
that media would continue being a constructive partner in nation building.

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.

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.


179

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.

180

181

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, and their
children: Jiggy and Jonty Aquino-Cruz, Miggy and Nina Aquino-Abellada, Kiko
and Jia Aquino-Dee, joined by 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 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.; Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona, 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

182
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, appointments
secretary Rochelle R. Ahorro, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte,
presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda, former senators Heherson
Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Henry Osmea,
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 Osmea III, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona,
Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy Binay, Lito Lapid, Jinggoy
Estrada, JV Ejercito, Juan Ponce Enrlie, Ralph Recto and Vicente Sotto III, Majority
Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo C. Farias,
Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos, Ilocos Sur 1st District Rep. Ronald V.
Singson, 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 Sarangani Lone District Rep. Manny
Pacquiao, 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, Martin Villarama, Jr., Jose Perez, Jose C.
Mendoza, Bienvenido L. 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 Andaya-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 Paraaque
City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar and
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos,
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Mayor Chevylle V. Farias, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis
Singson, Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina, Abra Governor Eustaquio
Bersamin, Bangued Mayor Dominic Bosuego Valera, Benguet Governor Nestor
Fongwan, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Tabuk City, Kalinga mayor
Ferdinand Tubban, Cagayan Provincial Governor Alvaro Antonio, Tuguegarao
City, Cagayan Mayor Jefferson Pattaui Soriano, Aparri Mayor Shalimar D.
Tumaru, Batanes Governor Vicente Gato, Basco Mayor Demetrius Paul C. Narag,
Isabela Provincial Governor Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy III, Santiago City Mayor Joseph

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Salvador Tan, Ilagan City, Isabela Mayor Josemarie "Jay" L. Diaz, DMD, Cauayan,
Isabela Mayor Bernard F. La Madrid Dy, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Governor Ruth
Padilla, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Mayor Ramon T. Cabauatan Jr.,
Quirino Provincial Governor Junie E. Cua, Cabarroguis, Quirino Municipal Mayor
Avelino N. Agustin Jr., Pangasinan Provincial Governor Amado Espino, Rosales,
Pangasinan Mayor Susan P. Casareno, Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez,
Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio E. Perez IV, Tarlac Governor Jesus
Bong" Santos, Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio R. Manalang, La Union Governor
Manuel "Manoling" C. Ortega, San Fernando, La Union mayor Pablo C. Ortega,
Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., Olongapo City Mayor Rolen
Paulino, Subic, Zambales Mayor Jeffrey D. Khonghun, Aurora Provincial Governor
Gerardo A. Noveras, Baler, Aurora Municipal Mayor Nelianto C. Bihasa,
Pampanga Provincial Governor Lilia G. Pineda, San Fernando, Pampanga
Mayor Edwin Santiago, Angeles City, Pampanga Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan,
Bataan Provincial Governor Albert S. Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique
S. Garcia III, Bulacan Provincial Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Marilao
Municipal Mayor Juanito "Tito" H. Santiago, Baliwag Municipal Mayor Carolina
Dellosa, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Nueva
Ecija Provincial Governor Aurelio Matias Umali, Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius
Cesar V. Vergara, Cavite Provincial Governor Juanito Victor Remulla, Bacoor
City Mayor Strike Revilla, Dasmarinas City Mayor Jennifer A.
Barzaga, Rosario Municipal Mayor Jose M. Ricafrente Jr., Laguna Provincial
Governor Ramil Hernndez, Santa Rosa City, Laguna Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas-
Nazareno, Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc Timmy Chipeco, San Pablo City
Mayor Loreto S. Amante, Los Baos Municipal Caesar P. Perez, Rizal Provincial
Governor Rebecca A. Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III, Cainta
Mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto, Taytay Municipal Mayor Janet De Leon - Mercado,
San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz, Angono Mayor Gerry V. Calderon,
Jalajala Mayor Narciso San Juan Villaran, Batangas Provincial Governor Vilma
Santos-Recto, Batangas City Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha, Lipa City Mayor
Meynardo A. Sabili, Quezon Provincial Governor David C. Suarez, Lucena City
Mayor Roderick A. Alcala, Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, Puerto Princesa
City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, Marinduque Governor Carmencita Ongsiako Reyes,
Boac Mayor Roberto Madla, Occidental Mindoro Governor Mario Gene
Mendiola, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Romulo "Muloy" Festin Oriental
Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Mayor
Arnan C. Panaligan, Romblon Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, Romblon Mayor
Gerard S. Montojo, Masbate Governor Rizalina L. Seachon-Laete, Masbate City
Mayor Rowena R. Tuason, Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado, Daet
Mayor Tito S. Sarion, Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte, Naga City Mayor
John Bongat, Albay Provincial Governor Joey Salceda, Legaspi City Mayor Noel
Rosal, Catanduanes Governor Araceli Wong, Virac Mayor Flerida Ruth A.
Alberto, Sorsogon Provincial Governor Antonio Escudero Jr., Sorsogon City Mayor
Sally A. Lee, Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., Iloilo City Mayor Jed
Patrick Mabilog, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Kalibo Mayor William S.
Lachica, Malay Mayor John P. Yap, Antique Governor Exequiel Javier, San Jose
de Buneavista Mayor Rony L. Molina, Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco, Roxas City

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Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino, Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Maraon,
Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario
Junjun Davide III, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Consolacion Municipal
Mayor Teresa P. Alegado, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Dumaguete
City Mayor Manuel Chiquiting Sagarbarria, Sipalay City Mayor Soledad C.
Montilla, Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto, Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell Yap,
Tacloban City, Leyte Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, Ormoc City Mayor Eric C.
Codilla, Capoocan Mayor Federico H. Carolino Sr., Isabel Leyte Mayor Marcos
Gregorio M. Cerillo, Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo P. Aquino, Borongan City
Mayor Ma. Fe R. Abunda, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco
Salazar, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan, Dipolog City,
Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, Davao del Sur Provincial
Governor Claude Bautista, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Mati City, Davao
Oriental Mayor Carlo Luis P. Rabat, Panabo City, Davao del Norte Mayor Jose L.
Silvosa Sr., South Cotabato Provincial Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, General
Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Koronadal Mayor Peter B. Miguel, Polomok
Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti, Sarangani Governor Steve C. Solon, Alabel Mayor
Corazon S. Grafilo, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, Cotabato,
Maguindanao Mayor Japal "JoJo" Guiani, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A.
Evangelista, Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano,
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Gingoog City Mayor Stella Marie L.
Guingona, Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, Ozamiz City Mayor
Reynaldo O. Parojinog Sr., Lanao del Norte governor Mohammad Khalid Q.
Dimaporo, Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, Bukidnon Governor, Malaybalay
City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri, Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Adolph Edward
Plaza, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., United States ambassador
Philip S. Goldberg, Canadian ambassador Christopher Thronley, Spanish
ambassador Jorge Domecq, Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseor,
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, TAPE, Inc.
president and chief executive officer Antonio P. Tuviera, TAPE, Inc. chairman-
emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, Malou Choa-Fagar, TV5 President-Emeritus and The
Philippine STAR Chairman Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO Noel

185

Lorenzana, Ariel Fermin, Gary Dujali, News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Sports5
head and Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Coach Chot Reyes, 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 Broadcasting 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, music composer
and television director Bobet and actor 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, 600 participants of
the World Economic Forum on East Asia Summit 2014 from more than 30
countries, 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,

186
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, countrys 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, Tony Ferrer,
Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque
RoquitoAblan, 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, stylist Noel
Manapat, public relations practitioner, events orgainzer and talent manager
Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis and Star Magic handler Monch Novales, 300
Kapamilya stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata,
Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis
Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago,
Randy Santiago, Bamboo Manalac, Binibining Pilipinas 2013 winners Cindy
Miranda and Pia Romero, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss

187


188
Chiu, Karylle, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph
Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Juan Miguel Lasala, Mr.
Chinatown 2014 winners David Licuaco and Kurt Joshua Ong, Mark Lopez, Jairus
Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be BENCH/: The 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
of the Philippines Fighting Maroons basketball player Andre Paras and De La
Salle Green Archers mens basketball player Arnold van Opstal, America's Next
Top Models Dominique Reighard and Allison Harvard, Asias Next Top Model
finalist Katarina Rodriguez, television commercial, ramp, print and fashion models
and actors Benjamin Alves, Jon Avila, Franco Daza, Victor Silayan, John James
Uy, Marvin Raymundo, Miko Raval and Raphael Robes, Luisito Rabat, models
and athletes Anton del Rosario and Sam Richelle, Andrew Wolff and Janka
Cederstam, Hideo Muraoka, Catriona Gray, Valerie Bariou-Bondoc, Rima
Ostwani, Janeena Chan, 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, Yassi Pressman, Rafael Rosell, Glaiza de Castro,
Rochelle Pangilinan, Mona Louise Rey, Jonalyn Viray, Kyla Calumpad-Alvarez,

189

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, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, GMA News and Public
Affairs personalities Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima,
Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and
Nathaniel Cruz, Media personalities Atty. Dong Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Gerard
Garcia, Jeanne Young, Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza, society
columnist Mons Romulo, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto, Boy
Abunda, Cesar Montano, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Korina Sanchez,
Katrina Ponce Enrile and Ling-Ling King; celebrity makeup artist Patrick Rosas; hair
stylist Jing Monis; Karen Davila (with her sons David and Lucas), Marjorie Barretto-
Padilla and daughter Dani Barretto; Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega, Edu Manzano,
John Prats, Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki
Sadatsugu, heartthrobs Robi Domingo and David Chua, Bayani Agbayani,
Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, Streetboys and Ya Chang, Peping
Cojuangco daughters Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez
(and her adorable baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, music composer Ryan
Cayabyab and his wife Emmy, Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Celeste Legaspi,
JM Rodriguez, Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, swimmer Johansen Aguilar, and
wrestler Marcus Valda, Gwen Garci, Preview magazine editor in chief Pauline
Suaco-Juan, Daryl Chang, Liz Uy, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual,
Gretchen Fullido, MJ Marfori, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert
Martinez with daughter Alissa Martinez, Benjie Paras with wife Lyxen, Mylene
Dizon, Iza Calzado, Marco Sison, Ivy Violan, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales,
Shaina Magdayao, Bangs Garcia, Jerome Florentino, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary

190
Joanne Bunag, Jacqueline Alarca and Ers Iratay, Bishop Leo Alconga of the
International Bible Society, Bishop Dan Balais of Philippines for Jesus Movement,
Pastor Ed De Guzman of Intercessors for the Philippines, Pastor Paul Chase of
Alabang New Life in Christ, Apostle Renato Carillo of Jesus Our Shield Worldwide
Ministries, Pastor Art Ferriol of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, Pastor
Emilio Henares of River of Life in Bacolod, Pastor Joshua Bontogan of Life
Touchers Ministry, Pastor Entoy Sintos of Jesus Miracle Crusade, and Bro. Danny
Navales of Ang Dating Daan were arrived at the back of Quirino Grandstand
from the Manila Hotel after the dinner lasted from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

October 27 birthday celebrant Kiefer Ravena, who accompanied by Jeric and Jeron Teng
on his buying of cake from Goldilocks Bakeshop and ice cream such as Selecta variants
in SM Supermarket, SM City Manila branch taking a taxi ride from the mall to the
Manila Hotel. He celebrated his birthday with the Fastbreak family.

The rain lasted for 15 minutes, and sent people rushing for cover under stalls, trees,
umbrellas and large pieces of plastic.

President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials are expected to show up at
the celebration because the 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 26.

191

The President is expected to address the annual celebration at 5:05 p.m.

BECAUSE he delivered his 30-minute speech at the El Shaddai gathering was held in
thanksgiving for the peaceful and successful grand annual founding anniversary
celebration and grand prayer assembly worship and healing services of Evangelical
Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide and annual birthday celebration of television evangelist and Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C.
Villanueva in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here two hours after the
political groups delivered their messages at a pro-democracy rally in Makati, President
Benigno Aquino III was able to answer back.

The elite are threatened by the new emerging order for it might diminish their power,
he said of his critics.

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, threats to press freedom,
transportation, power and water shortage in Metro Manila, the rehabilitation after the
triple disasters in Mindanao and Visayas such as the Cagayan de Oro bombing last July
27, the Zamboanga Siege last September 9, the Bohol Earthquake last October 16, the
Super Typhoon Yolanda last November 8 and the Super Typhoon Glenda last July 16,
Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough
Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development
Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation
after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and the recent

192
typhoon Glenda in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office funds 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, the high-profile killings: the
killing of champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City, Metro Manila and
Crown Regency Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del Sur last June 12,
the gang rape and killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in Calumpit, Bulacan last
August 18 and 7-year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845, Pandacan, Manila last
September 6, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda,Luis and Mario, the 100 million
population mark, the issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the awarding
of the LRT-1 south extension project and P1.4-billion common station legal fiasco 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.

Playing underdog

193

At one point, he played the underdog and asked the El Shaddai and Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide members to pray not only for him but also for his critics so all of us could be
enlightened by the Lord.

He also reiterated that he would never stand in the way of any demonstration or protest
action, but I hope they (critics) will also listen to me so we can understand each other
and we can unite for our country.

Addressing the political opposition, he said: Huwag nating guluhin at lituhin ang ating
mga kababayan. I appeal for a sober and mature discussion of the relevant issues in the
proposed Constitutional amendments instead of innuendoes.

He also said he was willing to listen to the advice of our countrymen but nothing will
happen to our society if we fight and trade accusations and insults while the majority of
our people remain in poverty.

Mr. Aquino--who, Ramos had remarked, finds it hard to forgive and forget--reminded
his detractors of a passage in the Gospel according to St. Luke.

Judge not and you shall not be judged, condemn not and you shall not be condemned,
forgive and you shall be forgiven, he said.

Different time
Mr. Aquino said nothing could stop his desire to amend the Constitution to help the poor.

He said the issue here is not the extension of the term limits of the President but rather
the reform of the Constitution and the economic system that we now have.
He reiterated that the amendments he was seeking were not political but economic.

We need to adjust our Constitution with global realities, for the present Constitution that
we have was framed in a different time where the economy of nations was based on
protectionism, he said.

He said any provisional amendment would need the final approval of the people and not
of the President or of any politician or businessman.

He brushed off the findings of surveys indicating that a majority of Filipinos were against
Charter change. He said that such surveys made use of telephones, which many poor
people do not have access to.

Earlier in his speech, Mr. Aquino III announced he was following Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and El
Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velardes advice to create a clemency commission to study all
death penalty cases.


194
All security and crowd control measures broke down in the pandemonium. Ambulances
and buses with Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, and
Parochial Vicars, Roman catholic archbishops, bishops, deacons and monsignors were
blocked more than an hour before the Mass was start.

Biggest celebration

On October 26, 2014, a Sunday evening, Pope Francis arrived at Malacaang Park aboard
the Pope mobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on 2140 Taft Avenue, Malate, but was
forced to ride the presidential helicopter S-70A-5 along with Philippine President
Benigno S. Aquino III, Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr., Philippine
Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, House Speaker Feliciano R.
Belmonte, Jr., Philippine Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, former Philippine President
Fidel V. Ramos, former Philippine President and Manila City Mayor Joseph Ejercito-
Estrada, former Philippine President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo, Singaporean President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, Singaporean Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong, Singaporean Supreme Court Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Singaporean Parliament Speaker Halimah Yacob, former Singaporean President Sellapan
Ramanathan Nathan, former Singaporean Prime Minster Goh Chok Tong, former
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul
Razak, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdul Halim of Kedah, Former Malaysian Prime
Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi, Malaysian Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria, Indonesian President Joko Widodo,
Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Former Indonesian President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila
Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop-Emeritus
Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya,

195

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 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, Zamboanga
Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye,
Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian
Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Kuala
Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha Tiong
Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu
Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong
Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-
Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Palembang Archbishop Aloysius
Sudarso, Kupang Archbishop Peter Turang, Makassar Archbishop Johannes Liku Ada,
Medan Archbishop Anicetus Bongsu Antonius Sinaga, Medan Archbishop-Emeritus
Alfred Gonti Pius Datubara, Pontianak Archbishop Agustinus Agus, Pontianak
Archbishop-Emeritus Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun and Apostolic Nunciature of the
Holy See to the Philippines, Archbishop 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.

From the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila, the Pope rode the
Pope Mobile into Malacanang Park, four kilometers away. From there, the Holy Father
boarded the Presidential Helicopter at the back of the Quirino Grandstand at 7:45 P.M.

Even the Pope was late for Sunday Mass: a fretful 1 hour and 41 minutes at 6:30-7:41
P.M.
Location Local time Time
zone
UTC offset
Manila (Philippines) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 18:30:00
PHT UTC+8 hours
New Delhi (India - Delhi) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 16:00:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Bangkok (Thailand) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 17:30:00
ICT UTC+7 hours
Tokyo (Japan) Sunday, 26 October JST UTC+9 hours

196
2014, 19:30:00
Sydney (Australia - New South
Wales)
Sunday, 26 October
2014, 21:30:00
AEDT UTC+11
hours
Los Angeles (U.S.A. -
California)
Sunday, 26 October
2014, 03:30:00
PDT UTC-7 hours
New York (U.S.A. - New York) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 06:30:00
EDT UTC-4 hours
UTC (Time Zone) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 10:30:00
UTC
Paris (France) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 11:30:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Madrid (Spain) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 11:30:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Rome (Italy) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 11:30:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Dubai (United Arab Emirates -
Dubai)
Sunday, 26 October
2014, 14:30:00
GST UTC+4 hours

Previously, the late Pope John Paul IIs biggest crowd was the 2 million people who
turned out on June 6, 1979 at 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 Mass was the climax of the Roman Catholic Church's annual celebration of the
founding anniversary and grand prayer assembly of Evangelical Christian and Roman
Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
which brought together Roman Catholics from around the world.

The Mass concelebrants included Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle, 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 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 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,
Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng
Chye, Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop
Julian Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez,

197

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha
Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu
Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong
Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-
Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Palembang Archbishop Aloysius
Sudarso, Kupang Archbishop Peter Turang, Makassar Archbishop Johannes Liku Ada,
Medan Archbishop Anicetus Bongsu Antonius Sinaga, Medan Archbishop-Emeritus
Alfred Gonti Pius Datubara, Pontianak Archbishop Agustinus Agus, Pontianak
Archbishop-Emeritus Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun, Pontifical Council of the Laity
President Stanisaw Ryko, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal
Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, 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, 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, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, 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 Roman Catholic Archdioceses
of Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu,
Ende, Kupang, Makassar, Medan, Merauke, Palembang, Pontianak, Samarinda,
Semarang, Bangkok, Thare, Nonseng, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hu and the Roman
Catholic Dioceses of Malacca-Johor, Penang, Miri, Sibu, Sandakan,
Denpasar, Larantuka, Maumere, Ruteng, Bandung, Bogor, Atambua, Weetebul, Amboina
, Manado, Padang, Sibolga, Agats, Jayapura, Manokwari-Sorong, Timika, Pangkal
Pinang, Tanjungkarang, Ketapang, Sanggau, Sintang, Banjarmasin, Palangka
Raya, Tanjung Selor, Malang, Purwokerto, Surabaya, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon
Sawan, Ratchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani,
Bc Ninh, Bi Chu, Hai Phng, Hng Ha, Lng Sn and Cao Bng, Pht Dim, Thi
Bnh, Thanh Ha, Vinh, B Ra, Cn Th, Lt, Long Xuyn, M Tho, Phan Thit,
Ph Cng, Vnh Long, Xun Lc, Ban M Thut, Nng, Kontum, Nha Trang and
Quy Nhn and from the Philippines, namely, the priests from the different parishes in the
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao, San Fernando,
Pampanga, Nueva Caceres, Jaro, Capiz, Cebu, Palo, Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro,
Ozamiz and Zamboanga 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, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, Daet, Libmanan, Legaspi, Masbate,
Sorsogon, Virac, San Jose de Antique, Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos, Dumaguete,

198
Tagbilaran, Talibon, Maasin, Calbayog, Borongan, Catamaran, Naval, Butuan, Surigao,
Tandag, Malaybalay, Digos, Mati, Tagum, Kidapawan, Marbel, Dipolog, Pagadian,
Marawi, Iligan, Ipil and Isabela, 1,009 Roman Catholic dioceses in America, 157 Roman
Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in East Asia, 192 Roman Catholic territorial
dioceses and archdioceses belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites in
South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and 514 Roman Catholic
territorial dioceses and archdioceses in Europe.

Scores of government officials, foreign dignitaries, sports icons, entertainment celebrities
and high society personalities attended the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration
which was televised live nationwide via domestic satellite on television over GMA-7,
RPN-9, ABC-5, PTV-4, IBC-13, and ABS-CBN Channel 2 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) AM, RPN Radyo Ronda AM and Bureau of Broadcast Services-Radyo
ng Bayan radio stations.

The Mass guests included: President Benigno Aquino III, Vice-President Jejomar
Binay, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Franklin Drilon, House
Speaker Feliciano 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 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.; Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona, 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, appointments
secretary Rochelle R. Ahorro, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte,
presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda, former senators Heherson
Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Henry Osmea,

199

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 Osmea III, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona,
Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy Binay, Lito Lapid, 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 Sarangani Lone District Rep. Manny Pacquiao, 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, Martin Villarama, Jr., Jose Perez, Jose C. Mendoza, Bienvenido L. 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
Andaya-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 Paraaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Las
Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar and Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi,
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Mayor Chevylle V.
Farias, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson, Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie
Singson-Medina, Abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin, Bangued Mayor Dominic
Bosuego Valera, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, Baguio City Mayor
Mauricio Domogan, Tabuk City, Kalinga mayor Ferdinand Tubban, Cagayan
Provincial Governor Alvaro Antonio, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Mayor Jefferson
Pattaui Soriano, Aparri Mayor Shalimar D. Tumaru, Batanes Governor Vicente
Gato, Basco Mayor Demetrius Paul C. Narag, Isabela Provincial Governor
Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy III, Santiago City Mayor Joseph Salvador Tan, Ilagan City,
Isabela Mayor Josemarie "Jay" L. Diaz, DMD, Cauayan, Isabela Mayor Bernard F.
La Madrid Dy, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Governor Ruth Padilla, Bayombong,
Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Mayor Ramon T. Cabauatan Jr., Quirino Provincial
Governor Junie E. Cua, Cabarroguis, Quirino Municipal Mayor Avelino N. Agustin
Jr., Pangasinan Provincial Governor Amado Espino, Rosales, Pangasinan
Mayor Susan P. Casareno, Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Urdaneta
City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio E. Perez IV, Tarlac Governor Jesus Bong" Santos,
Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio R. Manalang, La Union Governor Manuel "Manoling"

200
C. Ortega, San Fernando, La Union mayor Pablo C. Ortega, Zambales Governor
Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Subic, Zambales
Mayor Jeffrey D. Khonghun, Aurora Provincial Governor Gerardo A. Noveras,
Baler, Aurora Municipal Mayor Nelianto C. Bihasa,
Pampanga Provincial Governor Lilia G. Pineda, San Fernando, Pampanga
Mayor Edwin Santiago, Angeles City, Pampanga Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan,
Bataan Provincial Governor Albert S. Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique
S. Garcia III, Bulacan Provincial Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Marilao
Municipal Mayor Juanito "Tito" H. Santiago, Baliwag Municipal Mayor Carolina
Dellosa, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Nueva
Ecija Provincial Governor Aurelio Matias Umali, Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius
Cesar V. Vergara, Cavite Provincial Governor Juanito Victor Remulla, Bacoor
City Mayor Strike Revilla, Dasmarinas City Mayor Jennifer A.
Barzaga, Rosario Municipal Mayor Jose M. Ricafrente Jr., Laguna Provincial
Governor Ramil Hernndez, Santa Rosa City, Laguna Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas-
Nazareno, Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc Timmy Chipeco, San Pablo City
Mayor Loreto S. Amante, Los Baos Municipal Caesar P. Perez, Rizal Provincial
Governor Rebecca A. Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III, Cainta
Mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto, Taytay Municipal Mayor Janet De Leon - Mercado,
San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz, Angono Mayor Gerry V. Calderon,
Jalajala Mayor Narciso San Juan Villaran, Batangas Provincial Governor Vilma
Santos-Recto, Batangas City Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha, Lipa City Mayor
Meynardo A. Sabili, Quezon Provincial Governor David C. Suarez, Lucena City
Mayor Roderick A. Alcala, Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, Puerto Princesa
City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, Marinduque Governor Carmencita Ongsiako Reyes,
Boac Mayor Roberto Madla, Occidental Mindoro Governor Mario Gene
Mendiola, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Romulo "Muloy" Festin Oriental
Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Mayor
Arnan C. Panaligan, Romblon Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, Romblon Mayor
Gerard S. Montojo, Masbate Governor Rizalina L. Seachon-Laete, Masbate City
Mayor Rowena R. Tuason, Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado, Daet
Mayor Tito S. Sarion, Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte, Naga City Mayor
John Bongat, Albay Provincial Governor Joey Salceda, Legaspi City Mayor Noel
Rosal, Catanduanes Governor Araceli Wong, Virac Mayor Flerida Ruth A.
Alberto, Sorsogon Provincial Governor Antonio Escudero Jr., Sorsogon City Mayor
Sally A. Lee, Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., Iloilo City Mayor Jed
Patrick Mabilog, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Kalibo Mayor William S.
Lachica, Malay Mayor John P. Yap, Antique Governor Exequiel Javier, San Jose
de Buneavista Mayor Rony L. Molina, Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco, Roxas City
Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino, Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Maraon,
Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario
Junjun Davide III, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Consolacion Municipal
Mayor Teresa P. Alegado, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Dumaguete
City Mayor Manuel Chiquiting Sagarbarria, Sipalay City Mayor Soledad C.
Montilla, Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto, Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell Yap,
Tacloban City, Leyte Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, Ormoc City Mayor Eric C.
Codilla, Capoocan Mayor Federico H. Carolino Sr., Isabel Leyte Mayor Marcos

201

Gregorio M. Cerillo, Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo P. Aquino, Borongan City
Mayor Ma. Fe R. Abunda, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco
Salazar, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan, Dipolog City,
Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, Davao del Sur Provincial
Governor Claude Bautista, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Mati City, Davao
Oriental Mayor Carlo Luis P. Rabat, Panabo City, Davao del Norte Mayor Jose L.
Silvosa Sr., South Cotabato Provincial Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, General
Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Koronadal Mayor Peter B. Miguel, Polomok
Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti, Sarangani Governor Steve C. Solon, Alabel Mayor
Corazon S. Grafilo, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, Cotabato,
Maguindanao Mayor Japal "JoJo" Guiani, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A.
Evangelista, Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano,
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Gingoog City Mayor Stella Marie L.
Guingona, Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, Ozamiz City Mayor
Reynaldo O. Parojinog Sr., Lanao del Norte governor Mohammad Khalid Q.
Dimaporo, Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, Bukidnon Governor, Malaybalay
City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri, Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Adolph Edward
Plaza, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., United States ambassador
Philip S. Goldberg, Canadian ambassador Christopher Thronley, Spanish
ambassador Jorge Domecq, Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseor,
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
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 Broadcasting 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

202
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,
music composer and television director Bobet and actor Kobi Vidanes, the
members of the Yap, 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, 600
participants of the World Economic Forum on East Asia Summit 2014 from more
than 30 countries, former Negros and Philippine National Bank board of director,
Miguel Mike Romero, bag designer Sylvia Santos, fashion designers JC Buendia,
Fashion Designers Ben Farrales, Atty. Esperidion Laxa, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan,
Atty. Joji Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque Roquito Ablan, 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

203

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, Founder and Chief
Executive Officer Ben Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, public relations practitioner,
events orgainzer and talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis, Star Magic
Vice-President Mariole Alberto and Star Magic handler Monch Novales, TAPE,
Inc. president and chief executive officer Antonio P. Tuviera, TAPE, Inc.
chairman-emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, Malou Choa-Fagar, 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 and Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Coach Chot Reyes, 300 Kapamilya
stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata, beauty
queens Lara Quigaman, Shamcey Supsup with husband Lloyd Lee, Gwen Ruais,
Bianca Manalo and Pia Wurtzbach, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James
Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy
Santiago, 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, Dominique Cojuangco, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-
Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia
and Richard Gomez, 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, Raya Mananquil-de
Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo de Manila
University Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models
Association of the Philippines president Phoemela Baranda also came with
Manilas 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 Philippine STAR Lifestyle
section columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, The
Gotladera, Kris Porter, Anton Asistio, Isaac Jules Lim, former players JC Intal,
Macky Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort,
Juami Tiongson, Frank Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram, and Jai Reyes, Sen.
Bong Revilla Jr., William Lao, Mother Lily Monteverde, Shirley Kuan, Deedee
Sytangco, Sec. Sonny Coloma, Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne
Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily Layug, Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace
Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-Gavino, Joy Melendrez, Tonypet Albano,

204
Maricar Bhel, Reps. Uliran Joaquin, Hermilando Mandanas, Annie Susano and
Butch Dumpit, Vanessa Francisco, Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa,
Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg Yu, Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto,
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) President and EDSA People
Power Commissioner Ogie Alcasid, Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Paulo Avelino,
Coco Martin and Julia Montes, model and television show host Bianca Gonzales
and music composer Jim Paredes, economist and former NEDA secretary
general Solita Collas-Monsod, actor Robin Padilla with his wife Mariel Rodriguez
and brother Rommel, noontime game and variety television show host Willie
Revillame, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Father and son Pen and Ping Medina,
cousins Isabelle Daza and Georgina Wilson, Pokwang, Wowowee girls RR
actress Katrina Halili, models Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Vince Ferraren
and JC Tiuseco, comedian Gelli de Belen, Dra. Vicki Belo, Edward Mendez,
volleyball player Gretchen Ho, comedian John Lapus, singer Kean Cipriano,
Comedienne Candy Pangilinan and Arnell Ignacio, film and television directors
Jose Javier Reyes and Manny Castaeda, Ramon Bautista, Richard Gutierrez, TV
host Raymond Gutierrez, Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Noel Trinidad
and Jun Urbano, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Maricel Soriano, Aiai
delas Alas, Vice Ganda, Ruffa Gutierrez, Rustom Padilla, German Moreno and
Gardo Versoza, 1986 EDSA veterans Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan
Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan and daughter KC
Concepcion, Television host Paolo Bediones, Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie
Roach, former Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley, and comedy superstar Vic
Sotto, Kris Aquino, Charlene Gonzales, Christopher de Leon and Sandy
Andolong, Rez Cortez, William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-Revilla,
Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric Quizon,
G. Toengi-Walters and Romnick Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie
Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado, Philip Salvador, Smokey Manaloto, Beth
Tamayo-Wong, Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Janine Gutierrez, and basketball stars,
Sunshine Cruz-Montano, Gladys Reyes-Roxas, Daisy Reyes, Rufa Mae Quinto and
Isabel Granada, Bro. Eddie Villanueva 2010 presidential election campaign
supporters Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita
Rose, Nonoy Zuniga and Prof. Jeremias Jangad, Hawak-Kamay main cast
members Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, Yesha
Camile, supporting cast members Juan Karlos Labajo and Lyca Gairanod, Jacob
Dionisio, Axel Torres, Maris Racal, Manolo Pedrosa and Nichole Baranda, PBA
players James Yap and sons Joshua and Bimby Aquino-Yap, Marc Pingris and
wife Danica Sotto, Gary David, Jimmy Alapag and wife LJ Moreno, Doug Kramer
and wife actress Cheska Garcia and daughter Kendra, Larry Fonacier and wife
Lora Gahol, and LA Tenorio and wife Cheska, Fastbreak charity basketball
game players Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis, Daniel Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jose
Manalo, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui Pio, Derek Ramsay, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim,
Lemuelle Pelayo, Jason Abalos, Arthur Solinap, Carl Guevara, Rico Blanco,
Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Chris Tiu, JV Kapunan, Jon Lucas,
Ervic Vijandre, Arjo Atayde, Joe Vargas, Gab Valenciano, Jon Hall, Carlo
Gonzales and James and Jim Salas, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin

205

Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, Von Pessumal,
Rovilson Fernandez, Gerard Acao, Bobby Yan, Andy Smith, Will Devaughn, Robin
da Roza and Joross Gamboa, running coach Rio de la Cruz, basketball coaches
Vince Hizon and Allan Gregorio, Perlas Pilipinas womens national basketball
team player Melissa Jacob, sports broadcasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark
Zambrano of GMA News and Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas of ABS-CBN Sports,
7,107 International Music Festival celebrity revelers Magalona siblings, KC
Montero, Rhian Ramos, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Solenn Heussaff, Coleen
Garcia, Sam Pinto, Felix and Dominic Roco, Teresa Herrera-Anthony, Daniel
Matsunaga, Lauren Young, Victor Basa, Michelle Madrigal, Boys Night Out Disc
Jockeys, Kiefer Ravena, Brent Javier, Borgy Manotoc, Ellen Adarna, Bianca King,
Phil Younghusband, and more, BENCH/ family stars, 6,200: The Mission Possible
Project personalities and The Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Fashion
Show celebrity models Kim Chiu, Karylle, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron
Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki
Stroem, Michelle Vito, Sofia Andres, Dianne Medina, Helga Krapf, Melissa Ricks,
Djanin Cruz, Kiana Valenciano with Samantha Godinez-Valenciano, Mr.
Chinatown 2013 winners Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mr.
Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, Ritz Azul, Eula Caballero,
Martin Escudero, Empoy Marquez, Mr. Fu, GMA News and Public Affairs
personalities Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima, Mariz
Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Nathaniel
Cruz, Media personalities Atty. Dong Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Gerard Garcia,
Jeanne Young, Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza, society columnist Mons

206
Romulo, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto, Boy Abunda, Cesar
Montano, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Korina Sanchez, Katrina Ponce Enrile
and Ling-Ling King; celebrity makeup artist Patrick Rosas; hair stylist Jing Monis;
Karen Davila (with her sons David and Lucas), Marjorie Barretto-Padilla and
daughter Dani Barretto; Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega, Edu Manzano, John Prats,
Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu, teen
heartthrobs Robi Domingo and David Chua, Bayani Agbayani, Carlos Agassi,
Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, Streetboys and Ya Chang, Peping Cojuangco
daughters Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her
adorable baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, music composer Ryan Cayabyab
Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, swimmer Johansen Aguilar, and wrestler
Marcus Valda, Gwen Garci, Preview magazine editor in chief Pauline Suaco-
Juan, Daryl Chang, Liz Uy, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual,

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Navales of Ang Dating Daan.

This coverage: The Pope in Manila, which will be aired live on a nationwide
simultaneous hook-up of radio and television stations.

RPN-9 will be the carrying station with the People's Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4),
IBC-13, GMA-7, and ABS-CBN Channel 2 hooked up along with all Bureau of
Broadcast Services-Radyo ng Bayan radio stations.

208

This coverage is simulcast live nationwide via domestic satellite on all GMA radio and
television stations:

TV-7 - Manila
TV-5 - Laoag
TV-46 - Batac, Ilocos Norte
TV-23 - Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
TV-48 - Vigan
TV-10 - Baguio
TV-5 - Mt. Amuyao, Mountain Province
TV-8 - Tabuk
TV-6 - Bontoc, Mountain Province
TV-7 - Bangued, Abra
TV-11 - San Fernando, La Union
TV-10 - Cabanatuan
TV-10 - Dagupan
TV-7 - Tuguegarao
TV-13 - Aparri, Cagayan
TV-7 - Basco, Batanes
TV-7 - Ilagan, Isabela
TV-7 - Santiago, Isabela
TV-7 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
TV-5 - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
TV-5 - Baler, Aurora
TV-48 - Cauayan
TV-5 - Iba, Zambales
TV-10 - Olongapo
TV-10 - San Fernando, Pampanga
TV-46 - Malolos, Bulacan
TV-27 - Balanga, Bataan
TV-26 - Obando, Bulacan
TV-26 - San Pablo, Laguna
TV-31 - Calamba
TV-12 - Batangas
TV-44 - Jalajala, Rizal
TV-12 - Tagaytay
TV-8 - Lucena
TV-13 - Boac, Marinduque
TV-13 - San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
TV-33 - Calapan
TV-7 - Romblon
TV-12 - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
TV-6 - Brooke's Point, Palawan
TV-8 - Coron, Palawan
TV-7 - Naga
TV-13 - Iriga

209

TV-12 - Legaspi
TV-8 - Malilipot, Albay
TV-8 - Camalig, Albay
TV-7 - Masbate
TV-13 - Virac, Catanduanes
TV-4 - Sorsogon
TV-6 - Iloilo
TV-11 - San Jose, Antique
TV-8 - Kalibo, Aklan
TV-35 - Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
TV-5 - Roxas
TV-13 - Bacolod
TV-7 - Cadiz
TV-30 - Murcia, Negros Occidental
TV-7 - Cebu
TV-11 - Barili, Cebu
TV-11 - Samboan, Cebu
TV-2 - Toledo, Cebu
TV-11 - Tagbilaran
TV-5 - Dumaguete
TV-10 - Sipalay
TV-10 - Naval, Biliran
TV-10 - Tacloban
TV-48 - Ormoc
TV-10 - Capoocan, Leyte
TV-12 - Isabel, Leyte
TV-8 - Borongan
TV-5 - Calbayog
TV-13 - Catbalogan
TV-7 - Dinagat Island
TV-9 - Zamboanga
TV-4 - Dipolog
TV-3 - Pagadian
TV-21 - Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
TV-5 - Ozamiz
TV-35 - Cagayan De Oro
TV-5 - Gingoog
TV-12 - Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon
TV-45 - Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
TV-48 - Valencia, Bukidnon
TV-41 - Mambajao, Camiguin
TV-11 - Iligan
TV-5 - Davao
TV-5 - Panabo
TV-8 - General Santos
TV-12 - Cotabato
TV-7 - Butuan

210
TV-10 - Surigao
TV-2 - Tandag, Surigao del Sur
TV-12 - Jolo, Sulu
TV-8 - Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

And also live on GMA Radyo Bisig-Bayan AM Radio Stations
DZBB 594 kHz - Manila
DWRC 1269 kHz - Laoag
DWRA 1413 kHz - Baguio
DZZR 1230 kHz - Bayombong
DZSD 1548 kHz Dagupan
DWBB 1271 kHz - Tuguegarao
DZIG 1192 kHz - Ilagan, Isabela
DZCS 1129 kHz - Santiago, Isabela
DYSP 909 kHz - Puerto Princessa, Palawan
DZRA 1503 kHz - Daet, Camarines Sur
DWAI 891 kHz - Naga
DZRC 783 kHz - Legaspi
DYSI 1323 kHz - Iloilo
DYRU 1341 kHz - Kalibo, Aklan
DYGM 1503 kHz - Roxas
DYSB 1179 kHz - Bacolod
DYSS 999 kHz - Cebu
DYWR 594 kHz - Tacloban
DYSR 891 kHz - Dumaguete
DXRC 1287 kHz - Zamboanga
DXXY 1350 kHz - Dipolog
DXID 987 kHz - Pagadian
DXLX 864 kHz - Cagayan de Oro
DXGM 1125 kHz - Davao
DXRL 1341 kHz - Koronadal
DXYK 1179 kHz - Butuan
DXBM 990 kHz - Cotabato

Simulcast Live via DOMSAT on RPN TV stations:
TV-9 - Metro Manila
TV-9 - Laoag
TV-5 - Aparri, Cagayan
TV-30 - Pampanga
TV-12 - Tuguegarao
TV-9 - Ilagan, Isabela
TV-12 - Baguio
TV-13 - Dagupan
TV-6 - Tarlac
TV-12 - Tuguegarao
TV-6 - Olongapo

211

TV-2 - Rodriguez, Rizal
TV-7 - Morong, Rizal
TV-10 - San Mateo, Rizal
TV-9 - Lucena
TV-2 - Legazpi City
TV-2 - Naga City
TV-10 - Iriga
TV-5 - Puerto Princesa
TV-9 - Catbalogan
TV-6 - San Jose, Antique
TV-5 - Tacloban
TV-4 - Iloilo
TV-8 - Bacolod
TV-8 - Dumaguete
TV-9 - Cebu
TV-5 - Zamboanga
TV-5 - Pagadian
TV-5 - Dipolog
TV-5 - Cagayan de Oro
TV-9 - Davao
TV-4 - Surigao
TV-12 - Butuan
TV-10 - Cotabato
TV-9 - Jolo, Sulu

and also on RPN Radyo Ronda AM stations:
DWIZ 882 kHz - Manila
DZBS 1368 kHz - Baguio
DZRL 639 kHz - Batac
DZTG 621 kHz - Tuguegarao, Cagayan
DWRS 981 kHz - Santiago, Isabela
DWVA 1170 kHz - San Fernando, La Union
DZTC 828 kHz - Tarlac
DZKI 1332 kHz - Iriga
DWRN 657 kHz - Naga
DWIM 936 kHz - Occidental Mndoro
DYKB 1404 kHz - Bacolod
DYKC 675 kHz - Cebu
DYRM 1135 kHz - Dumaguete
DXXX 1008 kHz - Zamboanga
DXKD 1053 kHz - Dipolog
DXKP 1377 kHz - Pagadian
DXKO 1368 kHz - Cagayan De Oro
DXKT 1071 kHz - Davao
DXDX 693 kHz - General Santos

212
DXKS 1080 kHz Surigao

Simulcast Live on all PTV stations:
PTV 4 - Manila
PTV 4 - Abra
PTV 8 - Baguio
PTV 24 - Mt. Province
PTV 11 - Laoag
PTV 4 - Vigan
PTV 11 - Tuguegarao, Cagayan
PTV 39 - Santiago, Isabela
PTV 4 - Ilagan, Isabela
PTV 45 - Batanes
PTV 30 - Aparri
PTV 3 - Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
PTV 5 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
PTV 5 - Bontoc
PTV 13 - Baler
PTV 2 - Cabanatuan
PTV 12 - Pampanga
PTV 3 - Tarlac
PTV 31 - Balanga
PTV 43 - Olongapo
PTV 5 - Cauayan
PTV 51 - Malolos
PTV 23 - Plaridel
PTV 21 - San Miguel, Bulacan
PTV 48 - Obando, Bulacan
PTV 53 - Batangas
PTV 31 - San Pablo
PTV 99 - Cainta, Rizal
PTV 24 - Tanza
PTV 26 - Boac
PTV 11 - Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
PTV 3 - Lucena
PTV 4 - Puerto Princesa
PTV 13 - Romblon
PTV 33 - Masbate
PTV 11 - Daet
PTV 8 - Naga
PTV 35 - Iriga
PTV 8 - Legaspi
PTV 4 - Goa, Camarines Sur
PTV 7 - Caramoran, Catanduanes
PTV 9 - Panganiban, Catanduanes
PTV 2 - San Miguel, Catanduanes
PTV 5 - Sorsogon

213

PTV 2 - Antique
PTV 2 - Jordan, Guimaras
PTV 2 - Iloilo
PTV 25 - Kalibo
PTV 33 - Roxas
PTV 2 - Bacolod
PTV 2 - Sipalay
PTV 24 - Victorias
PTV 31 - Binalbagan
PTV 13 - Cadiz
PTV 11 - Cebu
PTV 9 - Toledo
PTV 10 - Dumaguete
PTV 22 - Tagbilaran
PTV 8 - Tacloban
PTV 12 - Calbayog
PTV 4 - Borongan
PTV 4 - Naval, Biliran
PTV 7 - Zamboanga
PTV 11 - Pagadian
PTV 11 - Dipolog
PTV 25 - Ipil
PTV 21 - Dapitan
PTV 8 - Cagayan De Oro
PTV 11 - Malaybalay, Bukidnon
PTV 34 - Valencia
PTV 11 - Davao
PTV 27 - Mati
PTV 5 - General Santos
PTV 48 - Koronadal
PTV 9 - Butuan
PTV 3 - Bislig, Surigao del Sur
PTV 21 - Prosperidad
PTV 27 - San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
PTV 31 - Tandag
PTV 2 - Dinagat
PTV 8 - Cotabato
PTV 8 - Kidapawan
PTV 4 - Marawi
PTV 7 Jolo

Simulcast on all ABS-CBN TV stations
TV-2 - Metro Manila
TV-7 - Laoag
TV-11 - Vigan
TV-3 - Baguio
TV-11 - Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Province

214
TV-30 - La Union
TV-3 - Tuguegarao
TV-13 - Cabarroguis, Quirino
TV-9 - Bangued, Abra
TV-2 - Santiago, Isabela
TV-32 - Dagupan
TV-32 - Cabanatuan
TV-32 - Tarlac
TV-12 - Olongapo
TV-13 - Botolan, Zambales
TV-22 - Baler
TV-46 - Pampanga
TV-34 - San Miguel, Bulacan
TV-12 - Meycauayan
TV-40 - Bataan
TV-40 - Jalajala, Rizal
TV-38 - Lipa
TV-24 - Lucena
TV-46 - San Pablo
TV-10 - Batangas
TV-34 - Calapan
TV-11 - Romblon
TV-10 - Masbate
TV-23 - Daet
TV-11 - Naga
TV-4 - Legazpi
TV-10 - Malilipot, Albay
TV-9 - Sorsogon
TV-7 - Virac, Catanduanes
TV-10 - Iloilo
TV-23 - Kalibo
TV-44 - Antique
TV-21 - Roxas
TV-13 - Naval, Biliran
TV-4 - Bacolod
TV-3 - Cebu
TV-13 - Jagna, Bohol
TV-12 - Dumaguete
TV-26 - Sipalay
TV-2 - Tacloban
TV-7 - Catarman, Northern Samar
TV-10 - Calbayog
TV-7 - Catbalogan
TV-3 - Zamboanga
TV-9 - Pagadian

215

TV-42 - Dipolog
TV-2 - Cagayan De Oro
TV-2 - Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon
TV-47 - Mambajao
TV-7 - Alabel, Saranggani
TV-7 - Ozamiz
TV-4 - Iligan
TV-4 - Davao
TV-52 - Panabo
TV-36 - Mati
TV-24 - Koronadal
TV-11 - Butuan
TV-12 - Surigao
TV-26 - Tandag
TV-5 - Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
TV-5 - Cotabato
TV-4 - Kidapawan
TV-25 - Marawi
TV-10 - Jolo, Sulu

And simulcast Live on all ABS-CBN AM and FM Radio Stations
DZMM 630 kHz. Metro Manila
DWEL 93.1 MHz. Laoag
DZRR 103.1 MHz. Baguio
DWEC 93.5 MHz. Dagupan
DWAB 103.3 MHz. Santiago, Isabela
DWSF 90.3 MHz. San Fernando, Pampanga
DWBC 92.7 MHz - Batangas
DWAC 93.5 MHz. Naga
DWRD 93.9 MHz. Legazpi
DYAP 765 kHz. Puerto Princessa, Palawan
DYAC 93.1 MHz. Iloilo
DYOO 101.5 MHz. Bacolod
DYAB 1512 kHz Cebu
DYEL 92.5 MHz - Dumaguete
DYRV 1188 KHz - Catbalogan
DYTC 94.3 MHz. Tacloban
DXFH 98.7 MHz. Zamboanga
DXEC 91.9 MHz. Cagayan de Oro
DXAB 1512 kHz Davao
DXBC 92.7 MHz. General Santos
DXAJ 94.3 MHz. - Butuan
DXPS 95.1 MHz Cotabato

The special supplement: "Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration" published in
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star.

216

The souvenir-type magazine supplement contains the messages section, the lists of
former presidents, vice-presidents, chief justices, house speakers and presidents of the
Senate of the Philippines, the current members of the cabinet, the photographs from 1914
to present: black and white and full colored photographs of Iglesia ni Cristo events and
gatherings from July 27, 1914 to present, full-colored photographs of Jesus is Lord
Church Worldwide gatherings in venues over Metro Manila from October 1978 to
present, full-colored photographs of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation
International gatherings from August 19, 1984 to present, full-colored photographs from
"John Paul II, We Love You: Papal Visit Manila 1995" by Prudentialife Group of
Companies which containing 165 still photos and "Mabuhay ang Papa", on Pope John
Paul IIs January 1995 visit to Manila for World Youth Day CD-ROM by Distributed
Processing Systems which contains 900 still photos including World Youth Day events
and addressed the plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences that
was commemorating the federation's 25 years of existence. The pope also joined the
silver jubilee celebration of the federation's Radio Veritas Asia and celebrated the 400th
anniversary of the elevation of Manila as an archdiocese, and the event that drew a record
crowd: estimated 4 million-to-5 million people at the January 15, 1995 World Youth Day
Final Mass in Luneta Park, the official program, traffic re-routing and the Eucharistic
Celebration includes the Holy Mass that contains Roman Catholic Archbishops, bishops,
cardinals, deacons and monsignors, Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish
Priests, Pastors, and Parochial Vicars from the Roman Catholic Territorial Archdioceses
of Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Jakarta, Ende, Kupang, Makassar,
Medan, Merauke, Palembang, Pontianak, Samarinda, Semarang, Bangkok, Thare,
Nonseng, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hu and the Roman Catholic Territorial Dioceses of
Malacca-Johor, Penang, Miri, Sibu, Sandakan, Denpasar, Larantuka, Maumere, Ruteng,
Bandung, Bogor, Atambua, Weetebul, Amboina, Manado, Padang, Sibolga, Agats,
Jayapura, Manokwari-Sorong, Timika, Pangkal Pinang, Tanjungkarang, Ketapang,
Sanggau, Sintang, Banjarmasin, Palangka Raya, Tanjung Selor, Malang, Purwokerto,
Surabaya, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Bc Ninh, Bi Chu, Hai Phng, Hng Ha,
Lng Sn and Cao Bng, Pht Dim, Thi Bnh, Thanh Ha, Vinh, B Ra, Cn Th,
Lt, Long Xuyn, M Tho, Phan Thit, Ph Cng, Vnh Long, Xun Lc, Ban M
Thut, Nng, Kontum, Nha Trang and Quy Nhn and from the Philippines, namely,
the priests from the different parishes in the Roman Catholic Territorial Archdioceses of
Manila, Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, Pampanga, Nueva Caceres, Jaro,
Capiz, Cebu, Palo, Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz and Zamboanga and the
Roman Catholic Territorial 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,
Oriental Mindoro, 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, 1,009 Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in America, 157

217

Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in East Asia, 192 Roman Catholic
territorial dioceses and archdioceses belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-
Malankara Rites in South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and
514 Roman Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in Europe and 72 Roman
Catholic territorial dioceses and archdioceses in Oceania were listed as con-celebrants
while the DVD features: a biography of John Paul II and a Quicktime MTV movie
converted to WMV featuring the 1995 World Youth Day theme song Tell the World of
His Love, interviews, footages and scenes of the making of the song, the five-day visit
are featured in "Mabuhay ang Papa," and the pontiff's speeches, are featured in Pope's
Messages and approximately 30 hours of video footage contributed by GMA Network
Channel 7, the TV station that had exclusive coverage of the visit.

The largest gathering attended by more than 5 million people, which of residents from all
over the Philippines and 226 countries of the world.

The entrance hymn had to be sung before the mass began in earnest. 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.

Neither the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila nor the Vatican had prepared for
such an eventually. 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.


218

The mass of people stretched from north to south from the Manila Hotel all way down to
the Ramon Magsaysay Building on Roxas Boulevard. 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 Jesus is Lord Church
Anniversary event.

Several high-ranking local and national officials also attended the event
including President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Showbiz personalities also graced
the event.


219

The guests are: 600 participants of the World Economic Forum on East Asia
Summit 2014 from more than 30 countries, former Negros and Philippine National
Bank board of director, Miguel Mike Romero, 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, countrys 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, Tony Ferrer,
Ablan, 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,
Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Suyen Corporation Chairman, Founder and Chief
Executive Officer Ben Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, public relations practitioner,
events orgainzer and talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis, Star Magic
Vice-President Mariole Alberto and Star Magic handler Monch Novales, TAPE,
Inc. president and chief executive officer Antonio P. Tuviera, TAPE, Inc.
chairman-emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, Malou Choa-Fagar, 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 and Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Coach Chot Reyes, 300 Kapamilya
stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata, beauty
queens Lara Quigaman, Shamcey Supsup with husband Lloyd Lee, Gwen Ruais,
Bianca Manalo and Pia Wurtzbach, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James
Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy

220
Santiago, 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, Dominique Cojuangco, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-
Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia
and Richard Gomez, 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, Raya Mananquil-de
Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo de Manila
University Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models
Association of the Philippines president Phoemela Baranda also came with
Manilas 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 Philippine STAR Lifestyle
section columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, The
Gotladera, Kris Porter, Anton Asistio, Isaac Jules Lim, former players JC Intal,
Macky Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort,
Juami Tiongson, Frank Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram, and Jai Reyes, Sen.
Bong Revilla Jr., William Lao, Mother Lily Monteverde, Shirley Kuan, Deedee
Sytangco, Sec. Sonny Coloma, Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne
Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily Layug, Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace
Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-Gavino, Joy Melendrez, Tonypet Albano,
Maricar Bhel, Reps. Uliran Joaquin, Hermilando Mandanas, Annie Susano and
Butch Dumpit, Vanessa Francisco, Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa,
Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg Yu, Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto,
Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) President and EDSA People
Power Commissioner Ogie Alcasid, Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Paulo Avelino,
Coco Martin and Julia Montes, model and television show host Bianca Gonzales
and music composer Jim Paredes, economist and former NEDA secretary
general Solita Collas-Monsod, actor Robin Padilla with his wife Mariel Rodriguez
and brother Rommel, noontime game and variety television show host Willie
Revillame, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Father and son Pen and Ping Medina,
cousins Isabelle Daza and Georgina Wilson, Pokwang, Wowowee girls RR
actress Katrina Halili, models Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Vince Ferraren
and JC Tiuseco, comedian Gelli de Belen, Dra. Vicki Belo, Edward Mendez,
volleyball player Gretchen Ho, comedian John Lapus, singer Kean Cipriano,
Comedienne Candy Pangilinan and Arnell Ignacio, film and television directors
Jose Javier Reyes and Manny Castaeda, Ramon Bautista, Richard Gutierrez, TV
host Raymond Gutierrez, Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Noel Trinidad
and Jun Urbano, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Maricel Soriano, Aiai
delas Alas, Vice Ganda, Ruffa Gutierrez, Rustom Padilla, German Moreno and

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Gardo Versoza, 1986 EDSA veterans Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan
Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan and daughter KC
Concepcion, Television host Paolo Bediones, Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie
Roach, former Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley, and comedy superstar Vic
Sotto, Kris Aquino, Charlene Gonzales, Christopher de Leon and Sandy
Andolong, Rez Cortez, William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-Revilla,
Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric Quizon,
G. Toengi-Walters and Romnick Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie
Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado, Philip Salvador, Smokey Manaloto, Beth
Tamayo-Wong, Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Janine Gutierrez, and basketball stars,
Sunshine Cruz-Montano, Gladys Reyes-Roxas, Daisy Reyes, Rufa Mae Quinto and
Isabel Granada, Bro. Eddie Villanueva 2010 presidential election campaign
supporters Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita
Rose, Nonoy Zuniga and Prof. Jeremias Jangad, Hawak-Kamay main cast
members Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, Yesha
Camile, supporting cast members Juan Karlos Labajo and Lyca Gairanod, Jacob
Dionisio, Axel Torres, Maris Racal, Manolo Pedrosa and Nichole Baranda, PBA
players James Yap and sons Joshua and Bimby Aquino-Yap, Marc Pingris and
wife Danica Sotto, Gary David, Jimmy Alapag and wife LJ Moreno, Doug Kramer
and wife actress Cheska Garcia and daughter Kendra, Larry Fonacier and wife
Lora Gahol, and LA Tenorio and wife Cheska, Fastbreak charity basketball
game players Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis, Daniel Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jose
Manalo, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui Pio, Derek Ramsay, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim,
Lemuelle Pelayo, Jason Abalos, Arthur Solinap, Carl Guevara, Rico Blanco,
Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Chris Tiu, JV Kapunan, Jon Lucas,
Ervic Vijandre, Arjo Atayde, Joe Vargas, Gab Valenciano, Jon Hall, Carlo
Gonzales and James and Jim Salas, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin
Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, Von Pessumal,
Rovilson Fernandez, Gerard Acao, Bobby Yan, Andy Smith, Will Devaughn, Robin
da Roza and Joross Gamboa, running coach Rio de la Cruz, basketball coaches
Vince Hizon and Allan Gregorio, Perlas Pilipinas womens national basketball
team player Melissa Jacob, sports broadcasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark
Zambrano of GMA News and Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas of ABS-CBN Sports,
7,107 International Music Festival celebrity revelers Magalona siblings, KC
Montero, Rhian Ramos, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Solenn Heussaff, Coleen
Garcia, Sam Pinto, Felix and Dominic Roco, Teresa Herrera-Anthony, Daniel
Matsunaga, Lauren Young, Victor Basa, Michelle Madrigal, Boys Night Out Disc
Jockeys, Kiefer Ravena, Brent Javier, Borgy Manotoc, Ellen Adarna, Bianca King,
Phil Younghusband, and more, BENCH/ family stars, 6,200: The Mission Possible
Project personalities and The Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Fashion
Show celebrity models Kim Chiu, Karylle, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron
Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki
Stroem, Michelle Vito, Sofia Andres, Dianne Medina, Helga Krapf, Melissa Ricks,
Djanin Cruz, Kiana Valenciano with Samantha Godinez-Valenciano, Mr.
Chinatown 2013 winners Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mr.

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Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, Ritz Azul, Eula Caballero,
Martin Escudero, Empoy Marquez, Mr. Fu, GMA News and Public Affairs
Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu,

223


224
Navales of Ang Dating Daan.

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

The mass was celebrated by Pope Francis and concelebrated by Manila
Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, 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 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 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, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo
T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Singapore
Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian
Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez,
Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha
Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu
Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee
Hiong Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta
Archbishop-Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Palembang
Archbishop Aloysius Sudarso, Kupang Archbishop Peter Turang, Makassar
Archbishop Johannes Liku Ada, Medan Archbishop Anicetus Bongsu Antonius
Sinaga, Medan Archbishop-Emeritus Alfred Gonti Pius Datubara, Pontianak
Archbishop Agustinus Agus, Pontianak Archbishop-Emeritus Hieronymus
Herculanus Bumbun.

The mass started as soon as San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz were
brought to the altar and President Aquino arrived.

The Gospel was read. The first reading, followed by the singing of Responsible Psalm
while the second reading was in English.

Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic
Church, delivered the homily.

225

Vidal, like Tagle, is strongly against the impeachment complaint was filed against
President Aquino, the Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the
tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration
Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of
businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the
onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office funds 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, the high-profile killings, and the
onslaught of typhoon Glenda and the 100 million population mark.

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, president and spiritual director bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva for
his belated birthday party and for the annual founding 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 3,000,000 junior and senior couples who had been living together as
common-law spouses finally tied the knot. They decided to get married for they had
known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are
living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, ...Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Representatives of labor, women and children, fisher folk, farmers, indigenous
communities and other sectors will join the Villanueva Family in the offertory
procession.

The congregation led by Bro. Mike Velarde joined together in the recitation and singing
of the Our Father.

said.

ministers. They will be augmented by Roman Catholic priests and nuns.



226
After the Mass, the Pope led the Angelus Message followed the Angelus prayer and
delivered his farewell messages to the people in Spanish, Italian, French, Russian,
German, Korean, Vietnamese, Standard Mandarin, Hong Kong Cantonese, Malay,
Indonesian, Japanese, Filipino, Ilokano, Ibanag, Ibaloi, Pangasenese, Kapangpangan,
Central Bikolano, Waray-Waray, Cebuano, Butuano, Chavacano and English.


The mass ended peacefully with the final blessing and no untoward incident happened,
thanks to the tight security implemented by the organizing committee and law
enforcement bodies.

After the mass, President Aquino gave a 30-minute address to the people. The President
kept his speech apolitical in respect to the religious activity. In his speech, Aquino
urged the people to remain ardent in pursuit of true Catholic life.
He said San Pedro Calungsod reflects the kindness of the Visayans.

The thanksgiving mass, which started at 8 p.m., ended around 11:30 p.m.

Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Fiesta Pavillion of Manila Hotel. Food
provided by Josiahs Catering, along with fast-food chains inside the SM City North
EDSA, SM City Manila, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia.

At the Luneta and at least 10 shrines around the Philippines, there will be processions to
be led by images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The concelebrated mass, which will project the Philippines as a pilgrimage destination in
Asia, will be covered by the national multi-media with possible hook-up by satellite. It
will also be recorded, with the videotape to be sent to the Sister Angelica Channel.
The religious activity has been arranged in cooperation with the Wells Spring of Life,
Sacred Land of Asia, Marian Movement, Charismatic Movement of the Philippines,
Confradia, and Association of Shrine Rectors and Pilgrimage Promoters of the
Philippines.

Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, the overall spiritual adviser of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer
Partners Foundation International, Inc. and bishop-emeritus of diocese of Novaliches,
spoke briefly to the crowd on how their charismatic renewal religious 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, 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.


227

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 belated Happy Birthday
greetings to Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and
spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who celebrated his birthday on October
6.

During the the Makati anti-Charter change rally in the afternoon of Sunday, October 26,
Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani brought out the cake to Jesus is Lord Church Worldwides
founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva,
chilled champagne, he blow the candles and all sang Happy Birthday. Bishop Bro.
Eddie Villanueva turned 81 years old in real high style.

He asked the crowd to show their appreciation for the Asia's 36 archbishops--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 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 Rosales, we love you Cardinal
Vidal, we love you Cardinal Palma, Bacani and the El Shaddai members chorused.

The celebration ended with a cultural dance presentation show and a 45-minute fireworks
display.


At 12:45 A.M., Monday, October 27, a 45-minute fireworks 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 P120, 000 lit the
night sky and lasted a half-hour and was met with a roar of applause by people at the
parade grounds.


228
The breathtaking fireworks also featured small chrysanthemum designs that slowly burst
and transformed into a giant chrysanthemum of various colors.

People froze in their tracks and the world seemed to stand still when the first blast of
fireworks was set off.

Shapes and designs in various colors painted the night sky.

People who booked rooms in hotels on Roxas Boulevard had the best view of the sky
show. People on the ground had to crane their necks as trees lining the boulevard partly
blocked their views.

A total of 700 effects were displayed, including designs of indigenous flowers, circles
and heart-shaped stars.

It was learned that the whole production cost P17 million, way above the budget of P5
million provided by the Philippine National Centennial Commission for the project.

Teary-eyed creator
The display was seen as far as five kilometers away and was visible from the historic
Corregidor Island where Allied Forces made their last stand against the invading
Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Ricardo Crisostomo, president of Hannah Corporation, one of the two companies which
created the pyrotechnics display, was almost in tears as he directed the firing of shots
from a remote control center at the Quirino Grandstand grounds.

The presentation, dubbed as Kulay at Kinang ng Kalayaan, took a year to prepare, just
in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October
23 to 27, 2014, and cost almost P17 million.

Crisostomo and a crew of 18 Filipinos and 20 foreigners had spent six days at the Manila
Harbor Center, owned by R2 Builders, to set up the shells on the barges.

17,000 shells
As millions of revelers watched the celebration that snaked through Roxas Boulevard, the
four barges of Metropolitan Shipping silently sailed into the Manila Yacht Club before 5
p.m.

The barges resembled small missile platforms, with black PVC pipes from Liberty Pipes
containing pyrotechnic shells standing erect on wooden supports and sand bags.
A total of 17,000 shells were fired. The 12-inch diameter shells shot up as high as 1,400
feet in the air and spread as wide as 1,300 feet.


229

In an interview hours before they sailed from the Manila Harbor Center to the launch site
some six kilometers away, Crisostomo sounded confident that nothing, not even a rain
shower, would spoil the show.

This happens only once in a year, said Crisostomo, 60, who personally oversaw the
completion of the production.

Biodegradable items
They had three public test runs, albeit on a smaller scale, before last night's show.

The fireworks were set off by electrical switches, and any misfiring or manmade accident
would automatically cut off the current and stop the show.

Crisostomo said the fireworks used biodegradable materials such as kraft paper, resin and
potassium nitrate, more commonly known as salitre.

Crisostomo's Hannah Corporation had collaborated with US-based Global Pyro Networks
in creating the masterpiece. Experts were also hired from two established pyrotechnics
firms abroad, Nico of Germany and Glorious Company of China.

Hannah was one of the firms which produced the fireworks display during the opening
night of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics on July 1996 as well as the July 1, 1997 Hong Kong
handover and the June 12, 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebrations.

Among the government agencies that took part in the fireworks display were the
Department of National Defense, Navy, Department of Interior and Local Government,
Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health, Bureau of
Customs, Department of Transportation and Communications, Air Transportation Office,
Manila City Hall and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

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 27, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies
and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly Family Appointment.

The documentary about the "Big Four Religious Groups" aired at 1:30 a.m. Features the
photos and videos of Iglesia ni Cristo gatherings from 1914 to 2014, Jesus Miracle
Crusade International Ministry gatherings from 1975 to 2014, Jesus is Lord
Church events and gatherings from 1978 to 2013, photos and video clips of El Shaddai
gatherings from 1984 to 2014.

After the Holy Mass, Cultural Dance Presentation Show and 30-minute fireworks
display, the prayer-partners began their fellowship at about 2:15 a.m with joyful praise
and worship songs.

230

To the delight of everyone, Bishop Bacani, in his white robe and scarlet sash, expressed
his joy and appreciation for the presence of the thousands of prayer-partners that
evening.

During the lighting of thousands of candles, a magnificent glow filtered through the
darkness of the night filling the 58-hectare Rizal Park and adjacent areas-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.

After the candlelight ceremony led by was held followed by the delivery of the healing
message of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc.
Roman Catholic Charismatic Religious Renewal Movement founder and servant-leader
Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, he enjoined everyone to continually pray.

3-hour speech

In Luneta, El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc.
Roman Catholic Charismatic Religious Renewal Movement founder and servant-leader
Bro. Mike Z. Velarde delivered a three-hour worship and healing prayer rally message
at 4 a.m., Monday, October 27 to the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI and Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide members still gathered for the weekly Family Appointment with El Shaddai
was held in thanksgiving for the peaceful and successful grand annual founding
anniversary celebration and prayer assembly of evangelical Christian and Roman
Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide at
Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park before dawn October 27.

231

In his healing message, he expounded that to attain a lasting unity in our civil 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 IIIs 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 of whistle-blower Janet Lim-
Napoles, 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, the passage of the Freedom of Information
(FOI) bill, the alleged suppression of the press, the resurgence of the Marcos family, the
carjacking cases and high-profile killings and incidents, in Metro Manila, the massacre in
Atimonan, Quezon; his order to stop support to the Officers Ladies Club; the plunder
charges filed against Philippine National Police Director General Alan L.M. Purisima
before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the alleged anomalous deal the
PNP entered into with a courier service; disappointment among legitimate firearms
holders over the stricter issuance of permit to carry firearms outside residence and license
to own and possess firearms; the P316-million funds from the Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office, extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by
five years, the transfer of assignment of Task Force Tugis chief Senior Superintendent
Conrado Capa after the arrest of Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee; and the spate of
killings nationwide such as extrajudictorial and high-profile killings such as the killing of
champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City, Metro Manila and Crown Regency
Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del Sur last June 12, the gang rape and
killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in Calumpit, Bulacan last August 18 and 7-
year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845, Pandacan, Manila last September 6, the Bohol
Earthquake rehabilitation, the Yolanda, Agaton, Glenda, Luis and Mario rehabilitation
that Velarde and Villanueva said he consoled him after Mr. Aquino's speech on Saturday,
October 25.

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 the
58-hectare Rizal Park 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.

232

In the early morning of Monday, October 27, thousands of doves for peace and prosperity
were released by the attendees.

The gathering ended with a Joyful Breakfast Salo-Salo at 7:00 a.m. and lasted until 8:30
a.m., Monday, October 27.

El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic
Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z.
Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international 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 26
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 Presidents spiritual adviser
since 2010.

Velarde and 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 October grand annual anniversary celebration and
prayer assembly to coincide with the Makati rally over the Development Acceleration
Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Villanuevas birthday coincides with Jesus is Lord Church Worldwides founding
anniversary celebration and grand prayer assembly. It has traditionally been held on the
Second or Third 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 Charter Change is limited to the economic provisions.

But Velarde, Soriano, Villanueva, Sanchez, Almeda was not about to clash head on with
the Roman 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
such as the murder of champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City, Metro
Manila and Crown Regency Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del Sur last
June 12, the gang rape and killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in Calumpit,
Bulacan last August 18 and 7-year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845, Pandacan,
Manila last September 6. Instead, they asked El Shaddai, Iglesia ni Cristo, Light of Jesus,
Members of Church of God International and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide members
to pray for the successful the thirteen-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis in the

233

Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Sri Lanka from October 23 to November
3, 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 DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International wrote
the National Parks Development Committee to reserve on July 26, or five days after
announced the pro-democracy rally in Makati.

Routing for the Celebration (October 25-27, 2014)
Quirino Grandstand (Main Venue)
Head northwest on Parade Ave toward Katigbak Drive
Parade Ave turns slightly right and becomes Katigbak Drive
Continue onto Padre Burgos Street/C-1
Make a U-turn at Roxas Boulevard
Continue onto Katigbak Drive
Continue onto Parade Avenue
Continue onto South Drive
Continue onto T.M. Kalaw
Continue onto South Drive
Slight right onto Parade Avenue
Parade Avenue turns slightly right and becomes Katigbak Drive
Continue onto Padre Burgos Street/C-1
Make a U-turn at Maria Y. Orosa
Turn right onto Maria Y. Orosa
Head southeast on Maria Y. Orosa Street toward T.M. Kalaw
Turn right onto T.M. Kalaw
Make a U-turn at Jorge Bocobo
Turn left onto Maria Y. Orosa
Continue to follow Maria Y. Orosa Street
Turn right onto Finance
Turn right onto Taft Avenue
Turn right onto United Nations Avenue
Take the 1st right onto Maria Y. Orosa
Turn left onto T.M. Kalaw
Make a U-turn at Maria Y. Orosa
Turn right onto Roxas Boulevard
Make a U-turn at Padre Burgos St/C-1
Turn left onto United Nations Ave
Turn right onto Cortada
Turn left onto A Flores
Take the 1st left onto A. Mabini

234
Head northwest on A. Mabini toward United Nations Ave
Take the 1st right onto United Nations Ave
Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Maria Y. Orosa
Take the 2nd left onto Jorge Bocobo
Head southeast on Jorge Bocobo toward United Nations Avenue
Take the 2nd right onto A Flores
Head southwest on A Flores toward A. Mabini
Take the 1st right onto A. Mabini
Take the 1st left onto United Nations Ave
Turn right onto Alhambra
Head northwest on Alhambra toward T.M. Kalaw
Take the 1st right onto Guerrero
Head northwest on Guerrero toward T.M. Kalaw
Take the 1st right onto M.H. Del Pilar
Take the 1st left onto Cortada
Head southeast on Cortada toward United Nations Ave
Head northwest on A. Mabini toward T.M. Kalaw
Take the 2nd left onto Engracia C Reyes
Head northeast on Engracia C Reyes toward Maria Y. Orosa
Head northwest on Maria Y. Orosa toward T.M. Kalaw
Head northwest on A. Mabini toward Arquiza
Take the 1st right onto Arquiza
Take the 1st left onto Grey
Turn left onto A Flores
Take the 1st right onto United Nations Ave
Take the 1st right onto Jorge Bocobo
Take the 1st right onto A Flores
Take the 1st left onto Grey
Turn left onto Arquiza
Turn right onto Jorge Bocobo
Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura
Turn left onto Sta. Monica
Turn left onto Padre Faura
Take the 2nd left onto M Adriatico

235

Take the 1st left onto Sta. Monica
Turn left onto Padre Faura
Take the 2nd left onto M Adriatico
Take the 1st right onto Sta. Monica
Take the 1st left onto Padre Faura
Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Guerrero
Take the 2nd right toward M.H. Del Pilar
Turn right onto M.H. Del Pilar
Take the 1st left onto Arquiza
Turn left onto M.H. Del Pilar
Take the 1st right onto Sta. Monica
Take the 1st left onto Padre Faura
Take the 1st left toward Sta. Monica
Take the 1st left onto Sta. Monica
Take the 1st left onto Guerrero
Turn left onto Arquiza
Take the 1st right onto Alhambra
Take the 1st right toward Guerrero
Take the 1st left onto Guerrero
Take the 2nd right onto United Nations Ave
Take the 1st left onto A Flores
Turn right onto Grey
Turn right onto Arquiza
Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto M.H. Del Pilar
Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Sta. Monica
Turn right onto United Nations Ave
Turn right onto Taft Ave
Take the 1st right onto Maria Y. Orosa
Head southwest on United Nations Ave toward Taft Ave
Turn left onto Jorge Bocobo
Take the 1st left onto Engracia C Reyes
Take the 2nd right onto Taft Ave Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura
Plaza Miranda (Co-Venue)

236
Head west on R. Hidalgo toward Villalobos
Turn left onto Gomez
Slight left onto Carlos Palanca Sr.
Take the 1st left onto Villalobos
Turn right onto R. Hidalgo
Turn right onto Quezon Boulevard
Slight right toward Carlos Palanca Sr.
Turn left onto Carlos Palanca Sr.
Take the 1st right onto Oscariz
Oscariz turns right and becomes P. Ducos
Turn right onto Carlos Palanca Sr.
Turn left onto Muelle Dela Quinta
Muelle Dela Quinta turns slightly left and becomes trinoma
Turn right onto Arlegui
Take the 2nd right onto Duque
Take the 1st left onto Vergara
Take the 1st right onto Fraternal
Turn left onto Castillejos
Castillejos turns left and becomes Farnecio
Turn left onto Vergara
Take the 1st right onto Fraternal
Turn left onto Arlegui
Turn right at Duque
Slight right onto Dr. Concepcion C. Aguila
Take the 1st right onto Legarda
Turn right onto Arlegui
Take the 2nd left onto Fraternal
Turn right onto Castillejos
Turn left onto Duque
Make a U-turn
Take the 1st left onto Arlegui
Take the 1st left onto Gunao
Take the 1st right onto Norzagaray
Take the 1st left onto trinoma
Take the 1st left onto Globo de Oro
Turn right at Gunao
Make a U-turn
Take the 1st left onto Globo de Oro
Take the 2nd right onto A. Bautista
Take the 1st right onto trinoma
Take the 1st right onto Globo de Oro
Sharp right toward Norzagaray
Take the 2nd right onto trinoma
trinoma turns slightly right and becomes Muelle Dela Quinta

237

Turn right onto Villalobos
Turn right onto R. Hidalgo
Continue onto Quezon Bridge
Continue onto Quezon Blvd
Continue onto Padre Burgos St
Make a U-turn at Victoria
Keep right to stay on Padre Burgos St
Keep left to stay on Padre Burgos St
Continue onto McArthur Bridge
Take the 2nd left onto Gomez
Take the 1st right onto R. Hidalgo
Continue onto Quezon Blvd
Continue onto Padre Burgos St
Make a U-turn at Victoria
Continue onto Quezon Blvd (Destination will be on the left)
Quiapo Church (Co-Venue)
Head southeast on Chicago toward 7th St
Take the 1st left onto 7th St
Make a U-turn
Take the 1st left onto Chicago
Take the 3rd left onto 10th St
Make a U-turn Take the 1st right onto Chicago
Take the 1st right onto 9th St
Make a U-turn
Turn right onto Muelle de San Francisco
Turn right onto Bonifacio Dr
Take the 1st left onto Railroad Dr
Turn right onto 12th St
Turn right onto Atlanta
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto 13th St
Turn right onto Chicago
Chicago turns right and becomes 11th St
Take the 2nd right onto 14th St
Take the 1st left onto Antonio C. Delgado

238
Take the 1st right onto Atlanta
Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Boston
Take the 1st right onto Antonio C. Delgado
Make a U-turn
Take the 1st right onto Chicago
Take the 2nd left onto 8th St
Muelle de San Francisco turns right and becomes 7th St
Turn left onto Chicago
Sharp left onto Muelle De Tacoma
Turn left onto 7th St
Turn right onto Muelle De Tacoma
Head southwest on 25th St toward Muelle de San Francisco
25th St turns right and becomes Muelle de San Francisco
Take the 3rd left onto Boston
Turn left onto Muelle de San Francisco
Take the 1st right onto Boston
Make a U-turn
Head southwest on 14th St toward Boston
Chicago turns right and becomes 11th St
Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado

239

Take the 2nd right onto Antonio C. Delgado
Turn left onto Railroad Dr
Take the 1st right onto Railroad Dr
Take the 3rd right onto 14th St
Take the 1st left onto Atlanta
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bonifacio Dr
Take the 2nd right onto Atlanta
Take the 3rd right onto 13th St
Head southwest on 25th St toward Muelle de San Francisco
Turn right onto Antonio C. Delgado
Turn left onto Muelle de San Francisco
Turn left onto Atlanta
Take the 2nd left onto Railroad Dr

240
Turn right onto Railroad Dr
Turn left onto 22nd St
Take the 1st right onto 23rd St
List of Food stalls participating:
Food Tenants of SM City North EDSA
1. Goldilocks Bakeshop (City Center, Ground Floor 101)
2. Starbucks Coffee (City Center, Ground Floor 102)
3. French Baker (City Center, Ground Floor 103)
4. Hainanese Delights (City Center, Ground Floor 104)
5. Razon's of Guagua (City Center, Ground Floor 105)
6. Classic Savory (City Center, Ground Floor 106)
7. Dunkin Donuts (City Center, Ground Floor 108)
8. Jollibee (City Center, Ground Floor 109)
9. McDonald's (City Center, Ground Floor 122)
10. Papa John's (City Center, Ground Floor 144)
11. Yakimix (City Center, Ground Floor 143)
12. Pizza Hut (City Center, Ground Floor 123)
13. Icebergs (City Center, Ground Floor 124)
14. Sbarro (City Center, Ground Floor 126)
15. Red Ribbon Bakeshop (City Center, Ground Floor 127)
16. Cinnabon (City Center, Second Floor 202)

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17. Dairy Queen (City Center, Second Floor 201)
18. Crepes and Creme (City Center, Second Floor 203)
19. Dulcinea (City Center, Second Floor 204)
20. Cha Time (City Center, Second Floor 205)
21. Pizza Hut Bistro (City Center, Second Floor 206)
22. Yoshinoya (City Center, Second Floor 207)
23. Maan Haan (City Center, Second Floor 208)
24. Chowking (City Center, Second Floor 209)
25. Shakey's Pizza Restaurant (City Center, Second Floor 210)
26. Tokyo Tokyo (City Center, Second Floor 211)
27. Max's Restaurant (City Center, Second Floor 212)
28. Racks (City Center, Second Floor 213)
29. Burger King (City Center, Second Floor 214)
30. Kenny Rogers Roasters (City Center, Second Floor 215)
31. Breadtalk (The Block, Second Floor 206)
32. Jamba Juice (The Block, Second Floor 207)
111 food tenants of SM Megamall
1. Mister Donut - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
2. Army Navy - (Mega A & B 4th Level)
3. Pepper Lunch - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
4. Chowking - (Mega A & B 2nd Level)
5. Bar B King - (Mega A & B lower ground Floor)
6. Sbarro - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
7. Jamaican Patties - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
8. Chuck's Grub - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
9. El Pollo Loco - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
10. The French Baker (3rd Floor) - (Mega A & B 3rd Level)
11. Mang Inasal - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
12. Komoro Soba - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
13. KFC (BLDG B.) - (Mega B 3rd level)
14. Karate Kid - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
15. Mexicali - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
16. Subway - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
17. The Sandwich Guy - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
18. Tokyo Tokyo - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
19. Wendy's - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
20. Wham! Burger - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
21. Yellow Cab - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
22. Yoshinoya - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
23. Luk Yuen - (Mega A & B lower)
24. Almon Marina - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
25. Mann Hann - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
26. Aveneto - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
27. Amici - (Mega A & B 3rd level
28. Mannang - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
29. Bubble Tea - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)

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30. Bacolod Chicken Inasal - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
31. Barrio Fiesta - (Mega A & B 4th level)
32. My Singapore Food Street - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
33. Chef's Quarter - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
34. C2 Classic Cuisine - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
35. Cabalen - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
36. Cajun Red Rock - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
37. Persia Grill - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
38. Gotti's Ristorante - (Mega A & B 4th level)
39. Dulcinea - (Mega A & B 4th level)
40. Eat & Go - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
41. Eskimo Bob - (Mega A & B 4th level)
42. Giligan's Island - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
43. Pizza Hut Bistro - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
44. KKK - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
45. Jatujak - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
46. Holy Cow - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
47. Gumbo - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
48. HK Choi - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
49. Secret Recipe - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
50. Pancake House - (Mega A & B lower ground level)
51. Max's Restaurant - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
52. Kichitora - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
53. SIZZLIN PEPPER STEAK - (Mega A & B 4th level)
54. Pho Hoa - (Mega A & B upper ground level)
55. Pho Hoa - (Mega A & B lower ground level)
56. Papa John's Pizza - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
57. Racks - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
58. Savory - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
59. Shakey's - (Mega A & B lower ground level)
60. Sumo Sam - (Mega A & B lower ground level)
61. Sushiya - (Mega A & B lower ground level)
62. Teriyaki Boy - (Mega A & B 4th level)
63. Tong Yang - (Mega A & B 4th level)
64. Yabu - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
65. Mister Donut - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
66. Army Navy - (Mega A & B 4th level)
67. Pepper Lunch - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
68. Chowking - (Mega A & B 2nd level upper ground floor)
69. Bar B King - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
70. Sbarro - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
71. Jamaican Patties - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
72. Chuck's Grub - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
73. El Pollo Loco - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
74. The French Baker (3f) - (Mega A & B 3rd level
75. Mang Inasal - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
76. Komoro Soba - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)

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77. Karate Kid - (Mega A & B 2nd level)
78. Mexicali - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
79. Subway - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
80. The Sandwich Guy - (Mega A & B lower ground floor)
81. Tokyo Tokyo - (Mega A & B 3rd level)
82. Wendy's - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
83. Wham! Burger - (Mega A & B lower ground floor
84. Yellow Cab - (Mega A & B 2nd floor)
85. Yoshinoya - (Mega A & B upper ground floor)
SM Food Court, SM Megamall
1. Balay Ilocos
2. Baliwag Lechon Manok, Atbp.
3. Balot Balot Republic
4. Bibingkinitan! Mini Bibingka
5. Bodhi
6. Brgy. Bagnet
7. Buko Ni Fruitas
8. Buzbox Scramble Station
9. Cafe's Coffeepoint
10. Cebu Fiesta
11. Chef Chow's Shabu Shabu Express
12. Chicken Company
13. Chin's Express
14. Cool Attack Ice Cream Corner
15. Crepe Delights
16. Davao Tuna Grill
17. Fat Ique's
18. Fireshack Shawarma
19. Flaming Hot
20. Fruit Magic
21. Goto King
22. Greenfresh
23. Greenwich
24. Healthie Fresh Fruit Shakes
25. Hen Lin
26. Hero Sausages
27. Ilonggo Grill
28. In A Nutshell
29. Inasal Joe
30. Inihaw Express
31. Jelly 'N Juice
32. Jollibee (Foodcourt)
33. Kamay Kainan
34. Kipp's Chicken
35. Kusina Ni Gracia
36. Kuya's Special Lumpiang Sariwa

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37. Louies Buko
38. Lydia's Lechon
39. Manang's Chicken
40. Mango-Ong
41. Megamelt Ensaymada
42. Mr. Kimbob
43. Mr. Softy Ice Cream
44. New Polland Baker's Fair
45. New York Fries & Dips
46. Okuya Food Express
47. Pao Tsin Specialties
48. Pinoy Toppings
49. Plato Wraps
50. President Tea House
51. Purefoods Hotdog
52. Quickly
53. R. Lapid's Chicharon
54. Razon's Of Guagua
55. Reyes Barbeque
56. Saba Republic
57. Sally's Homemade Kakanin
58. Seafood Grill
59. Siomai House
60. Sisig Hooray
61. Sizzling Plate
62. Sizzling Seafoods
63. Sweet Catch
64. Taho Boy
65. Takuyaki
66. Tapa King
67. Turk's Shawarma
68. World Chicken
69. Zagu
Country delegations
Participants and Pilgrims at JIL Anniversary Celebration represented the following
cities of the Philippines and countries of the world:
Africa
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde

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Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast (Cte d'Ivoire)
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
So Tom and Prncipe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
les parses

246
Mayotte
Runion
Pantelleria
Pelagie Islands
Madeira
Spain
Canary Islands
Ceuta
Melilla
Places of sovereignty
o Chafarinas Islands
o Pen de Alhucemas
o Pen de Vlez de la Gomera
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Western Sahara
Yemen
Socotra
Americas
Antigua and Barbuda
Anguilla
Argentina
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bonaire
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
Clipperton Island
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Curaao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
Federal Dependencies of Venezuela
French Guiana
Greenland

247

Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Iceland
Jamaica
Martinique
Mexico
Montserrat
Navassa Island
Nicaragua
Nueva Esparta
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
Saba
Saint Lucia
San Andrs and Providencia
Sint Eustatius
Sint Maarten
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
St. Barthlemy
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Martin
St. Pierre and Miquelon
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
United States
United States Virgin Islands
Uruguay
Venezuela
Asia
Afghanistan
Abkhazia
Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bhutan

248
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cyprus
East Timor (Timor-Leste)
Egypt
Georgia
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Nagorno-Karabakh
Nepal
North Korea
Northern Cyprus
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
South Ossetia
Sri Lanka
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Turkey

249

Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
Philippines
Metro Manila:
o Manila
o Quezon City
o San Juan City
o Mandaluyong City
o Makati City
o Valenzuela City
o Caloocan City
o Malabon City
o Navotas City
o Muntinlupa City
o Las Pinas City
o Paranaque City
o Pasay City
o Taguig City
o Pateros
o Pasig City
o Marikina City
Laoag and Ilocos Norte
Vigan and Ilocos Sur
Bangued and Abra
Batac City
Candon City
Parts of La Union:
o San Gabriel
o Santol
o Sudipen
o Bangar
Parts of Cagayan:
o Santa Praxedes
o Claveria
o Calayan
o Sanchez-Mira
o Pamplona
Santiago City and Isabela
Tuguegarao City and Cagayan
Basco and Batanes
Cabarroguis and Quirino
Bayombong and Nueva Vizcaya
San Fernando City and La Union

250
Baguio City and Benguet
Banaue and Ifugao
Sagada and Mountain Province
Kabugao and Apayao
Tabuk and Kalinga
Northern Parts of Ilocos Sur:
o Tagudin
o Alilem
o Suyo
o Sugpon
o Cervantes
o Sigay
o Quirino
o Gregorio del Pilar
o San Emilio
Parts of Pangasinan:
o San Fabian
o Sison
o San Manuel
o San Nicolas
Dagupan City and Pangasinan
Tarlac City and Tarlac
Cabanatuan City and Nueva Ecija
Olongapo City and Zambales
Baler and Aurora
San Fernando City and Pampanga
Balanga City and Bataan
Malolos City and Bulacan
Batangas City and Batangas
Tagaytay City and Cavite
San Pablo and Laguna
Jalajala and Rizal
Lucena City and Quezon
Boac and Marinduque
San Jose and Occidental Mindoro
Calapan City and Oriental Mindoro
Odiongan and Romblon
Puerto Princesa City and Palawan
Cuyo Archipleago
Kalayaan Group of Islands
Naga City and Camarines Sur
Daet and Camarines Norte
Virac and Catanduanes
Legazpi City and Albay
Sorsogon City and Sorsogon
Masbate City and Masbate
Kalibo and Aklan

251

San Jose and Antique
Roxas City and Capiz
Iloilo City and Iloilo Province
Bacolod City and Negros Occidental
Guimaras
Parts of Negros Oriental
o Canlaon City
o Guihulngan City
o Jimalalud
o La Libertad
o Vallehermoso
Parts of West Coast of Cebu
o Aloguinsan
o Asturias
o Balamban
o Barili
o Pinamungahan
o Tuburan
Cebu City & Province
Dumaguete and Negros Oriental
Siquijor
Bohol
Tacloban City
Samar
Leyte
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Biliran
Southern Leyte
Dinagat Islands
Davao City
Davao del Norte
Davao del Sur
Davao Occidental
Davao Oriental
Compostela Valley
General Santos City
South Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
Sarangani
Cotabato City and Maguindanao
North Cotabato
Lanao del Sur
Bukidnon
Basilan
Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental
Ozamiz City and Misamis Occidental

252
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
Mambajao and Camiguin
Siquijor City and Siquijor
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
Zamboanga City
Ipil and Zamboanga Sibugay
Isabela City and Basilan
Jolo and Sulu
Bongao and Tawi-Tawi
Europe
Albania
Abkhazia
land Islands
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece

253

Guernsey
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Isle of Man
Italy
Jersey
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Nagorno-Karabakh
Netherlands
Northern Cyprus
Northern Ireland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Ossetia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Transnistria
Ukraine
Vatican City
Wales
Oceania
Australia
American Samoa
Baker Island Guam
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
French Polynesia

254
Futuna
Guam
Howland Island
Jarvis Island
Johnston Atoll
Kingman Reef
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Midway Atoll
Nauru
New Zealand
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn Islands
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Wake Island
Wallis
FABC Anniversary and Eleventh General Assembly
After the 3-day weekend extravaganza lasted from Saturday, October 25 to Monday,
October 27, Pope Francis told the Roman Catholic Territorial bishops of Asia that as the
next Philippine presidential administration in 2016 approaches, evangelization remains
the highest priority of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine
National Government and Politics, but he also cautioned that evangelization must never
be imposed.

In an address to the Eleventh Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops
Conferences (FABC), he declared the act of faith, and reception into the communion of
the Church through Baptism, must always be entirely free.

He told more than 150 Roman Catholic Territorial bishops of Asia in the early morning
of October 27 at San Carlos Seminary in Makati City, Metro Manila that evangelization
involves love and respect for those evangelized. While ever insisting on the Churchs
right and duty to proclaim with joy the Good News of Gods mercy, Catholics must
carefully avoid any suspicion of coercion or devious persuasion.

He insisted, If the Church in Asia is to fulfill its providential destiny, evangelization as
the joyful, patient and progressive preaching of the saving Death and Resurrection of
Jesus Christ must be your absolute priority.

255

Accusations of proselytism -- which is far from the Churchs missionary spirit -- and a
one-sided understanding of religious pluralism and tolerance should not be allowed to
stifle your mission to the peoples of Asia. he said.

Congratulating the FABC on its 45th anniversary, the Holy Father, Pope Francis
observed that rapid technological progress and economic growth have revolutionized the
face of Asia since the FABC was conceived in November 1970.

While affirming the benefits of this development, he urged the bishops, the Church
must nevertheless make a realistic assessment of the price paid for this modernization and
confront those aspects which pose an immense threat to life: not only to the life of
individuals but also to that of civilization itself (Letter to Families, 21).

Noting that the transformation of the spiritual landscape is even more striking than
Asias material progress, the pope explained to the bishops: Religious indifferentism
and exaggerated individualism now threaten the traditional values which, generally
speaking, bestowed meaning and harmony on the life of individuals and on the
communities they composed.

The forces of secularization tend to undermine your rich religious and cultural heritage.
This great continent is at a spiritual crossroads.

The popes presentation, delivered on his behalf and in his presence by Italian Cardinal
Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Vaticans Congregation for the Clergy, came about
halfway through the FABCs 10-day plenary from October 20 to 29, 2014 part of the
annual Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Festival, whose annual theme is
Christian Discipleship in Asia Today: Service to Life in 2016.

Pope Francis explained that he asked Cardinal Stella to read his talk, so as to expedite the
delivery. When Cardinal Stella finished, the pope said, What I wrote, I wrote, and it
should be read, but added, What I meditated on should also be revealed.

He then began speaking spontaneously on the need in the near future for a synod of Asian
bishops, just as the African bishops met in synod last year (2013).

Next, he referred to the Mass that he had celebrated that on October 26 in Manilas
Luneta Park for the grand prayer assembly and annual anniversary celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, locally described as the greatest papal Mass in
history with more than four million people attending.

The pope said that as he was ending the extraordinary experience" of his visit to Manila
with people calling him the pope of the People, he was trying in this talk to the FABC
to "underline not youth but specificity.


256
Though he did not intend, he continued, to be called the pope of synods, he strongly
favored holding synods as a fruit of Vatican (Council) II.

He explained that just as Christ selected not one but 12 to form the first college of
bishops, so the apostolic body of Asian bishops should look for proper expression as a
body and thereby maintain the Churchs tradition, magisterial spirit and collegiality as
such.

Pointing out that the first millennium had many synods, he said Vatican II was creating
this new synod era of the Church, and as he meditated on the coming Philippine
presidential elections in May 2016, I thought of the need to return to the synod
experience.

The ad limina visits of every bishop to the pope are one form sharing, he noted, as are
praying together and the agape of eating meals together, but we also need to meet as
representatives of the whole collegium of bishops.

Following is the final statement of the Twelfth Plenary of the Federation of Asian
Bishops Conferences (FABC).

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP IN ASIA TODAY: SERVICE TO LIFE
Final Statement of the Twelfth FABC Plenary Assembly
October 21-30, 2014, Manila, Philippines

INTRODUCTION

1. To our God of love and life, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we give praise and thanks!

In the same city of Manila, where 45 years ago in the inspiring presence of the revered
Pope Paul VI, the dream of actualizing the communion of Asian Churches began, we, the
bishops-delegate of twenty-one countries and territories, gather in Manila for the Sixth
Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences. We are deeply
blessed by the active participation in our Assembly of a number of dedicated lay persons,
priests, religious sisters and brothers.

On this occasion a singular grace for us is likewise the moving presence of Pope Francis.
With him we not only celebrate the 45th anniversary of the resolution to form a structure
that would later become the FABC, but also the 45th year of Radio Veritas Asia, the
420th year of the Archdiocese of Manila and its 3 historic suffragans, Cebu, Caceres, and
Nueva Segovia, and especially the Annual Founding Anniversary Celebration of
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. Indeed these festivities are peak moments of Gods
grace to the Church in Asia, in communion with one another and with the Holy Father --
at the service of life.

2. Remembering with gratitude the beginnings of FABC, we are impressed by the vigor

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of the creative energies that gave birth and life. We also recognize that the history of
FABC is but a short chapter in the continuing saga of the Asian Churches solicitude for
life, whose individual and collective stories are about promises already realized, if yet
waiting to be fulfilled.

This remembrance of blessings past is both comfort and strength. For we realize that the
spring from which FABC draws its vigor is the God who has blessed us in Jesus Christ
with every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3). We thank our God in our remembrance (Phil 1:3).

A. 45 YEARS OF FABC COMMITMENT TO LIFE

3. Through its past twelve plenary assemblies, FABC tried to discern the current "life-
context" of the Asian pastoral situations that inevitably consist of death-dealing as well as
life-serving realities. The initial bishops meeting in Manila in 1970 already indicated the
expectations of Asians for "a better and fuller life for themselves and their children
(ABM, 10). For this reason, the Church in Asia must foster a threefold dialogue: with the
many different faiths of Asia, with the cultures of Asia, and with the poor multitudes of
Asia. We believe that fullness of life can be realized "only in and through Christ and his
Gospel, and by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit" (FABC 1, 1974).

For the Church and its mission in Asia whose peoples are characterized by traditions of
deep religiosity, prayer has to be "the river of life." Prayer is absolutely indispensable if
the Christ-life is to indwell Christian participation in life-giving liberation and
development (FABC 2, 1978). This inner life of prayer builds the Church into a credible
community of faith, rooted in the life of the Trinity and turned resolutely toward the
construction of a fully human future for Asian peoples (FABC 3, 1982).

This is why the laity must act as an evangelizing and liberating force in the struggle for
fullness of life (FABC IV, 1986). Our unique contribution is our vision of Jesus Christ,
and our Christian spirituality manifested through dialogue, discernment and deeds. As
Church, we need to walk in compassion and humility, in accompaniment with all the
peoples of Asia "as they pray, work, struggle and suffer for a better human life, (in their)
search for the meaning of human life and progress" (FABC V, 1990).

Through the years FABC has addressed various concerns that promote social, economic,
legal, media, religious and ecciesial life. Such concerns are: the promotion of justice and
integral development particularly in relation to women, migrant workers and indigenous
peoples; the building of basic ecciesial communities and basic human communities; the
promotion of interreligious dialogue, especially the dialogue of life; leadership formation
and specialized formation of priest-formators, youth chaplains, bishops and lay leaders;
the conscientization and organization of basic sectors of society; and a more effective use
of media for evangelization.

The overall thrust of activities in recent years has been to motivate the Churches of Asia
towards "a new way of being Church," a Church that is committed to becoming "a
community of communities" and a credible sign of salvation and liberation.

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4. Yet on this the 45th anniversary of FABC, we have to confess humbly that the goal of
conscientizing the local Churches and building a communion of our Asian Churches is
still far from being reached, despite the truly remarkable advances already made in this
regard.

We are glad to recall, even if only briefly, the extraordinarily rich story of FABC. It is the
story of a listener attentive to the perils of life, to the visions of life, to celebratory songs
of life and who wants to share the singular wealth one has, which is the memory of the
person named Jesus who is for us the Way, the Truth and the Life.

5. The theme for this Eleventh Plenary Assembly of FABC is most fitting. We take as our
theme "Christian Discipleship in Asia Today: Service to Life," in order that we may
recommit ourselves to the promotion of life in Asia.

B. A VISION OF LIFE AMID ASIAN REALITIES

6. "Life. Vibrant life pulsating from the fecundity of Asia" (FABC International
Theological Colloquium, 1994). How do the disciples of Jesus in Asia view this life that
is welling up from the depths of Asian peoples, their histories, their habitats and their
cultures? What service can the disciples of Jesus in Asia offer to affirm, enhance, defend
and promote this life?

Our response begins with a rapid scan of Asian realities not so much to repeat the already
substantive analyses that previous FABC assemblies and a great number of FABC
seminars and workshops have done, as simply to situate more clearly the struggle of Asia
for life.

7. We turned our attention to whatever threatens, weakens, diminishes and destroys the
life of individuals, groups or peoples; whatever devalues human beings, conceived, born,
infant, old; whatever socio-cultural, religious, political, economic, or environmental
factor that threatens or destroys life in our countries. We identified some of these forces
of death at work in Asia. And we concluded that as promoters of life, we could only
denounce them.

We were alarmed at how the global economy is ruled by market forces to the detriment of
peoples real needs. We considered the insecurity and vulnerability of migrants, refugees,
the displaced ethnic and indigenous peoples, and the pain and agonies of exploited
workers, especially the child laborers in our countries.

We became more aware of the forces of death depriving women and the girl child of their
dignity, freedom, personhood and fuller humanity. We realized how the same forces
undermine the family, the basic of civil and upper class society and the Roman Catholic
Church, through liberalist, anti-life, anti-child, anti-woman, anti-family policies and
values and pose many threats to wholeness of life in the area of health care, especially of
the poor.

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We recognized the growing violence, terrorism, conflicts and nuclear proliferation fueled
by the arms trade and greed for profit, all of which violate peoples rights. They threaten
participative democracy, humane governance and a just and peaceful society. We also
noted with pain that our sisters and brothers in some countries are still denied their right
to religious freedom.

In the area of religious pluralism, we reflected on the growing fundamentalist extremism
and fanaticism discriminating and excluding people who belong to other religious
traditions, thus destroying the harmony of peoples lives and their solidarity already
witnessed to in a dialogue of life.

As we reflected on these negative areas, we could not ignore the immense damage to the
ecosystem of our planet which offends justice and the rights of people.

We say "no" to these death-dealing forces.

8. In this scenario of shadows, we were also encouraged by areas of light. We became
aware of the many signs of hope in the histories and cultures of our peoples, as seen in
peoples movements and the initiatives of groups, peoples, and the Churches in Asia for
the service of life. We identified with great joy these expressions of life powerfully at
work in Asia. We resolved to affirm them, encourage them, celebrate them, and unite our
efforts to them.

Noteworthy among them are the growing consciousness regarding human dignity and
empowerment of the poor, the growing voices of groups and peoples for humanized
development, and the cries of the marginalized groups for participatory and democratic
governance.

We dwelt also on the movements for the protection of the environment and ecosystem
linked to justice, and the solidarity of committed groups and peoples in the struggle for
the rights of women, children, especially the girl child, and those of indigenous peoples.
Truly remarkable is the increasing number of young people moving towards solidarity
and community, and seeking a deeper spirituality. We were consoled by efforts of many
groups to foster dialogue with people of other faiths.

We did not miss the value of the discovery of mass media for the promotion of values
and support of peoples movements and rights.

To these life-giving forces, we give a resounding "yes."

9. From the dynamic forces at work within Asian realities a basic vision of life emerges.
In the living heritage of cultures and religious traditions of Asia we discern values and
their expressions in symbols, stories and art forms, that embody a vision of life; while we
are critically aware of the distortions that have entered into these traditions. In these
cultural and religious traditions we also discover the responses to life given by past

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generations of Asian peoples, which in turn become resources for our contemporary
response.

We Asians are searching not simply for the meaning of life but for life itself. We are
striving and struggling for life because it is a task and a challenge. But life is a gift too, a
mystery, because our efforts to achieve it are far too short of the ultimate value of life.
We speak of life as a becoming -- a growing into, a journeying to life and to the source of
life.

10. So what might this vision be?

In the rich diversity of ancient Asian cultures and faiths is a vision of in diversity, a
communion of life among diverse peoples. In this context we seek to become persons of
dialogue.

Ours is a vision of holistic life, life that is achieved and entrusted to every person and
every community of persons, regardless of gender, creed or culture, class or color. It is
the fruit of integral development, the authentic development of the whole person and of
every person.

We envision a life with integrity and dianity, a life of compassion for the multitudes,
especially for the poor and the needy. It is a life of solidarity with every form of life and
of sensitive care for all the earth. It is thus a life that unites us Asians among ourselves
and with the whole of creation into one community of life.

For us to live is to live with integrity and dignity, in peace and justice, in freedom and
participation, in mutuality and complementarity. It is to live in simplicity and friendship.

At the heart of our vision of life is the Asian reverential sense of mystery and of the
sacred, a spirituality that regards life as sacred and discovers the Transcendent and its
gifts even in mundane affairs, in tragedy or victory, in brokenness or wholeness. This
deep inferiority draws people to experience harmony and inner peace and infuses ethics
into all of creation.

11. Such is a broad sketch of an Asian vision of life. With the eyes of the heart, with our
faith, we need to understand ft as the work of the creative Spirit of God of Life, who in
all things and among every people is healing, renewing, and recreating in ever new, ever
mysterious ways.

What can we, and how can we, as disciples of Jesus, contribute to the shaping and
achieving of such a vision of life in Asia, with our Asian peoples and for Asian peoples.
How can the Churches of Asia participate, as Churches and as Asian, in the common
global search for lde? What does Christian discipleship in Asia mean, if ft is to truly
serve life?

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Our response leads us to Jesus, the Life whom we are following and whom we share with
others.

C. TO LIFE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

12. All life is related to the active presence of the Creator Spirit. No wonder Jesus,
confessed as Messiah and Lord, is Spirit-filled. He who is The Life is dependent on the
Spirit. Conceived in the virgins womb by the Spirits power (Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20),
anointed by the Spirit at his baptism in the Jordan (Mark 1:10), driven to the wilderness
by the Spirit to be prepared for his mission (Matthew 4:1), sent to preach the good news
of salvation by the Spirits action (Luke 4:18-19), Jesus ushers in the new creation, the
fullness of life in God. As the risen One, he breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples
(John 20:22f), making them partakers of his life and mission.

What vision of life emerges from the Spirit-filled Jesus?

13. JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF THE GOD OF LIFE. "I came that they may have
life, and have it abundantly" (Luke 10:10). With these simple words, Jesus describes his
mission. But it is also depicted as the mission of announcing and inaugurating the
Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15), the hope of subjugated Israel for the fullness of life in
God. Jesus teaches what life in the Kingdom consists in.

13.1. Communion with Abba. Jesus identifies the ultimate source of life, the God whom
he intimately calls Abba. In Abba Jesus finds his whole life. "I am in the Father and the
Father in me" (Jn 14:1 1). In Abba he finds the resting place of his lifes journey. Father,
into your hands I commend my spirit" (Lk 23: 46). Who Jesus is, what he does, where he
ends up, are all found in a passion for communion with Abba.

13.2. Liberating and Recreating Communion among Neighbors. In compassionate love,
Jesus makes his own the struggles and aspirations of Israel for life. Assuming their
humanity, he incarnates Abbas life-giving actions of old: creation of all the living out of
sheer love, liberation of the chosen people from the bondage of Egypt, mutual belonging
within the covenant. Like Abba, Jesus brings life through a new creation, a radical
liberation and a renewed communion.

At his word, demons flee, sinners are liberated. At his touch, the sick are healed. He frees
the victims of society from the evil and sin that shackle them. He restores them to
communion. He breaks down barriers set up by greed, pride, discrimination, lopsided
social norms and even religious distortions. Outcasts become sisters and brothers. Sinners
are worthy of compassion. The hungry, the thirsty, the prisoners, the naked bear the
divine presence. And God is our Father. In the freedom and communion that Jesus offers,
a new creation dawns. The human community is reborn. Indeed the time of fulfillment
has come. Life in abundance is in our midst. The Kingdom is here (Lk 17:21).

13.3. Death for the Life of the Many. In his passion for life, Jesus courageously confronts

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death. But like all defenders of life, he catches the wrath of the "friends of death" and
suffers humiliating death. In the meal he shares with his friends before being crucified, he
portrays his death as an act of self-giving for the life of others: "my body is given for
you" (Lk 22:1 g), "my blood is to be poured out for the many" (Mk 14:24). And he
commands his disciples to remember this supreme act of love. On the cross, Jesus unites
himself with every person seeking life. On the cross, life is poured out from the love and
strength that dare to be weak for Abba and neighbors. On the cross, Jesus wins life by
offering his own life in death.

13.4. The Risen One Conquers Death. Jesus rising from the dead tells the whole of
humanity and creation that God is the Master of life. In the resurrection of Jesus, death
has been stripped of its definitive role in shaping history. History belongs to life! The
whole of creation is propelled by life! God offers hope to the whole world and its teeming
millions searching and struggling for life through the Risen One, World of Life, the
Bread of Life, the Author of Life.

13.5. The Gift of the Spirit of Life promises and gives the Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of
Life." The Spirit that enabled Jesus to be the life-giving Messiah, will enable the
community of disciples to remember him, to follow him, to participate in his life. The
followers of Christ, individually and corporately, are to be comforted and rejuvenated in
their following of Jesus by the Spirit of Life.

This image of Jesus -- man of the creative Spirit, friend of God, person of inferiority,
bringer of harmony, lover of the poor, healer and liberator, bold prophet, suffering
companion, victor over death, sharer of his Spirit -- resonates with the Asian peoples
vision of life.

14. DISCIPLESHIP IN THE SPIRIT OF LIFE. It is the Spirit of Jesus that creates the
disciple-community. And ft is in the power of the Spirit that we believe in him (1 Jn
4:2f), remember him (John 14:26), communicate him (Acts 8:39) and live by him (2 Cor
12:13). Discipleship is living by the Spirit of the Risen Lord and by the demands of the
Kingdom of Life. The peoples of Asia will be drawn to Jesus if his disciples abide in his
life (Jn 15:4).

14.1. Solidarity with God. As Jesus immersed himself into the depths of Abbas life and
love, so that disciple-community has to immerse Itself totally in the life of the Triune
God and live by communion with God. Through this communion, the disciple-
community, can more credibly share the love and life of God with others and more
effectively bring the forces of Gods Kingdom of Life to bear on the death-dealing
realities of Asia.

To be in solidarity with God, prayer is indispensable. Prayer expresses our inner spirit
and impels us towards ever deeper communion and intimacy with God. This communion
is at the core of life-giving spirituality. In Jesus own example, mission and service draw
their energy and power, their very life, from solidarity with Abba and leads back to this
solidarity. If the Disciples of Christ are steeped in prayerful encounter with and service of

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Abba, they will strike a chord in the heart of Asia where traditions of spirituality and
prayer abound.

14.2. Liberating and Recreating Communion among Neighbors. Like Jesus, we have to
pitch our tents in the midst of all humanity building a better world, but especially
among the suffering and the poor, the marginalized and the downtrodden of Asia. In
profound "solidarity with suffering humanity" and led by the Spirit of life, we need to
immerse ourselves in Asias cultures of poverty and deprivation, from whose depths the
aspirations for love and life are most poignant and compelling. Serving life demands
communion with every woman and man seeking and struggling for life, in the way of
Jesus solidarity with humanity.

Our solidarity requires a resolve to work with our Asian sisters and brothers in liberating
our societies from whatever oppresses and degrades human life and creation, most
especially from sin. We offer the radical freedom of life in Christ. In a special way, we
will follow Jesus in his "preferential journey" with the poor and will assist in the
liberation of the materially poor, of indigenous peoples, displaced persons, victims of
misguided economic and political development, victims of wars and divisions, victims of
sex tourism. We will more actively assist in the integral development of women, children
and the youth, who cry out for liberation from many dehumanizing and oppressive
situations and for their rightful place in society and in the Churchs mission to serve life.

With our Asian sisters and brothers, we will strive to foster communion among Asian
peoples who are threatened by glaring economic, social and political imbalances. With
them we will explore ways of utilizing the gifts of our diverse religions, cultures and
languages to achieve a richer and deeper Asian unity. We will build bridges of solidarity
and reconciliation with peoples of other faiths and will join hands with every one in Asia
in forming a true community of creation.

14.3. Dying for the Many. Immersion in Asias cultures of poverty is a dying to ourselves
so that we may live for God and for others. It is a dimension of the spirituality that stems
from Jesus himself for whom the giving of life to others happens in the giving of the very
self. That is why the love of the Father, Son and Spirit, the self-giving of God to all
humanity, especially on behalf of the poor, is at the heart of all genuine service to life.

It is this love that impels us as the disciple-community of Jesus to confront and act
against death-dealing realities, oppression and injustice, discrimination and exploitation,
the destruction of ecosystems, the tampering with life. As disciples we cannot serve both
life and death! Just as Jesus worked as a prophet of new life and died to usher it in, so we
in Asia today must prophesy on behalf of the God of life. Refusal to prophesy and speak
against the forces of death is to fail in serving life!

We may hesitate because we are minority group. Indeed we are little flock in Asia. But it
is from this position of weakness that Gods gift of divine life in Jesus Crucified, the
power and wisdom of God, is most significant. Triumphalism and displays of pomp and

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human power do not witness to the abnegation of Jesus on the Cross. It is often from our
weakness that Gods love as life-giving grace is more clearly made manifest.

We memorialize Jesus total self-gift around the Eucharistic table. We partake of the very
life of Jesus, the Bread of Life broken and shared. We drink of the Cup of the new
covenant with God. We join Jesus in serving life by washing the feet of our neighbors.
We celebrate the new creation when simple fruits of the earth and work of human hands
become the presence of Jesus in our midst. We look to that promised banquet where all
will sit as brothers and sisters around the God of Life.

14.4. Living in the Risen One. Faith in the Risen One demands that his disciples in Asia
by symbols of hope. Because Jesus is risen, we realize that the promise of life is not
empty. Our common search will not end in senselessness but in life. The resurrected life,
proclaimed in word, deeds, presence, community and service by the disciples of Christ,
can help assure Asians that in the various arenas of death, life still pulsates and flows, life
is a promise that is being realized and will be fulfilled in Jesus and His Spirit.

14.5. Walking by the Spirit of Life. The Gift of the life-giving Spirit makes men and
women disciples of Jesus. "Living by the Spirit, walking by the Spirit," (Gal 5:25) is
concretely seen in a life marked by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal 5:22f). These values,
which are opposed to the "fruits of the flesh," need to be infused into the Churchs
lifestyle, policies, programs and communal life.

The Spirit is the powerful breath animating the mission of the Disciples of Christ.
Whether in explicit proclamation of the Gospel or in the silence of prayer, whether in the
warmth of personal contact or the burden of liberative action, the Spirit of life guides,
sanctifies and unifies the disciple-community for the world and humanity.

The deepest communication of the Church to Asia is its Spirit-filled and multiform
mission of sharing Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life.

14.6. Our reflection on discipleship cannot be complete without invoking Mary, the
woman who gave Jesus to the world. She who is the Mother of Life is also the foremost
disciple of Life. Her example teaches us that discipleship involves attentive listening to
the word of God and the freedom to respond to it (Luke 1:26-38). She regards herself a
servant in solidarity with her people Israel, celebrating Gods mercy for the lowly and the
hungry (Luke 1:46-55). She courageously suffers with her Son at the foot of the cross and
from that wood of life becomes the mother of us all (Jn 19:25-27). With the early
disciple-community, she prays, awaiting the promised Spirit of Life (Acts 1:12-14). Now
with her son in glory, she enlivens the hope of all for eternal life. In Mary we find not
only a mother but also a model and companion in our pilgrimage to Age.

14.7. In the final analysis to the question that we have asked about our Christian
contribution to the struggle for full life in Asia, our answer is brief, but profoundly
committed. Our answer is Jesus and his Gospel of Life. Our answer is the sharing of

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Abbas liberating and reconciling life and love with others. Our answer is authentic
discipleship in the creative Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Life.

15. MAJOR PASTORAL AREAS OF DISCIPLESHIP. The above reflection on a
theologico-pastoral basis of discipleship leads us to its concrete implications to our
pastoral mission. Many, indeed, are our pastoral concerns: dialogue with peoples of other
faiths, dialogue with the poor, dialogue with the cultures of Asia; justice and integral
development mediated by the social teachings of the Church, formation and education,
the apostolate of the media and the arts. We have deliberated on all these very important
and interconnected concerns. The results will be published.

But in the light of our faith-reflection, we believe that five concerns require special
pastoral focus:

15.1. The Asian is a microcosm of Asian society. It is bombarded on all sides by anti-
family forces of dehumanization and disintegration, ranging from material and moral
poverty to secularistic values and external pressures leading to anti-life types of bioethics
and practices of abortion and contraception. Children, as in many other areas of life,
become the unwilling and innocent victims. Young girls and boys are also exploited
through illegal labor practices and sex tourism. Discipleship in Asia then has to denounce
such anti-life and anti-family pressures, policies, and practices and foster bioethics that is
in accord with Gods law and the Churchs teachings in order to promote the family as a
"sanctuary of life" and a school of life.

15.2. The complex issue of women and the aid child in Asia has to be one of the major
concerns. Already our Fourth Plenary Assembly, in Tokyo, 1986, raised the issue to the
level of the whole Asian Church. We cannot effectively promote our Christian vision of
full life unless the Church as a communion of communities will credibly expend its moral
and spiritual energies to the conversion of mentalities, the transformation of structures,
and the eradication of practices that deny women and the girl child in Asia their God-
given dignity. An urgent pastoral imperative is for women to exercise their right to
coresponsibility and mutuality with men -- in society and in the Church.

15.3. On the occasion of the anniversary of Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic
Charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, the Church
likewise confronts the reality of Asia as the continent of the youth. As in other FABC
forums, we stand in solidarity with their struggles for authentic life. We share their
concern and alarm in the face of misguided policies and structures that are already laying
the foundation of their future. We wonder with them 9 the earth will still be preserved for
them and their children at the rate it is being misused now. We commit ourselves to
accompany their life-giving movement in their aspiration to transform themselves and
our societies towards fuller life.

15.4. Ecology is once again brought to our pastoral attention. And urgently so, since we
see in the countries of Asia the continuing and unabated destruction of our environment --
waters, forests, plant and animal life, air -- and the support systems of all created life.

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Life, especially in a Third World setting, is sacrificed at the altar of short-term economic
gains. The Lord, the Giver of Life, calls our discipleship in Asia into question on the time
bomb issue of ecology. Choosing life requires our discipleship to discern and act with
other faiths and groups against the forces of ecological destruction.

15.5. Special attention is given to the displaced in our societies: political and ecological
refugees and migrant workers. They are marginalized and exploited by the system, denied
of their place in society and must go elsewhere to seek a dignified life. In welcoming
them we expose the causes of their displacement, work toward conditions for a more
human living in community, experience the universal dimension of the Kingdom (Gal
3:28) and appreciate new opportunities for evangelization and intercultural dialogue.

Though our pastoral directives for action touch on many issues of concern, we appeal for
a particular pastoral focus on these five major challenges.

CONCLUSION

16. As we end our deliberations, we do so as we began -- with a prayer of thanks, hope,
and commitment.

Prayer of Service to Life in Asia

Loving and life-giving God, at the beginning you called us in Asia into life, enriched us
with an astonishing variety of cultures, ways of living, believing, and worshiping. As
sisters and brothers in your one Asian family, we thank you and praise you.

Among us are the poorest of the poor, the poor with their many faces of misery and pain,
millions who seek not only a better life but the full Life that only you can give. We hear
your call to serve them, the way your Son Jesus served others in total love, in utter
selflessness, eucharistically.

Send us your Spirit of Life, that together with other communities, we may respond to the
anguish of our sisters and brothers with courageous and generous love and with them
come to the Life that never ends.

May our Mother, Mary, the voice and Mother of the Poor, who announced the liberation
of the lowly, be our companion. May she as the mother and model of all disciples lead us
to the Way, the Truth, and the Life in your Kingdom forever and ever. Amen.

The pope stayed with the bishops another two hours to have their photos taken with him
and to enjoy his last dinner in Manila with them.


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HE WANTS TO RETURN: Perhaps another opportunity I don't know
how
Manila, Philippines, October 28, 2014 - Pope Francis left the Philippines for Papua New
Guinea on Monday, October 27 after a triumphant visit that injected new vigor into his
papacy and drew a record crowd numbering several million for a annual Papal event.
Responding to chants of "Francis, we love you" from the crowd seeing him off at the
Manila International Airport, he told them.
The 76 years old Pontiff looked tired after a grueling four-day visit but climbed the stairs
to the plane unaided, holding the railing with both hands. After Papua New Guinea, he
goes on to Australia. His 11-day tour ends in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists have threatened
to boycott his annual visit over remarks in the deceased former Pope John Paul 2' best-
selling book Crossing the Thresher of Hope.
Francis came to The Philippines, the heartland of Catholicism in Asia, with many people
fearing the one year, seven month reign was flagging after months of his installation.
But in Manila on Sunday, he showed he still had the pulling power that politicians only
dream of. Jubilant Vatican officials aid the estimated four million people who packed the
center of Manila for the climax of the annual anniversary celebration of evangelical
Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group and movement Jesus
is Lord Church gave the Pope the biggest welcome he had ever seen. It surpassed even
the crowd that greeted him when the deceased Pope Emeritus John Paul II to Poland for
the first time in 1979.
A thousand images.
"I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people," the Pope said before departing
aboard a Philippine Airlines aircraft.
"I know your desire for greater justice and a better life for yourselves and your children.
No one can underestimate the difficulties you face and the hard work that lies ahead."
He called for a new sense of responsibility in society and for Filipinos to pursue
development that preserves and promotes the true values of your Filipino culture.
During his visit, he used an address to Filipino, Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese,
Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Pakistani
Roman Catholic territorial archbishops, bishops and cardinals to hammer home the
Church's opposition to all forms of artificial contraception and abortion.
"Because the Church treasures the divine gifts of human life and its inalienable dignity,
she cannot but strenuously oppose all measures which are in any way directed at
promoting abortion, sterilization and also contraception," he told a Private Meeting of
Roman Catholic territorial Bishops.

The following evening, Monday, October 27, the Pope left Manila for Port Moresby in
Papua New Guinea.

FAREWELL CEREMONY: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS, POPE FRANCIS (Ninoy
Aquino International Airport, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Monday, October 27, 2014)

Dear Filipino Friends, My Pastoral Visit to the beautiful Philippines is now at an end. I
wish to thank everyone for the warmth and graciousness of the hospitality I have received

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from the first moment of my arrival. In a special way I am grateful to His Excellency
President, Benigno S. Aquino III and the members of the Government for their close
participation in each stage of the visit. I cordially thank Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle
and Jose Cardinal S. Palma and all my Brother Bishops of Asia and their collaborators for
making my pilgrimage to the Church in these Islands such a fruitful and joyful
celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ. I thank everyone who took part in the Masses and
other events, those who organized them, those who maintained order and security, those
who have worked to broadcast and televise the events, those who in any way served the
needs of so many pilgrims. May God reward each and every one, each one of you!

With particular affection I say thank you to the people who have been the main actors in
the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration. How can we explain or measure the
mysterious working of divine grace in so many generous young hearts? The Lord
described the Kingdom as a seed which a man sowed, and which then produced a rich
harvest. Here, the seed had already fallen on rich soil. Many people school alumni,
parents, teachers, students, professors, catechists, Religious, priests, deacons,
monsignors, pastors have kept watch over the seed of faith and helped it grow. And
God gives the increase (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6). How far will it grow? How wide will it spread
from here through the immense human geography of Asia? This is the challenge and the
task which the people of the First Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary
Festival and the whole Roman Catholic Church, Business (including Agriculture,
Banking, Finance, Property, Stock Market, Telecommunications), Entertainment,
Lifestyle, Sports, Legal and Politics in the Philippines have taken up and will carry into
the next Philippine presidential administration in 2016. All of this fills my heart with
gratitude and joy. I will continue to have boundless hope in the youth of the Philippines
and of the world: Christ is working through them for the new springtime of Christianity
on this continent. We see the early stages of the planting; others will rejoice in the rich
harvest.

I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people. I know your desire for greater
justice and a better life for yourselves and your children. No one can underestimate the
difficulties you face and the hard work that lies ahead. Above all, no one should pull back
from the great demand of real and effective solidarity, a new solidarity between
individuals, in families and throughout society. There has to be progress in sharing. There
has to be a renewed sense of responsibility of everyone for everyone else; we are each of
us, our brothers keeper. May God help you to follow the path you have already begun:
towards a continuing development that preserves and promotes the true values of your
Filipino culture!

My parting wish can be none other than the one I expressed for you when I came here
almost one year, seven months, fourteen days ago after my installation as Pope: may you
always enjoy peace in your hearts and in your homes; may justice and freedom reign
throughout your land; and may your families be faithful forever, united in joy and love!

May God bless you all! God bless the Philippines! Mabuhay!


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The Pontiff looked tired after a grueling four-day visit but climbed the stairs to the plane
unaided, holding the railing with both hands.

After farewell ceremonies at the Old Manila International Airport, the Plane emblazoned
with the exaltation: Totus Tuus! takes off at around 9:25 P.M.

The flight will be commanded by Captain Johnny Andrews. The pilot-in-command is
Captain Alfredo Juliano who assisted by Captain Oliver Castro, First Officers Ruben
Matro and Servando Bocao and flight engineers Danny Hallare and Manuelito
Respaldon. Inflight service will be provided two sets of cabin crew numbering 22 led-by
pursers Angelito Tiras and John Inopea.

The rest of the crew are assistant flight purser Aurora Bautista, stewards Wesley
Calfoforo, Salvador Cacho, Joseph Torral, Rafael Torralba, Aurora Ponce-Enrile, Susan
del Carmen, Jesulta de Leon, Stella Frias, Elsie Escutin, Hermie Cagalingan, Cristina
Padilla, Lourdes Ledesma, Ysabel Costas, Evangeline Gatmaitan, Margarita Manzano,
Cynthia Rosales and Service Manager Augusto Barrios.

As reconfigured, the Aircraft is fitted with special seats, a sleeperette, and a dedicated
lavatory to suit the requirements of the Holy Father during the flight to Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea located some 2,161 nautical miles south of Manila.

During the deceased pope John Paul 2's visit in February 1981, PAL flew the Pontiff to
several key cities in the country: including Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Baguio and
Subic.

After Papua New Guinea, he goes on to New Zealand and Australia. His 13-day tour ends
in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists have threatened to boycott his visit over remarks in the
Pope John Paul 2s best-selling 1994 book Crossing the Thresher of Hope.

Unfazed by reports of plots against him, Pope Francis flew to this forest-clad island
nation Monday, October 27 with prayers of encouragement for a young Asian church.


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The Pope had arrived as scheduled at 5:00 a.m. (3:00 a.m. Manila Time), Tuesday,
October 28 on board an Air Niugini Airbus.
zone
UTC offset
Port Moresby (Papua New
Guinea)
Monday, 27 October
2014, 05:00:00
PGT UTC+10
hours
Manila (Philippines) Monday, 27 October
2014, 03:00:00
PHT UTC+8 hours
New Delhi (India - Delhi) Monday, 27 October
2014, 00:30:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Bangkok (Thailand) Monday, 27 October
2014, 02:00:00
ICT UTC+7 hours
Los Angeles (U.S.A. -
California)
Sunday, 26 October
2014, 12:00:00
PDT UTC-7 hours
New York (U.S.A. - New
York)
Sunday, 26 October
2014, 15:00:00
EDT UTC-4 hours
UTC (Time Zone) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 19:00:00
UTC
Rome (Italy) Sunday, 26 October
2014, 20:00:00
CET UTC+1 hour

Arriving from a triumphant visit to the Philippines, the 76-year-old pontiff rode from the
airport in an open-sided pickup truck, to the delight of a shorts-and-flip-flops crowd and
the dismay of security specialists.

Despite police concern here over the whereabouts and intentions of two Iranian
businessmen, and Filipino police suspicions of a plot, Pope Francis inclined to ride in a
closed car.

There were major changes in an outdoor mass scheduled for this morning in which Pope
Francis was to canonize the regions first potential saint.

Chief Inspector Dennis Samin told reporters Monday night that as Pope Francis was
arriving from Manila, police here became preoccupied at the apparent disappearance of
two Iranians.

He said they had entered the country about a month ago but had recently checked out of
their hotel and dropped from sight.

While Pope Francis was in the Philippines, police said two Muslim extremists had been
arrested and another 20 were being sought in a plot against the pope.

Landing here in the second of four stops on his 19-day Asian tour, Pope Francis told a
cheerful airport crowd that it was a joy to return to this beautiful country, which last
visited former pope John Paul 2 on January 16 to 18, 1995.

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Thousands of people, many blowing whistles and waving flags, lined the nine-mile
motorcade route to salute the pope on a hot, sticky afternoon. About a third of Papua New
Guinea's four million people are Roman Catholics.

Pope Francis said, predicting a new springtime for Christianity in Asia.

The pope continues the 6th foreign visit of his reign Wednesday, October 29 in New
Zealand and Friday, October 21 in Australia. He returns to the Vatican at weeks end on
Monday, November 10 after a final stop in Sri Lanka.

Followed by a Meeting with the clergy, religious and laity in the Church of Saint Mary,
Help of Christians in Port Moresby and the Holy Mass together with priests from
Archdiocese of Port Moresby at Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby.

The pope also continued to travel around Port Moresby in the back of a white pickup,
with a yellow canopy providing the only protection from the elements.

During the Mass, the highlight of his two-day visit here, the pope canonizes Peter To-
Rot, a catechist ordered to halt his missionary work by Japanese occupation forces. In
1945, a Japanese military doctor killed him with a lethal injection.

About one-third of the 3.9 million people in Papua New Guinea are Roman Catholic.

Farewell Ceremony of Pope Francis (Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea, Wednesday, October 29, 2014)

Dear Friends, Dear People of Papua New Guinea,
I take leave of you and your beautiful country with my heart filled with gratitude, joy and
hope.

1. I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality which the people of Papua New Guinea
have shown me. I express my sincere thanks to all those who made this pastoral visit
possible, especially His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, the Prime Minister and the
distinguished members of Parliament. My thanks go likewise to my Brother Bishops, the
clergy, Religious and laity, many of whom have made quiet and unseen sacrifices so that
this visit might bring happiness and strength to others. I also thank those who have
assisted me so generously, those who have ensured the orderly running of the events and
those in the media who have made it possible for my voice to reach people in other
places.

2. I have felt great joy during my brief visit among you joy most of all for having had
the opportunity to celebrate here in Papua New Guinea the Beatification of Peter To Rot,
the first son of this land to be officially named among the Blessed in heaven. This has
been a real occasion for rejoicing on the part of the Catholics of your nation, and it has
been a significant event for all your people. The life of Blessed Peter To Rot is a precious

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treasure which remains forever yours. It is a beacon shining bright, a signal fire leading
you to hold aloft the noble ideals which inspired him: faith in God, love of family, service
of neighbour, and unswerving courage in the face of trials and sacrifice.

3. Our meetings during these past two days have given me much hope. Everywhere I
have met people with a real desire to serve God and to walk in his paths. In your faith you
will find the wisdom and inspiration to meet the challenges facing your country. Faith
demands solidarity with those affected by the tragic volcanic eruption in New Britain and
with the refugees in various parts of Papua New Guinea. Faith demands that all sides
involved in the armed conflict and violence in Bougainville should have the courage to
seek a truly just and peaceful solution to their disputes. Faith demands that everyone
should work together for the good of the whole people.

4. Dear Friends: As you look out upon your beautiful land with its jungles and mighty
rivers, its mountains and deep valleys, its volcanoes and limitless seas, give thanks to
God whose goodness is without end. With your many different languages and traditions
you are a wonderful tapestry which God is weaving into the image of a diverse but united
family of peoples upon whom he wishes to shower his blessings. I pray that his peace
will always reign in your homes and in your lives!

(in PidginEnglish)
God bless yupela olgeta. God bless Papua Niugini.

After farewell ceremonies at the Jacksons International Airport, National Capital District
(Papua New Guinea), the Air Niugini Boeing 767 Plane emblazoned with the exaltation:
Totus Tuus! takes off at around 3:00 P.M. (12 Noon Manila Time) and arrives after the
airplane landing at 7:20 P.M., Wednesday, October 29.

Map: ITINERARY: The Traveling Pope Is Traveling Again Pope Francis will visit Asia
and Australia for 11 days beginning today, the seventh, eighth, ninth foreign trip
since he assumed the papacy on March 13, 2013. The map charts his schedule.
Pope Francis in Singapore
The Pope arrived at Changi Airport at 7:20 pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2014,
in an Air Niugini Boeing 767 jet. This was just hours after Israeli President Reuven
Rivlin had left Singapore that morning after a three-day visit from October 27 to
29, 2014.

Three people boarded the plane to meet the Pope: the head of the Catholic
Church in Singapore, Archbishop William Cardinal Goh Seng Chye; the Vatican
Ambassador to Singapore, Archbishop Renate Martine; and the Minister for
Communications and Information and Second Defence Minister, Yaacob
Ibrahim. The Pope then alighted from the plane, kissed the ground (his traditional
gesture marking the start of each state visit), rose and raised his hands in blessing.
A limousine accompanied by police outriders drove him to the Istana, where he
met President Dr Tony Tan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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After the meeting, the Pope proceeded to the New National Stadium located at
Singapore Sports Hub, where a special welcoming ceremony began with the
playing of the national anthems of Singapore and the Vatican.

He was driven round the track of the stadium in a jeep. He approached 400
disabled, aged and sick people seated at the football pitch and said special
prayers for them. Standing at an elaborate altar, he then conducted a two-hour
mass, including a half-hour sermon in English, with simultaneous translations in
Mandarin and Tamil. He also distributed Communion to the sick, aged and
disabled. With him in the stands were Archbishop Yong, some 40 cardinals, 200
priests and 100 lay ministers. Some 80,000 Catholics, including those from
Malaysia and Thailand, attended the papal mass. In his sermon to Singapores
105,000 Catholics, the Pope spoke of love and peace. He also reaffirmed the
Churchs stand against artificial forms of birth control, saying it was up to
Catholic couples themselves to decide how many children they wanted.

Due to time constraints, the Pope left copies of his address after the holy mass
with the priests of the Archdiocese. He praised them for their work and
encouraged them to remain faithful to their priestly vocation. He then left for
Changi Airport, for his next stop at Fiji.
Pope Francis gets tribal greeting in Fiji, celebrates outdoor mass
Tribal chiefs, in a ceremony reserved for honored guests, today presented Pope
Francis with a set of whale's teeth and a roast pig to welcome him on his first visit
to this South Pacific archipelago.

By coming to Fiji I hope to encourage all Christians here and throughout the
Pacific to dedicate them wholeheartedly to the Lord, the pope said in response
to the welcoming ceremony.

Francis plans a 24-hour visit to the islands, his fifth stop after The Philippines,
Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh and Singapore on a two-week, ten-nation tour
of Asian and Pacific countries. The pope is scheduled to leave Saturday for New
Zealand, and to return to Rome on November 11 after stops in Australia, Sri Lanka
and the Seychelles.

Heavy drizzle was falling from a sudden monsoon shower when the 76-year-old
pope landed at Nausori airport outside Suva, the capital. He was greeted by
Prime Minister Sir Frank Bainimarama and President Epeli Nailatikau.

The pontiff arrived as news reached the islands that four Fijian soldiers had been
killed in a car bomb explosion in Lebanon on Thursday.

During the welcoming Mara said the deaths made it a ''sad and tragic day for
Fiji.''


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Officials said it was the worst single death toll since Fiji sent two battalions to join
the United Nations peace-keeping force in Lebanon and the Sinai Peninsula. The
U.N. troops are stationed between warring factions in the 11-year Lebanese civil
war and help monitor the Egyptian-Israeli peace accord in the Sinai Peninsula.

About 1,000 people, mostly children sheltering under umbrellas, welcomed the
Argentina-born pope at Nausori airport. They stood in silence, the traditional
greeting for visitors of high rank.

The pope then drove to the city's palm-ringed Albert Park, where tribal chiefs
gave him the ritual welcome.

The chiefs handed the pope a mud-colored, alcoholic drink, called kava, in a
coconut shell. He downed the brew in a single quaff. They also presented him
with giant roots of the yaqona tree, from which kava is made. The drink is
consumed on all ceremonial occasions.
The hourlong ceremony culminated in an elaborate dance by 200 chanting,
spear-carrying tribesman wearing black war paint on their faces.

Mara said the welcome was the highest tribute we can extend to an honored
guest.

The pope later held an outdoor Mass that drew at least 20,000 people, many
standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the rain-sodden ground.

Before the afternoon Mass, tribesmen wearing only loin cloths and leaves on their
bodies and carrying heavy wooden clubs escorted the pope to the locally
constructed timber altar.

In his homily, the pontiff urged Fijians to renew your efforts to appreciate and
respect each other's cultural diversity.

There are racial tensions in the islands, which is nearly divided equally between
Indians who came here in the 19th century as indentured laborers and the native
Melanesians.

Fiji, an archipelago whose main exports include sugar and copra, covers 7,055
square miles in the South Pacific and is about 1,750 miles northwest of Australia.
Fiji has a population of about 650,000, of who about 300,000 are Christians,
234,000 Hindus and the rest Moslems or Confucians.

On Saturday, November 1, the pope is scheduled to stop in Auckland, New
Zealand's largest city, where he will celebrate Mass, before flying on to
Wellington, the capital.

He will also visit the southern city of Christchurch before flying to Australia on
Monday.

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The Asian-Pacific trip is Francis foreign tour since assuming the papacy on March
13, 2013.
Pope Francis in New Zealand (October 29-31, 2014)

The Pope, travelling on an Air Niguini flight with his entourage, set foot on New
Zealand soil in Auckland at 6:55 pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2014. He knelt
and kissed the ground in his traditional gesture of honour to a new country. At
the airport he received a State Welcome from the Governor General, Sir Jerry
Mateparae, and the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon John Key. Crowds lined the route
from Mangere Airport as he travelled to the Auckland Domain in a specially-
made Popemobile. The Bishops of Auckland and Hamilton, Patrick James Dunn
and Denis George Browne travelled with him.

On arrival at the Domain he received a traditional Maori welcome.

Crowds packed the Domain as the Pope completed a full circle of the Domain
ring road. After vesting, he celebrated what was New Zealands biggest open air
Mass, along with the bishops of New Zealand, the clergy of the Auckland and
Hamilton Dioceses and the many thousands who were gathered.

At the conclusion of Mass the Pope mounted a specially-constructed stage for
the Youth Rally, at which he addressed and prayed with the thousands of
assembled young people.

At 8:30 p.m., he boarded a RNZAF aircraft to travel to Wellington.

The Pope arrived at Wellington Airport at 9:40 p.m. He stepped into a waiting
limousine and was driven to the Apostolic Nunciature in Lyall Bay accompanied
by the Archbishop of Wellington, Cardinal John Atcherley Dew, and the Bishop
of Palmerston North, Bishop Charles Drennan. The rest of the evening was free
from official engagements.

At the Nunciature on Sunday, at 8:05 a.m., he was introduced to members of the
Diplomatic Corps, and spent some time in a private meeting with Prime Minister
Rt. Hon John Key.

At 10am he left for Government House for a meeting with the Governor General,
Sir Paul Reeves, followed by the drive to Athletic Park which was the venue for
the Wellington Mass. On arrival he drove a circuit of the Park in the Popemobile,
after which he vested for Mass, and processed to the front of the grandstand to
a specially-constructed sanctuary. Mass commenced at 11:30 a.m. and
concluded at 2pm. Shortly thereafter he made the 20-minute drive to the
Nunciature.


276
At 4.30pm he left the Nunciature and was driven to the Wellington Show & Sports
Centre in John Street, Newtown for the Liturgy of the Anointing of the Sick. He
departed from the Centre in the Popemobile at 6.40pm driving to the Nunciature
for a 7pm meeting with all the bishops of New Zealand, and dined with them at
8pm. He stayed overnight at the Nunciature.

On Thursday, October 30, he left the Nunciature and boarded the RNZAF Boeing
for the journey to Christchurch for the third day of his New Zealand visit.
Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch Airport at 9:05 a.m., the Pope was greeted by civic
and religious leaders. His motorcade then departed for the Cathedral of the
Blessed Sacrament to join with leaders of other Churches for an hour-long
ecumenical liturgy.

At 10.25am he drove in the Popemobile from the Cathedral to Lancaster Park,
accompanied by the Bishops of Christchurch and Dunedin, Denis Hanrahan and
Leonard Boyle. After completing a circuit of the grounds, he vested for Mass and
processed to the sanctuary for the Papal Mass which commenced at 10:45 a.m.
At the conclusion of Mass at 1.15pm His Holiness left Lancaster Park for
Christchurch Airport where he was accorded a State Farewell. Attending were
the Governor General, Sir Paul Reeves, the Prime Minister David Lange, Cabinet
Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Bishops of New Zealand and civic leaders.

At 2pm, Friday, October 31, 2014 his Air New Zealand aircraft left Christchurch en
route for Canberra, Australia.

Pope Francis: Where he will, be and when
Pope Francis flies into Canberra tomorrow for the first stop on his whirlwind
Australian tour. During the weeklong-tour, the Pope will visit nine cities and
celebrate seven masses in English Language. Here, reproduced in detail for
Philippine Daily INQUIRER readers, is the Popes intinerary.
Friday, October 31:
3:15 P.M.: Official arrival and welcome at Canberra International Airport
3:55 P.M.: Popemobile procession to National Exhibition Center.
4:40 P.M.: Mass at National Exhibition Center
6:55 P.M.: Popemobile procession to Government House, Canberra.
7:15 P.M.: Reception with Governor-General
7:35 P.M.: Popemobile procession to Parliament House, Canberra
7:45 P.M.: Reception with Prime Minister
8:55 P.M.: Popemobile procession to Apostolic Nunciature, Red Hill, Canberra
Saturday, November 1:
8:20 a.m.: Reception with heads of diplomatic missions at the Apostolic
Nunciature, Red Hill, Australian Capital Territory
9:25 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Canberra International Airport
11:00 a.m.: Arrival at Brisbane Airport

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11:15 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Queen Elizabeth II Sports Center,
Robertson
12 p.m.: Meeting with the Sick and Disabled, circuit of sports center, media
address and Mass.
3:45 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Brisbane City Hall
4:10 p.m.: Blessing of Brisbane
4:30 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Brisbane Airport
7:35 p.m.: Arrival at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport
7:50 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Sydney Cricket Ground
8:15 p.m.: Youth Rally at Sydney Cricket Ground
9:30 p.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Mary's Presbytery
Sunday, November 2
8 a.m.: Reception with leaders of the Jewish Community
8:30 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Moore Park
8:45 p.m.: Helicopter flight to Blacktown
9:20 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Transfield Limited, Seven Hills.
9:50 a.m.: Industrial Workers Rally
11:10 a.m.: Helicopter flight to Moore Park.
11:40 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Sydney Opera House and viewing of
harbour.
12:20 p.m.: Meeting with members of religious orders in Opera House Concert
Hall.
1:30 p.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Marys Presbytery to meet Catholic
bishops.
4:15 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Sydney University to meet Catholic bishops.
5:30 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Randwick Racecourse
5:50 p.m.: Mass at Randwick Racecourse.
8:45 p.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Marys Presbytery.
Monday, November 3:
8 a.m.: Limousine procession to Sydney Airport.
10:25 a.m.: Arrival in Hobart.
10:35 a.m.: Limousine (first 14km) and Popemobile (following 11km) procession to
Willson Training Center, Mt. St. Canice
11:15 a.m.: Meeting unemployed.
1:50 p.m.: Procession to Elwick Racecourse.
2:10 p.m.: Mass at Elwick Racecourse.
4:55 p.m.: Limousine procession to Hobart International Airport
6:50 p.m.: Arrival at Melbourne Airport.
7 p.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Pauls Cathedral to light Unity Candle.
8:05 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Melbourne Cricket Ground.
9:05 p.m.: Limousine procession to St. Patrick Presbytery.
Thursday, November 4:
8:05 a.m.: Popemobile procession to the Parish of Saint Leo the Great.
8:35 a.m.: Meeting with parishoners and school children.
9:50 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Sports and Entertainment Center.
10:25 a.m.: Address to teachers and students.

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11:30 a.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Patricks Cathedral and Address to
Clergy and Seminarians.
3 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Ozanam House Rehabilitation Center.
3:45 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Flemington Racecourse.
4 p.m.: Mass at Flemington
6:45 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Mercy Maternity Hospital
7:15 p.m.: Visit with intensive care parents and address to staff.
8 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Melbourne Cricket Ground to meet Polish
community.
9:15 p.m.: Popemobile procession to St. Patricks Presbytery.
Wednesday, November 5:
7:20 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Melbourne Airport
10:20 a.m.: Arrival at Darwin International Airport.
10:30 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Darwin Showgrounds and Exhibition
Center.
10:40 a.m.: Mass at Showground.
1:15 p.m.: Popemobile procession to airport.
3:35 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Blatherskite Park.
4:05 p.m.: Aboriginal Celebration at Park.
5:35 p.m.: Popemobile procession to airport.
9 p.m.: Arrival at Adelaide Airport.
9:10 p.m.: Popemobile procession to City Center and Lighting of Symbolic
Candle.
9:50 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Archbishops residence
Thursday, November 6:
8 a.m.: Limousine procession to Festival Center Concert Hall
9:15 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Victoria Park Racecourse.
9:30 a.m.: Mass at Racecourse.
12:30 p.m.: Limousine procession to airport.
1:40 p.m.: Arrival at Perth Domestic Airport.
1:50 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Belmont Racecourse.
2:10 p.m.: Mass at racecourse.
5:10 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Little Sisters of the Poor
6:50 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Catholic Education Center.
7:05 p.m.: Blessing and Opening of Center.
7:35 p.m.: Popemobile procession to Archbishops House.
Friday, November 7:
7 a.m.: Popemobile procession to Perth International Airport
7:30 a.m.: Official Farewell.
Trials of a long-distance pontiff
Canberra, October 31, 2014 - The Pontiff, it is said, is a complex man, difficult to
read.
On the one hand, he gives the impression that he may be a weary man. At 76,
and on the longest journey he will ever make, this would be expected, and an
ambulance stands at all times in close attendance against one contingency or
another.

279

On the other, Francis skin is a healthy pink, and the dragging shuffle of his walk
may merely he that of a man shrewdly pacing himself against the rigors of a
brutally pushing trip.
No doubt a definitive judgment may be made by the end of this tour, if any of
the huge press corps is left standing to record it.
The Pope, in white robes, white zuchetto, white socks, gold cufflinks and brown
shoes, at 11:05 a.m., stepped off Air New Zealands Arahina (flying for the
occasion: the Papal Flag in Gold and White) into the glazed heat of an island
afternoon.
As he stepped down, the first shot of a 21-gun salute to the head of 44-hectare
Vatican State rang out. One trusts the Pontiff was warned. I must say the boom
nearly caused me a nasty turn.
But, then the Popes youthful, if balding, private secretary, Monsignor Fabin
Pedacchio, handed him an address that took him, in halting English and vile
acoustics, 16 minutes to get through.
His message was that he came as a pilgrim and a friend and the 1,500 faithful
assembled behind barricades probably picked up the occasional word.
One gave full marks, however, to Tony Abbott. He listened to the address, head
cocked and gazed fixed rigidly on the back of the Pontiffs head, with an air
absorbed interest and lost concentration only for a second or two at about the
six minute.
The reward for the smiling faithful came soon after, tor 20 minutes, the Pope
made a slow traverse of the front row of the barricades, shaking a hand here,
touching a childs forehead there, and occasionally picking up a baby to kiss.
Mr. Camilio Ciban (or Camilio Cibin, if we can take the word of the tour
handbook), director of Vatican Security, who made the traverse at the Popes
shoulder, was apparently unperturbed by any possible risk to the Pope.
He entered into the spirit of things by lifting a baby in its best white clothes over
the people at the front of the barricade to receive the Papal Kiss.
After an hour in the sun, the Pope then entered the added heat of Mercedes-
Benz M-Class ML 350 Popemobile for a tour of the Capital.

The Welcoming Ceremony of Pope Francis at Kingsford-Smith Airport of Sydney
(Australia) on Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Your Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Mr. Prime Minister, Your Eminence, My
Brother Bishops, Dear Australian Friends,

1. With great joy and esteem I greet all of you, deeply grateful to God who has enabled
me to visit once again this beloved land of Australia. I thank you, Your Excellency, for
coming here personally to welcome me. My gratitude to you, Mr. Prime Minister, for
your kind words on behalf of the Government and people. I warmly greet everyone here
and everyone listening to my voice on radio or television.


280
To dear Cardinal Pell and to my Brother Bishops I renew the expression of my fraternal
affection in the Lord. I am very happy to be able to celebrate once more with the Catholic
community of Australia the mysteries of our faith and the hope of salvation that unites us
in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am truly glad that the first beatification of an
Australian citizen, an Australian woman, can take place right here in Mother Mary
MacKillops own beloved land.

2. Although my visit this time will be brief, I am certain that it will be an intense
experience of prayer, dialogue and shared joy, as was the visit of Pope Saint John Paul
the Second in 1986. At that time I was able to travel to every State and Territory in
Australia. I remember the vastness of the land, its majestic features and natural beauty,
your modern cities, the rich variety of your people and the impressive signs of their
energy and enterprise. From the original inhabitants to the most recent immigrants, in the
young and the old, among parents with their families, I was privileged to discover the
most precious of your national treasures: the Australian people themselves, with all their
creativity and determination.

3. The abundant fruits which this heritage can produce when illuminated by a deep faith
in God are evident in the example of an outstanding Australian woman: Mother Mary
MacKillop. Mary MacKillop embodied all that is best in your nation and in its people:
genuine openness to others, hospitality to strangers, generosity to the needy, justice to
those unfairly treated, perseverance in the face of adversity, kindness and support to the
suffering. I pray that her example will inspire many Australians to take new pride in their
Christian heritage and to work for a better society for all. This they will do by acting with
courage and commitment wherever there is poverty or injustice, wherever innocent life is
threatened or human dignity degraded.

4. In the years since the late Pope John Paul 2s last visit much has changed in the world,
and much has changed in Australia. On the international level, the fall of totalitarianism
based on ideology, and the lessening of political and military tensions between blocs, are
undoubtedly the most striking events. Yet, the benefits which could be expected from
such enormous transformations have not always been forthcoming, and new sources of
tension and conflict have appeared. Like many other developed countries, Australia too
has faced economic and social challenges, to which it is responding. But many people,
especially the poor and disadvantaged, still need societys help.

There exists a cultural and spiritual crisis which leaves many, especially young people,
confused regarding the meaning of their lives and the values which would give sense and
direction to their efforts. At the very heart of modern culture there is a growing sense of
the need for a moral and spiritual renewal: the need for a new attitude, one in which
people will have more importance than things, and human dignity will take precedence
over material gain.

5. Dear Australian friends, your own Mary MacKillop offers a key to such a renewal: She
was a woman of courage who placed the spiritual and material wellbeing of others
ahead of any personal ambition or convenience. The honour which the Church will give

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to Mother Mary MacKillop by declaring her among the Blessed is in a sense an honour
given to Australia and its people. It is also an invitation, an invitation to the whole of
society to show genuine love and concern for all who are weighed down by lifes
burdens. I dare to say that your response will greatly determine the kind of society you
will pass on to future generations in this land of great promise.

And now allow me to direct my thoughts and prayers. Let us pray for them and may God
give strength and courage to all affected and to all involved in the rescue work. Thank
you.

Thank you all once again for your welcome.
God bless the beloved people of Australia!
God bless this fair land!
Thank you very much.

After the Welcoming Ceremonies of the Pope, he is speaking at the "Sydney Domain"
(Sydney, Australia).
Dear Australian Friends: Good evening!

1. As you can see, I am once more here in Australia. In recent months some people
wondered if I would be able to come. But Divine Providence has allowed me to make this
present pilgrimage, which has already taken me to Manila in the Philippines for the First
Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Festival and the Four Hundredth and
Twentieth Anniversary (1594-2014) of the Churchs organized presence in that country.
As you see the young people are very strong! They moved the Pope to come not only to
the Philippines, but also to Australia! After Manila, I had the joy of going to Port
Moresby in Papua New Guinea for the Canonization of Peter To Rot, a catechist who
gave his life for the faith in a prison camp just before the end of the Second World War.
Now, here I am in Sydney for the Beatification of Mother Mary MacKillop. And from
here I will go on to Colombo for another Canonization, that of Father Joseph Vaz, the
great missionary of Sri Lanka. As long as God permits I must continue to fulfil the
ministry of Saint Peter: to profess that Jesus Christ is Messiah and Lord (cf. Mt. 16:16)
and to confirm my brothers and sisters in that true faith (cf. Lk. 22:32).

I am grateful to all of you for your kind and gracious welcome this evening. I thank
especially the Prime Minister of New South Wales, and all the Federal, State and Local
authorities. I am delighted to be with Cardinal Clancy, my other Brother Bishops, and so
many priests, Religious and laity of the Church in Sydney and from other parts of this
vast land. I do not know if it is sufficient to say "this vast land". It is a continent! The
smallest but a continent! In the words of the New Testament I greet you all: "May grace
and peace be yours in abundance" (2 Pt. 1:2). The words of St Peter.

2. Here in the Sydney Domain, we are surrounded by impressive symbols of modern
Australia, striking buildings which are as it were monuments to the blessings which
Almighty God has lavished upon your country. We are reminded of all that the arts,
sciences, government and religion have contributed to the creative and vigorous society

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which has developed in your land. To the believer these works of human hands bring to
mind a deeper, more mysterious, reality: the fact that we ourselves are the living stones
which God chooses in order to build up his kingdom among us. He wishes to use each
one of us so that the world will be reestablished in justice and peace.

You have just seen a drama presenting the life and work of Mary MacKillop, Mother
Mary of the Cross. She is an eminent example of how God uses a person, indeed any
person who really wishes to be Gods instrument, to change things for the better, and to
bring light and hope to the human heart. Her story, the story of Mary Mackillop,
challenges all Australians to a radical personal and social renewal, calling you to embrace
and live the hope which is ours in Christ Jesus (cf. 1 Pt. 1:3). Mary MacKillop
consecrated her whole being to God, and by fulfilling the demands of her religious
vocation she sought every day to fulfil the first of all the Commandments: "You shall
love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind"; and the second commandment which is like the first: "You shall love your
neighbour as yourself" (Mt. 22:37-39). Because the love of God inflamed her heart, she
tenaciously defended the weak, the poor, the suffering and all those on the margins of
society. She worked to assist women and families in distress and to eradicate ignorance
among the young. With a resolute will and a compassionate heart, she recognized in each
of her brothers and sisters the image and likeness of God; she saw in each individual a
priceless soul for whom Christ had shed his most Precious Blood. In her, the unwanted,
the unloved and those alienated from society found comfort and strength. Through her
work she became a powerful source of inspiration to other like minded women, and
from their shared experience the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph was born.
Mary MacKillops faith and commitment have become a part of your Australian heritage:
a faith immersed in the knowledge of God, a hope imbued with the presence of Christ, a
love expressed by the selflessness of a sincere and undivided heart.

3. Australia needs the kind of commitment of which Mary MacKillop is such a striking
example. Consider your countrys history: presentday Australia has sprung from the
men and women from all parts of the globe who came to your shores looking for a better
life or seeking freedom, justice and tolerance. Consequently, yours is a society of multi
cultural diversity. In a world where unity is increasingly threatened by ethnic rivalry and
racist attitudes, you must continue to be firmly grounded in the ideals of harmony and
solidarity, based on respect for the inalienable dignity of every human being, without
exception.

4. I am happy to have met here tonight the representatives of the various Christian
Churches and Ecclesial Communities present in Australia. At the beginning of this week
of Prayer for Christian Unity, when the followers of Christ throughout the world implore
the Holy Spirit for the gift of reconciliation and unity, let us join our hopes and prayers
for the grace and wisdom necessary to overcome the divisions of the past, with their
resulting misunderstandings and mutual distrust. I encourage you in your commitment to
genuine ecumenical dialogue, even as I reconfirm that same commitment on the part of
the Catholic Church, in the sure hope that one day Christs prayer at the Last Supper will
become a reality: "That all may be one" (cf. Jn. 17:21).

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5. Dear Brothers and Sisters, in the midst of the splendid display of modern achievements
surrounding us in the Sydney Domain, I give the simple reminder that each one of us is
called to be a part, a unique and indispensable part, of a structure which is greater by far
than anything we see here. God who created all things in order to communicate his love
and wisdom is infinitely more expert than any human builder will ever be: seek to be
willing instruments in his hands. Look to the example of one of your own heroic women,
to the saintly daughter of the Church Mary MacKillop. Let her stir up in each of you the
desire to be Gods own handiwork. It is my ardent prayer that today too the Church in
Australia will inspire, encourage and guide with the light of the Gospel the building of a
nation whose history, as fully as possible, will be a history deeply marked by love of God
and neighbour.

God bless the people of Sydney and New South Wales! God bless Australia!
God bless the Commonwealth of Australia! That is all for today! More tomorrow!

Daily Mass (Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, October 30, 2014)
"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well" (Mt. 6:33).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. We are celebrating an extraordinary event in the life of the Church in this land: the
Canonization of Mother Mary MacKillop, the first Australian formally declared to be
among the Saint in heaven. I rejoice with all of you: with Cardinal Clancy and my
Brother Bishops, with the priests, Religious, all of you, lay men and women, families,
young people and children, who offer a radiant and authentic sign of the Churchs
vitality. I give thanks to God for being able to celebrate this Beatification right here on
Australian soil. Indeed, Australia itself forms a kind of background for the reflections
which I would like to share with you.

Just a few weeks ago, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Lords Birth, and
todays Liturgy still echoes that saving mystery. The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah
recalls the Liturgy of Advent and it has certain images which are quite applicable to your
own Continent. Isaiah writes: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make
straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Is. 40: 3). The Prophet speaks of the
contrasts of valleys and mountains, of rough terrain and level ground (Cf. ibid. 40, 4). In
all of this, of course, he is referring to the geography of the Holy Land. But do not these
same images also call to mind the geography of Australia? In the centre of Australia is
there not an enormous desert, only the outer edges of which are rich and fertile? Are there
not rugged plateaus and deep valleys? Along with harsh terrain do we not also find
pleasant and hospitable countryside?

2. The contrasts go beyond mere topography; they are evident also in the ethnic origins of
the people. Due to its history of receiving immigrants, Australia has come to be a land of
encounter between very different cultures and civilizations. Even before the first

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Europeans arrived here more than two centuries ago, the aboriginal peoples had been
present for tens of thousands of years. In fact, ethnologists tell us that the original
inhabitants of Australia are among the most ancient peoples on earth. These contrasts in
peoples and culture make your nation a marvellous blend of the old and the new, such
that Australia today is a land of diversity and unity, enriched by the contributions which
these various individuals and groups make to the building up of society.

The Prophet Isaiahs exhortation takes on a special relevance for those assembled here
and for all the Catholic people of Australia. It is here in your own land that the way of the
Lord should be prepared, so that Australia will be a place "where the glory of the Lord
shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together" (Ibid. 40: 5). In fact, this glory has
already been abundantly revealed in Mary MacKillop, and the Church, by declaring her
"Blessed", is saying that the holiness demanded by the Gospel is as Australian as she was
Australian. This is the message which I wish to address in particular to Mother
MacKillops spiritual daughters, the members of the Congregation which she founded.
Be assured, dear Sisters, that the Church needs your witness and your fidelity. Australia
too values your presence and your dedicated apostolate.
3. It is significant that Mother Mary MacKillop gave to her Congregation the name of
Saint Joseph, one who committed his whole being and life to Gods loving Providence.
Joseph of Nazareth was a man of boundless trust. Only in this way was he able to live out
the unique calling he had received from God, to become the spouse of the Virgin Mary
and the guardian of Gods own Son. In the history of the Church Saint Joseph has always
been a special model of holiness. Without a doubt, in giving Saint Josephs name to her
Congregation, Blessed Mary MacKillop was expressing a quality of her own spiritual
life, a quality which then became a charism for her followers and for those of us today
who would learn from her example.
In the Gospel the Lord says: "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you
will drink... Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Mt. 6:
25-26). Joseph the "just man" lived by these words. These words give us an insight into
what must be the fundamental attitude of every spiritual life: openness, trust and serenity
in the certainty of Gods special love for every human being, "who is the only creature on
earth which God willed for itself" (Gaudium et Spes, 24).
4. The Lord concludes his teaching on trust in Providence with the invitation: "Do not
worry... your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"
(Mt. 6: 31-33). In the history of Australian Catholicism, this "striving for the kingdom of
God" has been realized in an eminent way by Blessed Mary of the Cross.
In the vastness of the Australian continent, Blessed Mary MacKillop was not daunted by
the great desert, the immense expanses of the outback, nor by the spiritual "wilderness"
which affected so many of her fellow citizens. Rather she boldly prepared the way of the
Lord in the most trying situations. With gentleness, courage and compassion, she was a
herald of the Good Newsamong the isolated "battlers" and the urban slum-dwellers.
Mother Mary of the Cross knew that behind the ignorance, misery and suffering which
she encountered there were people, men and women, young and old, yearning for God
and his righteousness. She knew, because she was a true child of her time and place: the

285

daughter of immigrants who had to struggle at all times to build a life for themselves in
their new surroundings. Her story reminds us of the need to welcome people, to reach out
to the lonely, the bereft, the disadvantaged. To strive for the kingdom of God and his
righteousness means to strive to see Christ in the stranger, to meet him in them and to
help them to meet him in each one of us!

5. Just as in Mother MacKillops time, so too today the Christian community is faced
with many modern "deserts": the wastelands of indifference and intolerance, the
desolation of racism and contempt for other human beings, the barrenness of selfishness
and faithlessness: sin in all its forms and expressions, and the scandal of sin magnified by
the means of social communications. If the Church continually recalls Gods law,
inscribed in the human heart and revealed in the Old and New Testaments, it is not
because of some arbitrary attachment to past tradition and outmoded views. It is that man
detached from his Creator and Redeemer cannot fulfil his destiny and will not have
peace. Everywhere the Church must be "a sign and a safeguard of the transcendence of
the human person" (Gaudium et Spes, 76). By defending life against the evils of abortion
and euthanasia, by encouraging strong family life in the face of old and new threats to its
stability, by advancing justice at every level through her social doctrine, the Church is a
true Gospel leaven in every sphere of human activity (Gaudium et Spes, 40). The great
document of the Second Vatican Council on the Church in the Modern World has given
the Churchs members a reminder which is timely in every age: "Christians cannot yearn
for anything more ardently than to serve the men and women of the modern world ever
more generously and effectively" (Ibid. 93).

6. How do we go about this? Saint Pauls clear and unambiguous answer is contained in
the Second Reading of this Mass. His words to the Colossians indicate what is at the
heart of every Christian vocation. He says: "Above all, clothe yourselves in love, which
binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Col. 3: 14). What does it mean to "clothe
ourselves in love"? Saint Paul explains: "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint
against another, forgive each other" (Ibid. 3: 12-13). Here Saint Paul draws his
inspiration from the Beatitudes, and in that same spirit he writes about the peace of
Christ, to which we have all been called (Cf. ibid. 3: 15), and the need for giving thanks
in all things (Cf. ibid. 3: 17).

7. In this solemn Liturgy the Church expresses her thankfulness to Mother Mary of the
Cross, to the Religious Community she founded and to all Religious Communities. The
recent Synod of Bishopsdedicated to the life and mission of the consecrated life fully
recognized the great contribution made by Religious Communities to the Church and to
culture and civilization throughout the world. Responding to Saint Pauls call to "be
thankful" (Ibid. 3: 15), we, on the occasion of this Beatification, express our thanks to
Christ the Lord for the great service that consecrated men and women render in Australia
in the fields of education and healthcare, and through so many other activities on behalf
of the common good. Let us pray for a new springtime of religious vocations so that these
Communities will continue to be a vital sign of Jesus Christs presence in your midst!
It is very well that you are clapping for the Pope kindly this time.

286

8. Yes, Christ is present in Sydney, and throughout Australia! Through him, all creation,
and in particular all humanity, is made capable of giving thanks to the Father for the gifts
of Creation and Redemption and for the good things that come from human hands. Christ
confers on the whole of life a "Eucharistic significance". Men and women of today often
forget this; they think that they themselves are the creators of these goods and they easily
lose sight of God. As a result they fail to strive for the kingdom of God and too often
have no concern for his righteousness.
The Saints, on the contrary, teach us to see Christ present in Australia, in Sydney. They
teach us to see Christ as the centre and summit of Gods lavish gifts to humanity. For this
reason the Church honours them, raises them to the altars and proposes them as models to
be imitated. They are heralds of the true meaning of human life. Blessed be God in his
saints!

9. "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well" (Mt. 6: 33).
With these words I began this homily, and with them I wish to conclude.
The Beatification of Mother Mary MacKillop is a kind of "consecration" of the people of
God in Australia. Through her witness the truth of Gods love and the values of his
kingdom have been made visible in this continent values which are at the very basis of
Australian society. May your whole Nation remain true to its Christian heritage! And
may the Church which makes her pilgrim way in Australia continue to carry out her
mission, proclaiming Gods kingdom and his righteousness!
And on the last day, the days I still think about pilgrims. I see the young people of
Manila, of so many nations of the whole world... All representing the Pilgrim Church, the
pilgrim people of God. And all singing with us, Te Deum laudamus. We are singing,
then, of this celebration, of God we praise you. All pilgrim Church sing, rejoice, rejoice
in Australia. Christ is here in Sydney and everywhere. Christ is here.
Alleluia.
Holy Father's greetings at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration:
I greet all Australians, beginning with all Aboriginals of Australia and New Zealand. And
then all who made their contribution to the entire work of prayer: Irish, Ireland, all Irish-
Australians, all British-Australians, all Italians, all Croatians, Polish, Ukrainians, and
Vietnamese. All together..., mexicanos tambi, Polakw... We all praise the Lord! All of
you, once again, thank you very much! And our congratulations to Blessed Mary
MacKillop and the Congregation of Sisters founded by her, here present.
Once again, thank you very much for your patience and perseverance.
And the last word about Cardinal Pell... Cardinal Pell desired the rain tomorrow, only
tomorrow...
The Pope for today, Cardinal Pell for tomorrow.
Praise be the Lord!

On Friday, October 31, the Farewell Ceremony at the Kingsford-Smith Airport of
Sydney, Australia before the take-off for Colombo:

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Dear Friends, Dear People of Australia,
1. As I say goodbye to your fair land, I heartily thank everyone for the hospitality which
has been extended to me at each moment of this short stay. With your warmth, cordiality
and enthusiasm, you have confirmed my belief that the people of Australia remain the
greatest of the gifts in which your nation abounds!

I am especially grateful to the GovernorGeneral, the Prime Minister and all the civil
authorities for their courteous help in making this visit possible. To those who have
arranged the security, to those in the communications media who have provided coverage
of this memorable event and, particularly, to Cardinal Clancy and my Brother Bishops
and the many thousands of men and women who have cooperated in the preparations for
these past two days to all of you I express my sincere thanks.

2. Among the vivid memories I will take away with me is that of a great and holy woman
Mary MacKillop, the first Australian officially declared by the Church to be among the
Blessed. God took this daughter of your land and made her a sign of spiritual greatness, a
model of personal holiness and of service to the common good, to be contemplated and
admired by all peoples, not only in Australia but throughout the world. Mother Marys
life speaks eloquently because it was firmly anchored in something which every human
heart longs for: inner peace, that peace which comes from knowing that one is loved by
God, and from the desire to respond to his love (cf. John Paul II, Message for the World
Day of Peace 1995, 5). This is the simple yet profound lesson of Blessed Mary
MacKillop. She knew that God loved her and she did not doubt; freely and unassumingly
she responded to this love with confidence and courage. In facing every obstacle, in
turning no one away, in the compassion and understanding she showed towards all, she
was able to inspire this same inner peace and strength in others.

3. To all Australians I make this appeal: do not hesitate to tap your spiritual resources in
order torenew your families and the whole of society! Use your rich multicultural
diversity to foster ever greater mutual esteem and enrichment among yourselves!
Recognize that your love of freedom and justice will come to nothing if you do not
strengthen respect for the sacredness of life and the human dignity of every person,
created in Gods image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26-27)!

Meeting so many of you over these past two days I have been forcefully reminded of the
greatness of your Country and the abundance of your blessings. Your advantages and
resources put you in a position of responsibility in Oceania and the Pacific Region, and
towards the vast and quickly developing continent of Asia. With Gods help, you must
continue to work with others to advance the cause of peace, foster integral human
development and relieve, as far as possible, the oppression of poverty, hunger and
disease.

4. Dear People of Australia: I say farewell with great confidence in your future. When
next you hear the strains of your National Anthem and sing the words, our land abounds
in Natures gifts of beauty rich and rare, give heartfelt thanks to God for his many

288
blessings. Thank him for the freedom you enjoy, freedom to choose what is good and
right. Thank him for your families, for your children who are the sure promise of a better
tomorrow. Treat the poor and needy among you with real concern and practical
solidarity. Think of Mother Mary MacKillop and learn from her to be a gift of love and
compassion for one another, for all Australians, and for the world.

May God protect your beloved country!
Advance, Australia Fair!

After farewell ceremonies at the Kingsford-Smith Airport of Sydney, Australia, the
Qantas Airbus Plane emblazoned with the exultation: Totus Tuus! takes off
at around 9:55 P.M. (Sydney Time) and arrives after plane landing at 9:45 A.M. Friday,
October 31.
zone
UTC offset
Wales)
Friday, 31 October 2014,
21:55:00
AEDT UTC+11 hours
Manila (Philippines) Friday, 31 October 2014,
18:55:00
PHT UTC+8 hours
New Delhi (India - Delhi) Friday, 31 October 2014,
16:25:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Bangkok (Thailand) Friday, 31 October 2014,
17:55:00
ICT UTC+7 hours
Tokyo (Japan) Friday, 31 October 2014,
19:55:00
JST UTC+9 hours
Los Angeles (U.S.A. - California) Friday, 31 October 2014,
03:55:00
PDT UTC-7 hours
New York (U.S.A. - New York) Friday, 31 October 2014,
06:55:00
EDT UTC-4 hours
London (United Kingdom -
England)
10:55:00
GMT UTC
Rome (Italy) Friday, 31 October 2014,
11:55:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Paris (France) Friday, 31 October 2014,
11:55:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Islamabad (Pakistan) Friday, 31 October 2014,
15:55:00
PKT UTC+5 hours

289

Guarded by security arrangements that included gunboats bobbing in the Indian Ocean
surf, Pope Francis sought tonight to smooth a dispute with Buddhist monks that could
disrupt his three-day stay here in the final hours of a tour of Asia and the Pacific.

The Pope arrived in Sri Lanka today at 9:45 A.M. (12:15 P.M. Manila Time), October 31
from Australia, with his aides registering greater concern than usual about his safety in
this predominantly Buddhist country where monks have expressed outrage at his
references to their faith as a kind of atheism.
zone
UTC offset
Colombo (Sri Lanka) Friday, 31 October 2014,
09:45:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Manila (Philippines) Friday, 31 October 2014,
12:15:00
PHT UTC+8 hours
New Delhi (India - Delhi) Friday, 31 October 2014,
09:45:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Bangkok (Thailand) Friday, 31 October 2014,
11:15:00
ICT UTC+7 hours
Tokyo (Japan) Friday, 31 October 2014,
13:15:00
JST UTC+9 hours
Wales)
15:15:00
AEDT UTC+11 hours
Los Angeles (U.S.A. - California) Thursday, 30 October 2014,
21:15:00
PDT UTC-7 hours
New York (U.S.A. - New York) Friday, 31 October 2014,
00:15:00
EDT UTC-4 hours
London (United Kingdom -
England)
04:15:00
GMT UTC
Paris (France) Friday, 31 October 2014,
05:15:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Rome (Italy) Friday, 31 October 2014,
05:15:00
CET UTC+1 hour
Islamabad (Pakistan) Friday, 31 October 2014,
09:15:00
PKT UTC+5 hours


290
I come as a pilgrim of good will with nothing in my heart but peace, the Pope said at an
arrival ceremony, adding:

In particular, I express my highest regard for the followers of Buddhism. I ardently hope
that my visit will serve to strengthen the good will between us, and that it will reassure
everyone of the Catholic Churchs desire for interreligious dialogue.

While the tone was conciliatory, Vatican officials said the Pope's words were not
an apology for passages in the late former Pope John Paul 2s best-selling book,
Crossing the Threshold of Hope, published in 1994, in which he said "Buddhism is
in large measure an atheistic system" that did not lead to union with God.

Before leaving Rome on October 22, the Pope went out of his way to express his
profound respect and sincere esteem for Buddhism.

But that has not diminished worries about his safety in a land depicted by a
senior Vatican official, who spoke to reporters in return for anonymity today, as a
place where the threat of assassins and suicide bombers is a "serious matter."
The police here say they have deployed an extra 15,000 men in Colombo, the
Oceanside capital, where hundreds of thousands of people lined the Pope's 20-
mile route as he traveled from the airport to the city's center in his glass-sided,
bullet-proofed Popemobile.

The dispute with Buddhist monks, who have threatened protests and a boycott
of a meeting with the Pope on Saturday, is woven deeply into Sri Lanka's soul. In
colonial times, the Anglican British rulers discontinued Buddhism as a state
religion and discriminated against Buddhists, said William McGowan, writer of a
book on the ethnic war in Sri Lanka.

After independence from Britain in 1948, monks leading a surge in Buddhist
nationalism collided with Christian elite running the country, Mr. McGowan said.
Even today, Vatican officials say they suspect Buddhist monks of using the Pope's
visit in their dispute with the Government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, which is
resisting pressure from the monks to restore Buddhism as a state religion.

Buddhists account for about 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 17.6 million people, with
Hindus at 15 percent and Muslims and Catholics each around 7 percent,
according to Vatican statistics.

The dispute with the Buddhists has eclipsed what the Vatican had hoped would
be seen as a papal initiative to cement the October 19 truce in the war
between Government forces and Tamil Tiger separatists. Government officials
here say the cease-fire was hastened by the Popes impending arrival.


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Mr. McGowan said that Jesuit missionaries played a role in converting Tamils from
Hinduism to Catholicism in the 19th century, and that a good number of the
Tamil rebels are Catholics.

In calling Buddhism "atheistic," the Pope is echoing the belief of many
theologians that Buddhism's quest for the sense of ultimate detachment called
nirvana, while it acknowledges and worships deities, is more a philosophy than a
religion based on divine salvation.

In his book, the Pope uses language that Buddhists here say they found
offensive, notably its reference to nirvana as a state of "indifference with regard
to the world" and its assertion that the Buddhist doctrine of salvation through
nirvana is almost exclusively negative.

In Buddhism, the late Pope-Emeritus Saint John Paul the Second wrote, We do
not free ourselves from evil through the good which comes from God; we
liberate ourselves only through detachment from the world, which is bad. The
Fullness of such a detachment is not union with God, but what is called Nirvana,
a state of perfect indifference with regard to the world. To save oneself means,
above all, to free oneself from evil by becoming indifferent to the world, which is
the source of evil? This is the culmination of the spiritual process.

The Pontiff was in the island for the Canonization of Rev. Joseph Vaz. It was a visit
with a very tight schedule where he was rendered a rousing reception as the
Head of State of the Vatican, at the Presidential Secretariat with 21 gun salutes.

The Pontiff who had touched the hearts of the Sri Lankans remained in the
island for nearly twenty-four hours, with his departure scheduled for November 3.
But as far as the security of the Pontiff was concerned, the three days of his stay
in the island from Friday to Monday was nothing but a huge challenge to the
Police Department of Sri Lanka, which formed a `ring' around the Pope as soon
as he landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport,"says retired Deputy
Inspector General of Police, Anton Jeyanathan who was the Chairman of the
Security Division of the police team which was responsible for the security of the
Holy Father in Sri Lanka.

Welcoming Ceremony of Pope Francis (Katunayake International Airport, Colombo, Sri
Lanka, Friday, October 31, 2014)

Madam President, Madam Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I am deeply grateful to you, Madam President and Madam Prime Minister, and to all of
you, for your warm welcome to Sri Lanka. For many years I had hoped to visit the "Pearl
of the Indian Ocean", resplendent with natural beauty, the land of the Mahavansa, a
nation proud of its ancient culture, a country known for its smiling, hospitable people like
the late former Pope Paul VI, 44 years ago. I come as a friend from Rome, where two

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thousand years ago the venerable civilization which flourished in this country was known
and esteemed. I come as a pilgrim of good will, with nothing but peace in my heart. I am
keenly aware of your countrys rich spiritual heritage, shown not only by the strength of
your religious traditions but also by the remarkable harmony and mutual respect which
has flourished among the followers of the various religions.

2. I wish my visit to be a sign of my profound esteem for all Sri Lankans. In particular I
express my highest regard for the followers of Buddhism, the majority religion in Sri
Lanka, with its Brahmaviharas, the four great values
of Metta, Karuna, Mudita and Upekkha: loving kindness, compassion, sympathy and
equanimity; with its ten transcendental virtues and the joys of theSangha expressed so
beautifully in the Theragathas. I ardently hope that my visit will serve to strengthen the
good will between us, and that it will reassure everyone of the Catholic Churchs desire
for interreligious dialogue and cooperation in building a more just and fraternal world. To
everyone I extend the hand of friendship, recalling the splendid words of
the Dhammapada: "Better than a thousand useless words, is one single word that gives
peace".

The fact that religion plays such an important part in the life of the Sri Lankan people is
everywhere manifested in your many places of worship and shrines: Buddhist, Hindu,
Muslim and Christian. The events of daily life are coloured by a wide variety of religious
observances. Religious beliefs inspire common values such as acceptance of others,
dialogue, understanding in the search for truth.

3. It is my prayerful hope that as Sri Lanka strives for further social and economic
development, your rich spiritual patrimony will help you to find a worthy balance
between the pursuit of material progress, concern for the common good, and openness to
the needs of the poor and the underprivileged. How urgently necessary it is for society to
support families, to educate children in respect for others, and to defend the sacredness of
life against every form of violence. May all Sri Lankans of good will be strong and
persevering in their efforts to find a just and peaceful solution to the ethnic conflict which
has scarred the life of the nation in recent times, with its victims, its destruction and its
terrible aftermath of suffering? The most recent steps taken in this direction nurture the
hope which all people of good will share with you which everyone involved, will
shun violence and will draw on your traditions of tolerance in pursuing a harmony born
of reconciliation and full respect for the diversity of societys members.

4. Tomorrow I shall gather in prayer with the Catholic community of Sri Lanka in order
to celebrate the Canonization of Father Joseph Vaz, a holy man and a man of peace, who
won the respect of his contemporaries by his humility, goodness and tolerance. I am
certain that in honouring the memory of this saintly priest, Sri Lankas Catholics will be
inspired to continue to work for reconciliation and peace in a spirit of service to all their
fellowcitizens and in solidarity with them.

In thanking the Supreme Authorities of the State for their warm invitation to visit Sri
Lanka on this occasion, I wish to assure everyone, of whatever religious, ethnic or

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cultural background, that the Eve of All Saints Day, although principally a annual
Catholic event, is at the same time a sincere tribute to the profound religious traditions of
all the people of this land.

God bless Sri Lanka! May he grant you peace!

(Sinhalese: long life!)
(Tamil: greetings!)

The highlight of his three-day stay in Sri Lanka, a small island nation off the
southern coast of India, was Saturday's Service on the Galle Face Green, a large
seafront area in the heart of Colombo, the capital.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS, FRANCIS TO THE BISHOPS OF THE EPISCOPAL
CONFERENCE OF SRI LANKA (Saturday, November 1, 2014)

Dear Brother Bishops,
1. My three-day visit to Sri Lanka offers us this occasion to experience anew "the
bonds of unity, charity and peace" which, since apostolic times, have
constituted the relationship of the Churchs Bishops among themselves and with
the Bishop of Rome (cf. Lumen Gentium, 22). Our meeting is taking place in the
atmosphere of joy brought to us by the weekend celebration of All Saints Day.
Let us continue to give thanks to God through whom we too "have obtained
access to this grace in which we stand" (Rom. 5:2).

By the gift of the Holy Spirit received in episcopal ordination, you were made
"successors of the Apostles, who together with the Successor of Peter, the Vicar
of Christ and the visible Head of the whole Church, govern the house of the living
God" (Lumen Gentium, 18). This happy occasion for the Church in your country is
also an occasion for you the Bishops to recommit yourselves to the work
of teaching, sanctifying and guiding that part of Gods people entrusted to your
ministry. That ministry involves a grave personal responsibility to be guardians and
authentic teachers of the Catholic faith (cf. Lumen Gentium, 25). The exercise of
your apostolic authority in ensuring sound teaching in matters of faith and morals
and fostering observance of Church discipline is therefore an essential part of
your ministry, even when it constitutes the "burden" which the Lord lays on your
shoulders (cf. Mt. 20:12). In the name of Jesus Christ "the chief Shepherd" (1 Pt.
5:4), I wish to encourage you to intensify your spiritual leadership and to be fully
united among yourselves, so that you may be found faithful as "overseers, caring
for the Church of God" (cf. Acts 20:28).

2. Your responsibility for building up Christs Body demands that you should know
the flock entrusted to you (cf. Jn. 10:14). The faithful must be able to see their
Bishop as "a true father who excels in the spirit of love and solicitude for all"
(Christus Dominus, 16). They rightly look to you to guard and defend their faith, to
shepherd them and strengthen them in the midst of the challenges and trials of

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daily Christian living. Take Blessed Joseph Vaz as the model of your ministry. He
travelled the length and breadth of this Island visiting the missions he had
instituted. In this way he was able to guide, correct and confirm in the faith the
"pusillus grex" which was struggling to survive in the midst of persecution.
There is no more effective way for you to show forth the Lords concern and his
infinite love than to continue to meet your people personally on the occasion of
your regular pastoral visits to parishes and other institutions. Your visitations will
also foster closer contact and a spirit of trusting dialogue between yourselves
and the clergy, Religious and laity. The enduring spiritual fruitfulness of your
personal presence in the midst of your priests and faithful cannot be
overestimated.

3. The outstanding challenge facing the Pastors of the Church in Sri Lanka is the
renewal of evangelical zeal in all the baptized. The genuine renewal of the
Church depends in the first place on the response of her members to
the universal call to holiness. The witness of a joyful spiritual life is the best
response both to secularization and to the spread of new religious sects,
altogether distinct from the Catholic Church in their doctrines and methods. A
spirituality based on Gods revealed word, nourished by the sacraments and
exercised in all the Christian virtues, in no way detracts from attention to the
world and the needs of the human family. Rather, as the Second Vatican
Council states: "By this holiness a more human way of life is promoted even in this
earthly society" (Lumen Gentium, 40). It is my hope that the forthcoming National
Pastoral Convention, by providing a clear picture of the state of the Church in
each Diocese, will be able to indicate the priorities which the Catholic
community should set itself in the coming years.

4. One concern which never changes is that of the spiritual and intellectual life of
priests, "so that they can live holy and pious lives and fulfil their ministry faithfully
and fruitfully" (Christus Dominus, 16). The theme is vast and goes beyond the
scope of these brief reflections. I would merely recall that since the Council there
have been numerous interventions of the Magisterium, culminating in the Post
Synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Pastores Dabo Vobis" and recent documents of
the Congregation for the Clergy. Continuing theological formation, and the
permanent spiritual growth of priests, are urgent pastoral priorities for every
diocesan Bishop. As Successors of the Apostles, you are likewise called to have
a solicitude for the mission "ad gentes", acknowledging your responsibility for the
Gospel outside the boundaries of your own Dioceses and nation, and sharing
your resources generously with others (cf. Ad Gentes, 38).

Moreover, worthy candidates for the priesthood need to be encouraged,
selected and trained; trained above all to a life of prayer and of willing self
oblation in union with Christ the High Priest. While recognizing the importance of
the duties entrusted to Seminary authorities, the Bishop remains "the first
representative of Christ in seminary formation" (John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis,
65), and this serious personal responsibility, while it needs to be shared, must
never be completely delegated. I confirm you in all that you are doing to ensure

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that your Seminaries respond to the clear guidelines contained in the Post
Synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Pastores Dabo Vobis", which resulted from the
1990 Synod of Bishops.

5. There is no need for me to speak at length about the place which Religious
Communities have in the life of the Church in Sri Lanka. I simply wish to invite you
to exercise your ministry in their regard with all the love and concern of genuine
Pastors of souls. Help Religious to preserve and develop their specific charism,
which is Gods gift to each particular Church in which they exercise their
apostolate. Encourage them to be always outstanding in their example of fidelity
to the evangelical counsels according to the mind of the Church, whose
teaching and laws on the consecrated life can certainly never be a hindrance
to the prophetic impulse which lies at the heart of every Religious vocation. In
particular, I ask you to show fatherly concern and support for the manyReligious
Sisters, dedicated women who live their motherhood in the Spirit through total
selfgiving love for Christ the Spouse, whom they meet especially in the sick, the
handicapped, the abandoned, the young, the elderly, and, in general, people
on the edges of society (cf. John Paul II,Mulieris Dignitatem, 21).

I would also invite you to continue to meet with the Conference of Major
Superiors in a spirit of unbounded love for Christs Church, in order to better
coordinate the participation of Religious in the pastoral life of each Diocese and
of the country as a whole, and to resolve matters of mutual concern.

6. The development of an ever more effective lay apostolate requires not only
that priests and Religious work closely with the laity but also that they encourage
and help them to assume fully their specific task of renewing the temporal order
with the spirit of the Gospel. There is a need for continuing serious study of the
teaching of the Second Vatican Council and the PostSynodal Apostolic
Exhortation "Christifideles Laici" in order to foster the leadership of the laity in the
spheres of business, education and civic life where they are present and
competent. Likewise, every effort to teach and spread the Churchs social
doctrine should be encouraged, so that the laity will have the vision and
knowledge needed to face the many moral and ethical questions raised by an
increasingly complex and technologicallybased society.

7. Your efforts to uphold spiritual values and to apply the light of the Gospel to
issues affecting the life of your nation are an immense service to the whole of Sri
Lankan society. In the face of the ethnic tensions and conflicts affecting your
country and the threats to human dignity and rights, you have a duty to speak
out and to encourage all men and women of good will to seek the triumph of
justice, truth and harmony.

In your multireligious society, interreligious dialogue remains an important
commitment for the Church at every level. Continue to "build bridges" of
understanding and cooperation with the followers of other religions, especially in
order to promote respect for human life and concern for honesty and integrity in

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all areas of socioeconomic and political life, as well as in working for the cause
of peace and solidarity between individuals and social groups. In this way too,
the Church will bear effective witness to the Kingdom of God and the truth of
the Gospel.

8. Dear Brother Bishops: as the Church in Sri Lanka moves towards the ASEAN
Economic Community in 2015 for the Sri Lankan businessmen and the next
Philippine presidential and vice presidential election of 2016, go forward with full
trust in Gods Providence and build upon the pastoral achievements already
attained. Support one another in fraternal solidarity and continue to work closely
together in meeting your many pastoral challenges.

I will "thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the
Gospel" (Phil. 1:3-5).

Commending you and your people to the protection and intercession of Mary,
Mother of the Church, whom you love so dearly, I cordially impart my Apostolic
Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in Christ our Saviour.

Farewell Ceremony: Address of His Holiness, Pope Francis at Katunayake
International Airport of Colombo on Monday, November 3.

On November 1, soon after grand mass at the Galle Face Green was
concluded, the Pope was taken to the airport by a special squadron of Air Force
helicopters from the Bampalapitiya police grounds. At the airport, the Prime
Minister Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Jayaratne was present to bid farewell to
the Pope.

After a ceremonial guard of honour by the Sri Lanka Navy, the Pope walked
towards the National carrier (then known as Air Lanka) that would take him on
the next leg of his journey. Jeyanathan and his team of security men who were
mainly Catholics accompanied the Holy Father in the final lap of their arduous
but divine duty to the gangway of the aircraft.

The aircraft moved slowly and took off into the skies. It was only after the aircraft
became invisible in the white clouds did I breathe a sigh of relief. My team
members were equipped with sophisticated weapons to tackle any sort of
situation during the Papal visit. However, being the head of the team it would
come as a surprise to know that I did not carry a single weapon with me apart
from the rosary, which I always carry. From the very minute the Pope touched
down on our soil I realised that I was accompanying an apostle who was safe in
the hands of God," says Jeyanathan with reverence.

Madam Prime Minister, Dear Brother Bishops, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. My visit to Sri Lanka has come to an end, and I say farewell with sentiments of
deep gratitude to everyone who has taken part in the events of these last two

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days. I thank Her Excellency the President, and you Madam Prime Minister, the
members of the Government, as well as my Brother Bishops, for all that you have
done to make my pilgrimage possible. To all the people of Sri Lanka I express my
heartfelt thanks for your great kindness and hospitality. As I return to Rome, I will
carry with me unforgettable memories of your beautiful Island and its friendly
sons and daughters.

I came to Sri Lanka above all to honour the deceased personalities in Sri Lanka,
whom Catholics revere for his outstanding charity and his complete devotion to
our Lord Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel. Like a star shining in the
Asian sky, this great spiritual guide teaches us many lessons about the goodness
of the human person and the nobility of our destiny as human beings. Father Vaz
loved Sri Lanka and its people. From his place in heaven may he continue to
watch over this Nation and its citizens.

2. As I leave Asia I confirm my profound esteem for the strong religious sense
which marks many Asian societies. I am fully convinced that the time is ripe in
human history for the followers of the various religions to seek a new respect for
one another. In a world that is increasingly interdependent, there is great need
for dialogue and cooperation among believers in order to build the future of the
human family on the solid ground of respect for each persons inalienable
dignity, equal justice for all, tolerance and solidarity in human relations. All men
and women of good will must work together to advance just such a civilization,
recognizing the link between genuine democracy, respect for human rights and
development. It is my ardent hope that Sri Lanka will continue to pursue this
path, which surely is the one most in accord with its history and the genius of its
people.

3. I appeal to all Sri Lankans, in the name of our common humanity, to work for
reconciliation and harmony. I encourage the Government and all other parties
involved to persevere in negotiating a just end to the conflict which has marred
Sri Lankan life in recent years, to create the conditions for the return of refugees
to their homes, and to continue resolutely in their efforts to promote the integral
development of Sri Lankan society.

4. We Christians have recently celebrated the great Feast of Christmas, the birth
of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the time when we repeat the angels hymn: Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"
(Lk. 2:14). Peace is in fact a divine gift, but it is also a task, a challenge, a moral
responsibility of the men and women of our time. It has always to be forged step
by step. My parting wish for all Sri Lankans is that, like your Manel flower which, no
matter its surroundings, opens up and blooms into its full glory in the light of the
sun, true good and true peace will blossom on this beautiful Island because they
flourish in the heart of each and every one of you.

God bless Sri Lanka! May peace be his gift to you!


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The Pope left Sri Lanka for Rome, Italy at 1:25 A.M., November 3 (Sri Lanka Time).

zone
UTC offset
Colombo (Sri Lanka) Tuesday, 4 November 2014,
01:25:00
IST UTC+5:30
hours
Manila (Philippines) Tuesday, 4 November 2014,
03:55:00
PHT UTC+8 hours
UTC (Time Zone) Monday, 3 November 2014,
19:55:00
UTC
New York (U.S.A. - New
York)
Monday, 3 November 2014,
14:55:00
EST UTC-5 hours
Rome (Italy) Monday, 3 November 2014,
20:55:00
CET UTC+1 hour

PRESS CONFERENCE OF POPE FRANCIS DURING THE RETURN FLIGHT
Papal Flight, Monday, November 3, 2014

Father Lombardi:
Now, my friends, we are delighted to have the Holy Father, Pope Francis, with us
on this return flight. He has been good enough to allow plenty of time to review
the visit with us and to respond in complete freedom to your questions. I shall ask
him to give us a brief introduction and then we will begin with the list of those
who have asked to speak, and we will take them from different national groups
and language groups. So, over to you, youre Holiness, for your words of
introduction.
Pope Francis:
Good evening, and thank you very much. I am pleased. It has been a good
journey, spiritually it has done me good. I am quite tired, but my heart is joyful,
and I am well, really well: this has done me good spiritually. Meeting people does
me good, because the Lord works in each one of us, he works in our hearts, and
the Lords riches are so great that we can always receive many wonderful things
from others. And this does me good. So that is my first reflection. Then, I would
say that the goodness, the hearts of the Asian people, is big, really big. They are
a very lovable people, a people who like to celebrate, who even amid suffering
always find a path to seek out the good somewhere. And this is good: they are
lively people, and they have suffered greatly! The liveliness of the Filipinos is
contagious, it really is! And these people have big hearts. Then, I would say of
the organizers, both at our end and those at the Filipinoend, well! I felt as if I was
sitting in front of a computer, an incarnate computer ... no, really! Everything was
timed so well, wasnt it? It was wonderful. Then, we had problems with the plans
for security: security here, security there; there wasnt a single accident in the
whole of Manila during these days, and everything was spontaneous. With less
security, I could have been with the people, I could have embraced them,

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greeted them, without armoured cars ... there is security in trusting a people. It is
true that there is always the danger of some mad person .. the danger that some
mad person will do something, but then there is the Lord! But to make an armed
space between the bishop and the people is madness, and I prefer the other
madness: away with it! And run the risk of the other madness! I prefer this
madness: away with it! Closeness is good for us all.
Then, the organization of JILCW, not any particular aspect, but overall: the
artistic element, the religious element, the catechetical element, the liturgical
element .. it was all wonderful! They have the capacity to express themselves in
art. Yesterday, for example, they did really lovely things, really lovely! Then,
Aparecida: Aparecida for me was a powerful religious experience. I remember
the Fifth Conference, I went there to pray, to pray. I wanted to go alone,
somewhat hidden, but there was an impressive crowd! But it is not possible, as I
knew before I arrived. And we prayed. I dont know ... one thing ... but on your
part as well, your work, they tell me I didnt read the newspapers during these
days, I didnt have time, I didnt see the television, nothing but they tell me that
good work was done, really good work. Thank you, thank you for your
collaboration, thank you for doing all this. Then the number, the number of
people. Today I can hardly believe it but today, the Governor spoke of three
million. I cannot believe it. But from the altar its true! I dont know whether you,
or some of you, were at the altar. From the altar, at the end of Mass, the whole
beach was full, as far as the curve; more than four kilometres. There were so
many young people. And they say, Archbishop Tempesta said, they came from
178 countries: 200! The Vice-President gave me the same figure, so its certain. It
is important! Amazing!
Father Lombardi:
Thank you. Now we invite Juan de Lara to speak first, from Efe, he is Spanish, and
it is the last journey he will make with us. So we are pleased to give him this
opportunity.
Juan de Lara:
Your Holiness, good evening. On behalf of all our colleagues, we want to thank
you for these days that you have given us in Rio de Janeiro, for the work that you
have done and the effort you have made. And also, on behalf of all the Spanish
journalists, we want to thank you for your prayers for the victims of the train
accident in Santiago de Compostela. Thank you very much indeed. The first
question does not have much to do with the journey, but we take the
opportunity that this occasion gives us, and I would like to ask you: Your Holiness,
in these four months of pontificate, we see that you have created various
commissions to reform the Curia. I want to ask you: what kind of reform do you
have in mind, do you foresee the possibility of suppressing the IOR, the so-called
Vatican Bank? Thank you.
Pope Francis:
The steps I have taken during these four and a half months come from two
sources: the content of what had to be done, all of it, comes from the General
Congregations of the Cardinals. There were certain things that we Cardinals
asked of the one who was to be the new Pope. I remember that I asked for
many things, thinking that it would be someone else... We asked, for example, for

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the Commission of eight Cardinals, we know that it is important to have an
outside body of consultors, not the consultation bodies that already exist, but
one on the outside. This is entirely in keeping here I am making a mental
abstraction, but its the way I try to explain it in keeping with the maturing of
the relationship between synodality and primacy. In other words, having these
eight Cardinals will favour synodality, they will help the various episcopates of the
world to express themselves in the very government of the Church. There were
many proposals made that have yet to be implemented, such as the reform of
the Secretariat of the Synod and its methodology; the Post-Synodal commission,
which would have a permanent consultative character; the consistories of
Cardinals with less formal agendas, canonization, for example, but also other
items, etc. So the source of the content is to be found there! The second source
has to do with present circumstances. I admit that it was no great effort for me,
during the first month of the pontificate, to organize the Commission of the eight
Cardinals, which is an initial step. The financial part I was planning to address
next year, because it is not the most important thing that needed to be done.
But the agenda changed on account of circumstances that you know about,
that are in the public domain. Problems arose that had to be dealt with. The first
is the problem of the IOR, that is to say, how to manage it, how to conceptualize
it, how to reformulate it, how to put right what needs to be put right, hence the
first Commission of Reference, as it is called. You are familiar with the chirograph,
what the aims are, who the members are, etc. Then we had the meeting of the
Commission of 15 Cardinals who follow the economic affairs of the Holy See.
They come from all over the world. And then, while we were preparing for this
meeting, we saw the need to make a single Commission of Reference for the
whole economy of the Holy See. That is to say, the economic problem was not
on the agenda when it had to be addressed, but these things happen when
youre in governance: you try to go in one direction, but then someone throws
you a ball from another direction, and you have to bat it back. Isnt that the way
it is? So, life is like that, but this too is part of the wonder of life. I repeat the
question that you asked me about the IOR, excuse me, Im speaking Spanish.
Excuse me, the answer came to me in Spanish.
Returning to the question you asked about the IOR, I dont know how the IOR will
end up. Some say perhaps it would be better as a bank, others say it should be
an aid fund, others say it should be shut down. Well! Thats what people are
saying. I dont know. I trust the work done by the IOR personnel, who are working
on this, and the Commission personnel too. The President of the IOR is staying, the
same one as before, whereas the Director and Vice-Director have resigned. But I
dont know how all this is going to end up, and thats fine, because we keep
looking and we will come up with something. We are human in all this. We must
find the best solution, no doubt about that. But the hallmarks of the IOR
whether it be a bank, an aid fund, or whatever else have to be transparency
and honesty, they have to be. Thank you.
Father Lombardi:
Many thanks, Your Holiness. So, now we move on to a person from the
representatives of the Italian group, and we have someone you know well:

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Andrea Tornielli, who is going to ask you a question on behalf of the Italian
group.
Andrea Tornielli:
Holy Father, I want to ask something perhaps a little indiscreet: there was a
photograph that went all over the world when we set off, of you climbing the
steps of the aeroplane carrying a black brief-case, and there have been articles
all over the world commenting on this new departure. Yes, about the Pope
climbing the steps lets say it had never happened before that the Pope should
climb on board with his own hand-luggage. So, there have been various
suggestions about what the black bag contained. So my questions are these:
firstly, why was it you carrying the black bag, and not one of your entourage,
and secondly, could you tell us what was in it? Thank you.
Pope Francis:
It wasnt the key for the atom bomb! Well! I was carrying it because thats what
Ive always done. When I travel, I carry it. And inside, what was there? There was
a razor, a breviary, an appointment book, a book to read, I brought one about
Saint Thrse, to whom I have a devotion. I have always taken a bag with me
when travelling its normal. But we must be normal ... I dont know ... what you
say is a bit strange for me, that the photograph went all over the world. But we
must get used to being normal. The normality of life. I dont know, Andrea,
whether I have answered your question.
Father Lombardi:
Now we will invite a representative of the Portuguese language to speak, Aura
Miguel, who is from Radio Renascena:
Aura Miguel:
Your Holiness, I want to ask why you ask so insistently that people pray for you? It
isnt normal, were not used to hearing a Pope ask so often that people pray for
him...
Pope Francis:
I have always asked this. When I was a priest, I asked it, but less frequently. I
began to ask with greater frequency while I was working as a bishop, because I
sense that if the Lord does not help in this work of assisting the People of God to
go forward, it cant be done. I am truly conscious of my many limitations, with so
many problems, and I a sinner as you know! and I have to ask for this. But it
comes from within! I ask Our Lady too to pray to the Lord for me. It is a habit, but
a habit that comes from my heart and also a real need in terms of my work. I feel
I have to ask ... I dont know, thats the way it is ...
Father Lombardi:
Now we pass to the English language group, and we invite our colleague Mr
Pullella from Reuters, here in front, to speak.
Philip Pullella:
Your Holiness, thank you, on behalf of the English group, for making yourself
available. Our colleague de Lara has already put the question that we wanted
to ask, so I will continue just a little further along the same lines: When you were
seeking to make these changes, I remember you said to the group from Latin
America that there are many saints working in the Vatican, but also people who
are rather less saintly, didnt you? Have you encountered resistance to your wish

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to change things in the Vatican? Have you met with resistance? The second
question is this: you live in a very austere manner; you have remained at Santa
Marta, and so on... Would you like your collaborators, including the Cardinals, to
follow this example, and perhaps to live in community, or is this something for you
alone?
Pope Francis:
The changes ... the changes also come from two sources: what we Cardinals
asked for, and what has to do with my own personality. You mentioned the fact
that I remained at Santa Marta. But I could not live alone in the Palace, and it is
not luxurious. The Papal apartment is not particularly luxurious! It is a fair size, but it
is not luxurious. But I cannot live alone or with just a few people! I need people, I
need to meet people, to talk to people. And thats why when the children from
the Jesuit schools asked me: Why did you do that? For austerity, for poverty?
No, it was for psychological reasons, simply, because psychologically I cant do
otherwise. Everyone has to lead his own life, everyone has his own way of living
and being. The Cardinals who work in the Curia do not live wealthy, opulent
lives: they live in small apartments, they are austere, and they really are, austere.
The ones I know, the apartments that APSA provides for the Cardinals. Then it
seems to me that there is something else I wanted to say. Everyone has to live as
the Lord asks him to live. But austerity general austerity I think it is necessary for
all of us who work in the service of the Church. There are many shades of
austerity everyone must seek his own path. With regard to the saints, its true,
there are saints: cardinals, priests, bishops, sisters, and laypersons; people who
pray people who work hard and who also help the poor, in hidden ways. I know
of some who take trouble to give food to the poor, and then, in their free time,
go to minister in this or that church. They are priests. There are saints in the Curia.
And there are some who are not so saintly, and these are the ones you tend to
hear about. You know that one tree falling makes more noise than a whole forest
growing. And it pains me when these things happen. But there are some who
create scandal, some. We have this Monsignor in prison; I think he is still in prison.
He didnt exactly go to prison because he was like Blessed Imelda, he was no
saint. These are scandals, and they do harm. One thing Ive never said this
before, but I have come to realize it I think that the Curia has fallen somewhat
from the level it once had, in the days of the old curialists ... the profile of the old
curialist, faithful, doing his work. We need these people. I think ... there are some,
but not as many as there once were. The profile of the old curialist: I would say
that. We need more of them. Do I encounter resistance! Well! If there is
resistance, I havent seen it yet. Its true that I havent done much, but I would
say that I have found help, and I have found loyal people. For example, I like it
when people say to me: I dont agree and I have found this. But I dont see
that, I disagree: thats what I think, you do as you wish. This is a real collaborator.
And I have found people like this in the Curia. And this is good. But when there
are those who say: Oh, how wonderful, how wonderful, how wonderful, and
then they say the opposite somewhere else... I have yet to come across this.
Maybe it happens, maybe there are some like this, but Im not aware of them..
Resistance: in four months, you wont find that much.
Father Lombardi:

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Well, now we pass to a Brazilian lady, as seems only right. So here is Patricia
Zorzan, and perhaps Mr Izoard could come forward, so that we can have a
French speaker next.
Patricia Zorzan:
Speaking on behalf of the Brazilians: society has changed, young people have
changed, and in Brazil we have seen a great many young people. You did not
speak about abortion, about same-sex marriage. In Brazil a law has been
approved which widens the right to abortion and permits marriage between
people of the same sex. Why did you not speak about this?
Pope Francis:
The Church has already spoken quite clearly on this. It was unnecessary to return
to it, just as I didnt speak about cheating, lying, or other matters on which the
Church has a clear teaching!
Patricia Zorzan:
But the young are interested in this ...
Pope Francis:
Yes, though it wasnt necessary to speak of it, but rather of the positive things
that open up the path to young people. Isnt that right! Besides, young people
know perfectly well what the Churchs position is.
Patricia Zorzan:
What is Your Holiness position, if we may ask?
Pope Francis:
The position of the Church. I am a son of the Church.
Father Lombardi:
Well, now lets return to the Spanish group, Dario Menor Torres ..., oh, excuse me,
Mr Izoard, whom we have already called forward, so that we have someone
from the French group and then Dario Menor.
Antonie-Marie Izoard:
Greetings, Your Holiness, on behalf of my francophone colleagues on board
there are nine of us on this flight for a Pope who does not want to give
interviews, we are truly grateful to you. Ever since 13 March, you have presented
yourself as the Bishop of Rome, with great, very great insistence. So, we would
like to understand the deep significance of this insistence, whether perhaps,
rather than collegiality, we are perhaps speaking about ecumenism, perhaps of
your being the primus inter pares of the Church? Thank you.
Pope Francis:
Yes, in this, we must not go beyond what is said. The Pope is a bishop, the Bishop
of Rome, and because he is the Bishop of Rome he is the Successor of Peter,
Vicar of Christ. There are other titles, but the first title is Bishop of Rome and
everything follows from that. To say, to think that this means being primus inter
pares, no, that does not follow. It is simply the Popes first title: Bishop of Rome.
But there are others too ... I think you said something about ecumenism. I think
this actually helps ecumenism. But only this ...
Father Lombardi:
Now Dario Menor from La Razn, from Spain:
Dario Menor Torres:

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A question about how you feel. A week ago you mentioned that a child had
asked you how it felt, whether someone could imagine being Pope and whether
anyone would want to be Pope. You said that people would have to be mad to
want that. After your first experience among a great multitude of people, such
as you found during these days in Rio, can you tell us how it feels to be Pope,
whether it is very hard, whether you are happy to be Pope, whether in some way
your faith has grown, or whether, on the contrary, you have had some doubts.
Thank you.
Pope Francis:
To do the work of a bishop is a wonderful thing, it is wonderful. The problem arises
when someone seeks that work: this is not so good, this is not from the Lord. But
when the Lord calls a priest to become a bishop, this is good. There is always the
danger of thinking oneself a little superior to others, not like others, something of
a prince. There are dangers and sins. But the work of a bishop is wonderful: it is to
help ones brothers and sisters to move forward. The bishop ahead of the faithful,
to mark out the path; the bishop in the midst of the faithful, to foster communion;
and the bishop behind the faithful, because the faithful can often sniff out the
path. The bishop must be like that. You asked me whether I like it. Yes, I like being
a bishop, I like it. In Buenos Aires I was very happy, very happy! I was happy, its
true. The Lord helped me in that. But as a priest I was happy, and as a bishop I
was happy. In this sense I say: I like it!
Question from the floor:
And as Pope?
Pope Francis:
Likewise, likewise! When the Lord puts you there, if you do what the Lord wants,
you are happy. This is my feeling, this is how I feel.
Father Lombardi:
Now another from the Italian group: Salvatore Mazza from Avvenire.
Salvatore Mazza:
I cannot even stand up. Excuse me, I cannot even stand up, for all the wires I
have under my feet. We have seen during these days, we have seen you full of
energy, even late in the evening. We are watching you now on board the
aircraft which is tilting from side to side, and you are calmly standing there,
without a moments hesitation. We would like to ask you: there is talk of future
journeys. There is much talk of Asia, Jerusalem, Argentina. Do you already have a
more or less definite schedule for next year, or is everything still to be decided?
Pope Francis:
Definite, nothing is definite. But I can say something of what is being planned.
One thing that is definite excuse me is 22 September in Cagliari. Then, 4
October in Assisi. I have it in mind, within Italy, to go and visit my relatives for a
day: to fly there one morning and to return the next morning, because, bless
them, they call me and we have a good relationship. But only for one day.
Outside Italy: Patriarch Bartholomaios I wants to have a meeting to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the meeting between Athenagoras and
Paul VI in Jerusalem. The Israeli Government has also issued a special invitation to
go to Jerusalem. I think the Government of the Palestinian Authority has done
the same. This is what is in the pipeline: it is not quite clear whether Im going or

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not going ... Then, in Latin America, I dont think there is a possibility of returning,
because the Latin American Pope, his first journey is to Latin America! Enough!
We must wait a little now! I think I could go to Asia, but this is all up in the air. I
have been invited to go to Sri Lanka and also to the Philippines. But I must go to
Asia. Because Pope Benedict did not have time to go to Asia, and it is important.
He went to Australia and then to Europe and America, but Asia... Going to
Argentina: at the moment I think this can wait a little, because all these journeys
have a certain priority. I wanted to go to Istanbul on 30 September, to visit
Bartholomaios I, but it is not possible, it is not possible because of my schedule. If
we meet, it will be in Jerusalem.
Fatima?
Pope Francis:
Fatima, there is also an invitation to Fatima, its true, its true. There is an invitation
to go to Fatima.
30 September or 30 November?
Pope Francis:
November, November: Saint Andrew.
Father Lombardi:
Good. Well, now we move to the United States, and we invite Ada Messia
from CNN to ask you a question:
Ada Messia:
Greetings. You are coping better than I ... No, no, no, its all right, its all right. My
question is this: when you met the young people from Argentina, maybe with
tongue in cheek, maybe seriously, you told them that you too, at times, feel
penned in. We would like to know what exactly you were referring to ...
Pope Francis:
You know how often Ive wanted to go walking through the streets of Rome,
because, in Buenos Aires, I liked to go for a walk in the city, I really liked to do
that! In this sense, I feel a little penned in. But I have to say one thing and that is
that these fellows from the Vatican Gendarmerie are so good, they are really,
really good, and I am grateful to them. Now theyre letting me do a few more
things! I think their job is to maintain security. So, penned in in that sense. Id like
to go out walking but I understand that it isnt possible: I understand. That was
what I meant. Because I used to be as we say in Buenos Aires a callejero, a
street priest
Father Lombardi:
And now we call on another Brazilian: it is Marcio Campos, and I also ask Mr
Gunois to come up for the next question, for the French.
Pope Francis:
I was asking what time it is, because they have to serve supper, but are you all
hungry?
Background:
No, no
Marcio Campos:

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Holy Father, I want to say that whenever you miss Brazil, the joyful Brazilian
people, hold onto the flag that I gave you. I would also like to thank my
colleagues at the daily newspapers Folha de So
Paulo, Estado, Globo and Veja for being able to represent them in this question.
Holy Father, it is difficult to accompany a Pope, very difficult. We are all tired, you
are going strong and we are exhausted In Brazil, the Catholic Church has lost a
number of the faithful in these recent years. Is the Charismatic Renewal
movement one possible way for ensuring that the faithful do not go to the
Pentecostal Church or other pentecostal churches? Many thanks for your
presence and many thanks for being with us.
Pope Francis:
It is very true what you are saying about the fall in numbers of the faithful: it is
true, it is true. The statistics are there. We spoke with the Brazilian bishops about
the problem at a meeting held yesterday. You asked about the Charismatic
Renewal movement. Ill tell you one thing. Back at the end of the 1970s and the
beginning of the 1980s, I had no time for them. Once, speaking about them, I
said: These people confuse a liturgical celebration with samba lessons! I
actually said that. Now I regret it. I learned. It is also true that the movement, with
good leaders, has made great progress. Now I think that this movement does
much good for the Church, overall. In Buenos Aires, I met frequently with them
and once a year I celebrated a Mass with all of them in the Cathedral. I have
always supported them, after I was converted, after I saw the good they were
doing. Because at this time in the Church and here Ill make my answer a little
more general I believe that the movements are necessary. The movements are
a grace of the Spirit. But how can you control a movement which is so free?
The Church is free, too! The Holy Spirit does what he wants. He is the one who
creates harmony, but I do believe that the movements are a grace, those
movements which have the spirit of the Church. Consequently I dont think that
the Charismatic Renewal movement merely prevents some people from passing
over to pentecostal denominations. No! It is also a service to the Church herself!
It renews us. Everyone seeks his own movement, according to his own charism,
where the Holy Spirit draws him or her.
Question in the background:
Pope Francis:
Yo estoy cansado. I am tired.
Father Lombardi:
So, Mr Gunois from Le Figaro, for the French group.
Jean-Marie Gunois:
Holy Father, one question, with my colleague from La Croix: You have said that
without women, the Church grows barren. What concrete measures will you
take? For example, the diaconate for women or a woman as a head of
dicastery? Also, a little technical question: you said you were tired. Have special
arrangements been made for the return flight? Thank you, Your Holiness.
Pope Francis:
Lets begin with the last question. This plane doesnt have any special
arrangements. I am up front, I have a nice seat, a normal one, the same as
everyone else has. I had them write a letter and make a phone call to say that I

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did not want special arrangements on the plane: is that clear? Second, about
women. A Church without women is like the college of the Apostles without
Mary. The role of women in the Church is not simply that of maternity, being
mothers, but much greater: it is precisely to be the icon of the Virgin, of Our Lady;
what helps make the Church grow! But think about it, Our Lady is more important
than the Apostles! She is more important! The Church is feminine. She is Church,
she is bride, she is mother. But women, in the Church, must not only I dont
know how to say this in Italian the role of women in the Church must not be
limited to being mothers, workers, a limited role No! It is something else! But the
Popes.. Paul VI wrote beautifully of women, but I believe that we have much
more to do in making explicit this role and charism of women. We cant imagine
a Church without women, but women active in the Church, with the distinctive
role that they play. I think of an example which has nothing to do with the
Church, but is an historical example: in Latin America, Paraguay. For me, the
women of Paraguay are the most glorious women in Latin America. Are
you paraguayo? After the war, there were eight women for every man, and
these women made a rather difficult decision: the decision to bear children in
order to save their country, their culture, their faith, and their language. In the
Church, this is how we should think of women: taking risky decisions, yet as
women. This needs to be better explained. I believe that we have not yet come
up with a profound theology of womanhood, in the Church. All we say is: they
can do this, they can do that, now they are altar servers, now they do the
readings, they are in charge of Caritas (Catholic charities). But there is more! We
need to develop a profound theology of womanhood. That is what I think.
Father Lombardi:
For the Spanish group, now, we have Pablo Ordas, from El Pas:
Pablo Ordas:
We would like to know about your working relationship, not just your relationship
of friendship but that of collaboration, with Benedict XVI. There has never been a
situation like this before, and whether you are frequently in contact and if he is
helping you in this work. Many thanks.
Pope Francis:
I think that the last time that there were two Popes, or three Popes, they werent
speaking to one another; they were fighting to see which was the true Pope. We
ended up with three Popes during the Western Schism.
There is one thing that describes my relationship with Benedict: I have such great
affection for him. I have always loved him. For me he is a man of God, a humble
man, a man of prayer. I was so happy when he was elected Pope. Also, when
he resigned, for me it was an example of greatness. A great man. Only a great
man does this! A man of God and a man of prayer. Now he is living in the
Vatican, and there are those who tell me: How can this be? Two Popes in the
Vatican! Doesnt he get in your way? Isnt he plotting against you? All these
sorts of things, no? I have found a good answer for this: Its like having your
grandfather in the house, a wise grandfather. When families have a
grandfather at home, he is venerated, he is loved, he is listened to. Pope
Benedict is a man of great prudence. He doesnt interfere! I have often told him
so: Holiness, receive guests, lead your own life, come along with us. He did

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come for the unveiling and blessing of the statue of Saint Michael. So, that
phrase says it all. For me its like having a grandfather at home: my own father. If
I have a difficulty, or something I dont understand, I can call him on the phone:
Tell me, can I do this? When I went to talk with him about that big
problem, Vatileaks, he told me everything with great simplicity to be helpful.
There is something I dont know whether you are aware of I believe you are,
but Im not certain when he spoke to us in his farewell address, on 28 February,
he said: In your midst is the next Pope: I promise him obedience. He is a great
man; this is a great man!
Father Lombardi:
Now it is the turn of a Brazilian once again; Ana Fereira; and then Gianguido
Vecchi for the Italians.
Ana Fereira:
Good evening, Holy Father. Thanks. I would like to say any number of thanks.
Thanks for having brought so much joy to Brazil, and thanks also for responding to
our questions. We journalists really like to ask questions. I would like to know, since
yesterday you spoke to the Brazilian bishops about the participation of women in
our Church... I would like to understand better, what this participation of us
women in the Church would be like. Also, what do you think of womens
ordination? What should our position in the Church be like?
Pope Francis:
I would like to explain a bit more what I said about womens participation in the
Church. It cant just be about their acting as altar servers, heads of Caritas,
catechists No! They have to be more, profoundly more, even mystically more,
along with everything I said about the theology of womanhood. And, as far as
womens ordination is concerned, the Church has spoken and said: No. John
Paul II said it, but with a definitive formulation. That door is closed, but on this
issue I want to tell you something. I have said it, but I repeat it. Our Lady, Mary,
was more important than the Apostles, than bishops and deacons and priests.
Women, in the Church, are more important than bishops and priests; how, this is
something we have to try to explain better, because I believe that we lack a
theological explanation of this. Thank you.
Father Lombardi:
Gianguido Vecchi, from Corriere della Sera: then I would ask Mrs Pigozzi and
Nicole to come forward.
Gianguido Vecchi:
Holy Father, during this visit too, you have frequently spoken of mercy. With
regard to the reception of the sacraments by the divorced and remarried, is
there the possibility of a change in the Churchs discipline? That these
sacraments might be an opportunity to bring these people closer, rather than a
barrier dividing them from the other faithful?
Pope Francis:
This is an issue which frequently comes up. Mercy is something much larger than
the one case you raised. I believe that this is the season of mercy. This new era
we have entered, and the many problems in the Church like the poor witness
given by some priests, problems of corruption in the Church, the problem of
clericalism for example have left so many people hurt, left so much hurt. The

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Church is a mother: she has to go out to heal those who are hurting, with mercy.
If the Lord never tires of forgiving, we have no other choice than this: first of all, to
care for those who are hurting. The Church is a mother, and she must travel this
path of mercy. And find a form of mercy for all. When the prodigal son returned
home, I dont think his father told him: You, sit down and listen: what did you do
with the money? No! He celebrated! Then, perhaps, when the son was ready to
speak, he spoke. The Church has to do this, when there is someone not only
wait for them, but go out and find them! That is what mercy is. And I believe that
this is a kairos: this time is a kairos of mercy. But John Paul II had the first intuition
of this, when he began with Faustina Kowalska, the Divine Mercy He had
something, he had intuited that this was a need in our time. With reference to
the issue of giving communion to persons in a second union (because those who
are divorced can receive communion, there is no problem, but when they are in
a second union, they cant), I believe that we need to look at this within the
larger context of the entire pastoral care of marriage. And so it is a problem. But
also a parenthesis the Orthodox have a different practice. They follow the
theology of what they calloikonomia, and they give a second chance, they
allow it. But I believe that this problem and here I close the parenthesis must
be studied within the context of the pastoral care of marriage. And so, two
things: first, one of the themes to be examined with the eight members of the
Council of Cardinals with whom I will meet on 1-3 October is how to move
forward in the pastoral care of marriage, and this problem will come up there.
And a second thing: two weeks ago the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops met
with me about the theme of the next Synod. It was an anthropological theme,
but talking it over, going back and forth, we saw this anthropological theme:
how does the faith help with ones personal life-project, but in the family, and so
pointing towards the pastoral care of marriage. We are moving towards a
somewhat deeper pastoral care of marriage. And this is a problem for everyone,
because there are so many of them, no? For example, I will only mention one:
Cardinal Quarracino, my predecessor, used to say that as far as he was
concerned, half of all marriages are null. But why did he say this? Because
people get married lacking maturity, they get married without realizing that it is a
life-long commitment, they get married because society tells them they have to
get married. And this is where the pastoral care of marriage also comes in. And
then there is the legal problem of matrimonial nullity, this has to be reviewed,
because ecclesiastical tribunals are not sufficient for this. It is complex, the
problem of the pastoral care of marriage. Thank you.
Father Lombardi:
Thank you. And now we have Mrs Pigozzi, from Paris Match, also from the French
group
Carolina Pigozzi:
Good evening, Holy Father. I would like to know if, now that you are the Pope,
you still feel that you are a Jesuit
Pope Francis:
That is a theological question, because Jesuits make a vow of obedience to the
Pope. But if the Pope is a Jesuit, perhaps he has to make a vow of obedience to
the General of the Jesuits! I dont know how to resolve this I feel a Jesuit in my

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spirituality; in the spirituality of the Exercises, the spirituality deep in my heart. I feel
this so deeply that in three days I will go to celebrate with the Jesuits the feast of
Saint Ignatius: I will say the morning Mass. I have not changed my spirituality, no.
Francis, Franciscan, no. I feel a Jesuit and I think as a Jesuit. I dont mean that
hypocritically, but I think as a Jesuit. Thank you.
Father Lombardi:
If you can hold out, there are still some questions. Now, Nicole Winfield, from the
Associated Press, and there are I had a list and actually I thought you had
things planned among yourselves Anyway, Elisabetta, get in line too, sorry.
Nicole Winfield:
Your Holiness, thank you once again for coming among the lions. Your Holiness,
in the fourth month of your pontificate, I wanted to ask you to make a little tally.
Can you tell us what is the best thing about being Pope, an anecdote, and what
is the worst, and what is the thing that has most surprised you in this period?
Pope Francis:
I dont know how to answer that, really. Big things, major things, there just
havent been any. Beautiful things, yes; for example, my meeting with the Italian
bishops was very good, very good. As Bishop of the capital of Italy, I felt at home
with them. And that was good, but I dont know if it was the best. Also a painful
thing, one which really touched my heart, the visit to Lampedusa. It was enough
to make you weep, it did me good. When these boats arrive, they leave them
several miles out from the coastline and they must come ashore alone, on a
boat. And this pains me because I think that these people are victims of a world-
wide socio-economic system. But the worst thing that happened excuse me
was an attack of sciatica really! that I had the first month, because I was
sitting in an armchair to do interviews and it hurt. Sciatica is very painful, very
painful! I don't wish it on anyone! But these things: talking with people; the
meeting with seminarians and religious was quite beautiful, it was really beautiful.
Also, the meeting with the students of Jesuit schools was very beautiful good
things.
Question:
What surprised you most?
Pope Francis:
People, people, the good people I found. I found many good people in the
Vatican. I was wondering what I could say, but that is true. I am being fair in
saying this: so many good people. So many good people, so many good
people, but good, good, good!
Father Lombardi:
Elisabetta, someone that you know, and also Sergio Rubini, come forward, and
so now we have the Argentinians.
Elisabetta Piqu
Pope Francis, first of all, on behalf of the fifty thousand Argentinians whom I met
and who told me, You will be travelling with the Pope, so please tell him that he
was fantastic, stupendous; ask him when he will come. But you already said you
wouldnt be going .... therefore, I would like to ask you a more difficult question.
Were you afraid when you saw the Vatileaks report?
Pope Francis

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No! I will tell you a story about the Vatileaks report. When I met with Pope
Benedict, after we had prayed in the Chapel, we were in his study and I saw a
large box and envelope. Excuse me . . . Benedict said to me; In this big box are
all the statements, all that the witnesses said, everything is there. But the summary
and the final judgment are in this envelope. And it says here . . . He had it all in
his head! What intelligence! Everything memorized, everything! But no, it didnt
frighten me, no. No, no. Though it is a big problem. But it didnt frighten me.
Sergio Rubn
Your Holiness, two things. The first is this: you insisted a great deal on stemming
the loss of the faithful. In Brazil, you were very strong. Do you hope that this trip
will contribute to people returning to the Church, to them feeling closer to the
Church? And second, more informally: you loved Argentina and held Buenos
Aires in your heart. The Argentinians are asking if you miss Buenos Aires a lot,
riding on the bus, walking through the streets? Many thanks.
Pope Francis
I believe that a Papal trip always helps. I believe it will do Brazil good, not just
because the Pope was present, but because of what happened during WYD,
how the youth mobilized themselves and these young people will do great
good, and maybe they will be able to help the Church a great deal. But these
faithful who have left the Church, many are not happy because they know they
belong to the Church. I think that this will be very positive, not only for the trip,
but above all for the event. WYD was a marvellous event. And yes, at times I do
miss Buenos Aires and I feel it. But I am serene about it. But I believe that you,
Sergio, know me better than all the others and you are able to answer this
question, with the book that you wrote!
Padre Lombardi
Now we have the Russian reporter and then there is Valentina, our senior
reporter, who would like to be last.
Alexey Bukalov
Good evening, Holy Father. Holy Father, returning to ecumenism: today, the
Orthodox are celebrating one thousand and twenty-five years of Christianity,
and there are great festivities in many capital cities. If you would comment on
this, I would be grateful. Thank you.
Pope Francis
In the Orthodox Churches, they have retained that pristine liturgy, which is so
beautiful. We have lost some of the sense of adoration. The Orthodox preserved
it; they praise God, they adore God, they sing, time does not matter. God is at
the centre, and I would like to say, as you ask me this question, that this is a
richness. Once, speaking of the Western Church, of Western Europe, especially
the older Church, they said this phrase to me: Lux ex oriente, ex occidente luxus.
Consumerism, comfort, they have done such harm. Instead, you retain this
beauty of God in the centre, the reference point. When reading Dostoevsky I
believe that for all of us he is an author that we must read and reread due to his
wisdom one senses what the Russian soul is, what the eastern soul is. It is
something that does us much good. We need this renewal, this fresh air from the
East, this light from the East. John Paul II wrote about this in his Letter. But many

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times the luxus of the West makes us lose this horizon. I dont know, but these are
the thoughts that come to me. Thank you.
Father Lombardi
And now we close with Valentina who, having been first during the trip to Rio de
Janiero, will be the last for the return trip to Rome.
Valentina Alazraki
Your Holiness, thank you for keeping your promise to respond to our questions on
this return trip
Pope Francis
I have made you late for dinner
Valentina Alazraki
It doesnt matter ... The question for all Mexicans is: when are you going to visit
Guadalupe? ... But this is the question of the Mexicans ... Mine would be: you will
canonize recently the two great Popes, John XXIII and John Paul II. I would like to
know what is according to you the model of holiness that emerges from them
both and what is the impact that these Popes have had on the Church and on
you?
Pope Francis
John XXIII is a bit like the figure of the country priest, the priest who loves all the
faithful, who knows how to care for the faithful and this he did as a Bishop, and
as a Nuncio. How many baptismal certificates did he forge in Turkey to help the
Jews! He was courageous, a good country priest, with a great sense of humour,
and great holiness. When he was Nuncio, some did not support him in the
Vatican, and when he would arrive in Rome to deliver something or to ask a
question, certain offices would make him wait. But he never complained: he
would pray the Rosary, say the breviary. He was meek and humble, and he
always concerned himself with the poor. When Cardinal Casaroli returned from a
mission I believe it was from Hungary or from what was then Czechoslovakia, I
dont remember which, though the Cardinal went to Pope John to tell him how
the mission went, in that epoch of the diplomacy of small steps. And the Pope
and Cardinal Casaroli met twenty days later Pope John XXIII would be dead
and as the Cardinal was leaving, the Pope stopped him: Your Eminence no,
he wasnt yet a Cardinal Your Excellency, a question: are you still going to see
those young people? He asked because Cardinal Casaroli had been going to
the juvenile prison in Casal del Marmo and visiting with the young people. And
Cardinal Casaroli said: Yes, yes! Never abandon them. This to a diplomat,
who was returning from a diplomatic mission, a very important trip, that John XXIII
said: Never abandon the young. How great he was, how great! Then, he was
also a man of the Council: he was a man docile to the voice of God, which
came to him through the Holy Spirit, and he was docile to the Spirit. Pius XII was
thinking of calling the Council, but the circumstances werent right. I believe that
John XXIII didnt think about the circumstances: he felt and acted. He was a
man who let the Lord guide him. Regarding John Paul II, I would say he was the
great missionary of the Church: he was a missionary, a man who carried the
Gospel everywhere, as you know better than I. How many trips did he make? But
he went! He felt this fire of carrying forth the Word of the Lord. He was like Paul,
like Saint Paul, he was such a man; for me this is something great. And to

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canonize them both together will be, I believe, a message for the Church: these
two were wonderful, both of them. Paul VIs cause is also under way, as is the
cause of John Paul I. Both are under way. One more thing that I believe I said
already, but I dont know if I said it here or elsewhere the canonization date.
One date under consideration was 8 December this year, but there is a
significant problem; those who will come from Poland some can afford to come
by air, but the poor will come by bus and the roads are already icy in December,
so I think the date needs to be rethought. I spoke with Cardinal Dziwisz and he
suggested to me two possibilities: Christ the King Sunday this year or Divine Mercy
Sunday next year. I think there is too little time for Christ the King this year, since
the Consistory will be on 30 September and the end of October will be too soon.
But I dont know. I must speak with Cardinal Amato about this. But I dont think it
will be 8 December.
Question from the floor
But they will be canonized together?
Pope Francis
Both together, yes.
Father Lombardi
Thank you, Your Holiness. Who is still to come? Ilze? Then everyone will have had
a turn, even more than had signed up before
Ilze Scamparini
I would like permission to ask a delicate question: another image that has been
going around the world is that of Monsignor Ricca and the news about his
private life. I would like to know, Your Holiness, what you intend to do about this?
How are you confronting this issue and how does Your Holiness intend to confront
the whole question of the gay lobby?
Pope Francis
About Monsignor Ricca: I did what canon law calls for that is a preliminary
investigation. And from this investigation, there was nothing of what had been
alleged. We did not find anything of that. This is the response. But I wish to add
something else: I see that many times in the Church, over and above this case,
but including this case, people search for sins from youth, for example, and
then publish them. They are not crimes, right? Crimes are something different: the
abuse of minors is a crime. No, sins. But if a person, whether it be a lay person, a
priest or a religious sister, commits a sin and then converts, the Lord forgives, and
when the Lord forgives, the Lord forgets and this is very important for our lives.
When we confess our sins and we truly say, I have sinned in this, the Lord
forgets, and so we have no right not to forget, because otherwise we would run
the risk of the Lord not forgetting our sins. That is a danger. This is important: a
theology of sin. Many times I think of Saint Peter. He committed one of the worst
sins, that is he denied Christ, and even with this sin they made him Pope. We
have to think a great deal about that. But, returning to your question more
concretely. In this case, I conducted the preliminary investigation and we didnt
find anything. This is the first question. Then, you spoke about the gay lobby. So
much is written about the gay lobby. I still havent found anyone with an identity
card in the Vatican with gay on it. They say there are some there. I believe that
when you are dealing with such a person, you must distinguish between the fact

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of a person being gay and the fact of someone forming a lobby, because not all
lobbies are good. This one is not good. If someone is gay and is searching for the
Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him? The Catechism of the
Catholic Church explains this in a beautiful way, saying Wait a moment, how
does it say it ... it says: no one should marginalize these people for this, they must
be integrated into society. The problem is not having this tendency, no, we must
be brothers and sisters to one another, and there is this one and there is that one.
The problem is in making a lobby of this tendency: a lobby of misers, a lobby of
politicians, a lobby of masons, so many lobbies. For me, this is the greater
problem. Thank you so much for asking this question. Many thanks.
Father Lombardi
Thank you. It seems to me that we cannot do more than we have done. We
have kept the Pope too long, after he already said he was a little tired. We wish
him now some time of rest.
Pope Francis
Thank you. Goodnight, have a good trip and rest well.

Arrival at Rome/Ciampino Airport

Pope Francis arrived at Romes Ciampino airport a little before 7:55 a.m., local
time, on Monday, bringing to a close 14-day his apostolic journey to the
Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Sydney.
The Pope brought with him a bouquet of flowers, which a seven-year-old Korean
girl, named Mary Sol, had given him before his flight departed from the Seoul Air
Base at 1 p.m., local time. According to a report by the Osservatore Romano,
the Pope had promised the girl he would give these flowers as a gift to Our
Lady.
Upon his arrival, the Pope was driven from Ciampino airport to the Basilica of
Saint Mary Major, where he is said to have placed these flowers at the foot of the
Marian statue of Salus Populi Romani. There, he offered prayers of thanksgiving to
Our Lady for his trip to South Korea. The Pope had visited the basilica prior to his
trip and had entrusted his journey to Mary.

Meanwhile, environmentalists and community leaders around Quiapo area are calling for
an annual green celebration of the anniversary of the religious group 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 peoples amazing devotion to the Jesus Christ our Lord with action
respecting, nurturing and defending Mother Earth will be a powerful force of hope and

315

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, well 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.
Who went where: Politics make strange bedfellows
(By Cathy C. Yamsuan and Leah Gatdula)
(By Cathy C. Yamsuan and Leah Gatdula)
Manila, Philippines, October 27, 2014 (INQUIRER) - JEJOMAR Binay, who was
made by the Edsa People Power Revolt, was not in the Ayala rally of his political
patron, Cory Aquino. Now the Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines
after three terms as Makati mayor: first from June 30, 1989 to June 30, 1998 and
from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2010, Binay was on the other side of town with,
well, the other side.
Same thing with a former Coryista, Laguna Gov. Jose Joey Lina, who found
himself socializing with Marcos son-in-law Gregorio Greggy Araneta as they
lunched at the VIP lounge of the Quirino grandstand hosted by Brother Mariano
Mike Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners
Foundation International and Bishop Brother Eduardo Eddie Villanueva,
Founder, International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the
Philippines.
Two seats to their left was Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the leaders of the
peaceful February 1986 coup that toppled the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Enrile
will soon join the Presidents Liberal Party (Team PNoy).
Facing Enrile across the table were opposition Sen. Loren Legarda and husband,
former Batangas Gov. Antonio Tony Leviste of Lakas-KaMPi-CMD.
Her mother's daughter
But Presidents sister Kris Aquino stuck to her mother from whom she had been
estranged because of her liaison with actor Phillip Salvador.
Ill take her anytime over Jinggoy, said a newspaper editor.
The only big-name star in the rally, Kris emceed the Makati prayer rally led by
Former President Fidel V. Ramos and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G.
Tagle.

316
Kahit wala hong lechon dito at kahit ako lang ang artista dito, masaya ako
dahil nandito tayong lahat (Even without roasted pig and movie stars), Kris told
an enthusiastic crowd at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas.
Most show biz stars were in Luneta to support their former colleague, Former
president and now Manila City mayor Joseph Estrada and incumbent president
Benigno Aquino III.
But Kris could count on colleagues like singer-comedienne Cynthia Patag who
sang Magkaisa and ''Bayan Ko,'' folk singer Coritha who did her original hit,
Oras Na, and Edsa veterans Jim Paredes, Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, June
Keithley and Maan Hontiveros.
Old magic
Kris tried to work the old magic she cast when campaigning for her mother
during the snap elections in 1986.
When some ralliers raised a placard which said: El Shaddai injects Cha-cha, Kris
remarked: Hindi po pala lahat ng El Shaddai nasa Luneta (Not all El Shaddai are
at the Luneta).
When the media delegation, including the INQUIRER'S founding chair Eugenia
Duran Apostol, was called onstage, the sound system conked out. But Kris quickly
salvaged the moment.
Not media suppression
Hindi po media suppression ito, this is just a technical problem, she said.
Kris showed humor when she introduced the Spice Boys of Congress.
Ang suwerte-suwerte ho ni Vina Morales dahil magandang lalake ho ang
boyfriend niya, she said of Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri. (How lucky actress Vina
Morales, her boyfriend is good-looking.)
Naka-soiree ko ho ito noong high school, pero hindi niya ako niligawan (I had a
soiree with him but he did not court me), she said of Agusan del Sur Rep. Ace
Barbers.
I give her an A for dedication and courage, said a university professor.
She showed she has genuine concern, commented another Makati
employee.
Kris set aside whatever personal differences she had with her brother, Philippine
President Noynoy Aquino, when she warmly introduced onstage. Noynoy
frowned on Kris' relationship with Salvador.
Kris' appearance also dimmed any chances of reconciliation with Salvador, her
former live-in partner with whom she has a 18-year-old love child, Joshua.
Salvador is an avowed supporter of former President Joseph Estrada.
Not political

317

At the Luneta, no one offered political reasons for feasting with Velarde and
Villanueva. They all claimed being invited by the founder, international president
and spiritual director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, Bishop Bro. Eddie
Villanueva just to celebrate his 81st birthday and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
celebrated its 36th founding anniversary.
This doesn't mean I am pro-(Charter change), Legarda immediately explained
when asked about her presence at the Luneta. ''Brother Mike Velarde of El
Shaddai and I have been friends since I was still with (The Inside Story),'' she
added.
Enrile was more straightforward. I came here to enjoy the lechon, pancit and
the soup. Besides, you have always known my position on Charter change. I
have always pointed out the flaws of the Constitution and even campaigned
against its ratification in 1987.
Enrile said he did not feel awkward sitting near Araneta, given the senator's key
role in the Marcoses' ouster. I can sit with anybody because I consider myself a
social being,'' he said.
Metrobank president Tony Abacan was seated next to Velarde and Villanueva.
Two tables away were former Negros and now Philippine National Bank board of
director, Rep. Miguel Mike Romero, retired Philippine Supreme Court Chief
Bernardino, Pivi Diaz, Rina Rejanit, Bobby Dy, Manuel V. Pangilinan, 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, Meralco HR and Corporate Services Senior Vice-President and Philippine
Basketball Association Chairman-Emeritus Mon Segismundo and Sports5 head
and Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Coach Chot Reyes, Kenneth Yang, 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 Broadcasting Corporation Chairman Eugenio
Gabby Lopez III, ABS-CBN Broadcasting 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, Mariole
Alberto, Arnel Natividad, Toto Natividad, Malu Sevilla, Rechie del Carmen, Jojo

318
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, music composer and television director Bobet and actor Kobi
Vidanes, the members of the Yap, Daza, Planas, 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, TAPE, Inc. president and chief
executive officer Antonio P. Tuviera, Malou Choa-Fagar, TAPE, Inc. chairman-
emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, 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, 600
participants of the World Economic Forum on East Asia Summit 2014 from more
than 30 countries, bag designer Sylvia Santos, fashion designers JC Buendia,
Fashion Designers Ben Farrales, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Villanueva-
Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque RoquitoAblan, McCann Erickson Client
Service Director Bernadette Chincuanco, Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing
Director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe & IMC Director Yasmin Mallari, 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,

319

Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Suyen Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer Ben Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, public relations practitioner, events
orgainzer and talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis and Star Magic
handler Monch Novales.
300 Kapamilya stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi
Entrata, Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine
Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart
Santiago, Randy Santiago, Bamboo Manalac, Binibining Pilipinas 2013 winners
Cindy Miranda and Pia Romero, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss

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321

Chiu, Karylle, basketball players Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph
Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mr. Chinatown 2014 winners
David Licuaco and Kurt Joshua Ong, Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, Be
BENCH/: The 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,
newest BENCHsetters including actors Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Martin del
Rosario and Dominic Roque, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons
basketball player Andre Paras and De La Salle Green Archers mens basketball
player Arnold van Opstal, America's Next Top Models Dominique Reighard
and Allison Harvard, Asias Next Top Model finalist Katarina Rodriguez,
television commercial, ramp, print and fashion models and actors Benjamin
Alves, Jon Avila, Franco Daza, Victor Silayan, John James Uy, Marvin Raymundo,
Miko Raval and Raphael Robes, Luisito Rabat, models and athletes Anton del
Rosario and Sam Richelle, Andrew Wolff and Janka Cederstam, Hideo
Muraoka, Catriona Gray, Valerie Bariou-Bondoc, Rima Ostwani, Janeena Chan,
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, Yassi Pressman, 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, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, GMA News and Public Affairs
Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu, teen

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Navales of Ang Dating Daan, known personalities in the fashion, movie, music,
religious, sports and television industry, former Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque ''Roquito''
Ablan, were around.
Up front
The Cabinet came in full force with President Aquino.
Onstage with the President were his battalions of Cabinet secretaries, including:
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.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Maria Serena I.
Diokno
National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director
Ludovico D. Badoy
National Library of the Philippines Director Antonio M. Santos
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
Advertising Board of the Philippines founding Chairman Mr. Franciso
Pacquing Floro
Advertising Board of the Philippines Chairman Bienvenido C. Niles, Junior

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Philippine Association of National Advertisers President Maria Belen
Fernando
Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines
President Norman A. Agatep
Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines Chairman Roy C. Del
Valle
Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines President Alfredo
Santiago, Junior
Ad Standards Council Chairman Raul S. Alvarez
Ad Standards Council Executive Director Mila Marquez
Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines Chairman Butch S. Canoy
Philippine Cable Television Association Chairman Allan Dungao
Philippine Cable Television Association President Cedric Sazon
Independent Blocktimers Association of the Philippines Chairman Ricky
Velez
Independent Blocktimers Association of the Philippines President Ron De
Los Reyes
Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines Founding
President Dr. Donald Patrick Lim
Teschnical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General
Joel Villanueva
Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad
Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes
Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon
National Computer Center Officer-in-Charge Juli Ana E. Sudario
Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba
Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Chairman Atty.
Eugenio H. Villareal
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordination Agency Executive
Director Joselito C. De Vera
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao
Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala
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.
Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II
foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo
Finance Secretary and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation
Chairman Cesar V. Purisima
Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla

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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.
Presidential Legal Counsel Chief Alfredo Benjamin Sabater Caguioa
Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad-Razon
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Antonio Roman
Appointments Secretary Rochelle R. Ahorro
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda
Senators
Velarde and Villanuevas well-wishers from the Senate included:
former senator Heherson Alvarez
Teresa Aquino-Oreta
Butz Aquino
Nikki Coseteng
John Henry Osmea
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
Eddie Ilarde
Francisco Tatad,
Pia Cayetano
Alan Peter Cayetano
TG Guingona
Bongbong Marcos
Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Nancy Binay
Lito Lapid

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Jinggoy Estrada
JV Ejercito
Juan Ponce Enrlie
Ralph Recto and
Vicente Sotto III.
Congressmen present were
House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr.
Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II
Manila 1st District Rep. Benjamin D.R. Asilo
Manila 3rd District Rep. Maria Zenaida B. Angping
Manila 4th District Rep. Trisha Bonoan-David
Manila 5th District Rep. Amado S. Bagatsing
Quezon City 1st District Rep. Francisco A. Calalay, Jr.
Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Jorge John B. Banal, Jr.
Quezon City 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas
Caloocan City 1st District Rep. Enrico R. Echiverri
Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar R. Erice
Malabon Rep. Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel
Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco
Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian
Valenzuela City 2nd District Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo I
San Juan Lone District Rep. Ronaldo Zamora
Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman T. Romulo
Marikina City 1st District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro
Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Romero Quimbo
Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II
Makati City 1st District Rep. Monique Yasmin Lagdameo
Makati City 2nd District Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay-Campos
Pasay City Rep. Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano
Paranaque City 1st District Rep. Edwin D. Olivarez
Paranaque City 2nd District Rep. Roilo S. Golez
Las Pinas City Rep. Mark A. Villar
Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon
Pateros-Taguig City Rep. Arnel Cerafica
Taguig City Rep. Lino Edgardo S. Cayetano
Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo C. Farias
Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos
Ilocos Sur 1st District Rep. Ryan Singson
Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Eric G. Singson, Jr.
Abra Lone District Rep. Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos
Cagayan 1st District Rep. Sally Ponce Enrile
Cagayan 2nd District Rep. Randolph S. Ting
Isabela 1st District Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III
Isabela 3rd District Rep. Napoleon S. Dy
Isabela 4th District Rep. Giorgidi B. Aggabao
Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Rep. Carlos Padilla

327

Quirino Lone District Rep. Dakila Cua
Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan
Baguio City Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping, Jr.
La Union 1st District Rep. Victor Francisco Ortega
Kalinga Lone District Rep. Manuel S. Agyao
Apayao Lone District Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang
Ifugao Lone District Rep. Teodoro B. Baguilat, Jr.
Mountain Province Lone District Rep. Maximo B. Dalog
Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia
Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Susan Yap-Sulit
Zambales 1st District Rep. Jeffrey Domingo Khonghun
Zambales 2nd District Rep. Atty. Cheryl P. Deloso - Montalla
Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Leopoldo D. Diaz
Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Joseph Gilbert F. Violago
Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Czarina D. Umali
Nueva Ecija 4th District Rep. Rodolfo W. Antonino
Pampanga 1st District Rep. Joseller Yeng Guiao
Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Oscar S. Rodriguez
Bataan 1st District Rep. Herminia Reyes Batista-Roman
Bataan 2nd District Rep. Enrique Garcia
Bulacan 1st District Rep. Maria Victoria Reyes Sy-Alvarado
Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Gavini Apol Pancho
Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica
San Jose del Monte City Rep. Arthur B. Robes
Cavite 1st District Rep. Francis Abaya
Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla
Cavite 3rd District Rep. Alex Advincula
Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpido "Pidi" F. Barzaga, Jr.
Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis Ferrer IV
Cavite 7th District Rep. Abraham Tolentino
Laguna 1st District Rep. Danilo Fernando
Laguna 2nd District Rep. Jun Chipeco, Jr.
Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones-Sampelo
Rizal 1st District Rep. Joel Roy R. Duavit
Rizal 2nd District Rep. Isidro S. Rodriguez, Jr.
Batangas 1st District Rep. Eileen Ermita-Buhain
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Raneo Abu
Batangas 3rd District Rep. Nelson Collantes
Batangas 4th District Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza
Quezon 2nd District Rep. Vicente J. Alcala
Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Josef George E. Alvarez
Palawan 2nd District Rep. Frederick F. Abueg
Palawan 3rd District Rep. Douglas S. Hagedorn
Marinduque Lone District Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes
Occidental Mindoro Lone District Rep. Josephine Y. Ramirez-Sato
Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Rodolfo G. Valencia
Romblon Lone District Rep. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

328

Masbate 2nd District Rep. Elisa T. Kho
Camarines Norte 1st District Rep. Elmer E. Panotes
Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Maria Leonor Robredo
Albay 2nd District Rep. Al Francis Bichara
Catanduanes Lone District Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento
Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Evelyn Escudero
Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Jerry P. Treas
Iloilo 1st District Rep. Oscar "Richie" S. Garin, Jr.
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Evelio Ramos Leonardia
Aklan Lone District Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr.
Antique Lone District Rep. Paolo Everardo S. Javier
Capiz 1st District Rep. Antonio del Rosario
Guimaras Lone District Rep. Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava
Negros Occidental 1st District Rep. Julio A. Ledesma IV
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Leo Rafael M. Cueva
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo B. Benitez
Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Mercedes K. Alvarez
Cebu City 1st District Rep. Raul del Mar
Cebu City 2nd District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa
Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Aileen C. Radaza
Cebu 1st District Rep. Gerald Anthony V. Gullas, Jr.
Cebu 2nd District Rep. Wilfredo S. Caminero
Cebu 3rd District Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia-Codilla
Cebu 6th District Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing
Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. George P. Arnaiz
Bohol 1st District Rep. Rene Relampagos
Siquijor Lone District Rep. Marie Anne S. Pernes
Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
Leyte 2nd District Rep. Sergio Antonio F. Apostol
CIBAC Party List Rep. Sherwin Tugna
Citizens Battle Against Corruption Partylist representatives Sherwin Tugna
and Chona Gonzales
Also present were:
Former Manila City Mayor and Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza
former Manila City Mayor Alfredo S. Lim
former Philippine President and now Manila City 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 Eusebio
former Pasig City Mayor Soledad Eusebio

329

former Pasig City Mayor Bobby Eusebio
current Pasig City Mayor Maribel Andaya-Eusebio
San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez
Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay
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 Paraaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez
Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi
Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan
Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan
Tabuk City, Kalinga mayor Ferdinand Tubban
Rosales, Pangasinan Mayor Susan P. Casareno
Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez
Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio E. Perez IV
Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr.
Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino
Subic, Zambales Mayor Jeffrey D. Khonghun
Pampanga Provincial Governor Lilia G. Pineda
San Fernando, Pampanga Mayor Edwin Santiago
Angeles City, Pampanga Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan
Tarlac Governor Jesus Bong" Santos
Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio R. Manalang
Bataan Provincial Governor Albert S. Garcia
Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III
Bulacan Provincial Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado
Marilao Municipal Mayor Juanito "Tito" H. Santiago
Baliwag Municipal Mayor Carolina Dellosa
Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad
Nueva Ecija Provincial Governor Aurelio Matias Umali
Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius Cesar V. Vergara
Rizal Provincial Governor Rebecca A. Ynares
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III
Taytay Municipal Mayor Janet De Leon-Mercado
San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz
Angono Mayor Gerry V. Calderon
Cavite Provincial Governor Juanito Victor Remulla
Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla
Dasmarinas City Mayor Jennifer A. Barzaga
Rosario Municipal Mayor Jose M. Ricafrente Jr.
Laguna Provincial Governor Ramil Hernndez
Santa Rosa City, Laguna Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas-Nazareno
Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc Timmy Chipeco

330

San Pablo City Mayor Loreto S. Amante
Los Baos Municipal Mayor Caesar P. Perez
Batangas Provincial Governor Vilma Santos-Recto
Batangas City Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha
Lipa City Mayor Meynardo A. Sabili
Quezon Provincial Governor David C. Suarez
Lucena City Mayor Roderick A. Alcala
Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron
Naga City Mayor John Bongat
Albay Provincial Governor Joey Salceda
Legaspi City Mayor Noel Rosal
Sorsogon Provincial Governor Antonio Escudero Jr.
Sorsogon City Mayor Sally A. Lee
Iloilo provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog
Negros Occidental provincial governor Alfredo G. Maraon, Jr.
Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella
Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Junjun Davide III
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama
Consolacion Municipal Mayor Teresa P. Alegado
Davao del Sur Provincial Governor Claude Bautista
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
South Cotabato Provincial Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes
General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera
Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno
Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Adolph Edward Plaza
Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.
Foreign dignitaries were present:
United States ambassador Philip S. Goldberg
Canadian ambassador Christopher Thronley
Spanish ambassador Jorge Domecq
Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseor
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,
Cambodian Minister of Commerce Senior Minister Sun Chanthol
Indonesian Finance Minister Muhamad Chatib Basri

331

Indonesian Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa
Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed
Burmese Union Minister of Commerce U Win Myint
Burmese Union Minister of Finance and Revenue U Win Shein
Korean G20 Sherpa, Ambassador for International Cooperation Lee Il-
Houng
Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office Yasutoshi Nishimura
United States Pacific Commander Samuel J. Locklear III
Vietnamese Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Cao Duc Phat
Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao
International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Naoyuki
Shinohara
World Bank Vice-President and Special Envoy, Climate Change Rachel
Kyte
Seen leaving the grandstand after the President's speech were
Marichu Vera Perez
Fr. Sonny Ramirez
Former PAGCor president Butch Tenorio and
representatives of businessman Lucio Tan.
The big and brave
Prominent personalities spotted at the Ayala politicalrally included:
Senators Serge Osmea III
Teofisto Guingona III
Aquilino Pimentel
Sonia Roco
Former Representatives Heherson Alvarez
Joker Arroyo
Wigberto Taada
Robert Ace Barbers
Ricky Sandoval
J. Mayo Almario
Hernani Branganza
Butch Pichay
Ariel Zartiga
Etta Rosales
Diogenes Osabel
Enrico Echeverri
Apolinario Lozada;
former Senators Alberto Romulo
Jovy Salonga and
Rene Saguisag;
Today publisher Teddy Boy Locsin
Star columnist Alex Magno

332

Sonny Dominguez
Anthony Pangilinan
members of the Rufino, Carpo, Argosino, Francisco, Prieto, Romualdez,
Olarte, Reinoso and Valdes family including Macario Rufino.
Loyalists
Predictably, thousands of Marcos loyalists joined the El Shaddai rally just in time
for the visit of Pope Francis to raise their prayer requests to Yahweh El Shaddai,
who, they said, is the only hope of Maam Imelda (Marcos).
Some 2,000 members of Marcos Loyalists Foundation based in the National
Capital Region came in several jeeps to pray for justice for the Marcoses, who
have suffered a lot since Ferdinand (Marcos) was ousted from power.
We can do nothing without prayer. We believe that Yahweh will guide Ma'am
Imelda in all the trials she is facing, said Juliet Mendoza, a coordinator of the
Marcos Loyalist Foundation in the NCR. The former first lady has nearly a hundred
cases of graft pending in the Sandiganbayan.
Mendoza, who claimed that almost all members of their group are also members
of El Shaddai, added that the wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos will be
used by Yahweh to answer the needs of the Filipino people. With a report from
Blanche Rivera and Maria Ceres P. Doyo
Reconfigured jet to fly Pope.
A reconfigured Airbus A300 aircraft of Philippine Airlines (PAL) will fly Pope Francis
to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea today at the close of His Holiness' four-day
pastoral and state visit to the Philippines.
Senior officials of Philippine Airlines led by Chairman Dr. Lucio Tan and President
Ramon S. Ang and the charterers, PMFTC, Inc. will join the Pontiff on the flight
that will take about four hours and 42 minutes. Papua New Guinea is the second
stop in the Holy Father's Asian tour this year.
After farewell ceremonies at the Old Manila International Airport, the Plane
enblazoned with the exultation: Totus Tuus! takes off at around 10:00 A.M.
The flight will be commanded by Captain Johnny Andrews. The pilot-in-
command is Captain Alfredo Juliano who assisted by Captain Oliver Castro, First
Officers Ruben Matro and Servando Bocao and flight engineers Danny Hallare
and Manuelito Respaldon. Inflight service will be provided two sets of cabin crew
numbering 22 led-by pursers Angelito Tiras and John Inopea.
The rest of the crew are assistant flight purser Aurora Bautista, stewards Wesley
Calfoforo, Salvador Cacho, Joseph Torral, Rafael Torralba, Aurora Ponce-Enrile,
Susan del Carmen, Jesulta de Leon, Stella Frias, Elsie Escutin, Hermie Cagalingan,
Cristina Padilla, Lourdes Ledesma, Ysabel Costas, Evangeline Gatmaitan,
Margarita Manzano, Cynthia Rosales and Service Manager Augusto Barrios.
As reconfigured, the Aircraft is fitted with special seats, a sleeperette, and a
dedicated lavatory to suit the requirements of the Holy Father during the flight to
Port Moresby, located some 2,161 nautical miles south of Manila.

333

During the deceased pope John Paul 2's visit in February 1981, PAL flew the
Pontiff to several key cities in the country: including Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao,
Baguio and Subic.
After the celebration
El Shaddai meet not for Cha-cha, says solon (By Rocky Nazareno and TJ Burgonio)
THE EL Shaddais October 25-27 gathering at the Luneta was not a show of support for
President Benigno Aquino IIIs campaign for Charter change but was ''nothing more,
nothing less'' than a celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international
president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanuevas birthday and Jesus is
Lord Church Worldwide anniversary in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope
Francis here in the Philippines.
Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor made this remark as he praised members of the
Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movements for not allowing their holy
and happy gathering to be tainted by the divisive and self-serving agenda of the Aquino
administration.
The belated birthday celebration of Villanueva and annual founding anniversary
celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide coincided with the Rally for
Democracy staged by anti-Charter change groups in Makati City.
Plain and simple, the people did not go to Luneta for Noynoy but for Brother Mike
Velarde and for their belief in the El Shaddai, Defensor said.
The young congressman noted that neither published nor broadcast reports showed that
those who went to Luneta were even interested in President Benigno Aquino III.
To say that the El Shaddai members went there only for the food would be in bad taste,
he said.
''That was merely incidental because, in the first place, they were there for the blessings
and the celebration of their holy faith.''
Defensor said that if there was anything that the Makati and Luneta rallies had in
common, it was that ''both were staged with the strong conviction and faith of those who
attended.''
''Strong conviction and faith for the tenets of freedom and democracy in Makati and
strong conviction and faith for God--the El Shaddai--in Luneta, he said.
As a result, Filipinos ''now do not look at the two rallies as a battle of numbers but as
complementing examples of what belief in principles or religion could achieve,'' he said.
Opening floodgates
Msgr. Domingo Cirilos of the San Fernando de Dilao parish church in Paco, Manila,
yesterday said he was unconvinced by Mr. Aquinos assurance that the Charter changes
he is seeking would only be economic and not political in nature.
''Once you open the Charter, it could be open to any change--political or economic,''
Cirilos told reporters. ''You open the floodgates to all the other changes that have been
stated already.''
Cirilos talked to reporters shortly after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G.
Tagle celebrated a 9:30 a.m. Mass marking the 415th anniversary of the San Fernando de
Dilao church on Paz Street in Paco.

334

Tagle, who led Friday's pro-democracy rally together with former President Corazon
Aquino and who read a stinging statement on the Estrada administration, yesterday
skirted the issues of Charter change, cronyism and media suppression in his homily.
He limited his sermon to the day's gospel on faith.
Together with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, he unveiled a new marker in the facade of
the church.
After the Mass, Sin, who looked weak, was driven away in his service car before
reporters could interview him.
No guarantee
Cirilos pointed out that there was no guarantee that Congress, once it convenes itself into
a constituent assembly, would not take up political amendments to the Constitution.
''They're in control once there's a constituent assembly,'' said the priest. ''They can do
anything. The only thing we can do maybe is to demonstrate again. But that's all we can
do.''
At the El Shaddai gathering on Sunday, October 27, Mr. Aquino declared that he was
only seeking economic reforms in the Constitution.
We need to adjust our Constitution with global realities, Mr. Estrada said, for the
present Constitution was framed in a different time where the economy of nations was
based on 'protectionism.
Cirilos said the President should seriously consider the reasons that the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines cited for opposing Charter change at this time.
He said this would be the best gift the President could give to his sister on her birthday on
October 27.
No disinformation
Cirilos also dismissed the comment of Fr. Sonny Ramirez, the President's spiritual
adviser, that thousands of people attended the Makati rally because of media
disinformation on Mr. Estrada's Charter change plans.
''That's not disinformation,'' he said. ''What's happening is true. It's a fact that we can't
deny.''
He also rejected Ramirez's opinion that the ''thinking'' people shunned the Makati rally.
''I don't think so,'' said Cirilos. ''I don't think that he can speak on behalf of the people. For
all you know, these people are the silent majority who are against Charter change.''
Ramirez had made his comments in the President's weekly TV-radio program, ''Jeep ni
Erap,'' on Saturday.
Preview
Satur Ocampo, former National Democratic Front spokesperson, warned that Mr. Estrada
would face more militant protest actions if he insists on tinkering with the Constitution.
In an interview on radio station dzXL, Ocampo said Friday's pro-democracy rally was
just a preview of what is coming.
Ocampo said removing the nationalist provisions of the Constitution would preempt any
attempt by the government and other concerned sectors to protect and advance the
interest of the Filipinos.
He said the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan would join the Sept. 21 rally to commemorate
the 27th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.
Bayan and other militant groups will conduct information campaigns to enlighten the
people on the dangers of Mr. Aquinos plan to amend the Charter, according to him.

335

''Paano masasabing Erap para sa mahirap gayung ang tatamaan sa kanyang mga plano
ay ang mga mahihirap (How can you say Erap is for the poor when it is the poor who
will suffer due to his plans),'' said Leopoldo Zerrudo, spokesperson of the Kapulungan ng
mga Sandigang Mag-aaral ng Batas (Kasama ng Batas).
Emmanuel Miguel, grand knight of the Fraternus Ordo de Justicia law fraternity based at
the Adamson University, said lawyers, law students and legal advocates should unite in
opposing Charter change.
Bigger participation
In Davao City, the People Resist against Rising Tyranny and the Archdiocese of Davao
said they were bringing their campaign against Charter change to the grass roots to win
bigger public support for future protest actions.
Glen Amoroso, secretary general of Bayan Davao City, said more poor people, especially
the workers and landless farmers, would join the Sept. 21 rally. They would suffer most if
the Charter change plans are carried out, he said.
Fr. Leonardo Dublan, director of the Social Action Center of the Davao Archdiocese, said
the education drive was going on in parishes, schools and community chapels.
In Koronadal, South Cotabato, Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said the grass-roots campaign
had not stopped.
At least 3,500 people joined the anti-Charter change rally in Koronadal on Friday. With
reports from Nelson Flores in Manila; J owel F. Canuday and Allan A. Nawal, PDI
Mindanao Bureau
After mounting yet another mammoth celebration, the El Shaddai members are
increasingly gaining critics for the way some of them behaved during Mass and
turned Manila into a wasteland.
The 36th anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, headed by
founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva which drew
an estimated three million people, ended around 8:30 a.m. the next day,
Monday, October 27, taking 24 hours to mammoth crowd through the citys
central district.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said it
collected 336 tons of garbage along the celebration route from Quirino
Grandstand to Port Area to Quiapo Church. The agency mobilized scores of
street cleaners, starting with those deployed at the tail-end of the predominantly
male crowd, who went to work as soon as the road was clear of devotees.
We are deeply saddened by the way Quiapo turned into a dump due to the
unimpeded disposal of garbage in the streets, said Tin Vergara, a campaigner
for the environmentalist group EcoWaste.
Vergara said the groups Basura (trash) Patrollers reported widespread littering
on the streets of Carriedo, Evangelista, R. Hidalgo, C. Palanca, Paterno, Gonzalo
Puyat and Villalobos, on Quezon Boulevard and at Plaza Miranda.
The Quiapo collection is still going on so there should be more (than what the
MMDA had reported), EcoWaste leader Manny Calonzo added.

336

The drains on Quezon Boulevard were covered with trash, portions of Evangelista
Street were strewn with burnt firecrackers, and the corner of Evangelista-
Ronquillo Streets had a huge pile of stinking waste, EcoWaste also noted in a
statement. Past midnight, people were literally walking on garbage on Carriedo
Street, it added.
The dirty streets of Quiapo do not (jibe with) Manilas vision of making the feast
of the Black Nazarene an international tourist attraction, Vergara said, referring
to a reported plan of the Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau.
We want our foreign visitors to bear witness to our peoples indomitable faith
and remember the prayers and sacrifices of the mamamasan (the group of
laymen in charge of the image), not the inhospitable dumping of garbage on
Quiapo streets. That is not the kind of publicity we want, she said.
The devotees were also criticized for disrupting the evening Holy Mass con-
celebrated by Pope Francis and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle
before the start of the procession at Quirino Grandstand. After Pope Francis
ended his homily, scores of male devotees broke through the police barrier and
rushed the stage to seize the statue.
The devotees ignored pleas from Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual of Radyo Veritas to let
Tagle finish the Mass. The archbishops, cardinals, bishops and other priests from
200 countries later finished the service backstage.
In an interview Friday, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo expressed
disappointment over the devotees unruly behavior.
That is not genuine religion, said Lagdameo, who watched the feast on TV. All
pushing and shoving, to each his own. More people could go near the Nazarene
if they were disciplined.
Our devotees should be continuously catechized. Their faith should be
deepened and enriched, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco added.
But for the Quiapo Church rector, Msgr. Clemente Ignacio, this years traslacion
was generally successful and meaningful despite the disrupted Mass.
Ignacio said the men who rushed the stage represented only a small
percentage of the devotees who showed up for the procession.
Ninety-eight to 99 percent were praying. And it doesnt mean the devotees
(who stopped the Mass) have not been praying. We cannot judge them, he
said.
(p. 1)
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Bishop wants Bro. Mike probed (By Dona Pazzibugan)
THE Catholic Church is set to take a hard look at its most prominent layman.
The powerful Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will investigate
Mariano Mike Z. Velarde, founder and servant-leader of the Catholic charismatic
movement, El Shaddai and Eduardo Eddie C. Villanueva, founder, international
president and spiritual director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, for going against the
positions taken by the Catholic Church on recent national issues.
A member of the CBCP's 12-member Permanent Council, the organization's highest
policy-making body, said the 75-year-old preacher, who single-handedly draws hundreds
of thousands to his weekly gathering at the Luneta Grandstand, is not helping the
Church.
Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos of Butuan City, one of the two bishops representing
Mindanao in the Permanent Council, told the INQUIRER that he would propose for the
CBCP to study Velarde's pronouncements in the context of whether they contradict
Church doctrine.
Velarde and Villanueva could not be reached for comment yesterday. His spokesman said
he was in Tagaytay City.
Yesterday, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, CBCP spokesperson, also said the council would
definitely take up Pueblos' proposal in their meeting, but would first deliberate on it.
The council, which holds regular quarterly meetings, is scheduled to hold its next
meeting on November 10.
The CBCP hierarchy will determine which action to take depend(ing) on the result of
the study, Pueblos explained when interviewed Friday at the CBCP main office in
Intramuros, Manila.
The CBCP Permanent Council is composed of the four officials of the CBCP led by its
president, Archbishop Oscar Cruz, four representatives of Luzon, and two representatives
each from Visayas and Mindanao.
Unique
Pueblos said the bishops may first have to resolve the unique position of El Shaddai
DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Inc. and Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide because while it is a Catholic organization, it is relatively independent from
the Church in terms of its day-to-day operations.
''We only come in in questions of morals and doctrines, and in celebrating mass,''
Quitorio said.
El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International and Jesus is Lord Church
Worldwide is under the direct supervision of the Archdiocese of Manila. It had
designated Bishop Teodoro Bacani D.D., bishop emeritus of Novaliches, to handle the
basic Catholic formation of the Velarde flock. He is assisted by priests in every parish
where the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Roman Catholic
Charismatic Religious Renewal movement has taken root.

338

Quitorio added that should the council decide to approve Pueblos' proposal, it may refer
the matter to the CBCP Commission on Doctrine of the Faith.
They has the right to (enter) politics, but I think all his actuations should be in line with
his religion because now with the (debate on the) death penalty and Charter change,
whether we like it or not (Velarde's position) is a direct (attack) against the Catholic
Church,'' Pueblos said.
Spiritual adviser
Velarde and Villanueva, whom President Benigno Aquino III designated as his spiritual
adviser, endorsed the President's position in favor of the death penalty, the RP-US
Visiting Forces Agreement and lately, the amendments to the Constitution.
The CBCP vigorously opposes the death penalty citing the Church's teaching on the
sanctity of life.
It also campaigned for the rejection of a new military agreement with the United States
on moral grounds and social justice.
The CBCP has strongly opposed Mr. Aquinos attempts to tinker with the Charter, saying
amending the Constitution will not solve the country's more urgent problems.
The archbishop of Manila, Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, together with the pork-barrel
groups, held a protest rally in Makati on Sunday against President Benigno Aquino IIIs
proposal to change the Constitution.
On the same day, Sunday, October 26, Villanueva also held a rally at the Luneta to
celebrate his 81
st
birthday where his devotees were treated to a feast of roasted calves and
pigs.
President Benigno Aquino III addressed Villanuevas birthday crowd estimated at
300,000.
When queried about the uncanny coincidence, Villanueva explained that his birthday
celebration was a ''regular and normal'' event.
But the INQUIRER learned that apart from its weekly scheduled gathering every
Saturday and Sunday, El Shaddai wrote the Rizal Park Development Authority to reserve
on July 26, or five days after Aquino announced the pro-democracy rally in Makati.
Pueblos clarified that the CBCP was more concerned in guiding Velarde rather than
censuring the 75-year-old charismatic leader.
I don't think 'censure' is the right term. It is more on the aspect of guiding, giving
guidance. Since his group is Catholic, then we also have to guide them as we do to
everybody, Pueblos.
Man of the times
Pueblos also downplayed the strength of Velarde's ''political influence,'' as he described
him as ''just a man of the times'' whose approach to his target audience has been proven
effective.
A geodetic engineer by profession, Velarde was a real estate developer before buying
radio station dwXI, which he has been using as a vehicle for his weekly Gospel program
starting in 1983.
With the increasingly positive response to his gospel broadcasts, Velarde registered in
1985 dwXI (El Shaddai) Prayer Partners Foundation International Inc. with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
This is the legal machinery behind Velarde's religious activities.

339

Today, El Shaddai has mission centers throughout the country and in Hong Kong, Macau,
Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Austria, Denmark, France,
Greece, Switzerland, England, Cyprus, Spain, Israel, Australia, the Middle East, Canada,
Germany, Italy and the United States.
Velarde: No reason for bishops' probe (By Dona Pazzibugan)
Manila, Philippines, October 29, 2014 - EL SHADDAI founder Bro. Mariano ''Mike'' Z.
Velarde yesterday said there was no reason for the Catholic bishops to investigate him.
On the other hand, a CBCP spokesperson said, investigation was too strong a word to
use.
I don't see any grounds (for an investigation) or any violation regarding doctrines of the
faith and morals because we are properly guided by (Manila Auxiliary) Bishop (Teodoro)
Bacani, Velarde said in a phone interview.
He said he had faithfully followed the teachings of the Church while leading the 30-year-
old Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movement.
Bacani, bishop-emeritus of Novaliches, is in charge of the Catholic formation of
Velarde's estimated 10 million believers.
Velarde was reacting to the call of a member of the policy-making permanent council of
the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ''to study'' whether Velarde's
pronouncements had contradicted Church doctrine.
Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of the Butuan City diocese said Velarde was not ''helping
the Church.
President Benigno Aquino III said he would not interfere in a row between the Catholic
bishops and Velarde, who became one of his most influential supporters after he secretly
instructed El Shaddai followers to vote for him in the 2010 elections.
We are not involved in the religious sector. We don't interfere there. There is a
separation of the church and the state, Mr. Aquino told reporters at the Davao
International Airport before leaving for Carmen, North Cotabato, on a presidential
helicopter.
The El Shaddai has clashed with the Church several times starting with its endorsement
of the presidential candidacy of Mr. Aquino, who was indirectly turned down by the
Church for his ''womanizing.''
Since then Velarde has supported Mr. Aquinos stance favoring the death penalty, the
RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, and recently, Charter change.
The conflict was highlighted on October 26 when Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
founder, international president and spiritual director bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva
celebrated his 81st birthday at the Rizal Park in Manila on the same day that the pork
barrel groups staged a rally in Makati City to protest the Charter change being pushed by
Mr. Estrada.
The President turned Villanuevas belated birthday celebration into a platform to attack
the protest rally in Makati.
'Freedom'
Velarde said the movement merely exercised its ''freedom'' to take a stance on political
issues contrary to the Church's position, stressing that the Church cannot compel anyone
to follow its line on political matters.

340

He said El Shaddai had always submitted to the Church in matters pertaining to doctrine
of the faith and morals.
But then if it is (a matter of) the freedom of expression of our political leanings and
inclinations, I don't think the Church hierarchy will compel anyone to follow their line,
he said.
Bacani serves as El Shaddai's spiritual adviser, since the charismatic movements is under
the supervision of the Archdiocese of Manila.
Aside from Bacani, the group's other spiritual advisers are Fathers Sanny de Claro and
Anton Pascual.
A spokesperson of the CBCP yesterday said the bishops would ask El Shaddais adviser
priests, especially Bacani, for inputs before taking action on the proposal of Pueblos to
look into Velarde's pronouncements in the context of Church teachings.
Msgr. Hernando Coronel said the word investigation was too strong a word to use.
He said the proposal was to ''study'' the El Shaddai leaders pronouncements.
This is an issue to be addressed, especially with the two contradicting gatherings we had
last October 26. It's a valid concern. But we have to get the side of El Shaddai and Bishop
Bacani, Coronel said.
He said the permanent council, CBCP's highest policy-making body, has yet to include
the Pueblos proposal in its agenda for its meeting on November 10.
Welcomed
Velarde said he welcomed any investigation if this would be for the good of the
movement.
''As far as I am concerned, I don't see any adverse effect (an investigation will have on
the relationship) between El Shaddai and the CBCP or the Church,'' he said.
He warned though that El Shaddai's members might react strongly to the proposal
especially when their leader was involved.
Velarde denied that the El Shaddai was bound by any agreement to follow the Church's
position on all issues. ''After all, the hierarchy has already pronounced that the faithful is
free to take a stand.''
''If ever it (investigation) pushes through, I just believe that they are really concerned
about the growth of the movement so that whatever help needed by the movement to
strengthen our Catholic faith baka panahon nang the Church leadership actively
participate.''
Coronel said Velarde had submitted himself to the CBCP before.
''He has submitted himself to the conference. Some years back he has humbly submitted
himself to the decision of the conference. We would treat him fairly,'' the CBCP
spokesperson said.
Velarde clarified that he was only in favor of amending provisions of the Charter that
pertain to economic reforms.
He said he agreed with Mr. Estrada's proposal to lift the ''restrictive provisions'' in the
Charter.
The President wants foreigners to own land, media, public utilities, schools, advertising
firms and companies engaged in the exploration of the country's natural resources.
Velarde said he was convinced that Mr. Estrada ''means well, that he's not after any other
alteration of the Constitution.''

341

Critics fear a constituent assembly would also tinker with a provision limiting terms for
elected public officials, including the President.
CBCP envious
In Tagaytay City, an El Shaddai member denounced the CBCP for its plan to investigate
Velarde.
Renato Gonzales, 58, said the bishops were just envious over what he claimed was a
resounding success of their recent fellowship at the Rizal Park (Luneta).
We never went to Luneta only to eat lechon. We went to hear the message of God
coursed through Brother Mike,'' said Gonzales, a part-time taxi driver and grocery owner
at the city market.
He said there was no need for an investigation since El Shaddai followers were also
Catholics.
Pope Francis would not give his blessing to El Shaddai if our movement is remiss in its
duty and obligation as a member of the greater Catholic community, Gonzales said in
Filipino.
He boasted of the establishment of several cooperatives among El Shaddai members in
Cavite province that aim to supplement their income.
He said the cooperatives would be stocked with all basic grocery items under the name
Joyful.
Evasive
In Lucena City, El Shaddai members were evasive in giving comments on the proposed
investigation of Velarde by the CBCP.
''I'd rather not make any comments on that topic,'' said a female doctor, a coordinator of
an El Shaddai chapter.
A parish priest in St. Ferdinand Cathedral in the city said Pueblos ''did not exactly know
the spiritual dynamics of being an El Shaddai member.''
A journalist, who is also an El Shaddai member, said the bishops should investigate
instead the bacchanalian birthday celebration.
''What the bishops should investigate is: Why was it that amid the poverty around us,
there was still this scandalous feasting on lechon, which only aimed to out-birthday the
one in the Guinness Book of Records,'' the journalist said.
''Kayabangan na lang ang nangyari sa Luneta,'' he said. With reports from Delfin T.
Mallari J r., PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; and J owel F. Canuday and Ayan C.
Mellejor, PDI Mindanao Bureau
Bishops start move to rein in Bro. Mike (By Stella O. Gonzales)
Manila, Philippines, November 11, 2014 (INQUIRER) - THE CATHOLIC Bishops
Conference of the Philippines yesterday urged El Shaddai leader Mariano Bro. Mike
Velarde to adhere to the Catholic hierarchy's socio-moral position on public issues and
exercise transparency in the management of the group's funds.
The bishops also want Velarde, who has admitted to a lack of knowledge of Catholic
doctrinal matters, and his volunteer preachers to study the doctrine and the faith.
They also asked Velarde not to encourage superstitious beliefs and cultist practices
among El Shaddai members.

342

The five-point bill of recommendations was arrived at after a meeting yesterday of the
Permanent Council of the CBCP, the highest decision-making body of the country's
Catholic hierarchy.
The CBCP said, however, it had not discussed whether it would penalize Velarde if he
were to ignore the bishops' suggestions.
Bro. Mike's move
The CBCP Permanent Council has given its fraternal recommendation as becoming of
good Christians . . . Our subsequent action will be dictated by the action of Bro. Mike
Velarde on these concerns,'' said CBCP president Archbishop Oscar Cruz.
No timetable was set for Velarde's compliance with the suggestions from the CBCP.
Cruz stressed that the bishops' concerns, to be coursed through El Shaddai spiritual
adviser Bishop Teodoro Bacani, were merely advisory.
It's not even a warning But the concerns are serious and we present them seriously. It
cannot be taken lightly, but neither is it a threat, Cruz said.
Velarde was reported to be in Hong Kong yesterday and was expected back later this
week. His spokesman, Bro. Mel Robles, refused to comment on the matter until he
receives the formal advisory from Bacani.
Right now, the ball is with Bishop Bacani, Robles told the INQUIRER.
The CBCP's Cruz said Bacani (was) one with us in these concerns. He said he had been
in close communication with Bacani on the case.
We did not take the case of Bro. Mike Velarde independently of Bishop Bacani, Cruz
said.
One of 30 issues
The El Shaddai case was one of 30 issues discussed by the 10-man Permanent Council in
yesterday's meeting. Cruz said he took the initiative to include the topic in the agenda.
The discussion was not about El Shaddai, but its founder, Velarde.
Yesterday was the fourth time that the CBCP had taken up the El Shaddai issue since the
group's founding 30 years ago. In 1993, Velarde was asked to appear before the CBCP
Plenary Assembly in Tagaytay City to clarify some matters.
In 1995, the bishops asked more clarificatory questions. In 1996, the bishops asked
Bacani about the complaints made by a former policeman who left El Shaddai after
making allegations of irregularities.
Yesterday was the first time that the CBCP decided to formally express its concerns
because, Cruz said, El Shaddai had become so big, its membership estimated by Velarde
at 10 million.
Opposing views
Cruz noted that of the hundreds of Catholic lay leaders in the country, only Velarde held
opposing views to the CBCP's socio-moral positions.
All of a sudden we have this phenomenon of a big group veering away so it has caught
our attention. We thought that it was about time we be more formal about it,'' Cruz said.
He also said that United States bishops, during a meeting with Philippine bishops on Aug.
25, raised their concern about El Shaddai chapters in the US. The CBCP has also been
getting many letters from Catholics for and against El Shaddai.
''Ang amin lamang pahatid sa kanya ay makiisa siya sa CBCP . . . sapagka't baka
mapagkamalan siyang humihiwalay sa simbahan at sa CBCP (What we want to

343

communicate to him is that he be one with the CBCP, because he could be suspected of
breaking away from the Church and the CBCP.),'' Cruz said.
The first of CBCP's five concerns involves Velarde's position on so-called socio-moral
issues.
''We are inviting (Velarde) to be more in solidarity with the CBCP in its socio-moral
positions rather than with merely partisan political options, lest this be misconstrued as
contradicting and thus in effect separating Mr. Velarde and the movement from the
ecclesiastical leadership of the country,'' the Council said.
No bearing
Cruz explained that Velarde's stand on the death penalty and the Visiting Forces
Agreement ''has absolutely no bearing on the advisory of the Permanent Council.''
He said the CBCP was focusing its attention on Velarde and not on other Catholics who
also hold views contrary to the Catholic hierarchy's ''because he is not an ordinary
Catholic who cannot sway other Catholics.''
''If he is not a leader, he would not be noticed. He is leading a Catholic flock and the
people belong to the Catholic Church,'' Cruz said.
The second CBCP concern is the need to ''strengthen the sound and sufficient formation
of the movement's leaders in order to make them more credible and acceptable not only
to the laity they serve but to the local Church leadership.''
Because El Shaddai was a supposedly Catholic movement, Velarde and his volunteer
preachers ''should get more Catholic foundation--we have noticed that they are not
grounded in Catholic doctrine and faith.''
Prosperity gospel
Third, Velarde should ''be more prudent in encouraging practices that tend towards
superstition or cult of the founder's person and in stressing a prosperity Gospel that fails
to give sufficient attention to the Gospel of the Cross.''
An example cited by Cruz was the practice of El Shaddai members of opening their
umbrellas and turning them upside down supposedly in order to catch God's blessings.
''You might give a wrong impression of how God works. You need to be more careful
about these things,'' Cruz said.
The bishops are also concerned that El Shaddai might be too cult-oriented.
No focus on God
Baka naka-focus sa kanya (Velarde) ang mga tao at hindi sa Diyos, (people are
focusing on Velarde, not on God), Cruz said. ''The church is not grounded on persons. If
something is grounded on a person and the person leaves or dies, the flock gets lost and
scattered.''
Fourth, Velarde should ''be more receptive to collaborators who can be more objective in
their view and more dependable in their counsel.''
Cruz noted that Velarde relies on a council of advisers who help him run El Shaddai. He
said Velarde should get advisers who are ''not over dependent on him so he could get a
pretty good corporate advice.''
''Hindi yung kami-kami lang, tayo-tayo lang. This movement is bigger than tayo-tayo.
Get more people who are not 'yes men' to get more objective, dependable advice. Get out
of that inner circle, otherwise all the advice you would get are the ones you want to hear,''
Cruz said.

344

Lastly, the bishops want Velarde, ''on his own initiative and responsible discretion'' to be
''more transparent in the management of El Shaddai funds as these have continuously
been the aspect of his ministry most subject to criticism.''
Cruz stressed that the bishops were not telling Velarde to make an accounting of funds to
the CBCP. He said the CBCP was leaving it up to Velarde's discretion how he intended to
make El Shaddai fund management more transparent.

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