Today, I was supposed to write about my Singapore trip about two weeks ago. But what happened last night is really worth the "write"--ASAP. :D
***
This year's celebration of my beloved Jesus Is Lord Church anniversary is, I could say, unique. First, because this is the first time since I become a JIL member wherein the anniversary was celebrated on the last week of October, and, on a Friday (we usually celebrate this every first Sunday of October). Second, it started late in the afternoon, in contrast to the usual 3PM kick off; which I understand, probably to give chance to our working brethren to attend since Friday is still a working day. And third, it took place a few days before All Saints Day. Well for me it's unique. :)
Oh, another thing. After being an attendee, then member of the 1000 voice choir, then dancer, then projectionist, then drummer (for a drum ensemble lang po)--now, I'm part of the anniversary production team, as an assistant.
I would just like to share the things that I saw, I heard, and I learned (and will never forget) about this glorious anniversary--Soaring Higher from Strength to Strength!
***
1. Dapat palaging may energy. Because there will be times you'll be running from here to there, you have to stand up almost all the time, you have to make your brain cells work. It's really important na bago ka pumunta ng Luneta, you were able to "charge" yourself. You even have to eat a decent meal (decent in terms of quantity and nutrition-wise). Energy is important to achieve alertness and presence of mind. In my case, I never slept properly for two days. I went to Luneta for the technical rehearsal Thursday afternoon, then I rushed to work in the evening, worked overtime, then rushed back to Luneta Friday after lunch. But I don't know, I was okay during the event, thanks to my Almighty God and a serving of Sarsi.
2. You should be spiritually ready. Being part of the production team is somewhat like a battle for me. It's like worshipping God even if you're not singing and dancing with the congregation. It's like you're in a pressure cooker for about 8 hours and you're liking it, because you're doing these things to glorify God. For me, everyone of us should be ready--for I believed this anniversary is God's perfect opportunity for Him to show His glory and revelation He stored for us. A timely chance for us to experience His mighty love and power; together with our fellow brethren who came from different parts of the country and the world (which was even made more possible via Live Streaming).
3. The power of the masking tape. I never thought the importance of masking tape until this event. It was very useful: nametag at pandikit sa kung ano anong bagay. A must have for a production assistant.
4. The power of the wristband. Or a friendship bracelet, whatever you wanna call it :p. Instead of an ID, a performer is given this blue wristband which serves a pass to the bleachers area.
5. The backdrop is so powerful. It made me shiver. It even came with my favorite color. :D
6. Overwhelming support of my church for my sister's battle. My sister Karmi was given a chance to show what she's got. She's currently on the top spot for Stagg's Most Liked Drummer of 2010. Thanks to all who supported and believed in her. Seeing her playing the drums for the JIL people brought me to tears. This was different. I could feel the love and support of these people for her. What made me happier is that I saw Karmi now with a new level of self-confidence.
7. Test of patience. There were instances wherein my weakest point was tested. I opted not to mention it here, but all I can say is that... I ruled over it.
8. VIPs. I was able to see and greet some famous people, but the presence of our Senate President, Juan Ponce Enrile, amazed me. At that age he is still in good shape. I did not vote for him last election though.
9. Powerful production numbers. Cheers to all who became part of the special presentations. I watched them again at www.jilworldwide.org, nakakakilabot pa din. I could say you really did your best, at performance level. Of course, our excellent God deserves this kind of offering. Very anointed talaga!
10. Recognition of Bro. Eddie's works for the JIL Church. There was also a special moment for our dear spiritual director Bishop Eddie Villanueva. Truly he was mightily used by God in sharing the Gospel, in transforming peoples lives, and making them realize that they need the Lord's love and power in their lives. He was given an eagle "trophy" and a plaque. But these two are not enough, because I believe he has a greater and glorious reward awaiting him in heaven.
11. The people, kahit medyo mainit (medyo lang talaga), nakangiti pa rin. I know, that's so Pinoy. But I know again, they're smiling because they're happy that they made it to the anniversary :)
12. Im not that aware that I'm actually placing my pencil, errr, Ate Fe's pencil rather; behind my right ear.
13. It's important that you have your mobile phone fully charged. I was not contacted by my friends because it went down.
14. Now I know the importance of a belt bag. I now say this is another must have for a production assistant. You can have your important things with you without carrying your bag by the hand. :)
15. For me, the anniversary is also a perfect time to see, meet and talk with your online/Facebook friends.
16. I don't know if it's just me or what, but I loved our dinner--Fried chicken with atchara. Naka-dalawang styro ako ng chicken and rice. Sobrang gutom na din siguro. Hehe palusot pa.
17. The power of RC Cola this time. I don't want to be a softrdrink addict again, but this made me awake for the whole event. At least hindi na coffee ang panlaban sa antok, para maiba naman. Mom, if you're reading this, don't get mad at me. Hindi na po mauulit. No to softrdrinks mode na po ako ulit. By the way, I gulped the last RC can sa ref kanina. Last na talaga yun promise.
18. The mighty men and women of God in black and flowery white. Mabuhay ang JAM VIA! You guys made a fantastic job in leading the congregation in the spirit of worship! :) Way to go Ate Edith and to the rest of the team!
19. The mighty young men and women of God in violet! I super love your shirt! May ganyan pa ba kayo? Hehehe! You just scared the devil off with your powerful moves!
20. The 32 acoustic guitarists. Very unique! 32 finest guitarists together for this special part of the praise and worship! Cheers to Kuya Paul, well, you're Kuya Paul eh! Kuya Paul equals EPIC WIN! Glory to God! :)
21. Apat na bote lang naman ng Batis Mineral water ang naubos ko.
22. It's a very right decision for me not to wear heels during the anniv! I just wore my ever reliable flats. Perfect for running from the stage to the Kalabaw!
23. It's a good thing we were able to park our family car just a few meters away from the stage.
24. KKB's powerful number for Lupang Hinirang. Diane sang the national anthem superbly. It made me remember Charice on that kind of gown. So sweet looking but glamorous.
25. Cheers to my good friend Jade for taking care of my camera. Maaasahan ka talaga! :D
26. Ate Leslie and Ate Joan made a fantastic job in "managing the left and right side of the stage". Hehehe!
27. Special mention also to the MIS Team for LiveStreaming the event!
28. The testimony portion.
29. Good weather. Though at first umambon at umulan ng mahina; but the rest of the night is just fine.
30. One thing I saw as a good one on celebrating this on a Friday is that the people really stayed up to the end of the program, kahit madaling araw na natapos.
31. After the heart-tearing suspense, throat wrecking shouting, leg spraining running here and there, and breath taking pressure, the production team did it! For God's glory. :D We went wild and in high spirits, we sang, danced, jumped, shouted in joy, and took endless pictures together like there's no tomorrow. I was sad because the anniversary went to an end, but was super happy because everything went fine (well almost), by the grace of God. I'm proud to become a part of this team! Mabuhay ka Ate Maidz, you're such a super woman!
32. And lastly, the Vision. The last part of the event amazed me. 44 pastors went on stage carrying the flags of the 44 countries with JIL Churches. Then 36 kids in national costumes of 36 countries followed them, representing the countries with JIL Churches in the next few years. And lastly, 36 young men and women followed the kids, holding flaglets matching the kid's represented countries, symbolizing the acceptance of God's mandate to continue the legacy in order to make this vision into a reality.
***
I'm really proud and honored to become a member of this glorious church. A church that stood up and tall for justice and righeousness. A nation loving church. A church that is genuinely compassionate not only to its members, but to every people in every race. A worshipping church. A church of great faith. A praying church. A church with a Vision.
This is my church.
***
This year's celebration of my beloved Jesus Is Lord Church anniversary is, I could say, unique. First, because this is the first time since I become a JIL member wherein the anniversary was celebrated on the last week of October, and, on a Friday (we usually celebrate this every first Sunday of October). Second, it started late in the afternoon, in contrast to the usual 3PM kick off; which I understand, probably to give chance to our working brethren to attend since Friday is still a working day. And third, it took place a few days before All Saints Day. Well for me it's unique. :)
Oh, another thing. After being an attendee, then member of the 1000 voice choir, then dancer, then projectionist, then drummer (for a drum ensemble lang po)--now, I'm part of the anniversary production team, as an assistant.
I would just like to share the things that I saw, I heard, and I learned (and will never forget) about this glorious anniversary--Soaring Higher from Strength to Strength!
***
1. Dapat palaging may energy. Because there will be times you'll be running from here to there, you have to stand up almost all the time, you have to make your brain cells work. It's really important na bago ka pumunta ng Luneta, you were able to "charge" yourself. You even have to eat a decent meal (decent in terms of quantity and nutrition-wise). Energy is important to achieve alertness and presence of mind. In my case, I never slept properly for two days. I went to Luneta for the technical rehearsal Thursday afternoon, then I rushed to work in the evening, worked overtime, then rushed back to Luneta Friday after lunch. But I don't know, I was okay during the event, thanks to my Almighty God and a serving of Sarsi.
2. You should be spiritually ready. Being part of the production team is somewhat like a battle for me. It's like worshipping God even if you're not singing and dancing with the congregation. It's like you're in a pressure cooker for about 8 hours and you're liking it, because you're doing these things to glorify God. For me, everyone of us should be ready--for I believed this anniversary is God's perfect opportunity for Him to show His glory and revelation He stored for us. A timely chance for us to experience His mighty love and power; together with our fellow brethren who came from different parts of the country and the world (which was even made more possible via Live Streaming).
3. The power of the masking tape. I never thought the importance of masking tape until this event. It was very useful: nametag at pandikit sa kung ano anong bagay. A must have for a production assistant.
4. The power of the wristband. Or a friendship bracelet, whatever you wanna call it :p. Instead of an ID, a performer is given this blue wristband which serves a pass to the bleachers area.
5. The backdrop is so powerful. It made me shiver. It even came with my favorite color. :D
6. Overwhelming support of my church for my sister's battle. My sister Karmi was given a chance to show what she's got. She's currently on the top spot for Stagg's Most Liked Drummer of 2010. Thanks to all who supported and believed in her. Seeing her playing the drums for the JIL people brought me to tears. This was different. I could feel the love and support of these people for her. What made me happier is that I saw Karmi now with a new level of self-confidence.
 |
| Beat that drums girl! |
7. Test of patience. There were instances wherein my weakest point was tested. I opted not to mention it here, but all I can say is that... I ruled over it.
8. VIPs. I was able to see and greet some famous people, but the presence of our Senate President, Juan Ponce Enrile, amazed me. At that age he is still in good shape. I did not vote for him last election though.
9. Powerful production numbers. Cheers to all who became part of the special presentations. I watched them again at www.jilworldwide.org, nakakakilabot pa din. I could say you really did your best, at performance level. Of course, our excellent God deserves this kind of offering. Very anointed talaga!
 |
| The youth of JIL Batangas during the technical rehearsal |
10. Recognition of Bro. Eddie's works for the JIL Church. There was also a special moment for our dear spiritual director Bishop Eddie Villanueva. Truly he was mightily used by God in sharing the Gospel, in transforming peoples lives, and making them realize that they need the Lord's love and power in their lives. He was given an eagle "trophy" and a plaque. But these two are not enough, because I believe he has a greater and glorious reward awaiting him in heaven.
 |
11. The people, kahit medyo mainit (medyo lang talaga), nakangiti pa rin. I know, that's so Pinoy. But I know again, they're smiling because they're happy that they made it to the anniversary :)
 |
| Powerful crowd! |
12. Im not that aware that I'm actually placing my pencil, errr, Ate Fe's pencil rather; behind my right ear.
13. It's important that you have your mobile phone fully charged. I was not contacted by my friends because it went down.
14. Now I know the importance of a belt bag. I now say this is another must have for a production assistant. You can have your important things with you without carrying your bag by the hand. :)
15. For me, the anniversary is also a perfect time to see, meet and talk with your online/Facebook friends.
16. I don't know if it's just me or what, but I loved our dinner--Fried chicken with atchara. Naka-dalawang styro ako ng chicken and rice. Sobrang gutom na din siguro. Hehe palusot pa.
17. The power of RC Cola this time. I don't want to be a softrdrink addict again, but this made me awake for the whole event. At least hindi na coffee ang panlaban sa antok, para maiba naman. Mom, if you're reading this, don't get mad at me. Hindi na po mauulit. No to softrdrinks mode na po ako ulit. By the way, I gulped the last RC can sa ref kanina. Last na talaga yun promise.
18. The mighty men and women of God in black and flowery white. Mabuhay ang JAM VIA! You guys made a fantastic job in leading the congregation in the spirit of worship! :) Way to go Ate Edith and to the rest of the team!
 |
| Sis. Edith Mendoza leading the congregation in praise and worship |
19. The mighty young men and women of God in violet! I super love your shirt! May ganyan pa ba kayo? Hehehe! You just scared the devil off with your powerful moves!
 |
| TEAM! :) Super like--the shirt! :D |
20. The 32 acoustic guitarists. Very unique! 32 finest guitarists together for this special part of the praise and worship! Cheers to Kuya Paul, well, you're Kuya Paul eh! Kuya Paul equals EPIC WIN! Glory to God! :)
 |
| And they're just enjoying the moment! |
22. It's a very right decision for me not to wear heels during the anniv! I just wore my ever reliable flats. Perfect for running from the stage to the Kalabaw!
23. It's a good thing we were able to park our family car just a few meters away from the stage.
24. KKB's powerful number for Lupang Hinirang. Diane sang the national anthem superbly. It made me remember Charice on that kind of gown. So sweet looking but glamorous.
25. Cheers to my good friend Jade for taking care of my camera. Maaasahan ka talaga! :D
26. Ate Leslie and Ate Joan made a fantastic job in "managing the left and right side of the stage". Hehehe!
27. Special mention also to the MIS Team for LiveStreaming the event!
 |
| Mam Soc's team with one of my most admired writers--Ate Evelyn :) |
29. Good weather. Though at first umambon at umulan ng mahina; but the rest of the night is just fine.
30. One thing I saw as a good one on celebrating this on a Friday is that the people really stayed up to the end of the program, kahit madaling araw na natapos.
31. After the heart-tearing suspense, throat wrecking shouting, leg spraining running here and there, and breath taking pressure, the production team did it! For God's glory. :D We went wild and in high spirits, we sang, danced, jumped, shouted in joy, and took endless pictures together like there's no tomorrow. I was sad because the anniversary went to an end, but was super happy because everything went fine (well almost), by the grace of God. I'm proud to become a part of this team! Mabuhay ka Ate Maidz, you're such a super woman!
32. And lastly, the Vision. The last part of the event amazed me. 44 pastors went on stage carrying the flags of the 44 countries with JIL Churches. Then 36 kids in national costumes of 36 countries followed them, representing the countries with JIL Churches in the next few years. And lastly, 36 young men and women followed the kids, holding flaglets matching the kid's represented countries, symbolizing the acceptance of God's mandate to continue the legacy in order to make this vision into a reality.
***
I'm really proud and honored to become a member of this glorious church. A church that stood up and tall for justice and righeousness. A nation loving church. A church that is genuinely compassionate not only to its members, but to every people in every race. A worshipping church. A church of great faith. A praying church. A church with a Vision.
This is my church.
