Pasko Na! (It’s Christmas!)

Merry Christmas!

The EBC SALMO Chorale and the EBC SonBeams had a blast as they presented an Arnel De Pano Christmas album, “Pasko Na!” It is indeed more fun to sing in one’s native tongue. Even the audience was very receptive and appreciative. After all, we sang about something so close to our hearts: Christmas; in Tagalog.



Pasko Na! tells of Christmas that’s uniquely Filipino; the traditions, culture, food and everything surrounding this much-awaited season.  There’s the Simbang Gabi where people would wake up at dawn for nine mornings to go to church. Nine days till Christmas day, that is. Adding to the fondness of the occasion are the special traditional foods awaiting the church goers as they come out of the churches. Lining the streets are vendors of local delicacies, mostly sweet rice cakes, puto bumbong with tea, and puto kawali.

And we’re not done yet. Filipinos celebrate the Christmas Season much longer than other peoples. We are way early than others to be in Christmas mode. I think some would smirk upon hearing Christmas carols as early as July. And the season officially ends on the 6th of January as the nation celebrates The Three Kings (day).



For the kids, the Christmas Day is the best day of the holiday seasons. For it is on this day that they go around in droves to visit their godfathers/mothers, and relatives to kiss hands and be given “pamasko” (Christmas gifts). In the absence of gifts, relatives or even neighbors hand each child with money. I remember my younger days when at the end of the day we would be enthusiastically counting our “napamaskuhan” (collected pamasko ) and see who’s got the most.

But the cantata is still centered on the real theme of the season: the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and His gift of life for all mankind. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the yuletide season, we need never forget that God gave up His throne to be born a helpless child, to live a humble life and ultimately, to die in our stead. All that for His love towards us.



After the Christmas presentation, the night segued to party mode as it was also our Christmas party.

Happy Holidays!

(Photo Credits: Ms. Irene Vera-Badar)

God Is…

God Is...

As our concert logo states, God Is… awesome, indescribable, mighty, faithful, strong, holy, awesome, Father, creator, etc, etc.

The ServA.N.T.S. Band presented a concert 07 November 2009. Songs centered around the numerous attributes of our Almighty God.

(View the rest of the images here.)

EBC Gives Thanks

Prayer for the Philippines

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” -Phil. 4:6

Our church theme for the month of November was Prayer. On the final Sunday night, we had our Midnight Prayer meeting in place of our usual Vesper. It naturally geared towards thanksgiving. It was a very relaxed evening (we had all the time since it had to last till midnight). Events like these are very conducive to really go into the depths of details and to savor every bit of blessing as moments pass slowly.

Songs were sung, led by brother Lance. The night was planned to cover every facet of the sphere of the EBC family. Although this time, the route started from outer space so to speak. 

Elem and Jeda, our mass media ladies, armed with Google Earth searched for this planet (really) and  accidentally dove right in and zeroed in on the Philippines. But Lance remarked that they went past the first stop; so they zoomed out and hovered (for the second time) upon the planet, never mind the fiery reentry later, I thought. 

So we prayed for the vast concerns of the planet: physical, cultural, economic, political, and spiritual.

Afterwards, a call was given by Lance for testimonies. And several persons, including yours truly did not waste much time to take the mike and share our minds and our hearts’ content.  Kuya Nani, Bro. Ramil, and me grabbed the opportunity to spill out our welling hearts. I even remarked I may be speaking a lot longer with the consent of Pastor Roi (and got an affirmative nod) since we had a long night ahead of us. But of course, in the back of my mind, I would rather not bore people into too much detail so I barely scratched the surface of my heaps of blessings. Then, back on my seat, I knew I missed sharing a lot of other great blessings. But there will always be opportunities coming up later anyway. Next time I will start off by thanking quite a number of individuals inside EBC who became channels of blessings to me personally.

The night was young and at this point we prayed for special concerns. I remembered our group, the PSALMS  (Young Professionals) converged at the admin office and prayed for Overseas Filipino Workers, the nation Israel, the environment, Christian missionaries worldwide and the economy. Glo, Jaemie, Zarah, John and I were assigned one each. Lance recognizing that I felt strongly for Israel handed me the chance to pray for her.

After that session, our “spaceship” reentered the atmosphere and hovered on the Philippines, our very own. Individually, we prayed for places around the country special to each of us, then we wrote the name of the city, town or province we prayed for on strips of Post-It’s and adhered them on a Philippine map pre-drawn on manila paper.

After this session I had to exit because I had to be with my old mother as it is her waking time:10:00 PM. she needs special care.  I surely missed the rest of the night, not to mention the sumptuous comfort foods cooking up in the kitchen; by our resident “chef” Nelson with Ate Charing assisting. But surely everyone had a wonderful time with the Lord and everyone… (fade out)…

Folks, as our verse on top exhorts us, when we pray, it’s a lot better to let go of our heartbreaks (I mean, even for that moment only). With a thankful heart let us do pray. Sure enough we have our share of trials but spare God the whines of a distraught son or daughter. When we approach His throne of grace, let us with child-like wonder gaze upon His holy face with a cheerful countenance for it speaks of our faith and reverence and trust in our God. Surely He sees our sacrifices and struggles; and seeing us with a heart of a child our prayers become sweet aroma that he enjoys. Let us crave to please our King and He being the wisest God will surely bestow lavishly all that he has meant for each of us.

Surely there were days of woe but picture this. A parent will surely fall in love again with his child who upon lengthy bouts of want and despair would approach his parent with a gaze of wonder and expectancy. Remember this: God never enjoys giving us hard times and heartaches. I believe those are necessary part of life and He feels for us. So as we come to Him, let us not whine and complain for He sees our travails all. Yes, rest assured. He sees them all.

Rather, like a lowly servant, invoke His heart with our utmost reverence and awe. And He will surely be delighted in us. Our prayer then becomes a sweet scent reaching past our ceilings and travelling into the very throne of our loving Father. Let us cross the line and pray with gratitude. I mean sincere gratitude. Let us never allow ourselves to wallow in self pity as we pray. It is like praying hopelessly . The Pilgrims offered their heartfelt faith and gratitude despite the exhausting conditions and growing death toll surrounding them in their time.

Let us come unto Him not with a whining voice or a hopeless heart. When we pray, pray with child-like wonder and expect great things from Him.

¤Notice: I call on you people to share here the blessings you received that prayer night by posting your comments here. Thank you. And here’s looking up to a blessed yuletide season.

EBC, and everyone out there, Thanksgiving is the seasoning that makes our prayers edible to God. -Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Rainbow After the Flood

by Miss Elem Gale Letana

Large scale flooding in Metro Manila

The latest report from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) at 6 a.m. Thursday (Oct.1)upped the number of fatalities to 277 from 246. The number of affected families has increased to 512,092 or about 2.5 million persons.

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” –Genesis 1:3

The typhoon “ONDOY” really hit hard on many parts of Rizal, Marikina, Quezon City, NCR and many other places rendering many people homeless, helpless, hopeless. Here in Taytay, and Cainta and in nearby towns and barangays, the typhoon did much ruin. But through the dark night, the light of God’s Word shone brightly: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28. The crisis became an avenue for His children to let the affected people feel God’s love by providing them their basic necessities, donated by caring families and individuals. Most of all, Jesus Christ was shared to them.

Large volume of rain poured non-stop for six hours last Saturday (Sept. 26). This has been the worst storm yet since 1957 for the Rizaleños to experience. Families in the lowest-lying areas had to climb to the roofs to escape the onslaught of water.  Electricity was eventually cut, and clean potable drinking water became scarce. The resulting large scale dilemma made it so difficult for the rescue operations to reach all the families in need. Gyms and schools became relocation centers. Many people were either hurt, or missing, or have perished. Houses near creeks got badly damaged; some were even swallowed by the raging rivers. Most people recount that all they managed to save were the clothes on their backs.  The flood may have subsided, but left behind much mud, broken belongings, appliances and muddied clothes. And having to prepare food unconventionally for the lack of many things, children began to get sick. Many were panic buying and were afraid.  And a needful extensive rehabilitation of whole towns is at hand.

Muddy Aftermath

Last Sunday (Sept. 27) Emmanuel Baptist Church started organizing and distributing donated clothes, goods and food. Many opened their hearts and gave, not just their spare, but sacrificially gave for the needful ones. Many volunteers packed the clothing items and with it they included tracts so that in every plastic bag, they could not only receive good things, but also the great news – that Jesus came here to save us from our sins, to free us from the empty life and materialism of this world. Some prepared warm food that was distributed to many people. They also cooked for the manpower volunteers who, although tired in going to various places to distribute relief goods, still are full of strength each day. Some volunteered their vehicles to help transport volunteers and goods to reach various affected areas, disregarding the muddy and the rocky roads. Many prayed for their affected countrymen. All of God’s children were on their feet and although exhausted, find their strength from God who gives them immeasurable joy in serving others.

EBC Helping Hands

The typhoon spared no one; not the rich, not the poor, not the homeless nor the iron walled mansions. Even our brethren were affected by typhoon Ondoy.

Last Monday, as roads became accessible again by land vehicles, EBC set out to visit Delos Santos family, among others. The scene was heartbreaking. Kuya Raul was cleaning his muddied car alone. He had evacuated his family to a relative in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Saturday night, the water rose quickly, leaving them no choice but to climb the roof of their house to escape the flood. Sunday morning Kuya Raul managed to make a “balsa” (makeshift boat) for his wife and children to ride so they could wade to safer grounds.

In spite of everything, he still managed to help their old neighbors. But there was nothing that could have been done to save their house and their belongings from the destructive flood. The walls and floors were badly damaged. Mud covered the hallway. Their appliances, belongings and car have mud inside and out. Amidst all those things Kuya Raul still managed a smile knowing that God is there.

Cainta was greatly inundated. Although many of them were used to flooding, they were perplexed that the water rapidly rose up almost to the roofs of one-storey houses. Jesham and Saida Abellera live in this area (Gruar Subdivision near Junction); it is a blessing that they have a second floor where they managed to save their appliances but all their clothes soaked at the ground floor. By the time they had to return for them clothes, the water was already deep. They stayed on the second floor until Monday morning, and in order to get food from their store, one of them swam through their first floor. “ Nagpi-pray talaga ako nun.. Lord, sana po wag abutin ung second floor namin…kasi konti na lang talaga abot na kami…”(“I was praying then, ‘Lord, please don’t let the flood rise up to second floor level…’ as water was inching its way up to us”)-referring to the flood that was only about two inches from them. God answered their’s  and their brethren’s prayers. Not having any form of communication, EBC family entrusted everything into God’s hands. And God never fails those who trust Him, and the flood receded rapidly. As EBC checked on Jesham and her  family, they had enough supplies and were safe and sound. Although soaking wet and with massive cleaning chores at hand, they themselves are alright. Praise God!

Their area was one of the most affected places so the EBC family left food and donated clothes to them so they could redistribute them to the needy people in their neighborhood. EBC could only give so much relief goods and it seemed that no matter how many the items were, the number of people needing  them outnumbered the relief items.

“ Pls. pray for us hanggang dibdib na po ang tubig dito sa loob namin, sa labas lampas tao na po.” (“Please pray for us, the water inside our house is chest-high; and outside it’s way above people’s heights”). A text pass from BJ Pareno. They live in Vista Verde, one of the closely-watched areas over the radio and television; People there were surprised at the deluge. “ Nakatira kami dito for 24 years, this is the first time na nagbaha dito ng ganito” (“this <flood depth> is a first in our stay here for twenty-four years”), Mrs. Pareno said. Having a bungalow type house, they were not able to save their belongings, not even clothes. As flooding arose to alarming levels, they had no other choice but to move up to the roof, but the problem was that GrandMa and GrandPa may not be able to do the same.

…then God provides. As the need arises, God’s provision becomes more and more evident…

One of the neighbors who have second floors willingly accepted GrandMa while GrandPa ended up in another. Although apart during the storm, the Pareno family knew each of them were safe, and that the storm will eventually end. It was good that with the Pareno family were three visiting relatives. “Blessing din na nandito ung tatlo, tinulungan nila kami, pati sa paglilinis” (“It was a blessing to have these three, we had extra hands for clearing up the messes”) Mrs. Pareno referred to three relatives who came recently to look for jobs, but maybe it was God’s way of providing in advance the help that they would eventually be needing. Like everybody else, they tried to save some of their belongings. “Noong una ang iisipin mo ‘yung gamit, pero pag hanggang dibdib na ‘yung tubig, ang iisipin mo na lang iligtas ‘yung buhay mo,“ (“Instinctively, you would think of saving things, but seeing we are in a chest deep flood, you realize that life matters most”) Mr. Pareno said as he related his attempt to save some of the fruits of his labor, their belongings. “Lahat ng tao dito back to zero,” (“Well, everyone here may be restarting from scratch,”) added Mr. Pareno. But despite all losses, they are happy to see each of them safe, and they know for sure that God will help them through all this.

Aside from the brethren mentioned above, these families were also greatly affected: the Baiya family at Cabrera Road, Yepez family at Finestra, Ate Trudes and her mother at Marikina and their relatives in Greenland, Lat family at Brgy. San Isidro, Dingal Family at Sto. Nino, Mondragon Family in Rosario and some others.

Kids having their fill

Cheerful A.N.T.S. Clean Up

Ate Charing with the EBC A.N.T.S.

Families at Floodway were also in the same predicament. The house church of Emmanuel Christian Fellowship was not spared by the flood. Glenna’s house was destroyed and so was Regine’s (they are both young people of ECF).  After the incident their homes and belongings need to undergo massive repairs.

Let us do whatever we can to help out our dear brethren. If we can, let us encourage them, help them out in their needs, and pray for them. Being one family, we can carry each other’s burdens and make things a lot easier and bearable.

Some of the other visited places were: Rowenas, Cabrera, Finestra, Floodway and Gruar. They were given clothes with tracts and warm food pre-packed in plastic bags. But majority of these restless people are still in need of Christ.  Their present condition here on earth may truly be depressing but without knowing Christ, theirs is a far more wretched and pitiful end.

As EBC carried and gave away those relief goods, in their hearts they prayed that they would also know our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

People Gather Around Kuya Bong’s Vehicle for Relief Goods

"Boodle fight" after an exhausting relief operation

_______________________________________________________________________

Donations of clothes, goods, foods and finances are on-going. Manpower volunteers are also needed, since much repairing and cleaning should be done. If you would like to help or participate, you could approach Pastor Roi or any of the Young Adults (PSALMS). Many belongings were lost, and our countrymen are yet to recover from the lashes of typhoon Ondoy. Yet, Jesus Christ, the Lord of all calms our hearts amidst the storms; and reminds us that He is always in control of everything,

“ Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41: 10

.

————-

For inquiries:

.

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Geronimo cor, L. Wood St.

Bgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal

Email: ebctaytay@yahoo.com

Tel: 02-284-0096

.

Pastor Roi Cruz

EBC Senior Pastor

Email: roijuvy@yahoo.com

Mobile: +63918-467-8211

.

To donate:

Account Name: Emmanuel Baptist Church of Taytay

Account Number: 5783295093

BPI Family Bank Taytay Branch

.

God bless you.

Praise God for “Sa Yahweh” Concert Success

Praise God! The concert was a success. I may be a bit biased here, being its director but there are people who can testify that it was one music event worth their time. So we give back the glory to our Lord and we laud the team spirit of the EBC family.

Our gratitude goes to the people who attended the occasion in spite of the rainy weather. The earliest of which came in a jeep-load and they were an hour early. We were vocalizing when I saw a jeepney arrive at the gate. They turned out to be brethren from Acropolis, Libis, led by the Vencer siblings, Raymond and Orville. Early birds, eh.

We managed to start on the dot!! At exactly 7:00, the music started and the choir entered the stage.  Was that neat or what?  I was just so glad that we did not miss the mark of observing the time.

For your viewing, (and for the credits) I am posting herewith the programme. And if you missed the event, please find the URL’s here for you to view song clips courtesy of Kuya Nelson Badar (our official videographer) at Jek Letana’s  YouTube account. But of course seeing and hearing them performed live would have been a lot better than watching these clips. But since you missed it, this is your best option to witness it.

I laud EBC family’s “esprit-de-corps,” so to speak. People were so cooperative and willing to do chores for the event. Credits were printed on the bulletin, but to tell you, there are a lot more people who worked behind the scene with them. To the unaccounted-for folks, my sincerest thanks.

But of course, our greatest gratitude is to the One whom all these were dedicated to. We are worthless vesels picked up by Him, washed and prepared for His ministry. To the Lord be the highest praise!

Sa Yahweh ang Papuri!!

Watch some clips from this concert here.

Sa Yahweh Concert

In behalf of EBC, I am cordially inviting everyone to come and join us as we, the EBC SALMO Chorale sings the Lord’s praises among others.
This will be a 3-part concert, we’ll be singing English praise songs for our Lord on the first part; on the second part we’re singing some lovable Filipino folk songs (some of which we rarely hear being sung). And on the final part, we sing all-Pilipino Christian music.
Come and let us praise the Lord together. See you!

Sacrificial Dinner

A sacrificial dinner was had at our church’s multi-purpose hall. Songs were sung, the Word of God shared by Pastor Roi, and a simple dinner was served; all for the benefit of our brethren who are currently studying in nearby seminaries.

To view pictures of the event, please click here and here.

PSALMS’ Missions Trip to Albay

by Miss Jireh Grace Cruz

(08-12 April 2009)

The TRIPPERS: Jun, Bong, John, Lance, Aerol, Cristian, Paul, Cade, Zarah, Judith, Hazel, Connie, Jeda, Kristy, Jesham, Saida, Jai, Jael, Elem

The DRIVERS: Alvin and Ramil (hired vans)

The HOST: Ate Tessie

08 April 2009 – At 8:30 in the evening of Wednesday, eighteen (18) young professionals, together with one of the deacons, Mr. Jun Rulona, embarked on a trip to Badian, Oas, Albay. And they shall be referred to in this article as the Albay “trippers.”

Boarding on Toyota Hi-Ace vans, the team journeyed on for eighteen (18) long hours (with a few stop-over, of course…beholding the Mayon Volcano, picture-taking at the remains of the Cagsawa church, visiting the souvenir shops, dropping by at the Legazpi airport, etc.)

… until they finally reached their target destination at around 2:30 in the afternoon of Thursday, 09 April 2009. The team was warmly welcomed and accommodated in the humble house of another faithful sister in Christ, Ate Tessie Lumbao.

After enjoying their first hearty late lunch, the trippers were divided as some were assigned to do the dishwashing, some picked which rooms to stay and to unload their belongings, while a few did initial sightseeing activity at the shore which is just across from the house of Ate Tess. After which, everyone took a nap in preparation for the commencement of the VBS later that afternoon.

At around 5:00 in the afternoon, the trippers began preparing the materials and transforming the living room of Ate Tess into a venue for Albay’s version of “Sidekicks.” All the paraphernalia (VBS posters, flags, song sheets, etc.) were displayed on the wall, the furniture were moved to the sides, teachers were reviewing the lesson materials, assistants were practicing the actions for the theme song, while the rest went out to fetch the children residing in the nearby neighborhood, of course with the help of some of Ate Tess’ relatives. The animated film, “Esther,” was shown to the kids, followed by a discussion, led by Connie. This first session of VBS enabled the trippers to introduce themselves to the kids and vice versa, and to give them an overview of what to expect in the next sessions of VBS. It ended at around 7:00 in the evening.

In the evening, the trippers went out and took a stroll along the shore…

After having a bountiful dinner of seafood delicacies and kakanin (specialties of Bicolanos…), the trippers had their first devotion with Ate Zarah with a slide presentation of a different and more personal way of looking at the Seven Last Words , and its implications to how we should walk as Christians. It was a chance to contemplate on the Cross, in line with the observance of the Holy Week and the trippers’ mission there.

Friday morning….the trippers attended the service on the “Seven Last Words of our Lord Jesus Christ” at the Badian Fundamental Baptist Mission. The trippers were cordially welcomed by Pastor William Semeniano along with all the church brethren.

In between the presentation of the Seven Last Words, the trippers rendered a few special numbers:

1) He Loved Me (by Kuya Jun & Lance);

2) Let Them See Christ in Me (by Lance);

3) Embrace the Cross (by Te’ Zarah and Jai); and

4) That’s When I’ll Know I’m Home (by the trippers’ choir).

After the service, all the attendees stayed on for a scrumptious luncheon of Bicolano dishes, prepared by the church brethren.

At around two o’clock in the afternoon, the trippers transferred all the VBS paraphernalia from the house of Ate Tess to the church for the second and third sessions.

The Bible story for the second session was about the battle of the Israelites, led by Gideon, against the Midianites, and how the Lord delivered His people. The third and last session focused on the sharing of the Gospel to the children. The classes were further subdivided into smaller groups so that the teachers and assistant teachers may explain the Gospel more clearly and in a more direct and personal way. Although some teachers experienced language barrier especially with the younger kids, the message of salvation, was nonetheless preached to them through the music video of “People Need the Lord” and the more detailed presentation of the teachers. While the others are concentrating on the children, Kuya Jun, Ate Zarah, and Kuya John facilitated the sharing of the Gospel with the adults.

Once more, it was manifested that it is indeed God who is at work in the furtherance of the Gospel…

After the last session, there was a short break, and then the Graduation was held. Out of a total of sixty (60) attendees, forty-seven (47) of them were able to graduate, the breakdown of which is as follows: eleven (11) from the beginners; seventeen (17) from the primaries; ten (10) from the juniors; and, nine (9) from the youth class.

The trippers had their devotion facilitated by Kuya Jun on Saturday morning. He discussed about the “EXTRA-EXTRA” in our lives and exhorted the trippers to be grateful of our positive “extras” (time, finances, opportunities, etc) and to commit to the Lord the negative extra’s (burden, worries, etc.) of our lives. It was a chance for trippers to share their experiences and blessings, at work, and even in their personal dealings.

After another delectable breakfast, the trippers got ready for their island-hopping and teambuilding activity!!!

It was undeniably an opportunity for the trippers to enjoy the beach and be awed by God’s wonderful creation…

…To have fellowship and bonding moments with fellow trippers, and for the PSALMS to be encouraged to carry on as one organization, willing to be of service to the Master.

After a day filled with happy memories and a rekindled spirit, the trippers went home to take a rest and prepare themselves for tomorrow’s Easter Sunday service and their last day in Albay.

They had an appetizing dinner followed by the devotion time. PSALMS’ president, Lance, led the trippers to an activity of sharing how one perceives himself/ herself to be by using each name’s initials to provide adjectives describing him/ her. Each tripper would pass the string one after another until a seemingly “web” of yarn was created. Ate Zarah shared a meditation on the implications of the activity highlighting the accountability of each one to the group, how each personality affects the others and vice-versa, and the need to stay connected - continuously cheering on and edifying one another.

In the morning of Sunday, the trippers started packing up their things while preparing themselves for the Easter Sunday service. During the service, the trippers’ choir rendered two more special songs: “All Creatures of our God and King” and “The Mission.”

Pastor William thanked the trippers once again for visiting their church, for organizing evangelistic activities and for fellowshipping with the brethren. To them, these served as an encouragement for them to be steadfast in their faith amidst latent and manifest discrimination from non-Christians in the area.

Pastor William requested to remember them (the workers, the members, the Ministries, and their plight) in prayer.

After the worship service, the trippers headed back to Ate Tess’ house and after enjoying their last luncheon in Albay, they arranged their things and loaded them back to the vans. After cleaning up their rooms and thanking all those who have assisted them in the duration of their stay, the trippers got on their respective vans and went homeward bound to Taytay.

They left Badian at 2:00 in the afternoon, and after a thirteen-hour drive, they arrived in Taytay at around 3:00 in the morning of Monday, 13 April 2009.

The travel was a bit exhausting, but even so, it was all worth it… all for God’s glory!!! (The trippers hope to visit there again in the future, Lord willing…)For more pics, check out Kris’ site here.