Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), a prominent and unified religious organization from the Philippines, will celebrate its 97th founding anniversary.

In 2010, INC had grown to more than 5,000 congregations in the Philippines and more than 600 abroad. The INC now has local congregations in 96 countries and territories, and its members belonging to more than 102 nationalities and ethnic groups,as quoted from an earlier report.

UNOFFICIAL BRIEF HISTORY

Filipino Heritage has this to say about the Iglesia Ni Cristo History:

The Iglesia ni Cristo started its first locale in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila in 1914. In 1924, pampanga became its first ecclesiastical district. In 1968, the Church crossed the Pacific Ocean to establish its first foreign missions in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the U.S. Its central Office complex was inaugurated in 1971, and in 1984, its largest edifice of worship, the Central Temple in Diliman, Quezon City was consecrated. In 1994, it reached Rome, Italy, and in 1996, returned to Jerusalem, Israel, considered its original home. In 1997, it extended its reach to Athens, Greece.

In less than 100 years, therefore, the Iglesia ni Cristo has grown Phenomenally in the Philippines and abroad. This astounding growth and development from obscure beginnings has elicited both admiration and bewilderment. Its 83-year existence in the archipelago may be divided into two distinct periods: first, the almost half -a-century stewardship of Brother Felix Y. Manalo from 1914 to 1963, which saw the mushrooming of congregations, converts, and chapels in almost all barangay all over the country, second, the contemporary 34-year administration of Brother Eraño G. Manalo as executive minister, which was witnessed the ascent of the church to greater prominence, stability, and prosperity. Under the supervision, the Iglesia ni Cristo has been transformed from a local to a global church.

Growth and success have made the Iglesia ni Cristo an institution capable of contributing to national development, nationalism, and spirituality. In both the spiritual realm and the material field, the Iglesia ni Cristo has become an integral part of the Philippine society and history in the 20th century.

The existence of congregations dotting the archipelago, identified by the Gothic-like edifices of worship, has attracted visitors, who see the uniquely-structured chapels as neither Catholic, Protestants, nor Islamic appearance. The church advocated Filipino as the medium for propagation, institution, and edification, thus contributing to the development of a viable national language across the regions speaking diverse dialects.

In converting different ethnic groups to become “one in Christ,” the Church has forged solidarity among the different regional groups, enabling a solid unity that is much admired. Its palpable concern for society’s marginalized sectors – the dispossessed, the needy, and the deprived – is demonstrated through its vast network of community-service projects known as Lingap sa Mamamayan. Its modest contribution to knowledge and learning is made through the New Era University, which attends to the educational well-being of young people. The New Era General Hospital caters to the medical needs of members and nonmembers alike. Its agrarian reform and resettlement projects benefit low-income groups and the victims of natural calamities and disasters.

The uniqueness of the Iglesia ni Cristo as a religion has attracted multiracial, multilingual, and multi-geographical membership in six continents. Biblically-based, doctrinally conservative, solidly unified, and centrally administered, its highly diversified adherents emanate from all sectors of society, specially the poor. Members from many cultures, races, and backgrounds all over the world have converged as brothers and sisters in the faith, setting aside cultural differences and value systems. Church doctrines override personal values. The centralize administration stresses unity amidst diversity. Its fundamental scriptural doctrines shows striking similarities to the first-century Church of Christ where there as “neither Greek nor Jew.” It has stressed the necessity of upholding faith in the one true God in contrast to the Trinitarian formula of orthodox Christianity.

The Iglesia ni Cristo teaches the need for the Church as the sole means of salvation, similar to the Ark of Noah, prior to the approaching of judgment. It believes in the paramount value of the Holy Scriptures as the guide to man’s behavior, livelihood, existence, and future life. Its tenets of the Holy Bible, has galvanized its members to be God-fearing citizens whose moral fiber has been strengthened by faith, obedience, and devotion to the words of God.

A WORKING SPECIAL HOLIDAY

On May 27, 2009, an act was approved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines declaring July 27 of every year as a special national working holiday in recognition of the founding anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines.

On July 7, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared July 27 as “Iglesia ni Cristo Day,” a national working holiday commemorating the founding anniversary of the sect.

In Section 2 of Republic Act 9645, “It is the declared policy of the State to observe the founding anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo every 27th of July in recognition of its exemplary feat of leading its members towards spiritual enlightenment and good citizenry.”

You can download a copy of RA 9645 or “Commemoration of the Founding Anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo Act“.

For more information about Iglesia Ni Cristo doctrines, check the aforementioned link.

Just minutes ago a mild earthquake measuring 4.7 Magnitude hits Metro Manila and other National Capital Region area.

“May reports na Intensity IV sa Manila at Intensity III sa Quezon City (We received reports indicating the quake measured Intensity IV in Manila and Intensity III in Quezon City),” Solidum said in an interview on dzBB radio.

A Phivolcs bulletin said the epicenter was 26 km northwest of Nasugbu, Batangas.

More than 200 runners traversed the 7Km stretch from the People Power Monument to the Quezon City Hall as WCYF formally launched on  March 2.  Members of the Boy and Girls Scouts of the Philippines together with Sagip Sibuyan, the Philippine National PoliceQuezon City Chapter, the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines – PLMuntinlupa, and Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD) with assistance from the Philippine National Red Cross made the journey to send a strong ecological message to everyone.

“This are is the site of great revolutions and of history and this is history in the making,” says Fr. Leonilo Mangussad, Rector of the EDSA Shrine during the Ecumenical Mass before the start of the conference.  It was indeed history because young scouts as young as 10, students and veteran environmentalists join hands to raise awareness for the earth.  The young scouts together with their leaders endure the morning heat just to tell everyone that we should protect our planet because they don’t want to inherit an uninhabitable planet.

Cesar Amoranto, BROOD National Council on Environment together with Andy Moran, BROOD NCR SecGen; Sheila Muescan, Jeph Ramos, Mei Santiago, John Dwight D’Angelo, David D’Angelo and others lead the league of changemakers.

A tree planting commence afterwards with the ceremonial planting of 10 trees together with Luntiang Pilipinas, Craig Burrows, and Noel Orate, Rotaract Club of AMA Computer University .  The bulk of the remaining trees will be planted at the now being made ecopark, Payatas.

Region 9 headed by I-You-Da: I’m Created to Paint Smiles, Junior Jambangan Jaycess and United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines- Zambo Peninsula Chapter planted 300 propagules at Brgy. Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City .  In other countries tree planting were also made by the Rotaract Club of Tiyende Pamodzi – Zambia, Africa; the Rotaract Club of Chennai-India; Plant A Tree Today Foundation who planted in Thailand and Indonesia as well.  The event being held at Bataan in support of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant Closure issue had also expressed their support for WCYF.

A press conference followed which features solidarity messages from participating organization but what captivated the audience attention was the challenge made by Cong. Ed Zialcita which culminated in his rendition of the Impossible Dream.  The press conference and event was made possible through the effort of Luntiang Pilipinas, the Quezon City Hall and Cong. Ed Zialcita.

Organizations participating include Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East and the Pacific (ANSA-EAP), AKBAYAN Youth, Boy Scout of the Philippines, Girl Scout of the Philippines, Brahma Kumaris, World Spiritual University, Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD), Inc., Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP), Environment Trainor’s Network of Laguna, First Time Voters Network, Generation Peace Network, Green Convergence, I-You-Da: I’m Created to Paint Smile, Zamboanga, Junior Jambangan Jaycees, Zamboanga, Kalikasan: People’s Network for the Environment, Luntiang Pilipinas, Office of Senator Loren Legarda, National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL), Office of Hon. Eduardo “Ed” Zialcita, 1st District Representative of Parañaque City,Office of Hon. Nanette Castillo-Daza, 4th District Representative of Quezon City, Office of the Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, Quezon City, Office of the Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Quezon City, Philippine National Police Quezon City Department, PITAK, Red Cross Quezon City Chapter, Rotaract and Intaract Clubs of Makati Legaspi, SALIKA, Sibuyan Against Mining, Team RP, Teatro Sambisig, Inc. (TSI), United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines, Zamboaga Peninsula Chapter, World Without Wars and Without Violence, YAJU Organization of Bulacan, Young Leaders Alliance of Rizal (YLAR), and Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly (YSDA-Pilipinas) .

Contact Person:

DAVID D’ANGELO
Co-Chairperson WCYF 2009
www.worldcreativeyouthforum.net
+639165450452
National Secretary General / International Council
Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD)
Visit them at www.broodonline.com

With the theme, “China and ASEAN youth join hands, responding to the challenges rising from the global economic crisis”, the All China Youth Federation and the National Youth Commission shall send nine (9) youth participants with the following requirements:

1. Filipino citizen
2. Between 18 to 30 years old
3. Have been serving the youth sector as an active officer or member of a youth or youth-serving organization for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the date of application
4. Of good moral character
5. Physically and mentally fit to travel
6. Preferably a first time traveler. Former recipients of all NYC international programs from March 23, 2008 to March 23, 2009 are disqualified to apply.
7. Must have a valid passport until at least six (6) months after the date of departure for the program

Applicants without any passport details shall not be considered.

Each delegation is required to prepare a country report on how their country support youth to tackle the challenges rising from the global economic crisis, which shall include:

• the impact of the global economic crisis on the country as a whole
• the challenges faced by the youth in the crisis
• the measures taken by the government to support the youth
• the measures taken by youth organizations and other civil organizations to support the youth
• the gaps between the youth demand and the social support
• how youth exchanges can contribute to this process
• suggestions and conlusions

Each country report should be typed in Times New Roman font with the font size of 14 points and no less than 2000 words.

The ACYF shall provide the delegations with local hospitality, including food, accommodation and local transportation during the event. The participants shall shoulder their own international travel fare.

All applicants must completely fill up the NYC International Program Application Forms at www.youth.net.ph . All forms must be received by email or personal delivery by March 31, 2009.

Address:

Social Marketing Division
National Youth Commission
4F Bookman Building
373 Quezon Ave., Quezon City

Email: lutchieachua@yahoo.com

For more information, please feel free to call the NYC office 7811163 or visit the website www.youth.net.ph

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, in collaboration with the SSEAYP International Malaysia (KABESA) is organizing the Malaysian International Youth Program with the theme, “Crime Free Generation.” It is in conjunction with the 41st National Youth Day in Malaysia.

The program is organized to foster the development of values and attitudes such as responsibility, and also enhance teaching and learning of other value-oriented studies such as life education, effective education, and environmental education, where the information, conclusions or recommendations are to be shared among the member countries.

The aim of this program is to promote good spirit among the youth to create a “culture of safety” in the neighborhoods, build partnerships among police force, non-profit organizations, city, and community leaders.

The main objective is to allow youth leaders to meet, discuss, and formulate solutions to any forms of crime, as well as allowing them to identify real issues on the ground. This will allow the youth to have their voices heard by global decision makers in promoting a crime free generation, thus contributing towards achieving global peace, stability and harmony, and provide an opportunity for the participants to strengthen cooperation and enhance networking amongst them.

The 6-day program will be divided into two (2) session focusing on the following topics:
1.    Global crime involving juvenile
2.    Managing criminal issues amongst juvenile towards a crime free generation

Paper presenters at the conference will be international experts with vast experience in the field of crime prevention from Malaysia. Following the plenary sessions, participants will be divided into working groups to come out with recommendations stating the youth’s stand against crime which can serve as input in the campaign against crime by the international organizations, as well as national governments.

The Philippine delegation is required to prepare traditional cultural performances between 3-5 minutes with the objective to promote the Philippine culture. The performances will be presented during the 41st National Youth Day Celebration in Melaka, known as the historical city. The equipment and materials needed for the cultural performances shall be prepared by the pariticpants.

The delegation shall also be required to prepare exhibition materials to introduce the Philippines. Booths 3×3 meter in size shall be provided for by the organizers, including 1 table and 2 chairs.

During the program, participants will have a one (1) day interaction with their local foster family in Melaka.

Each participant is encouraged to bring a gift and souvenirs as courtesy during the interaction activities. The official gift by the delegations shall be provided for by the National Youth Commission.

Qualifications:

The National Youth Commission shall send seven (7) youth participants with the following requirements:

1. Filipino citizen
2. Between 18 to 30 years old
3. Have been serving the youth sector as an active officer or member of a youth or youth-serving organization for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the date of application
4. Of good moral character
5. Physically and mentally fit to travel
6. Preferably a first time traveler. Former recipients of all NYC international programs from March 23, 2008 to March 23, 2009 are disqualified to apply.
7. Must have a valid passport until at least six (6) months after the date of departure for the program

Applicants without any passport details shall not be considered.

Accommodation, food, and local transportation within Malaysia shall be shouldered by the organizers. International travel fare, personal expenses, personal souvenirs and exhibit materials shall be borne by the participant.

All applicants must completely fill up the NYC International Program Application Forms which you can download at www.youth.net.ph. All forms must be received by email or personal delivery by March 31, 2009.

Address:

Social Marketing Division
National Youth Commission
4F Bookman Building
373 Quezon Ave., Quezon City

Email:    lutchieachua@ yahoo.com

Cinema One, the premiere movie cable channel in the Philippines, is now accepting applications for the 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival competition.

Now on its 5th Year, the Cinema One Originals Movie Festival continues to provide a much-needed venue for directors, writers and even film enthusiasts to showcase their original stories in the digital format.

A P1-million budget money will be awarded to each of the chosen five (5) finalists to produce their movie. The festival and awards night will be held in November 2009.

Interested applicants are requited to submit their full complete narrative feature script on or before February 27, 2009. Entries may also include character and story descriptions as well as a detailed production team line-up.

Entries should be in hard copy or CD, sent via snail mail or submitted in person to the Cinema One Office at the 8th floor of the ELJ Communications Center Building, along Eugenio Lopez Drive, Quezon City.

Applicants may contact Lani de Guzman at 4152272 local 3166 during office hours for details, guidelines and for entry forms. Emails and faxed entries will not be accepted.

Since 2005, Cinema One Originals has been a breeding ground for new exciting talents — from debuting filmmakers, screenplay writers, cinematographers, production designers to actors and actresses. Cinema One Originals has successfully paved the way for fresher, more diverse concepts to be produced. It has become the venue for movies that defy traditional or formulaic filmmaking but still maintains the potential for commercial viability.

Cinema One Originals is owned and produced by Cinema One, the top cable channel of Creative Programs Inc. (CPI) .