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Vol. V, No. 5 www.ucg.org.ph/una 

September/October 2006 

Greetings from our Baguio City Feastgoers (above); Below, youths help in the video recording of messages during the 2006 Feast 

FOT 2006—Best Spiritual Feast Ever! 

Baguio City, Philippines 

The phrase that this year’s 

Feast is “the best Feast ever” is an 

understatement for the Feastgoers in 

the Baguio City Festival site in the 

Philippines! 

Baguio City—known as the 

summer capital of the Philippines due 

to its cool weather, fresh air, and pine 

trees—is a favorite Festival site for a 

lot of the brethren in the Philippines. 

Set among the mountaintops of 

Benguet Province north of Manila, 

Baguio is about a five-hour drive or 

about an hour flight from Manila. 

There were a total of 107 registered 

Feastgoers coming from three local 

congregations (Baguio, Dagupan, and 

Manila) and two foreign congregations 

(Hong Kong and Macau). With an 

actual peak attendance of 115 during 

the Last Great Day, the GSP-Ang 

In This Issue… 

2 Editorial: Seek Spiritual Growth 

5 Sagada: “Gateway to Paradise” 

6 Enduring “Milenyo” Before 

Enjoying the “Millennium”! 

8 Updates and Announcements 

Ating Tahanan conference hall was 

filled to capacity. 

Mr. Eriz Dizon, pastor of the 

Baguio and Dagupan congregations, 

welcomed the Feastgoers during the 

opening night service on October 6 

and provided them with a glimpse of 

what the Millennium will be like and 

an overview of the responsibilities that 

await the brethren. 

Whole day Church services 

were held on the first day, with Mr. 

Rey Evasco, pastor of the Manila 

congregation and Festival coordinator 

giving the main message in the 

morning and Mr. Eriz Dizon giving the 

main message in the afternoon. 

It has been a tradition at the Baguio 

Feast site that a free “fellowship lunch” 

is provided at the GSP compound 

after each morning Church service; 

however, some brethren helped out 

during the fellowship lunch by sharing 

some of their financial blessings. 

Family Day was on the second 

day of the Feast (October 8); fun and 

games for the entire family awaited 

the brethren in the afternoon, with a 

lot of prizes for the participants. The 

Family Day ended with a Movie Night 

(“Ice Age 2”) and Videoke Night in the 

evening. 

Though this was not the first time 

that a Feast was held in Baguio, there 

were a couple of “firsts” at the Baguio 

Festival site this year . . . 

Davao City, Philippines 

See Baguio, page 8 

Davao City—adjudged “The Most 

Livable City in the Philippines” by 

Asiaweek magazine—hosted 420 

members, affiliates and children from 

17 congregations in Mindanao, as well 

as guests from Luzon, the Visayas, the 

United States and New Zealand, at the 

GSP Training Camp in Toril. 

See FOT, page 3

2 

United News Asia 

Editorial 

by David Baker, Senior Pastor for Asia 

Seek Spiritual Growth 

Greetings brethren! I hope each of you had a 

wonderful Feast. My family and I certainly enjoyed 

spending the Feast with our brethren in the Philippines. 

Visiting three different sites 

during the Feast can be 

tiring, but our efforts were 

well rewarded with the 

opportunity of meeting 

all the brethren in the 

Philippines who were 

able to attend the Feast. 

This year we had a record 

number attending in the 

Philippines and very good 

numbers in Sri Lanka and 

Singapore as well. All the comments I have heard 

regarding the Feast have been very positive and I 

would like to thank you for your part in helping to 

make the Feast a positive experience for all. 

God is continuing to bless His work in Asia for 

which we are most thankful. The statistics in terms 

of GN subscribers, numbers attending services, and 

income are very positive and we greatly appreciate 

the growth. But numbers cannot fully depict our 

individual spiritual growth. How are we doing in this 

area of the work of God 

This year I hope that each of us will continue to ask 

God to bless the work in areas that we can measure; an 

increase in the number of GN subscribers, more people 

attending services and being baptized and an increase 

in income. But I also hope that we will regularly pray 

for spiritual growth and maturity. The apostle Peter 

concluded his second letter to the church by appealing 

to the members to “grow in the grace and knowledge 

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” It is my wish 

that each of us experience this type of growth in the 

upcoming year. 

In addition to praying for growth, let’s use the tools 

that God has given unto us which will enable us to 

grow in grace and knowledge. Those tools are Bible 

study, prayer, meditation and fasting. We must employ 

these tools on a regular basis as we ask God to grant us 

spiritual growth. 

Last year I purchased a house, and in order to be 

able to afford it I had to purchase one that required 

significant renovations. One bathroom needed major 

work for it to be functional. I dreaded the task for 

Let’s use the tools that God has 

given unto us which will enable us to 

grow in grace and knowledge. Those 

tools are Bible study, prayer, meditation 

and fasting. We must employ these tools 

on a regular basis as we ask God to 

grant us spiritual growth. 

months. When I finally picked up the tools and 

started to work, the progress was painfully slow and 

I made many mistakes. I was not familiar with most 

of the renovation work so it was a matter of trial and 

error. I had to learn to use the tools and research the 

type of material I would need. Then I had to learn 

how to work with the material. In one instance I 

used the wrong type of grout for the ceramic tiles and 

discovered the mistake after completing the job. It 

has taken me months to do a job that a professional 

craftsman could have 

completed within a few 

hours. 

If we are regularly 

using the tools that God 

has given us, we will 

be able to confront and 

overcome many of the 

trials that we regularly 

face. We can operate like 

a professional rather than 

an amateur and God will be 

well pleased with our spiritual growth. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in the 

upcoming months! • 

FOT Attendance in Asia 

Feast Site 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

Baguio, Phils. 106 147 131 125 115 

Iloilo, Phils. 83 103 130 164 144 

Davao, Phils. 293 305 310 335 420 

Sri Lanka 30 26 

Singapore 37 

Total* 482 555 571 654 742 

* based on highest attendance count 

Vol. V, No. 5(b) September/October 2006 

United News Asia is published bimonthly by the United Church of God, AIA-Pilipinas, 

as a means to inform, inspire, and unify the churches of God in Asia and other brethren 

around the world. An electronic version is available for download from the Philippine Web 

site at: http://www.ucg.org.ph. 

Editors: David Baker, Serizalinio Dizon, Rey Evasco, 

Edmond Macaraeg, and Florante Siopan 

Managing Editor: Daniel Roy Macaraeg 

Layout & Design: Richard John Macaraeg 

Please send comments and suggestions to: 

UNITED NEWS ASIA 

P. O. Box 81840, DCCPO 

8000 Davao City, Philippines 

E-mail: una@ucg.org.ph 

Cell/Text: +63 918-904-4444 · Tel/Fax: +63 (82) 224-4444 

© 2006 United Church of God, AIA-Pilipinas 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission is prohibited. 

United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

FOT, continued from page 1 

The Festival video, “Life Anew in a New Land,” was 

played on the opening night. Compelling messages, great 

weather, pleasing 

special music, 

delicious food 

and seemingly 

nonstop fellowship 

characterized the 

Feast. In order 

to streamline 

r e g i s t r a t i o n 

and Festival 

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , 

everyone was issued 

a bar-coded and 

plastic-laminated 

name tag that kept track of attendance, 

accommodations and meals. 

Free lunch was served every day 

of the Feast. Also, on both Holy Days, 

a roasted calf was added to the menu. 

One member also sponsored ice 

cream following the last service on 

the Last Great Day. 

Other highlights included a 

night of fun, fellowship and games 

on the first day; city tours on days 

two and six, leadership seminars 

for three consecutive nights for the 

local leaders; a challenging sevenstation 

outdoor game for the teens 

and singles simultaneously held with 

the seniors’ social on the third day; 

livelihood workshops (virgin coconut oil production, 

herbal soap making and flower-card making) on the fourth 

day; baptism counseling and a Bible study forum on the 

fifth day; a colorful and entertaining variety show on the 

sixth day; and a fun-filled sports day and fruit festival on 

the seventh day. 

Later that evening, a leaders’ dinner was held in 

appreciation of the men and wives who help serve the 

Mindanao brethren. Finally, on the Last Great Day, after 

more individual counseling, six people were baptized: 

Steve Budoyan, Jesusa Dique, Iyarmoon Dulay, Liza 

Evaristo, Jonathan Sagayno and Merven Samuel Tonog. 

While space does not permit us to detail all the things 

that made this Feast so memorable, two things stand 

out: the sermons and the people. Both were, and are, 

unforgettable. 

Iloilo, Philippines 

United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas 

—Daniel Roy Macaraeg 

This year 144 people, including several foreign guests, 

have learned to fear God and rejoice for eight days in the 

September/October 2006 3 

beautiful and scenic resort of Punta Villa, Iloilo, for the 

Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. 

Services started on the First Holy Day with a full day of 

services. We had daily morning services after that 

and a variety of wholesome outdoor activities in 

the afternoons. 

Activities included were the Family Day, 

Youth Day, Seniors’ Night and Dance Night. An 

added feature that enhanced the festive mood of 

the celebration was during the Family Day when 

a number of members shared a roasted calf and 

ice cream with all the brethren. 

Feastgoers also had the privilege to witness 

the wedding ceremony of Church members from 

the United States and Sabah, Malaysia. 

The brethren were especially blessed with 

the presence of 

David Baker, the 

senior pastor of the 

Philippines, and his 

family who kept the 

Feast with us for three 

days. 

The management 

and personnel of 

Punta Villa Resort 

gladly welcomed us. 

We’ve heard that the 

United Church of God 

is considered the only 

group of resort visitors 

that is well-behaved, 

humble and orderly. 

This year’s Feast 

was truly one of the best. Thank you to everyone, 

particularly those who spent most of their time in the 

preparation for the Feast. Most of all we acknowledge and 

give credit to our loving Father in heaven who made this 

Feast wonderful and memorable. 

Exotic fruits being served at the Davao Feast site (above); 

Youths enjoying each other’s company at the Iloilo Feast site 

Singapore 

—Florante Siopan 

We were struck immediately by the beauty as we traveled 

from the Singapore airport to the Orchid Country Club. 

Just miles from the equator, the tropical city is clean and 

manicured, without the graffiti and garbage we often see in 

big cities. The expansive guest rooms had lots of hardwood 

and marble, and we met in a modern and comfortable 

theater. Our rooms included breakfast—so each morning 

the members met and enjoyed the breakfast buffet. 

Eleven countries were represented by people 

attending—Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, 

Mauritius, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and the 

United States. Thirty-seven people attended our meetings, 

conducted in English. 

See FOT, page 4

4 


FOT, continued from page 3 

Our Singapore brethren are gracious and happily shared 

their lovely city—including great restaurants and cultural 

locations. Activities included three banquets, a bowling 

Feastgoers in Singapore (photo by Fil Olimpo) 

party, walking tours and trips to interesting places: Little 

India, China Town, botanical gardens, the colonial district 

and Arab Street. 

On Sunday, we had an open house for Good News 

subscribers and five came! Two visitors came on the last 

Holy Day. A man who found us on the Web traveled all 

night from Malaysia, arrived on the third day and stayed 

the remainder of the Feast. Hotel management was pleased 

with our group; they overstocked our buffets with 

extra menu items that thrilled us—rice dishes, 

noodles, curries and other flavorful Chinese, 

Indian and Malaysian dishes with chicken, beef 

and fish. They invited us back for next year— 

which is in the works, according to Jeff Caudle, 

the Feast coordinator. 

The city is very safe and we saw people 

of all ages, from young to very old, traveling 

without fear on the trains and buses. Singapore 

has a diverse population, which is also reflected 

in the congregation, largely made up of people 

from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian 

descent. We traveled all over the city on the 

modern and safe transportation system. Everyone 

spoke English and we were blessed to be able to share 

our lives and experiences and come home with a feeling 

of really knowing and understanding our brethren spread 

throughout East Asia. 

Beruwela, Sri Lanka 

—Linda Register 

Twenty-six brethren from Sri Lanka, India, Australia 

and the United States enjoyed the Feast of Tabernacles 

2006 in Sri Lanka. The location was once again the 

beautiful Neptune Hotel located in the village of Beruwela 

along the shoreline of the Indian Ocean. The Neptune 

Hotel is an all-inclusive beach resort with a friendly and 

courteous staff offering Feastgoers a wonderful example 

of South Asian hospitality. 

The weather was perfect for enjoying the pool and 

beach, featuring warm, sunny days and tropical nights 

with very little rain. 

The brethren enjoyed many amusing activities, 

including a talent show, Family Day, Bible baseball 

and a day trip to Galle Fort and a turtle hatchery. 

Family Day took place on the beach just behind 

the hotel. There were games such as cricket, balloon 

toss, tug-of-war and rides on an elephant. Several 

nights during the Feast we played the favorite game 

of Bible baseball. It was not only fun but it helped us 

learn about the Bible and brought us closer together. 

Brethren also enjoyed the outing to the Kosgoda 

Turtle Hatchery and Galle Fort. At the turtle hatchery 

Feastgoers were allowed to hold sea turtles that had 

just hatched the previous day and would be released 

into the sea the following day. Also those who were 

able and willing held enormous mature sea turtles. 

Galle Fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 

1589. The present fort was constructed by the Dutch in 

1663. Brethren toured the museum and walked along the 

fort wall overlooking the Indian Ocean. 

One of the highlights of the Feast was the talent show. 

Almost everyone present participated and the Sri Lankan 

brethren did an outstanding job in sharing their musical 

talents. 

Feastgoers in Sri Lanka (photo courtesy of Tim Waddle) 

The activities were not the only excellent part about the 

Feast this year. The food, both spiritual and physical, was 

exceptionally good. The hotel provided many tasty meals 

featuring Sri Lankan curries and international fare. Most 

dinners featured entertainment with a live band playing 

Western and Sri Lankan music. 

The sermons were stirring and inspirational, and 

the fellowship was warm and loving. By the end of the 

Feast everyone felt truly like family, and seemed eager 

to someday be together again. All aspects of the Feast of 

Tabernacles 2006 in Sri Lanka were superb. • 

—Brianna Waddle 


Sagada: “Gateway to Paradise” 

by Joshua Infantado, Manila congregation 

“Sagada” . . . Before, when I would hear about this 

place, all I can think of is its famous hanging coffins, pinestudded 

mountains, cold weather, and the Ifugaos and 

Igorots with their unique cultures. And that’s all I know 

about this wonderful place until I was asked this question, 

“Do you want to come with me to Sagada” And I said 

“Yes” immediately with a big smile. I was so excited 

that I couldn’t stop 

thinking about what 

it would be like to 

be in Sagada. 

As we traveled 

to our destination, I 

could never forget 

the picturesque 

view spreading 

out across the 

road. There were 

many waterfalls 

flowing down in 

different ways. 

The rice terraces 

struck me with 

awe while the fog 

added a somewhat 

mystic effect on 

the surroundings. 

Although the 

journey was very 

tiring, it was 

nothing compared to the magnificent 

mountain scenery I witnessed. 

We arrived in Sagada with a feeling 

of excitement and thoughts of the things 

waiting for us. As I made my first step 

in Sagada, I could hear the birds singing 

while the cool pine-scented wind kissed 

my cheeks. 

Sagada has a myriad of marvelous 

sites to offer its visitors. 

Our first stop was to visit Sumaguing 

Cave. I had no idea what’s ahead of us. 

Upon entering the cave, I could hear the 

screaming of the bats and the gushing 

of the waters below (coming from the 

underground river). It was so dark that if ever the lamp 

of our guide would be put out, it was certain that there’s 

nothing left to see but complete darkness. 

Our pathway was very slippery and as we went deeper, 

it got colder than ever. I could see smoke-like vapor 

coming out of my nose as I breathed. I have to admit I got 

a little scared but all of that was replaced with amazement, 

as our guide directed the light to the stalagmites and 


stalactites. On one side, there was a formation resembling 

a miniature model of the Banaue Rice Terraces, another 

was an image of elephants and many more . . . all it took 

was a creative and imaginative mind. On the walls, you 

can see fossilized shell, giving an indication that that place 

was at some time submerged in water. I’d never seen such 

a remarkable phenomenon before in my entire life. 

We all got wet as we made our way around the cave. 

We swam a short while when we got to a pool of water, 

resembling a little swimming pool. There were some 

instances when we had to hold on to the ropes just to get 

to the other side. Finally, we had reached the end of 

our incredible adventure. I could never forget those 

amazing moments in my life. 

Next, we decided to go to Lumiang Cave or better 

known as the Burial Cave. This is because it was 

the site of the last repository of the dead. It was 

surrounded by an eerie atmosphere. The coffins were 

carved out from tree trunks and they were quite small 

for an adult person; this was why they had to force 

the body to fit inside the coffins. Sadly, people don’t 

put their deceased loved ones there anymore, since 

Lumiang Cave has been declared as a tourist spot. 

From Lumiang Cave, we headed for Lake Danum. 

The lake was so placid and surrounded by green 

carpets of grass. I could see the grass reflecting on 

the lake, creating an impression of tranquility. It is 

a perfect place to relax and to have a break from this 

stressful life. 

After experiencing the serenity of Lake Danum, 

we went for Echo Valley. There, we shouted our 

names and made fun of ourselves. Our voices and 

laughter reverberated across the valley and eventually 

faded away. 

When we 

finished screaming 

and shouting at 

Echo Valley, we 

went to Bokong 

Waterfalls. It is 

not that big but 

nevertheless, it is 

very suitable for 

swimming. We 

climbed at the top 

of the waterfall 

and I could see 

the water flowing 

down gracefully. I 

waded through the 

water and felt the coolness of it. The water was so clear 

that you could see the pebbles and the stones underneath. 

All this made me very calm and brought me close to 

nature. 

Before we went back to our inn, we trekked around 

the wonderful countryside to take pleasure in the great 

Joshua descends to the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada; above, a 

panoramic view of Lake Danum (photos by Abraham Lorenzo) 

See Sagada, page 6 


6 


Enduring “Milenyo” Before 

Enjoying the “Millennium”! 

by Audrey Ruth Angcos, Manila Congregation 

Joshua, Chekhov, and his sister Onah, on top the Bokong 

Waterfalls in Sagada (photo by Abraham Lorenzo) 

Sagada, continued from page 5 

outdoors. We also decided to visit St. Mary’s Episcopal 

Church and the St. Mary’s School, established by the first 

missionaries who arrived in Sagada. 

Before I knew it, we had to end our journey. 

At present, every time I hear Sagada, there’s only one 

word that comes into my mind, and that is, amazing. 

Until now, I still marvel at the extraordinary things I’ve 

seen in Sagada. If only I could replicate those things, I 

would make many copies so that I can share them with 

my friends. Because I know it is not enough for me to 

describe it; they just have to experience it themselves. 

This is one of the countless reasons why God is so great 

beyond what we could imagine. I can’t help but be filled 

with curiosity as to how astounding it would be to live in 

God’s Kingdom. Indeed, let Thy Kingdom come! • 

About the Author: Joshua E. Infantado is a 17-year old 

youth from the Manila congregation. He was part of the team 

composed of a few youths from the Luzon congregations 

which visited Sagada to find out Sagada’s viability as a site for 

youth activities. The team visited Sagada between October 31 

and November 3, 2006. 

THE STRONGEST typhoon to hit Metro Manila 

directly in 11 years toppled trees and billboards, triggered 

flash floods and landslides, shuttered offices and the 

financial markets, and caused a Luzon-wide power outage 

on Thursday (September 28, 2006). 

Typhoon “Milenyo” (international name: Xangsane) 

brought Metro Manila to a near-standstill with all flights 

and sea travel in and out of the region canceled. It also 

forced officials to suspend operations of two commuter 

train systems. 

With the death toll rising to 200 as of October 3, and 

with losses estimated to surpass P1 billion—with 1.3 

million people displaced including 171,000 evacuees and 

about 43 million kept in the dark by widespread power 

blackouts for days—Milenyo now seems headed into the 

record books as one of the most destructive typhoons to 

hit the country. 

It was nine days before the start of the Feast of 

Tabernacles when this killer-typhoon ripped Metro 

Manila. Some of the properties of the brethren in the 

Manila congregation were reported to be damaged by 

the typhoon but it was a great blessing that no serious 

casualties occurred. 

Amidst the damages and difficulties that the brethren 

experienced, it was inspiring to see them having the right 

attitude especially in preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles. 

You can see their eagerness to keep the Feast no matter 

what. They all knew that it was one of Satan’s schemes 

to distract them from keeping the Feast of Tabernacles 

and they did not allow him to prevail! The brethren were 

all eager to go to their respective Feast sites to picture 

the coming Millennium. Some even packed their clothes 

and other things needed for the Feast of Tabernacles in 

candlelight! They did not allow it to be a hindrance for 

them to keep the Feast. All went up to picture the coming 

Millennium in high spirits! With God’s help, everyone 

seemed to have a joyous and spiritually edifying Feast this 

year. Everyone indeed endured “Milenyo” before they 

enjoyed... the “Millennium”! • 

Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin 



Just this afternoon, I happened to get a hold of 

your [Good News] magazine sealed and placed in a 

transparent wrapper addressed to one of your subscribers 

here in Calamba, Misamis Occidental. Gambling is 

widespread in this town, and in the sidelines of the 

wrapper I read the feature article title: “Gambling: Why 

It’s a Bet Nobody Wins.” I also would want to know 

“the answers to life’s biggest questions.” Please send me 

copies of the July/August 2006 issue. I am thirsting to 

read your magazine. 

D.M., Calamba, Misamis Occ., Philippines 

I’m a nominal Catholic. What matters to me is 

following God’s rules. Distributing publications like this 

[The Good News] makes one think deeply. I hope that 

God will shower you with more blessings to continuously 

touch people’s lives and help others understand God’s 

plan for us. 

Text Message 

I felt greatly blessed having received sermon video 

tapes. I really desire to fellowship with other believers 

but with these tapes, my longing is alleviated. 

N.C., Pasay City, Philippines 

Thank you for sending me your Good News 

magazines. I am 21 years old, single, a youth leader and 

a new subscriber of your magazine. Through the Good 

News, I gained more knowledge not only about the Bible 

but also on other aspects of my life as a Christian. I’m 

also sharing [what I am] learning [with] other people. 

J.V., Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines 

It is a great honor for me to receive copies of The 

Good News magazine. I am so blessed to be one of those 

who have been given the opportunity to hear the Lord’s 

message. The magazines and booklets that you sent have 

given me a lot of knowledge about God’s Word and I’m 

very much thankful because I am now moving [on] the 

right path towards spiritual maturity. I believe that The 

Good News is God’s instrument in making people turn 

180 degrees towards Him. My search for the truth about 

the Gospel and the real meaning of life is now a step 

higher from my previous beliefs. I am delighted because 

all of these will be great and wonderful treasures that I 

will be sharing with my wife and my future family as 

well. 

M.B., Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines 

I am a new subscriber of your [Good News] magazine. 

I really enjoyed reading every article. Hence, I would 

like to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff and 

everyone behind this magazine for sharing this wonderful 

reading material absolutely for free. Please continue 

touching [the] lives of many people throughout the world. 

It is a big help especially to people who, like me, cannot 

afford securing copies of good reading materials. 

M.A., Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines 

The Good News is an extraordinary magazine superior 

to any other magazines in terms of its veracity, quality 

and unbiased reporting covering every topic ranging from 

geopolitics, religion, science and current events based 

on [a] biblical perspective. Indeed the magazine has 

enlightened me and has deepened my understanding of 

the events engulfing this chaotic world. Truly, it is my 

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this deeper understanding of the Bible. Hence, I would 

like to manifest my intention to renew my subscription to 

the magazine in furtherance of my study to feed my soul 

with the Word of God and the teachings of our Saviour 

Jesus Christ. 

B.T., Baguio City, Philippines 

Thank you so much for sending me free copies of 

your magazine. My whole family has been very blessed 

reading the articles. I would like to share your magazines 

with my aunt in Iloilo City and my niece in Manila. 

Enclosed are their subscription cards. 

C.S., Bacolod City, Philippines 

I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for giving 

me the opportunity to be part of your millions of readers 

and recipients of such an awesome knowledge about 

God’s plan for all people. The Good News has opened 

my eyes and made me closer to God. I do pray for more 

power to you. 

A.A., Davao City, Philippines 

Literature 

I’m writing this letter to say thank you for sending 

me my first issue of the Vertical Thought magazine. A 

teacher of mine introduced this magazine and I have been 

reading it from her copies since. It has given me answers 

to questions about life and has somehow built up my 

personality. Now that I have my own copy, I would be 

able to share it with my younger siblings and friends as 

well. I really enjoy reading your articles. Thank you and 

more power. 

G.M., Davao City, Philippines 

See Comments, page 8 


8 


Baguio, continued from page 1 

“Turning the Hearts of the Fathers to their Children and 

the Hearts of the Children to their Fathers.” 

The youths (primarily from the Baguio and Dagupan 

congregations) were responsible for ushering during the 

Feast (reporting to an adult head usher) and they were also 

responsible for videotaping the messages given during the 

Feast. 

During the Youth Day, which was on the third day 

of the Feast (October 9), the youths were given more 

opportunities to participate during the actual church 

service. The songleader was Chekhov Agayo (a youth 

from the Baguio congregation), the opening prayer was led 

by Aunell Angcos (a youth from the Manila congregation), 

and the closing prayer was led by Gino Dizon (a youth 

from the Baguio-Dagupan congregation). The special 

music was given by the Baguio Festival Children’s Choir. 

The afternoon and the evening were filled with fun and 

fellowship as the youths participated in physical and mind 

games and learned some ballroom dances. The youths 

also learned a few things on etiquette in preparation for 

the Seniors’ Social. 

Seniors’ Day was on the fifth day of the Feast (October 

11). Mr. Generoso Santos (a senior from the Manila 

congregation) gave the sermonette during the morning 

church service and the youths served during the Seniors’ 

Social in the evening, dubbed “An Affair to Remember.” 

The entertainment during the sit-down dinner was provided 

by some seniors sharing a vignette of their lives—a poem, 

and/or a song. The evening concluded with a message 

from Mr. David Baker, our Senior Pastor, who thanked the 

seniors for having served as examples to the youths in the 

church. 

The Festival Show was on the evening of the sixth day 

of the Feast (October 12). The Festival Show highlighted 

dances from all over the world including the Philippines: 

Virginia Reel (USA), Hukilau (Hawaii), Yanko (China), 

D’Hammerschmiedsgselln (Germany), Siege of Ennis 

(Ireland), Gathering Peascods (England), Tanko Bushi 

(Japan), Dunantuli Ugros (Hungary), and Sayaw sa 

Bangko and Tinikling (Philippines). 

The history, costumes, music, and steps of each of the 

dances were researched to make the “look and feel” of 

each dance as authentic as possible, given the available 

resources. The Festival Show participants came from the 

three local congregations of Baguio, Dagupan, and Manila, 

making the preparation and rehearsals more challenging 

and more exciting for all the participants. 

Whole day church services were again held on the Last 

Great Day (October 14), with Mr. David Baker giving the 

last main message in the afternoon service, walking the 

brethren through the scriptures and expounding what Jesus 

Christ would say on that Last Great Day of the Feast. 

As pictures were being taken and as goodbyes were 

being said, the once busy GSP-Ating Tahanan conference 

hall slowly faded into silence . . . awaiting the return of the 

brethren to once again keep the Feast of Tabernacles and 

Thanks for the magazines and booklets. The charts 

and dating of events in the previous issue drove me to 

subscribe to The Good News. 

A.T., Biliran, Philippines 

Good morning gentlemen! This is to acknowledge 

(with sincerest thanks) receipt of the magazine about 

Successful Parenting and the Marriage and Family: The 

Missing Dimension. We believe that this could help us in 

caring for our kids. 

Text Message 

I have received the booklet “What Happens after 

Death” and the January-February issue of the Good 

News Magazine. Thank you for having these sent to me. 

I always bring the booklets with me in my work because 

it has been my habit to read them during my vacant time. 

Radio 

Updates and Announcements 

WEDDINGS: 

David Rogers & Cheryl Macaraeg (October 5) 

Anthony Reisdorff & Ketchel Betoy (October 8) 

BAPTISMS: 

Steve Budoyan, Mati, Phils. (October 14) 

Jesusa Dique, Kidapawan, Phils. (October 14) 

Iyarmoon Dulay, Davao City, Phils. (October 14) 

Liza Evaristo, Davao City, Phils. (October 14) 

Ryan Julag-ay, Bacolod City, Phils (October 12) 

Jonathan Sagayno, Valencia, Phils. (October 14) 

Merven Samuel Tonog, Kidapawan, Phils. 

(October 14) 

OBITUARY: 

Victoria Bata, Diatagon, Phils. (September 6) 

Please email updates and announcements to 

una@ucg.org.ph or send text to +639189044444. 

the Last Great Day at this site . . . or better yet, awaiting 

the World Tomorrow, which will indeed be the best Feast 

ever! 

Comments, continued from page 7 

—Abraham Lorenzo 

Text Message 

I am very thankful to everyone in your [radio] 

program. This is a very rare program today. I salute God 

for using you in enlightening people’s lives. 

R.L., Davao City, Philippines

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