The Teachers Made Them All!

My admiration to teachers has not faded.  Today, social media made me realize that it is good to reach out to your former mentors--- give them a good glimpse of how they did in molding not only your knowledge but your character as well.  Tell them you appreciate what they have taught you in the classroom, and how you heeded their advises outside its walls.  Give them a snapshot of the success you have achieved in which they have been a part of.  It is also through the modern technology that I get to hear news about my former mentors.  It gives me joy seeing them still in their teaching careers, some have jumped into other fields, while it's saddening to learn that some have gone already.

The news about our grade 6 adviser gave me a shock, learning that she passed away at an early age due to an illness.  Another class adviser, currently still teaching, is fighting a stage 4 ovarian cancer.  It is admirable to note however that she has a very positive outlook about everything.  Ms. Arlen Garilao is one of the most strict advisers we had in high school.  When she is around, nobody dares to make noises in the classroom.  She is authoritative.  She taught us Biology in our sophomore year.  I admit, I fear her when she discusses in front of the class.

II - Jeremiah class of 1989-1990 with Ms. Arlen Garilao as the class adviser, University of the Assumption - San Fernando, Pampanga

But over time, you begin to realize that just like any other teachers, Ms. Garilao has her soft spot.  She also has those light moments when she's with her circle of friends.  And yes, just like any parents, she has this genuine care for all her students.  Recently, I sent her an FB (Facebook) message introducing myself (and she confirms she still recalls me but not by my nickname "Jon" but with my first name "Edilberto") then inquiring about her current condition.  She openly informed her Facebook friends that she had that illness and her faith is just amazing.  I am one with her and with her loved ones in praying for her fast recovery.  The young ones still need her wisdom and love for them to learn things not only about the academic subjects but about life as well.

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This blog post is dedicated to ALL teachers, and especially to our 2nd year class adviser, Ms. Arlen Garilao.  Thank you po for sharing your life with us, may you continue to be a light to all the young ones who have been fortunate to be under your care.  Your immediate recovery is part of our prayers. :)

September 5 to October 5 is National Teachers Month.

7 Years of Blessed Leadership

Today marks the 7th year of Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo as the church administrator of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.  He has assumed this divine responsibility after our beloved Bro. Erano G. Manalo passed away in 2009 and from there on, Bro. Eduardo carried out his duty as the church's Executive Minister.  He has since then continued to lead the church into the parade of victories.

photo courtesy of eagle news dot ph

The number of membership continues to grow, brethren tirelessly getting involved in massive evangelical missions--- not only here in various parts of the country but around the world as well where locales of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) are established.  Aid for humanity has continued as the church recognizes the love for our fellowmen.  Magnificent houses of worship have been dedicated to God, and thousand more barangay chapels have risen in order to accommodate and bring closer the place of worship to the growing number of worshipers.  Hundreds of new ministers ordained, and many church workers taking their oath to carry out the ministerial duties that God has given them--- all for the sake of the church.  Thousands of church officers added to be with the church administration in edifying the brethren.  Various church activities, spearheaded by the Christian Family Organizations, are being held in order to solidify more the brotherhood and bonding of families--- all being done under the dynamic leadership of our beloved church administrator, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, with the guidance and blessings of our LORD God!

Trials may have tested the church a year after its centennial anniversary but God proved that His church administration and His Nation in these last days are really His.  He upheld our dear Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo and defended His Church against the traitors.  And yes, just barely a year after persecuting the church, the traitors who want to put our administrator down have been put to shame and confusion.  Just like God's promise to His people:

"My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion." - Psalm 71:24, NIV

Today's technology has been put into very good use by the church administration.  Brethren all over the world get the chance to participate in many special worship services officiated by Bro. Eduardo through webex link.  This enables him to reach many brethren as possible through the use of modern day technology.  

Personally, if there is one thing that really made me admire our beloved Executive Minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, it is his uncompromising obedience to God which example he actually showed in what may be the most trying times of his life.  "We wish to reiterate that the INC is not a family corporation."  I have heard it myself, uttered by our dear Executive Minister in one of the worship services he officiated.  The traitors may say anything they want but they can not take away the fact that Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo stood for what is right, obeyed God, and put the church's interest more than anything else and over anyone who chose to follow their own personal interests and self-gain.  Undoubtedly, Bro. Eduardo possesses the traits of a true servant of God, His rightful church administrator.  As a member and church officer, I promise to be united with the church administrator for as long as I live, for being in unity with the church administration is being in union with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ.  My family prays to God that we continue to hold our divine duties in the church, continuously be in unity with the church administration, and be with him in edifying the brethren.. for all of us to be steadfast in our faith, until the second coming of our LORD Jesus Christ.

GOD bless the Iglesia Ni Cristo.  GOD bless the church administration.  All glory and honor to God's most Holy Name!

Related read:  7 years of victorious, expert, and magnificent leadership