A Sad Day

Update: September 7, 2009: Bro. Erano G. Manalo, a.k.a. Ka erdy, was laid to rest on Monday, Septembr 7, 2009 at the Tabernacle, inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo compound in Central, Quezon City, Philippines. The funeral was attended by the members of the Church's administration, government dignitaries, and thousands of mourning members of the Church.

President Aurora Macapagal-Arroyo declared this day as a National Day of Mourning in honor of Ka Erdy. Vice President Noli de Castro partook in the ceremonial handing over of the Philippine flag in honor of Ka Erdy, which he handed over to Sister Christina "Tenny" Manalo, Ka erdy's widow.

The ceremony was very solemn and very simple. Some politicians dubbed the funeral a simple, but fit for a King emanating from the respect and adulation shown by the throngs of mourners. There was no eulogy, no mass, and no prayer for the dead...as it should be.

Thousands of mourners watched the live telecast of the funeral on the big screen outside of Templo Central, Quezon City, not hindered by the heavy downpour of rain, extreme fatigue from lining up for hours, and hunger. Some were sick, some were very old, some even had to travel hours just to get there...some were even in line for days. Members from across the Philippines and all over the world watched the live telecast via satellite and Internet.

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September 2, 2009:

A day after I celebrated my 45th birthday, a very important person passed away. Our dearly beloved Bro. Erano G. Manalo died on August 31, 2009 (Monday) at 3:53pm. I could not stop crying when I found out...my daughter who never met him, but felt his undying love for our church also wept. Even my husband shed tears of sorrow.

I wrote my thoughts on Facebook for the Iglesia Ni Cristo to sum up what I feel--
Few people walk on earth that leave a lasting mark. We lost one of them on August 31st. He may be gone, but his memory will live on forever. Like a candle in the dark...his light will guide us through. He will be greatly missed.

Watching the live online coverage of the wake, I see throngs of brethren paying their last respects. I wish my husband, daughter and I could be there. How I long to see him again. Nevertheless, we are there in spirit. We also pray for all of us who are still living...that we may be able to finish our journey until the second coming of our Lord, just as our dear brother wished and prayed for when he was alive. In heaven...we will all meet each other, all the members who are still living and those that went before us to see the glory of our Lord God's presence. May we all reach that blessed place.

July 27, 2009 Marked INC's 95th Anniversary

Oh joyous day, oh joyous day---July 27, 2009 was a joyous day.

Luckily, I had already planned and got an approval to take my vacation from work from July 27 through July 31. July 31st being our wedding anniversary. Spring time 2009, the church had been in full gear towards preparation for this milestone.

My vacation turned out to be better than planned. Patrick, Jessica and I went to San Jose HP Pavilion to join the throngs of INC (Iglesia Ni Cristo) members from Northern and Southern California to attend the 95th year celebration. We stayed from beginning until the end of the program. I felt so proud being a member of the true church. I have always been since I was a child. Having parents who were active in the church-- they both passed away and resting in peace. As a youngster I was already holding offices in the church. Something that I try to inculcate with my own daughter. Serve selflessly for the glorification of our Almighty Father in heaven!

The collection of videos called "Chosen", which are inspirational stories from brethrens across the globe, the hymns, the lecture, the musical special with special guests Lea Salonga and the speech from the Deputy Executive and Executive Ministers touched our hearts deeply. As my daughter would always say when she hears or read something that is thought-provoking..."That's deep!".

As we journey back home...which too an hour and a half (not counting our dinner stop at Denny's in San Jose), we spent talking about the day's event and re-affirmed our faith.

Glory be to God the Father in heaven and to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Amen.