A Day in a Life of a Child Taekwondo Champ

Yesterday, August 31, 2009 while the nation is giving tribute to our national heroes, we took time out in a cozy place in Miranda, San Luis (Pampanga) as R&R day for Kyle F. Taruc, the child Taekwondo champ playing for Meycauayan (Bulacan) Team and for his school's Team, the Ateneo Grade school where Kyle is studying in grade 1.

With dad Louie and grandparents (Estong, Saling, Josh and Rose) Kyle enjoyed the facilities of the private resort, along with his playmates from the place. Some photos of Kyle's R&R day are hereby posted.

On a semestral break in October, Kyle is scheduled to visit his mom in California where he will see the famous (original) Disneyland and other "must-see" places for children in the vicinity of San Francisco, Newark, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Diego. Kyle is the first grandson of this blogger. (30)

60 Attend Dr. E. Daniel's Christian Education Symposium@CLSU, Nueva Ecija

Christian Educ Symposium in Pictures:

The symposium on the "Role of Christian Education on Human Moral and Spiritual Growth and Development" held today (Aug 29, 2009) at the CLSU Interfaith Chapel was attended by over 60 brethren and friends from the various groups like the Churches of Christ in Nueva Ecija (Cluster V), Munoz Church, student sector notably by the campus-based Gamma Epsilon fraternity/sorority, and the children's department of neighboring churches. Its main speaker was Dr. Eleanor A. Daniel of USA and Austria, who despite her inability to stand for long time, has clearly put across her message on the Words of God as it relates to one's spiritual and moral development. She underscored 4-point evaluation criteria for one's growth and development such as producing fruits of good works, acquisition of more knowledge from the Bible, possession of good values like patience and courage, and sharing the knowledge with others. She differentiated the children from the teenagers and adults in terms of development process and interests. After the presentation, open forum followed where audience was given the chance to ask questions. Church elder Bro. Rod Nonog moderated the open form.

Other parts of the symposium program included Praise and Worship led by Munoz P/W Team, introduction of participants and speaker, simple merienda fellowship and Christian greetings.

The symposium is the project of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) with Sto. Tomas/CLSU Church of Christ as host, in collaboration with the recognized campus organization Gamma Epsilon Fraternity/Sorority as approved by the CLSU office of Student Affairs. (JSF blogs)

Evening Baptism for 2 Souls

Two newly born-again Christians were immersed today, August 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM, in the baptistry of Munoz Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija, as officiated by STCC elder Bro. Josue S. Falla. They are husband-wife Bro. Ramon Caibio, Jr. and Sis. Gigi Caibio, the newest added couple in the Sto. Tomas Church family which hold weekly Sunday morning (8:00 AM) celebration at the CLSU Interfaith Chapel at the campus of the Central Luzon State University.

Even before they were baptized, Jojo (short name of Ramon, Jr.) and Gigi had been assisting the STCC Praise and Worship Team in leading the worship service. "To keep everything especially our involvement to Praise and Worship Team in the proper perspective, we have to be baptized first", said the couple. The occasion was capped by simple dinner fellowship among brethren during this baptism night. (30)

Dr. Eleanor A. Daniel's Symposium on Christian Education@CLSU, Nueva Ecija All Set

Hosted by the CCST (Church of Christ at Sto. Tomas/CLSU), the symposium on "Role of Christian Education on Human (Moral and Spiritual) Growth and Development" by Dr. Eleanor Daniel is all set for implementation on Saturday, 29 August 2009. The tentative Program is as follows:

8:00 Registration and Ushering, c/o Sis. Rose B. Falla (Deaconess)

8:30 Praise and Worship led by Munoz Church P/W Team, Bro. Bon Miguel (Team Leader)

8:45 Opening Prayer & Welcome Remarks by Dr. Josue S. Falla (Elder)

8:50 Introduction of Symposium Speaker by Prof. Ross Wissmann (Dean, ICCM)

9:05 Speech/Presentation by Dr. Eleanor A. Daniel, Christian Educator

11:00 Open Forum (Question-and-Answer)c/o Pastor Arthur Santiago President,ICCM
11:20 Announcements/Acknowledgement c/o Church Elder

11:30 Closing Song c/o Munoz Church P/W Team

11:35 Closing Prayer and Benediction by Church Minister

Three-Fold Amen

Dr. Eleanor A. Daniel, a renowned Christian Educator from the USA and Austria is in the country as guest faculty of the International Christian College of Manila. She is an authority on VBS (Vacation Bible School) and has authored several books on Christian education and related areas. She will stay in the Philippines for another days. (30)

Pax et Bonum! GE/GLE Celebrate 46th Founding Anniversary

25 August 1963 - 25 August 2009. Today, the entire brotherhood/sisterhood under the Gamma Epsilon/Gamma Lambda Epsilon celebrate 46th founding anniversary. The month-long celebration culminates on Tuesday, the official anniversary date.

Brethren from all over the world celebrate the occasion in various ways : tree-planting, environmental preservation activities like waste recycling, "no plastic" advocacy, dental mission, fun-run, simple fellowship or what have you.

To all brods and siss in this organization, happy anniversary and may we'll have more to come.

The Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and the Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority belong to the Greek-lettered fraternal organizations based in selected colleges and universities in the Philippines. It was founded at the University of Sto. Tomas, Espana, Manila on August 25, 1963. Today, there are three known living founders of this fraternity – Bro. Syd Vasquez (Abra), Bro. Albert Martinez (Candon City) and Bro. Amor Gaborno (Canada). The Gamma Epsilon is more popularly known in the fraternity/sorority circle for the following : “Group of Young Executives” as English equivalent name; “Two-headed eagle” as its icon; “Two heads are better than one” as its slogan; “Pax et bonum” as its greetings-expression, and has adopted The Beatle’s “All My Loving” as its theme song. (30)

CLEAN To Be Registered in SEC as Nueva Ecija Church of Christ

For the pastors (ministers and elders) who are members of the Church Leaders' Association of Nueva Ecija (CLEAN)to obtain government license to officiate marriages and similar civil ceremonies, officers of this Association decided to register itself under a name most legally acceptable to Philippine government laws like "Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija", but maintaining absolute local autonomy among the local churches rooted from Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement.

This was decided in a meeting last Saturday, August 22, 2009 after a series of consultation among the local churches. To stand as "incorporators" of "Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija (CCNE)are the current CLEAN officers led by its president Bro. Arnold Juliano, and some BOT members like Bro. Roger Miguel, Bro. Melchor Gervacio, Bro. Manny Reyes, Sr., Bro. Josue Falla and others. (Pls see posted photos)

This SEC-registration is another turning point for the (nondenominational) Churches of Christ in Nueva Ecija, in a bid to strengthen unity and coordination but sustaining the local autonomy.

CLEAN is the association of leaders in 32 local congregations of Nueva Ecija churches of Christ rooted on Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. (30)

"Workplace is in itself a mission field", ICCM Graduates told

Members of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) constituency gathered together in its campus in Antipolo City last Monday, August 17, 2009 to celebrate its victory as a full-fledged Bible college under the government's Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Proof of which is the issuance of SO (Special Order) among the 19 graduates of the first batch under CHED-accreditation. Among the school officials then who graced the occasion were Dr. J. Falla (BOT Chair), Prof. R. Wissmann (Academic Dean), Bro. Arthur Santiago (President), Bro. Ernesto Sta. Ana (BOT Vice Chair), Bro. Edwin Reyes (BOT Member) Dr. Gary Knapp (KA Representative and Guest Faculty of ICCM) and Mrs. Gina Reyes (Registrar).

Dr. Knapp provided the inspirational message, while this blogger gave a closing remarks where he challenged the graduates to apply what they have learned from ICCM. He also said he is looking forward to every graduate getting appropriate job and/or ministry, as the workplace is in itself a good mission field. The SO which CHED issued is a passport that qualifies the holder to seek employment both in the government and private institutions. Finally, they were told to upgrade themselves continuously as education does not end at ICCM, but it is a life-long process.

The victory party was capped through a phot-op session and a sumptuous dinner fellowship. All praises be to the Heavenly Father. (JSF blogs)

STCC Co-sponsors Nueva Ecija Cluster 5 Churches' Leadership Seminar

The Sto. Tomas Church of Christ which hold its weekly Sunday celebration at the CLSU Interfaith Chapel co-sponsors the Saturday-seminar series on Christian leadership for cluster 5 Churches namely San Jose City, Sto. Tomas, Bakal II, Malayantoc, Maligaya and San Francisco churches of Christ.

The seminar series kicks-off last Saturday, August 15 with at least 10 students and 4back staff. The students are Abner Gervacio (San Francisco), Leopoldo Perez (Bakal II), Ramon Macapagal and Junji Alvarez (San Jose City), and Jaime Peregrino, Isidro Hernaez, Magno Fabros, Saul Fulgencio, Bong Juliano and Rodolfo Juliano (Maligaya). Backstopping is provided by Josue S. Falla, Manny Reyes Sr., and Arnold Juliano. The main lecturer-teacher is Bro. Melchor Gervacio. Seminar series shall be until December 2009 and will expectedly culminate through some kind of Retreat.

During this first meeting, the 2 topics discussed were Ang Mabisang Pag-aaral ng Bibliya and, Ang Mabuting Tagapagturo ng Bibliya

For the first workshop, the participants were told to identify as many teachable topics as possible from the golden verse John 3:16. Result of such workshop yielded at least 9 thoughts worthy of being a topic in a Sunday School - Love, Give or Gift, Believe or Faith, Security, Salvation, Eternal Life, Reward, World and Jesus Christ the begotten son. From the identified topic, each will prepare an outline for future presentation.

The next sesion shall be on September 5, 2009 (as August 22 and 29 were occupied for the CLEAN meeting at Munoz Church, and the Eleanor Daniel's symposium on Christian Education at CLSU Interfaith Chapel, respectively. (JSF blogs)

More About 2009 On-Farm Adaptability Trials of PhilSCAT

During this transition year (2009) of the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT), the Center evaluates on-farm performance of at least 3 lines developed during its Phase I operations (2003-2008). These lines are named PhilSCAT 3, 4 and 6, perhaps the most promising of the 7 lines that PhilSCAT have at the moment. These shall be compared to 2 commercially adopted test varieties namely Mestizo 1 and PSB Rc82 planted side-by-side with the PhilSCAT lines. Trial sites are in Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Bagabag, Nueva Viscaya, and San Jose City, Nueva Ecija with Mr. Ireneo Cuison, Orlando Simon and Dominador Ercilla as farmer-cooperators, respectively. Local agri-technicians covering the area are Mr. Ponciano B. Guina, Jr of NIA-ARIIP, Mr. Gaspar D. Baysa of NVSU and Mr. Jonathan Gamilla of LGU-San Jose City.

Each of the sites were planted with the said 5 varieties at 5,000 sq.m (or 1,000 sq.m per variety) at the rate of 20 kilograms per hectare at 20 cm. x 20 cm. spacing. Transplanting was done on July 20, 29 and 30 for San Jose City, Urdaneta City and Bagabag, NV, respectively. This time, the collaborating agencies of PhilSCAT are the National Irrigation Administration – Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (NIA-ARIIP), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the local government of San Jose City (LGU-San Jose).

The Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) is a special R and D agency under the Department of Agriculture. It implements the collaborative program in agriculture and related fields between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as the lead implementor and the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as partners. PhilSCAT’s technology scope under Phase I (2003-2008) is Hybrid Rice and Agri-Mechanization. (30)

International Christian Educator Visits the Philippines

Dr. Eleanor A. Daniel, a renowned Christian educator from America will arrive in the country on August 22, 2009 upon the invitation of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM, of which this blogger is a part of). Among others, her purpose of coming here is to share her expertise on Christian Education, where she will be the main speaker in the symposium on "Role of Christian Education on One's Moral and Spiritual Growth", which will be held at the campus of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Munoz, Science City, Nueva Ecija. The symposium, which is open to the public, shall be hosted by Sto. Tomas Church of Christ (which hold Her weekly Sunday celebration, 8:00 AM at the Interfaith Chapel of CLSU).

Eleanor Daniel is a nationally known specialist in Christian Education. Having taught Emmanuel summer session courses for several years as an Adjunct Professor, she joined the Emmanuel faculty full-time in the summer of 1994. She served as the Seminary’s Dean from 1995–2002. She was the first faculty member to hold the Dorothy Keister Walker Chair of Christian Education. She now divides her time between teaching at Emmanuel during the winter and spring terms and serving as dean of the TCMI Institute in Austria in the summer and fall.
In addition to authoring several books, Dr. Daniel has contributed chapters to several books and written many articles on Christian education and related topics. Along with her distinguished teaching career at the college and seminary level, she has nineteen years of experience serving congregations in Ohio, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Illinois as minister of education. When teaching seminary students she draws on a rich supply of formal academic preparation and practical experience in the local church.
Professor Daniel’s cross-cultural experience includes regular leadership training seminars for Eastern European students who come each year to Haus Edelweiss near Vienna, Austria. She has also done consultation work and teaching in Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and India.
After completing both the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, Professor Daniel earned the Master of Education and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the University of Illinois. Her expertise in higher education has led to her being called upon to chair self-study committees for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the American Association of Bible Colleges, the Ohio Board of Regents, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Seminaries.

Church Members To Benefit From GEI Dental Mission; Tree-Planting in Laguna Successful

The Dental Mission by the Gamma Epsilon Int'l (GEI) scheduled on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the CLSU Multi-Purpose Gymnasium (CLSU-MPG shall benefit, among many other people, members and friends of Nueva Ecija Churches of Christ (Cluster 5)from Sto. Domingo, Talavera, Munoz and San Jose City. This blogger announced the free Dental service by this fraternal organization (GEI) among the aforementioned flocks (Churches) who said they will avail of this noble community service.

According to Bro. Raul Abadejos, GEI-NCR Chair, this is part of the frat's 46th anniversary (month-long) celebration. The group of brethren Dentists and assistants will leave Manila at 6 AM, and thus expected to be in the campus before 10 AM.

Meanwhile, the tree-planting activity of GEI in Siniloan, Laguna was a big success. Over 100 GEI brethren trek to the hills of this town hoping to keep our environment greener than ever. Bro. Rafael Rodolfo, GEI national treasurer photo-documented the activity as hereby posted.

The Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and the Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority belong to the Greek-lettered fraternal organizations based in selected colleges and universities in the Philippines. It was founded at the University of Sto. Tomas, Espana, Manila on August 25, 1963. Today, there are three known living founders of this fraternity –Bro. Syd Vasquez (Abra), Bro. Albert Martinez (Candon City) and Bro. Amor Gaborno (Canada). The Gamma Epsilon is more popularly known in the fraternity/sorority circle for the following : “Group of Young Executives” as English equivalent name; “Two-headed eagle” as its icon; “Two heads are better than one” as its slogan; “Pax et bonum” as its greetings-expression, and has adopted The Beatle’s “All My Loving” as its theme song. (30)

Gamma Epsilon Int'l Celebrates 46th Anniversary

August is the anniversary month of the Gamma Epsilon Fraternity/Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority. And for this 46th year (1963-2009) of its existence, this organization has metamorphosed from mere collegiate service organization to an international brotherhood of both students and alumni members alike with chapters in America, Canada, Middle East, Europe and other continents. And as ever, Gamma Epsilon International will celebrate its anniversary by asserting its advocacy on environmental preservation.

This blogger congratulates all brothers and sisters in this Frat/Soro on their 46th anniversary celebration. "GE for Green Earth" as this year's anniversary theme shall be observed through various ways such as tree-planting, waste recycling, sustained advocacy through GE t-shirt promotion, and what have you.

Here at CLSU Pi Chapter, there will be a Dental Mission Service on August 16 as a form of community service. This is sponsored by the National Council and hosted by CLSU Pi Chapter. CLSU community and its vicinity shall be served.

There will be a national tree-planting activity in Laguna, and most if not all Luzon chapters are expected to join the planting on August 9, 2009. Details of this has been posted in most GE sites.

The NCR Council shall have a grand fellowship at Pagcor, Las Pinas to celebrate the GE/GLE victory all these years. It will be held on August 23, 2009.

Meanwhile, the UPLB Omega Chapter shall have sports activity and fellowship on August 24, 2009. Its tambayan is located beneath the Student Union (SU) building. Meet more brethren there.

Again, congrats brod and siss, and wishing us all more years and a genuine brotherhood the Gamma Epsilon (Courtesy, Obedience and Truthfulness) way. Pax et bonum! (30)

Time Has Come

"Time has come" is the theme of graduation ceremonies of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) last March 2009 when 20 Bachelor of Theology (BTh) graduates took a final bow to their alma mater. Today, August 3, 2009, time has come when this graduates received their respective Special Order (SO) number from the Commision of Higher Education (CHED), proof that they have successfully completed the requirements for graduation for CHED-accredited schools.

The SO number is so important for these graduates in seeking employment in both government and private employers, and for taking state examinations required of practicing their professions like teaching and similar career services. Thus, having SO number is a step towards professionalizing Christian education and/or leadership. All praises be to the heavenly Father !

Because of this development in a Bible college, ICCM constituents shall hold a victory party next week which aim is to praise and worship God for the blessings received. Among others, the party shall be led by ICCM officers like Dean Ross Wissmann, President Arthur Santiago, BOT Chair Dr. Josue Falla, College Registrar Gina Reyes and Kingdom's Ambassador (KA) fellow/representative Gary Knapp.

The International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) was established in 2001 as the Philippine centennial (1901-2001) college of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches rooted from the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. It is a boarding coed school with campus at Antipolo City (beside Budgetlane Mall) which facilities can conveniently accommodate 100 people at a time. (30)

PhilSCAT Promotes Agricultural Modernization

Lest we forget, and true to AFMA (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act) mandate, the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) is promoting the use of modern agricultural technologies regardless of the brand or country of origin of such body of knowledge. This blog hopes to clarify issue that this Center is favoring specifically the Chinese agri-technologies to the detriment of others, including our locally developed ones. Currently, PhilSCAT focuses its promotion activity on the 2 commodities which are time-tested to increase farm productivity - Hybrid Rice and Agri-Mechanization.

While current PhilSCAT technologies are of Chinese-origin tested for local adaptation, this University-based Center definitely honors farmers' choice of agri-technologies they deem appropriate for their farms. PhilSCAT technologies are just another shopping options for the Filipino farmers which were proven highly adaptable under Philippine conditions.

The Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) is a special R and D agency under the Department of Agriculture. It implements the collaborative program in agriculture and related fields between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China, with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as the lead implementor and the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as partners. PhilSCAT's current technology scope under Phase I (2003-2008) is Hybrid Rice and Agri-mechanization. (30)