Baguio Feast Site

Baguio City once again was one of three Feast of Tabernacles sites for the United Church of God in the Philippines. For five consecutive years now, the Feast has been held at the conference hall of the “Ang Ating Tahanan” grounds of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines located in Baguio City.

The Feast started out with the opening night message being given to us by our minister from Dagupan City, Eriz Dizon. We were expecting attendance to be about 90, lower than last year due to brethren transferring to other Philippine Feast sites; but we were very much encouraged to see the number exceeding our expectations, as the attendance reached its highest on the sixth day at 125!

We were likewise encouraged by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Franks, who shared the Feast with us for the first two days before proceeding to our Iloilo and Davao Feast sites. Mr. Franks gave very inspiring and encouraging messages that helped us focus more on our mission of seeking first and foremost God’s Kingdom and being fully determined to make it there with God’s help.

We were excited to see this year’s Festival video featuring our brethren in Africa. The video helped us better appreciate our brethren in that part of the world, and the challenges that they are facing. In spite of those challenges, we are sharing in that very same hope of a wonderful world tomorrow, as pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles.

The brethren enjoyed an earlier than usual Festival show on the second day of the Feast. A variety of songs, music and folk dances were performed and presented by the brethren themselves to the delight of everyone present, especially our honored overseas guests. Other activities were likewise enjoyed by both the young and old alike. Among the activities were the youth and family day, city tour and the seniors’ dinner. There was also a film showing and a “videoke” activity as well.

With all the enjoyment and the spiritually inspiring messages we received during this Feast, we again felt the Feast had ended too quickly. Nevertheless, we felt that this was indeed the best spiritual Feast ever.

—Reported by Rey Evasco

Iloilo Feast Site

At the Feast in Punta Villa, Iloilo, attendance soared to 164, almost double from the year 2002. Attendance for 2004 was 130, 105 for 2003 and 85 for 2002. This year, for the first time, foreign guests from the United States numbered 16; Australia, 6; Sabah, East Malaysia, 13; and Hong Kong, 1.

Activities during the Feast included Family Day, Youth Day, Entertainment and Dance Night and Seniors’ Night. Each congregation contributed a number for the Entertainment Night.

Added to the rejoicing and enjoyment of the brethren was the roasted calf and overflowing ice cream, offered to everyone through the generosity of the brethren from Manila. The brethren also enjoyed the gifts that were given by our foreign brethren.

Another highlight of the Feast was the baptism of eight people from Manila, Leyte, Antique and Sabah.

We were blessed with the messages given by our visiting minister, Jim Franks, whose excellent contribution left us all spiritually uplifted. The Festival video, which focused on the work of the Church to preach the truth of God and giving light to those who are in spiritual darkness, was very inspiring and was very much appreciated by the brethren.

The venue of the Feast in Iloilo promoted closeness and unity as all of the Feastgoers stayed in one resort. The brethren ate their meals together and had the privilege of using most of the resort facilities for free. That included the use of three swimming pools, a playground and a basketball court, all granted exclusively to us by the resort management.

Resort personnel were always happy to welcome our group as they have experienced how we conduct ourselves. Many comments were heard that we are the only group that is responsible, orderly, humble and always radiating joy.

What made this Feast truly a great success was the love and concern of everyone toward each other. All expressed gratitude and heartfelt thanks to our loving Father for His calling and the opportunity to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.

—Reported by Florante Siopan

Davao Feast Site

Amidst several firsts, the Davao Festival site registered an in-camp attendance count of 335, which was a 10 percent increase over last year. Other statistics included nine infants blessed, five baptisms and one ordination into the eldership—that of Paul M. Cebrian Sr. Those baptized were Herculano Baring, Renante and Lorena Angana, Anndy Lou Cuizon and Meryl Lynn Macaraeg.

Apart from the standard daily morning services, afternoon activities included livelihood workshops on various trades, a new and challenging youth and singles activity; a seniors’ social; a family sports day with fruit festival; and a Bible study with Q&A on the Sabbath afternoon.

Evening activities included a presentation of the Festival video on the opening night and on the eve of the Last Great Day, fellowship and family nights, a Spokesman and Graduate Club graduation dinner, a colorful variety show, and a helpful Bible study.

This Feast featured other special blessings: a roasted calf was served on both the first and last day and many gifts and goodies were distributed during the Feast.

Topping our list of spiritual blessings were the three inspiring sermons delivered by Council of Elders member Jim Franks, who was visiting with his wife, Sharron.

Looking from both the physical and spiritual aspects, the Feast this year was blessed by God to be our greatest thus far.

—Reported by Edmond D. Macaraeg