Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines - Message of President Aquino on the preparations for the visit of Pope Francis

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The country prepares and getting ready for Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 19, 2015.

President Aquino will meet His Holiness upon arrival and during a welcome ceremony at Malacañan Palace. On Saturday, Pope Francis will travel to Tacloban City, where he will meet with Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

In view of the visit of the Pope, the Head of State of the Vatican City, President Benigno S. Aquino III appeal to the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure His Holiness’ safety.

Yesterday, President Aquino addressed the nation regarding the government's preparations for the visit of Pope Francis.

Mensahe ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas Hinggil sa pagbisita ng Santo Papa 

[Inihayag noong ika-12 ng Enero 2015]

Mga Boss, malaking karangalan po ang pagbisita ng Santo Papa sa ating bansa; kaakibat nito, humaharap din po tayo sa isang malaking hamon. Tingnan na lang po ninyo noong 1995 nang idinaos ang World Youth Day sa ating bansa, na pinamunuan ni Pope John Paul II. Punong-puno ang Luneta at dikit-dikit ang mga tao. Dagdag ko lang po: ganito na kapuno noon nang 68 million ang populasyon natin; ngayong 100 milyon na tayo, gaano karami pa kaya ang darating sa misa ni Pope Francis sa Luneta?

Siyempre po, lahat ng tao, gustong makita nang personal ang Santo Papa. Nariyan ang libo-libong mag-aabang sa convoy ng Santo Papa, at ang milyon-milyon na lalahok sa Luneta. Ang pagsisiksikan at pagkagigil na makalapit sa Santo Papa, maaaring maging mitsa para magkagulo. Isipin na lang po ninyo: Kapag maraming tao ang kumilos nang kahit isang pulgada paharap, malaking espasyo ang masasakop. Kung wala nang lugar na gagalawan, malamang ay may maiipit sa mga barikada. Nagsimula lang po ang lahat ng iyan sa kagustuhang makalapit sa Santo Papa.

Paano pa kaya kung magkahabulan dahil sa may mandurukot? O kaya may isang walang magawa at biglang magpaputok ng labintador? Pihadong magtatakbuhan at magkakatulakan, at nariyan ang potensiyal na marami ang masaktan.

Pansinin din po ninyo: disiplinado ang tao noong wala ang convoy; nang dumating po ang convoy, kanya-kanya na. Kung nagtagumpay ang mga nakaharang na makalapit sa Santo Papa, at tumigil ang convoy, ang dating moving target naging stationary target na. Isipin ninyo kung may nadaganan pa, o kaya naapakan dahil sa pag-uunahan. Di naman kailangang may mapahamak na sinuman.

Tingnan na rin po ninyo ang video na ito: inatake si Pope John Paul II sa loob mismo ng Vatican. Nariyan din ang insidente nang magmimisa si Pope Benedict XVI, nang sunggaban siya sa loob ng katedral; pati na rin ang paglundag ng mga tao patungo sa kanyang pope mobile.

Tandaan po natin: Pastoral visit ito, at layon ng Santo Papa na makahalubilo ang pinakamarami sa ating mga kababayan. Ang bawat pagtatagpo ay nagdadala ng panganib. Ang gusto natin: Bawasan ang mga panganib sa buhay ng Santo Papa, at balansehin ang seguridad ni Pope Francis at ang kanyang hangarin.

Walang duda na sa malaking pagtitipon tulad nito, posible ang gulo. Maski walang banta ng terorismo, at lalo na kung may planong magpasimula ng gulo, nagbabadya ang peligro na magdadala ng pinsala sa napakaraming lalahok.

Kaya naman, para maging makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng Santo Papa, kailangan natin ng pagdadamayan at pagbabayanihan. Malinaw na napakalaki ng hamong dala ng pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa ating bansa; nakataya rito ang kaligtasan niya, ng nakaparaming dadalo sa kanyang mga gawain at mag-aabang sa kanya. Ang mismong karangalan ng ating bansa, malalagay sa alanganin. Ang tanong ko nga po: Gusto ba nating matala sa kasaysayan na nangyari sa Pilipinas ang isang trahedya na may kinalaman sa Santo Papa?

Obligasyon ng gobyerno ang inyong kaligtasan, at para magampanan ang tungkuling ito ay may obligasyon din kayo. Sa mga darating na araw, maglalabas ng mga paaalala hinggil sa patakarang panseguridad sina Secretary Mar Roxas at Undersecretary Manuel Bautista. Ang panawagan po namin: Makinig po tayo, at makiisa sa pagbabahagi ng impormasyon.

Pihado po: Malalaktawan natin ang napakalaking hamon na ito sa inyong pakikisama at pagbabayanihan.

Ipakita po natin ang pakikisama at pagtutulungan, nang matiyak nating magiging mataimtim at mapayapa ang pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa ating bansa.

Magandang gabi po, maraming salamat, at inaasahan ko ang pakikiisa ninyo.

"We Are All God's Children" - Official Theme Song for the 2015 Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines

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Here is the Official Theme Song for the 2015 Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Do you see these children on the streets?

Have you walked the pavements where they sleep?

Do you feel their hands when you give them alms?

Did you ever give them bread to eat?

Have you seen their homes washed by the floods?

While a mother tightly holds her child

Do you hear the wind of the raging storm?

Can you tell them where it’s coming from?

Let us show our love and mercy

With true kindness and humility

For the God loves the weak and the needy

Just like you and me

We are all God’s children we are all the same

He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame

And learn what life is really for

It’s to know and love and serve the Lord

Stand together and let’s do our part

Hear their voices mend their broken hearts

Choose to be brave fight for their rights

Give them back their honor and their pride

Please do not be blind and just leave them behind

To struggle in darkness or give them empty promises

We are all God’s children we are all the same

He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame

And learn what life is really for

It’s to know and love and serve the Lord

It’s to know and love and serve the Lord

It’s to know and love and serve the Lord

Lyrics written and sung by Jamie Rivera with The Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir.

Music composed and arranged by Noel Espenida

Directed by Eric Teotico

Produced by Starmusic and Ligaya ng Panginoon

Published by Star Songs, Inc.

“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” – Pope Francis

Papal Coverage in Smart Araneta Coliseum

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The much-awaited event in the Christendom is set to happen this January, as Pope Francis conducts his first-ever apostolic visit to the country.

It is a chance to keep abreast of Pope Francis’ Papal visit to the country, LIVE on big screen.

To celebrate this global event, The Araneta Center, together with official media partner TV5, invites everyone to an exclusive coverage of the papal visit at The Smart Araneta Coliseum from January 16 to January 18, 2015. The event starts at 9 am until 1 pm, but gates will open as early as 7 in the morning. 

The papal streaming gives viewers the opportunity to vicariously share in Pope Francis’ meaningful journey through the Philippines, which will become the 3rd Asian country the Pope visits this year as head of the Catholic Church, after Sri Lanka and South Korea.

Also featured in the event is the “Tu Es Petrus Tour of Papal Relics”. Petrus is a Latin derivation of the name Peter that refers to all the Pope successors in the Catholic Church.

These relics include not only the mortal remains of the Popes who previously visited the country, bearing the title of “Saint” or “Blessed”, but also some of the things they touched or used. These were all authenticated and recognized by the Church, thus highly esteemed and valued for their sacredness.

Present in the exhibit are first and second class relics, from major to minor kinds, including blood stains, hair strands, and skull cap of Pope John Paul II, as well as the sacred zucchetto of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is in line with The Araneta Center’s public service efforts and genuine desire to fulfill its corporate social responsibility.

Admission is absolutely free! Tickets are now available in Gateway, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza concierge. T-shirts will also be given away to participants for free to serve as memento of the said event.

The relics are also available for viewing at the Gateway Activity Center from January 19 to January 31, 2015.

For more information on the Papal coverage at The Big Dome, visit www.aranetacenter.netand www.dearpopefrancis.ph

Superbook Season 2

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Good news to all Superbook lovers and fans! Finally, the long wait is over!

Superbook Season 2 will air on Philippine TV for the first time in ABS-CBN beginning October 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Packed with 13 all-new and exciting episodes, Superbook Season 2 is definitely the perfect bonding and learning time for the families.

Superbook lovers will surely enjoy watching their favorite Superbook characters Chris, Joy and Gizmo as Superbook surprises them to experience new adventures, meet new friends and new heroes, explore new places and discover new lessons based on the greatest story book ever written -The Bible.

For our first Superbook Season 2 episode, we will meet Jonah, a man who was tasked by God to do a very special mission. Will he do it? Find out this Satuday, October 11, 9:30 on ABS-CBN. Invite the whole family and your friends. Don't miss this amazing trip back in time!

Trailers c/o ABS-CBN:

Superbook Jonah episode: http://youtu.be/CRMTnMu_3d8

Superbook S2 World Premiere trailer: http://youtu.be/gV2Yl5mJmDs

Goin Bulilit on Superbook Season 2: http://youtu.be/TpSLfc3OEig

Pope Francis will visit the Philippines on Jan. 15 to 19

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Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle announces that Pope Francis will visit the Philippines on January 15 to 19, 2015.

Pope Francis

During a media briefing in Manila on Tuesday held in Intramuros, Manila,  Tagle said the Catholic hierarchy was encouraging the Filipino faithful to prepare for the Holy Father's visit by starting to pratice acts of "mercy and compassion." 

"We have received a letter from the Vatican City and the following message is being announced: 'Accepting the invitation of the civil authority and the bishops, his Holiness Pope Francis will make an Apostolic visit to Sri Lanka from January 12 to 15 and to the Philippines from January 15 to 19, 2015',” Tagle said.

According to the CBCP news, Pope Fancis' visit carries a message of pastoral love, mercy and compassion from a Pope with the scent of a Good Shepherd (cf. John 10). Even though, this will be the fourth papal visit to our nation, for Pope Francis he will be the third Pope to visit our country. As the Successor to the Chair of Peter, the Holy Father is coming to strengthen his brothers and sisters (cf. Luke 22:32).

 Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, with Papal nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto announces Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines set on January 15 to 19, 2015 during a media briefing in Intramuros Manila last Tuesday.

“The program of the visit will be made public by the Holy See later in the year. Thanks be to God.” 

According to Tagle, the Pope's visit would coincide with with the 20th anniversary of the World Youth Day celebration held in the Philippines in 1995. The late Pope John Paul II, who was declared a saint this year by Pope Francis, led the event two decades ago in Manila.

The central theme of the Papal visit was “mercy and compassion." 

“That has been the recurring theme not only of the teaching, of the homilies, but also of the actions of His Holy Father, so the bishops thought of using this as the theme,” Tagle said.

While no specific events have been finalized, Tagle said Pope would visit areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas as well as some places in Manila.

Asked what Filipinos can do to prepare for the visit, Tagle said, “We could prepare best by undergoing spiritual renewal, tasting the mercy of God, returning to God through the sacrament of reconciliation.”

He also urged Filipinos to engage in “specific actions of mercy,” as he reminded Catholics of the unique style of Pope Francis, which was already obvious on the first day of his papacy.

“He wants to journey with the people where they are,” he said.

Tagle noted that when Pope Francis blessed the mosaic of St. Pedro Calungsod at St. Peter’s Basilica back in November, he took time to include Filipinos in his prayers.

He said the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines encouraged the Filipino people to start observing acts of “mercy and compassion” as early as now in preparation for the Pope's visit.

“Spiritual preparation is the most important through spritual renewal, returning to the word of God, frequenting the eucharist, adoration, returning to God through the sacrament of reconciliation and confession, these are some of the ways by which we can prepare spiritually.” 

“Another way is for us to engage in specific actions of mercy. Sanayin natin ang ating sarili sa pagiging tao ng habag at pakikiramay...feeding the hungry, visiting those in prison, giving counsel to the suffering,” Tagle added.

Tagle said Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas as well as Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara will lead the Catholic Church's preparations for the Pope's visit.

President Benigno Aquino III has already designated Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as the government's lead point person in the preparations for the visit.

“The government joins the Filipino people in welcoming the Vatican's announcement that His Holiness Pope Francis will make an Apostolic visit to the Philippines. Filipinos will most certainly accord to Pope Francis the warmest hospitality and manifest the fervor of their faith as they welcome the first Pontiff from South America,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during the press conference.

“President Aquino is calling on all concerned government offices and the citizenry to work closely with the Papal Visit committee in ensuring the success of the Apostolic visit of Pope Francis,” Coloma added.

The theme of Pope Francis' visit is " Mercy and Compassion."

 

#PapalVisitPH

CBCPNews @cbcpnews

Superbook is now an official Kapamilya!

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Superbook, the well-loved animated series from the 80’s and 90’s along with its new reimagined version is now a Kapamilya!

Abs-Cbn welcomes Superbook to the Kapamilya family. Superbook is known as the television series spreading the Word of God to children and families. Superbook episodes will higlight values and emphasize the importance of being God-fearing, morally upright, and excellent citizens.

Just recently, Kapamilya executives and CBN Asia signed the contract to officially welcome Gizmo and the Superbook team to the Kapamilya Network and the contract signing held at the ELJ Towers, ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City.

“Of course, we are very happy that finally Superbook is with ABS-CBN because we really believe in this animation and because we feel we have the same objective to better the lives of the Filipino, and for the kids to the best always. We feel that we are in sync and we have the same objectives. Superbook was meant to be here,” said Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Head for Broadcast.

“It’s really God’s timing for Superbook to be in ABS-CBN. We have always wanted to reach a new audience to share God’s love with,” added Peter Kairuz, CBN Asia President.

Superbook will air in Tagalog so that more children will be able to understand and grasp the values and lessons incorporated in the animation.

Superbook Project Head Icko Gonzales also highlighted the quality of the animation of the new and reimagined Superbook.

“The really exciting thing about it is the people behind Superbook are award-winning creative people, producers and animators. Superbook has been remade to fit the taste of the younger generation," Gonzales said.

Superbook is expected to reach more homes as kids and the whole family can watch their favorite Superbook characters Gizmo, Chris and Joy and their timeless Bible adventures at the Kapamilya Channel without having to wake up early as in a more convenient timeslot.

Watch Superbook Classic every Saturday beginning July 12, 9:30 a.m. and Superbook Reimagined every Sunday starting July 13 at 9:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN. 

For more information on Superbook, check out the website www.batangsuperbook.com, LIKE its official fanpage www.facebook.com/batangsuperbook, and FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram @BatangSuperbook. •

Superbook is a multiyear series of world-class animated Bible stories, created by an Emmy® Award-winning team of writers and animators whose credits include Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. You’ll see incredible attention to biblical detail and accuracy as your kids learn God’s Word.

#superbookkapamilyana

Happy Easter Sunday

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Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events worldwide. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. The day symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and his triumph over the grave.

The holiday known around the world as Easter Sunday usually brings pleasant images, greetings, quotes, family gatherings, egg hunts, and visits from the Easter bunny.

The seven days before Easter Sunday is referred to as Holy Week, or the Passover season. These days are set aside to commemorate the brief life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Thankful and we think about the new life that we have in Jesus.

Easter Bible verses help us to meditate on the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

These verses help us to focus on the risen Christ and bring us hope for our eternal home in Heaven.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe in this?" John 11:25-26

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Co 1:18

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:8-11

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Co 15:55-57

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isa 53:4-5

"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died---more than that, who was raised to life-- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and become obedient to death --- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Php 2: 5-11

"Heaven is for Real"

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"Heaven is for Real" movie, based on the No.1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name - HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, brings to the screen the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world.

The movie Heaven Is For Real, a family drama starring Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church and directed by Randall Wallace. Screenplay by also Randall Wallace and Christopher Parker.

"Heaven Is For Real" stars Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® award winning actor Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly as Sonja Burpo, the real-life couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience, an emergency surgery.

Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth. Those are the things he couldn't possibly know. 

Todd is called upon by his congregation to explain the meaning of Colton's revelations, and he and his family are challenged to examine their faith and draw meaning from this remarkable event.

"Heaven Is For Real" movie hits theaters on April 16, 2014.

I have always faith in God. Life is not always easy but having faith gives me hope always. I believe that there is something beautiful out there for us all. I believe in God with all my heart and with all my soul.

That's true -  Heaven is for Real.

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

--- John 14:2-4

 #HeavenIsForRealMovie

Experience Love in Its Purest Form with Luv 2 Give!

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“Luv 2 Give” marries the passion of love and selfless giving as it encourages more people to help our kababayans in need.

The 700 Club Asia marks the season of love with its first series of special live episodes this year, dubbed “Luv 2 Give” on February 17-21, at 11:00 p.m. over GMA News TV.

The TV special hopes to raise more funds to be able to help more people through the CBN Asia Family of Ministries (CBN Asia Media that produces The 700 Club Asia, the top-rating Superbook and Tanikala; the organization’s humanitarian arm Operation Blessing; Asian Center for Mission and The Prayer Center).

“We want more people to experience the joy of pure love that comes with selfless giving. We just need to look around to see that there are thousands of people who need our help. Luv 2 Give is a wonderful platform where we could all join together in expressing love for others this love month by being cheerful givers,” says Peter Kairuz, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBN Asia and Operation Blessing and one of the hosts of The 700 Club Asia.

Peter adds: “Luv 2 Give hopes to showcase two of the best virtues of the Filipinos—loving and giving. Giving is one of the best expressions of love and the Filipinos are known for their giving spirit.”

EXPERIENCE true love and be a part of “Luv 2 Give.” Share your love with others in need through giving this love month and experience pure joy! 

Celebrities invite people to watch Luv 2 Give:

Team Kramer: http://youtu.be/7DSu7GvHW5Y

Kuh Ledesma: http://youtu.be/iH7bTyQ0I8Q

"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!" Feast of Black Nazarene 2014

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"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!"

The Feast of Black Nazarene, annual event every January 9th. It commemorates the 'Traslación' or Passage of life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ through procession or transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo Church, Manila.

Highlight of the celebration is the grand procession of sea of devotees from Quirino Grandstand at seven in the morning.

(Photo: Jim Guiao Punzalan)

The organizers said that an estimate of 12 million people are expected to join the activities for  the Feast of Black Nazarene.

MMDA releases Feast of Black Nazarene 2014 procession route, traffic rerouting scheme. Since the procession will not pass through the usual route, McArthur Bridge, which the Department of Public Works and Highways said is only fit to handle 20 tons or 10,000 people at any given time, the procession is expected to last 10 to 12 hours.

Here's a map detailing the parade route of the annual procession for the Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

Route from Quirino Grandstand (Luneta), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos, left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, thru under Quezon Bridge, left Quezon Blvd., right Fraternal, right Vergara, left Duque de Alba, left Castillejos, left farnecio, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer, right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen, left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat, left Guzman, right Hidalgo, left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church.

Here are the Traffic Re-routing scheme for Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

1. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or right to A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.

2. All vehicles coming from Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right at A. Villegas (Arroceros), right at Quezon Bridge to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound of Roxas Blvd. from T. M. Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right to T.M. Kalaw to point of destination.

4. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of Espana shall turn right P. Campa, left Andalucia, right Fuguso, left T. Mapua to point of destination.

5. All PUJ’s/light vehicles coming from Espana intending to proceed to South Pier Zone take the usual route using Quezon Bridge.

6. All vehicles coming from Divisoria intending to utilize the stretch of C. Recto Avenue shall turn left to T. Alonzo, right at Furguso, right at Andalucia to point of destination.

7. All vehicles coming from Legarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.

8. All heavy vehicles/cargo trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmena, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong (vice-versa).

Some notes from MMDA:

1. All motorist intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilized the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan (vice-versa) or to utilized the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd. (vice-versa) to point of destination.

2. All buses coming from southern part of Manila (Laguna and Cavite) utilizing Taft Ave. are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 12:00 NN and allowed only up to Pres. Quirino as their turning point. #mmda 

THE Manila City Council has declared January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a special non-working holiday in the city.

A resolution passed on first reading by the council said the feast would highlight the “religious significance and cultural importance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene” and that there is truly a need to “preserve, enshrine, and promote its observance, commemoration, and celebration in the City of Manila.”

Councilor DJ Bagatsing who authored the ordinance, said that it is essentially sound for Manila to propose a local holiday on the Feast of Black Nazarene. 

“This would give loyal worshippers a better chance of engaging in this sacred tradition,” Councilor DJ Bagatsing added.

The city had earlier announced the suspension of classes on Thursday to spare students from being stranded because of the expected deluge of devotees. 

Barefoot devotees will again be allowed in trains, according to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT rides will not be free and security inspections will continue. He said the number of LRT commuters doubles during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The traditional “pahalik” of the Black Nazarene had already started after the venerated image was transferred to Quirino Grandstand Monday evening.

The 700 Club Asia levels up the Spirit of Giving with "Wagas ang Bigayan sa CHRISTmas"

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“Wagas ang Bigayan sa CHRISTmas,” a series special live episodes on December 16-20, at 11:00 p.m. over GMA News TV. 

The 700 Club Asia,  fresh from its AnakTV seal award, convincing Filipinos to level up their spirit of giving in  Wagas ang Bigayan sa CHRISTmas.

The TV special hopes to raise more funds to be able to help more people through the CBN Asia Family of Ministries (CBN Asia Media that produces The 700 Club Asia and the top-rating Superbook, Operation Blessing, Asian Center for Mission and The Prayer Center).

“Many of our kababayans are still clamoring for our help and support. In this season of giving, we pray that God touches the heart of people so that they will be cheerful givers to their fellowmen who are needing help and hope. The 700 Club Asia special episodes would be a great opportunity for everybody to spread cheer and touch the lives of others this Christmas season,” says Peter Kairuz, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBN Asia and Operation Blessing and host of The 700 Club Asia.

Peter explained that the theme "Wagas ang Bigayan sa CHRISTmas" captures the generous spirit of Filipinos especially at this time when every opportunity to help counts.

DISCOVER the pure joy of giving and be a part of "Wagas ang BIgayan sa CHRISTmas. Help us help our kababayans so that like you, they will find hope and rest this Christmas season.

Celebrate the Christmas spirit of giving as The 700 Club Asia features “Buti Na Lang May Pasko”

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Celebrate the Christmas spirit of giving as The 700 Club Asia features “Buti Na Lang May Pasko” special live episodes from November 11-15 at 11:00 p.m. on GMA News TV.

The special live TV series is aimed at raising P15-M to help support the projects and outreach of the CBN Asia Family of Ministries which include The 700 Club Asia, Superbook, CBN Asia Prayer Center, Operation Blessing, and the Asian Center for Missions.

“This is the perfect opportunity for people who want to help our kababayans who have lost loved ones, lost their homes and are almost losing hope after the fierce battle in Zamboanga, the flashfloods in Zambales and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Bohol and Cebu,” says Peter Kairuz, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBN Asia and host of The 700 Club Asia.

Peter Kairuz, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBN Asia
and The 700 Club Asia host

Kairuz explained that the theme “Buti Na Lang May Pasko” is an appropriate reminder to everyone, especially to the calamity victims, that with the birth of Jesus Christ, there is always hope and deliverance.

The 700 Club Asia's live broadcasts generate massive support from Filipinos here and abroad who unselfishly help and share their blessings with our less fortunate kababayans. 

LET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT SHINE! Be a part of the “Buti Na Lang May Pasko” live TV special and help us bring hope and an early Christmas cheer to our kababayans in need.

For more information please visit www.cbnasia.org and

Facebook page www.facebook.com/the700clubasia to receive the latest information on how you could be a part of “Buti Na Lang May Pasko.” 

For more information, please call:

Corporate Communications | (02) 812-4747

Local 424 (Edwin Arceo, edwin.arceo@cbnasia.org)

Local 408 (Len Tienzo, len.tienzo@cbnasia.org)

Relive The Greatest Ever Story Told Through Superbook!

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The long wait is finally over the day we"ve all been waiting for has come. Get ready to relive the greatest adventure of all time.

Superbook airs pilot episode on GMA this June. Do the names Gizmo, Chris and Joy ring a bell? Were you an avid fan of the Superbook TV series or a member of the Superkids Club? Or is it your first time to hear about Superbook? Whether you’re a first timer or a long-time fan, we've got great news for you!

The phenomenal 1980’s animation we love is back! Get ready as Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) brings you an all-new Superbook. Once more, viewers will experience a one of kind journey with triple the excitement.

The Superbook creations aims to contribute content to children's television / online / communication landscape. As children and their parents watch Superbook episodes together, interaction and discussion will be encouraged.

Superbook episodes will higlight values and emphasize the importance of being God-fearing, morally upright, and excellent citizens.

On June 1, 2013, the new Superbook’s pilot episode “In the Beginning” will air at 7:30 a.m. on GMA 7. In addition, Superbook Classic episodes will air every Sunday, starting June 2 at 7:30 a.m. also on GMA.

What started as an animated Bible series for children in Japan is now a world-class animation production. Since its first airing in Japan, the Superbook series has now been broadcasted in over 106 countries, translated into 43 languages and has been viewed by over a half billion people.

And to keep up with today’s new storytelling technology, the original series has been improved to match this media-savvy generation. To address this challenge, CBN, together with top Hollywood producers, animators, and directors, put their minds together and as a result: a relived, reinvented, and reimagined Superbook.

“Our goal is not only to produce a child-friendly program, but more importantly, a child-focused show for this generation to digest. Superbook aims to capture the hearts of the children of today. In addition, even the parents will enjoy and learn from it. It’s a perfect bonding activity for families,” says Icko Gonzalez, Superbook Project Head in the Philippines.

As Gonzalez puts it, “The new Superbook is for the NOW generation.”

So are you ready to experience the greatest adventure ever written and told? Mark your calendars, save the date and spread the news. 

Beginning June 1, watch Superbook on Saturdays and Sundays on GMA, 7:30 a.m. Support Superbook and be part of the NOW GENERATION.

Enjoy the wonderful world of Superbook ! 

More photos @ Facebook. Some photos from Superbook/CBN Asia.