CEBU, Philippines - When Annie Corpin, president of St. Therese School and an officer of the Charismatic Congress (held at the Cebu Internation Convention Center), invited me to interpret her rendition of the “Ave Maria” in dance, I did not expect that this was going to be at a big gathering for the Pentecost Sunday Celebration for all Nations in Cebu Coliseum. The event was to be attended by archbishops, bishops, monsignors and other members of the church with delegates coming not only from different provinces in the Philippines but also from the US, Canada, Australia, Malaysia and other countries.
Truly, I felt so blessed to have been given that opportunity to dedicate my talent in dance to our great Creator and Mama Mary. With Corpin’s melodious soprano voice, we got lost in the applause in the middle of our number and I really felt I was on Cloud 9.
Archbishop Jose Palma of Palo, Leyte told me that my dancing enhanced the affair. Corpin said: “You made the song more beautiful,” and people congratulated me and I know that God blessed me again.
I want to congratulate Fr. Bart Pastor, who was also the National Coordinator of the congress for the very well coordinated and smooth scheduling of events, down to the hotel accommodations and food for all delegates.
Congratulations also to Archbishop Jose Palma, Fr. Ronald Bonayon, Sis Fe Barino, Fr. Max Campo, Sis Lina Eusebio, Sis. Annie Corpin, Msgr. Fred Krienkenbeek, Bro. Efren Sarmiento, Bro. Jun Quimbranza, Bro. Franklin Cuenco, Bro. Glenn Cortes, Bro. Marlon Ferolino, Bro. Noli Aliman, Sis. Marisol Gonzalez and Sis Rhea Mantuhac for a job well done.
The congress carried the theme: Spirit-filled Communities Growing together as the Body of Christ.
Invited speakers, celebrants and homilists were: Archbishops Angel Lagdameo D.D., Jose Palma DD, Ramon Arguelles DD, Antonio Ledesma DD, Bishop Teodoro Bacani DD, Msgrs. Fred Kriekenbeek, Sabino Vengco, Frs. Herb Schneider SJ, Bart Pastor, Leonardo Polinar, Joey Faller, Dr. Cadio Tamayo, Bo Sanchez, Dodong Limchua, Jun Cruz, Bobby Quitian, Sr. Violeta Navarro, Tetchie Rodriguez, Annie Cynthia Corpin and NSC members.
I was also very impressed with the gift of tongue of Bro. Bert Miranda who was the leader of the Praising Prayers. He also leads the Ministry in Music in Cebu where his two sons are also members. I also met Bro. Nonito Limchua and his wife Diana of the OASIS of Love in Cebu, who were responsible for the live telecast of the affair to US and Rome.
Indeed, it was an affair to remember because I really felt the Holy Spirit was with me especially when I attended the Pentecost Vigil and truly, I felt closer to God in that experience.