18 June 2012- As a fitting start to the series of celebrations for the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington organized an inter-faith Prayer for the Nation at the "Ang Bahay" (Philippine Embassy Residence) last June 2.
Called the "Day of Prayer in Celebration of the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence Day and Launching of Prayer Request Box", nearly 100 religious leaders and representatives from Filipino organizations attended this first ever gathering to pray for the Philippines and the Filipino people.
The Wellington Filipino Community Choir (WFCC) led the singing of the Philippine national anthem and rendered the opening songs "The Prayer" and "You are My Hiding Place".
Ambassador Benavidez offered the opening prayer and Pastor Rico Buenaobra of the Faith Community Filipino Christian Ministry gave his inspirational talk focusing on Filipino unity in New Zealand.
The Filipino community members, religious leaders from New Zealand, friends and the Philippine Embassy personnel joined in the prayer petitions.
Ms. Mercy De Guzman of Christian Revival Center led the prayer for the "114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the activities lined up for the celebration" while Mr. Isagani Alamani of Filipino Christian Fellowship led the prayer for "Instilling Greater Sense of Nationalism and Love of Country".
Mr. Jun Bondoc of The Rock Church led the prayer for "Blessings upon the President, Leaders and Officials of the Philippines while Ms. Flora Muriel-Nogoy of Central Baptist Church led the prayer for "46th Anniversary of the Philippines - New Zealand Diplomatic Relations".
Ms. Dinna O'Meara of the Abundant Life Centre led the prayer for "Philippine Embassy Personnel in New Zealand and Philippine-New Zealand relations, Projects and Activities", Mr. Vic Montero of the Seventh Day Adventist Church led the prayer for "Filipino Community, Migrants and Workers, for their Services and Contributions to National Development and Progress in New Zealand and the Philippines", and Ms. Myrna Umali, Head of Liturgy Ministry of Filipino Chaplaincy led the prayer for "Protection of our Beloved Country Philippines Against Terrorism and Threats to National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, Epidemics and other Diseases, Financial Crisis".
Young Once Senior Adviser Mr. Teodoro "Papa Doy" Helbano led the prayer for "Attainment of Economic Development and Progress" while Sheikh Mohammad Amir, Chairman of the Board of Scholars Federation of Islamic Ass. of New Zealand (FIANZ), led the prayer for "Unity of Muslims and Christians in the Philippines and All Over the World".
The prayer for "Strengthening of Filipino Family/ Social Cohesion" was led by Mr.Carmelo Bernardo, Chairman of Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral Council. He was followed by Mr. Mel Bello of Couples for Christ who led the prayer for "Enhancement of Moral Recovery and Integrity".
Ms. Nilda Campbell of Wellington International Filipino Society led the prayer for "Promoting Peace and Unity in the Philippines" while Mr. Donald Tomas of Abundant Life Centre led the prayer for "Promotion of Interests and Welfare of Overseas Filipino Migrant Workers and the Filipino Community in New Zealand".
Finally, Pastor Jake Ormsby of the Seventh Day Adventist Church led the prayer for "Peace, Progress and Prosperity of New Zealand, the Governor General, Prime Minister and government officials" and Pastor Rasik Ranchord, Founder of Abundant Life Centre led the prayer for "Spread of the Gospel/ Word of God".
During the prayer, singers from the Catholic Church Filipino Chaplaincy, Mr. Renato Catalan and Ms. Veronica Libunao, sang "Ang Tanging Alay Ko" while Ms. Rema Aguinaldo of Faith Community Filipino Christian Ministry sang "Ang Bayan Ko".
Ms. Melody Pagalilawan of The Street Church likewise sang the thanksgiving song "To God Be the Glory".
With all the attendees singing with nationalistic fervour, the WFCC sang the community closing songs "Heal Our Land" and "Ako Ay Pilipino".
Pastor Vic Espejo of Filipino Harvest Ministry for Christ led the group in the closing prayer.
Ambassador Benavidez launched the "Prayer Request Box" to be placed at the Consular Section of the Chancery.
An enjoyable fellowship dinner followed amidst the Filipino ambience of the "Ang Bahay" where all the guests felt very much at home as they celebrated the Philippines' national birthday. END