Harmonies of faith: The inaugural Asia Gospel Christian Music Awards

BY GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

Sep 26, 2024 00:04 AM

  

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The power of music is something that goes beyond words — it reaches into the depths of our hearts and souls. And when it comes to Gospel music, it touches us in ways that are truly profound. While worldly songs may inspire or entertain us, Gospel music does so much more. It heals, restores, and draws us closer to the Almighty. That’s what makes the Asia Gospel Christian Music Awards (AGCMAs) so special to me. As a Christian who grew up immersed in “Papuri” songs and Gospel music, this event isn’t just a celebration, but a reflection of the music that has shaped my spiritual journey.

On Oct. 26, 2024, the Philippines will have the honor of hosting the first-ever AGCMAs at the New Frontier Theater. For the first time in Asia, Gospel musicians from all over the continent will come together to celebrate music that glorifies God, strengthens our faith, and brings people together in worship. I can’t think of anything more beautiful. 

Personally, I can’t help but think of songs like “Dakilang Katapatan,” which have brought me, and so many others, to tears in worship. This particular song has always held a special place in my heart. One of my favorite lyrics goes, “Sa bawat pighati, tagumpay man ay naroon. Daluyan ng pag-asa kung kailanga’y hinahon. Pag-ibig mo’y alay sa’kin noon hanggang ngayon…” These words capture the essence of God’s presence in both sorrow and triumph, constantly offering hope and peace. His love is not fleeting; it’s a steadfast gift that has carried us from the past and continues to sustain us today. Each time I hear or sing these lines, I am overwhelmed by the reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness. It never fails to give me goosebumps, bring me to tears, and fill me with awe and gratitude for His boundless love. This is the kind of transformative power the AGCMAs aims to celebrate: music that touches lives and brings us closer to God.

This event is presented by Noble Life, an organization committed to promoting the Gospel through music. Their mission aligns with the AGCMAs’ purpose: to recognize those who have devoted their lives to spreading the Good News through their musical talents.

The AGCMAs will feature musicians from across Asia, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and, of course, the Philippines. We’ll have performances from renowned artists like Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, and Victory Worship, as well as international acts like Isaac Ong, Luke Munns, Seo Keun Young, and Sid Mohede. Together, they’ll fill the theater with songs that honor God and celebrate His presence.

These artists aren’t just performers, they’re vessels through which the Holy Spirit moves. Gospel music is more than just entertainment. It’s an offering of praise, an invitation to worship, and a way to deepen our faith. It transcends languages and cultures, making it a universal call to devotion.

The open invitation to experience the power of Gospel music firsthand is an opportunity to commemorate those who have shared the Good News through music, and to feel a renewed sense of community, faith, and purpose. Whether you’re someone who is brought to tears by songs like “Dakilang Katapatan,” or you’re simply looking for an evening filled with worship and inspiration, the AGCMAs is for you.

There’s something truly mysterious and powerful about Gospel music. It stirs the soul in ways that go beyond melody — it speaks directly to the heart. The lyrics tell stories of hope, grace, and redemption, encouraging us to reflect, renew, and reconnect with our faith. Gospel music lifts the spirit, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God is always there, drawing us closer to Him.

Music feeds the soul, but Gospel music nourishes the spirit. It’s an echo of God’s eternal love. So, mark your calendars for the last Saturday of October, and be sure to reserve your seats. Let this beautiful occasion remind us all of the true essence of worship and the enduring strength that Gospel music brings into our lives.

Heavy rains affect 139 families in Davao region

Several residents, including children, in parts of Matina and Bugac, Maa in Davao City, were kept awake as flooding hit the area due to heavy rainfall on Thursday, September 19, 2024.Contributed photos via Ry Llanes/Facebook

Rojean Grace G. Patumbon

Published on: 

Sep 25, 2024, 7:14 pm

THE Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao) reported that some 100 families were affected by heavy rains caused by the Southwest Monsoon as of September 19, 2024.

According to OCD-Davao, approximately 139 families were impacted across the region, including 76 in Davao City, 56 in Davao Oriental, four in Davao Occidental, and three in Davao del Sur.

A total of 10 houses were damaged—six partially and four completely destroyed. These were located in Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental. OCD-Davao noted that Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental experienced tornadoes and destructive winds, while Davao City and Davao del Sur faced flooding.

The heavy downpour also damaged a flood control seawall in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Kilometer 0: Where all Philippine roads begin

From Luneta to our license plates

BY INIGO ROCES

Sep 25, 2024 06:02 PM 

The Rizal Monument (MB File Photo)

Though largely forgotten because of how ubiquitous GPS and navigation maps have now become, before these technologies, there was a much simpler way to know where you were: kilometer markers.

Kilometer markers are little obelisks placed on the sides of roads with letters and numbers written on them to help drivers navigate to their destination. In the Philippines, they are colored bright yellow and can still be seen on some national roads. They’re a critical part of the Pan-Philippine Highway system and if you enjoy posting your travels, they’re a great way to show just how far you are from civilization.

Kilometer markers trace their origin all the way back to the Roman Empire. Known for the maxim, “all roads lead to Rome,” the Romans put up markers along roads for travelers to know if they were on the right path and how far they were from Rome. 

Reading the kilometer marker

Since then, many countries have adapted the kilometer marker to their own roads, recognizing its value as an early navigation tool.

These kilometer markers are used to measure the distance from one point to another, as well as indicate to the traveler how far they are from the next town: useful information particularly during horse and carriage times and for travelers looking for an inn.

Kilometer 0 at Luneta Park (Photo by Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons)

The modern kilometer marker will first indicate the units its numbers are in (in our case, KM, for kilometer). The number directly below the topmost letter is the distance from KM-0, usually located in the country’s capital city.

The next set of letters are the initials of the next town. SJ, for instance, could stand for San Juan. A number under it, say 45, means 45 kilometers until San Juan. Look at the kilometer marker from the other side and you’ll see a different set of lower letters and numbers, as it’s assumed you’re heading in the opposite direction. The top set of numbers will always reference KM-0 while the lower set of numbers will always reference the nearest town.

These markers were designed this way so that travelers could easily determine where they are when reading a map. Early guidebooks in the early days of the automobile were also set help one find certain locations by reading kilometer markers. In fact, even today, drivers can set their odometers to these numbers. While not as accurate as a GPS system, one will definitely arrive at the town within a one-kilometer margin of error as indicated by the sign.

The source

Go venture from the capital city of any country in the world and you’re likely to still see these little obelisks, though in varying shapes and colors, depending on the country. Yet where would they actually lead to if you were to follow them back to their source? Chances are, it’s the main administrative building of the country or a very significant landmark. In the US, KM-0 is the Captiol Building in Washington D.C. In France, it’s the city square of Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II of Paris facing the main entrance of Notre-Dame. In the Philippines, it’s a small marker directly across the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park.

A kilometer marker along a National Road (Photo courtesy of Google)

Granted, this is quite some distance from our seat of power, Malacañang Palace. Nonetheless, it can be argued that it’s certainly more scenic, and more importantly, accessible to vehicles.

KM-0 wasn’t always at this location. In fact, for quite some time, KM-0 was actually right in front of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. After all, before the 20th century, when one said Manila, it was likely in reference to Intramuros. Not surprisingly, this site was chosen by our colonizers, the Spanish, who conquered the country under the banner of Catholicism.

It was relocated to its present site sometime in the 20th century. This change was conceived to reflect the new Philippine Republic’s efforts to distance itself from the influence of the church on governance.

Since the shift, KM-0 has been marked by a small concrete podium with a metal sphere atop. It has since been replaced by a small obelisk sometime in the 2010s, more closely resembling the typical kilometer markers.

On our license plates

One may ask, what’s its relationship to our license plates? Some may remember that back in 2003, a uniform license plate design was proposed. This was to make them more easily recognizable and readable as opposed to prior designs.

The license plates were completely redesigned, with the background being a blue/white/green gradient with a picture of the Rizal Monument in the center. At the bottom were the words, "Matatag na Republika” (Strong Republic). It became the default plate design for new vehicles up until 2014.

A Plate number with the Rizal Monument on it

The Rizal Monument, in particular, was chosen as the backdrop of the license plate because it sits parallel to the original KM-0 marker. At the time, the original KM-0 marker did not resemble a kilometer marker at all. The Rizal Monument, however, because of the obelisk integrated into the monument, does. It’s also a far more recognizable landmark — something practically every Filipino is familiar with and where to find it. Finally, what more appropriate figure to have on each and every vehicle plate number than the national hero himself?

It's a shame that the idea behind its selection was not as widely promoted as the plate itself. By putting the Rizal Monument on our license plates, every Filipino driver would instantly know where the figures on each kilometer marker are based on. Having this monument on our plates is a subtle way of saying we take Rizal’s teachings to heart, and bring his values, particularly his love of country, everywhere we go. And if we are ever lost, we have a constant reminder (right on our plate) of where to look to find our way again: the obelisks found on the side of every road.

GMA Network’s Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 25, 2024 10:03 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• StartingSept. 28, mamimili and sari-sari store owners nationwide can join the second season of Kapuso Bigtime Panalo.

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This Yuletide season, GMA Network’s Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 is giving away over ten million pesos worth of cash prizes, including the chance to win as much as the bigtime cash prize of one million pesos!

Starting Sept. 28, mamimili and sari-sari store owners nationwide can join the second season of Kapuso Bigtime Panalo. With bigger prizes this time around, the promo will give participants a chance to win the Php 1 million grand prize (Php1 Million each for mamimili and store owner), along with other cash prizes. Christmas will definitely come early for 70 lucky winners of Php 70,000, 70 winners of Php 7,000, and 980 winners of Php 1,000!  

To join Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2, mamimili and store owners only need to follow these easy-to-join mechanics:

BUMILI (BUY) 

Buy any of the seven (7) participating products: Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, Bear Brand® Fortified Powdered Milk, Lady’s Choice, Surf, AJI-No-Moto® Umami Seasoning, Palmolive Naturals Shampoo, and Nescafé Mixes. 

IPADALA (SUBMIT)

Participants must then submit their entries to “Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2” through designated dropboxes in participating Mercury Drug Branches, select outlets of Puregold, and GMA TV and radio stations nationwide! 

 With more participating products and designated dropboxes, mamimili and sari-sari store owners can increase their chances of winning bigtime prizes every week! 

MANALO (CHANCE TO WIN) 

Winners of Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 will be announced weekly through Facebook Live on the official GMA Promos Facebook Page. 

Besides bigger prizes and more chances of winning for loyal Kapuso viewers, Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 also features energetic NCAA athletes from different sports, plus the content jingle sung by Kapuso Soul Balladeer Garrett Bolden!  

Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 runs from Sept. 28 to Dec. 6, 2024. 

For the complete promo mechanics, visit and follow www.gmanetwork.com/GMAPromos and its official social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GMAPromos) and TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@gmapromos).

Kaya mga Kapuso, Sali na sa Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 ng GMA Network! 

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