Thursday, January 09, 2014

‘Enchong Dee didn’t resign from Star Magic but on leave from UAAP’

Young actor and former UAAP star Enchong Dee is currently on leave from his talent agency Star Magic contrary to reports that she resigned from her post.
This was officially announced Tuesday by ABS-CBN spokesperson Bong Osorio citing Dee needs to concentrate on showbiz career.
“This was planned as late September 2012 when Dee informed the UAAP Magazine about his intentions to feature here in the UAAP Magazine. Dee will continue to be seen on television as anchor of “TV Patrol”, Osorio said in a statement.
In November last year, Sanchez met disapprovals from social media when she criticized CNN anchor Anderson Cooper’s on-the-ground coverage, which was highly critical of the national government.
Since then, Dee appearance on the Magazine became irregular which created speculations that he has been suspended by ABS-CBN or that he resigned from UAAP in March 2010.

Biggest crowd won’t cross MacArthur Bridge

MANILA, Philippines – The annual anniversary celebration of El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI will pass the MacArthur Bridge as observed in previous years but will instead pass through the Jones Bridges, which is more stable.

Dr. Franklin Velarde said the change in route was adopted to avoid untoward incidents as recommended by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Velarde said the DPWH found out that the structural stability of the MacArthur Bridge could handle the bulk of participants, who will attend the event.

The DPWH, he said, recommended the Jones Bridge as an alternate route which has undergone repairs and stability check in preparation for the millions of devotees attending the procession.

“This is to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.

Preparations start for Black Nazarene procession

With less than three weeks before the grand Black Nazarene procession on January 9, 2014, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) is already stepping up its preparations for one of the country’s most well-attended religious events.

The MMDRRMC, headed by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, has called for a coordination meeting to plan security, emergency, traffic, and crowd control arrangements for that Thursday (January 9) when devotees participate in the Traslacion Procession. The event will take the image of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila back to Quiapo Church.

The group is also preparing for the procession of the Black Nazarene replicas at 3 p.m. on January 7, Tuesday, and the vigil at the Quirino Grandstand on January 8.

According to Monsignor Clemente Ignacio, rector and parish priest of the Quiapo Church, he is expecting more than 10 million devotees to flock to the church starting on January 1 until January 9.

Massive Black Nazarene procession today

Manila, Philippines – In what is expected to be an avid and frenzied display of religious fervor, barefoot members of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International clad in shirts will join today the grand annual anniversary overnight celebration of El Shaddai from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park back to the Quiapo Church in Manila.

The annual celebration of the anniversary is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., following the program will start at 1:00 p.m. The procession is expected to take longer this year after organizers decided to use Jones Bridge and MacArthur Bridge.

It will be the twenty-seventh time since 1988 that the grand celebration will begin from Luneta, where participants were given two days on weekends instead of the customary one day.

With church officials expecting millions of participants to join the event today, many areas in Manila have been closed to traffic and Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has ordered the suspension of work in city government offices.

Dr. Franklin del Monte-Velarde, said the longer celebration route “will give more participation an opportunity to take part” in the religious event. “Last year, the event lasted from 4:00 p.m. of August 18, 2012 to 8:00 a.m. of August 19, 2012, so maybe with this change we will add another two to three hours,” he said.

From MacArthur To Jones

Organizers of the traslacion changed the route of the procession from MacArthur Bridge to Jones Bridge after an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways warned on the structural integrity of MacArthur Bridge, due to minor cracks in the structure.

Aside from the change in route, an old tradition called “Dungaw” will be revived in this year’s observance. Ignacio said this is when the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be brought out to meet the Nazareno as the procession passes by the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian.

“The procession will stop temporarily in front of San Sebastian Church because we’ve discovered that in the old days, there was this tradition that when the procession passes by the basilica, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is brought out to meet the Nazareno. It’s a mother-and-son meeting,” he said.

Last Monday, three days before the feast day, the image was transfered to Luneta for the traditional “pahalik” (kissing of the image) to give the devotees more time to venerate the image. A procession of replicas of the Nazarene was held Tuesday.

Security Preparations
Mayor Estrada signed Executive Order No. 42 ordering the suspension of work in city government offices today, except for those involved in the maintenance of peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction management, and health and sanitation.
The mayor had earlier ordered the suspension of classes in all universities, colleges, and schools in the city of Manila.
The suspension of work in city government offices was recommended by the Manila Police District, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau.
Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said police forces have been instructed to remove drunken devotees for security reasons for the safety of both the drunken devotees and other people in the procession.
More than 2,000 policemen will be deployed along the procession route, including augmentation personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office and the National Headquarters of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame.
Red Cross Stations
Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed 285 volunteers and staff from Red Cross chapters all over Metro Manila along the route of the procession. There are 25 rescue vehicles ready to transport possible medical cases to hospitals – 19 ambulances, four boats in te Pasig River, one rescue truck, and one firetruck.
In Malacañang, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Feast of the Black Nazarene should be a time to pray for unity. “This is a call for humility, a call for divine supplication, for help, and also a determination to be one Filipino people,” he said. (With reports from Jenny F. Manongdo, Aaron B. Recuenco, and Madel Sabater Namit)

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

El Shaddai Anniversary Overnight Celebration: The Philippines' Annual Biggest and Largest Celebration

Video Clips from the El Shaddai 15th Anniversary Celebration last August 20 to 21, 1999
The annual anniversary overnight celebration of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. is held since August 1985 and it covered by national newspapers, local radio and television stations and social media.

On August 17 to 18, 1985, during its First Anniversary at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque City, about five thousand people witnessed and experienced the miracle touch of El Shaddai.

Some eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary of the Foundation at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on August 24, 1986. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staff were surprised because the affair lasted one whole day and it was the first time that its Reception and Plenary Halls were filled to capacity.

The Third Anniversary Celebration of the Foundation was celebrated with an Overnight Mass and Healing Rally at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from August 22-23, 1987. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.

Because of the phenomenal growth of the Foundation, its Fourth Anniversary was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21 1988, where an estimated half a million people packed the venue. It was the biggest crowd so far gathered by a particular group in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines. The testimonies on the healing and miraculous power of Psalm 91 inspired some prayer-partners to have the Psalm printed on handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become an instrument of God's healing and miracles among the prayer-partners worldwide.

As early as 9:00 a.m. of August 19, 1989, members and followers of the Foundation began trooping to the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila to participate in its Fifth Anniversary. By midnight, the entire stadium was jammed with over half a million people from all over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise and worship dedicated to El Shaddai. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, led the Holy Mass.

From August 18 to 19, 1990, the Sixth Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Buendia Ext., Pasay City. In attendance were housands of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit as they praised and worshipped El Shaddai and listened to His Word despite a storm which flooded some parts of the venue with knee-deep water.

The scenario of the Seventh Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Pasay City, from August 17 to 18, 1991, was identical to that of its Sixth Anniversary. Nevertheless, the almost half a million attendees braved the monsoon rains and knee-deep flood to give thanks, praise and worship to God.

On the occasion of the Eight Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, from August 22 to 23, 1992, more than one-and-a-half million prayer-partners attended the affair. His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, gave his greetings to the congregation.

Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the Ninth Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21 to 22, 1993. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.

For the first time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about three million people joined the Tenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the national park from August 20 to 21, 1994. The participants crowded the 50-hectare park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also present were members from different overseas chapters of the Foundation.

The Eleventh Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Ave. Ext., Pasay City, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Buendia Avenue Extension was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.

His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Twelfth Anniversary of the Foundation at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 17-18. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani , a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the "Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith."

The Thirteenth Anniversary of the was celebrated at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 23 to 24, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Fidel V. Ramos, the guest of honor.

On the occasion of its 14th Anniversary, the Foundation held an overnight fellowship at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 1998, with the theme: "New Heart, New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). The affair was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Over three million people from Metro Manila, the provinces, and abroad joined the celebration, which started at four o'clock in the afternoon. Several priests expounded the theme of the mission of the Foundation which is "Faith, Love, and Unity." During the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant, a mass wedding was officiated, wherein thirty-seven couples, who had been living as common-law husbands and wives, finally tied the knot. Sister Belen del Monte-Velarde, wife of Bro. Mike, shared with the crowd her experience about the successful quadruple heart bypass operation of Bro. Mike in the USA in July 1998. The anniversary was also attended by a number of government officials led by His Excellency President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The President, together with Vice-President Arroyo and Bro. Mike, led the symbolical lighting of a miniature radio transmitter tower, which ushered the re-launching of DWXI (1314 kHz) AM radio, now broadcasting with an increased power of 30 kW from its previous 15 kW power in 1994. The radio station started broadcasting with a power of 9 kW in 1981.

Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 15th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Joseph E. Estrada, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Lady Eloisa Ejercito Estrada, MD. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Blas Ople; several congressmen led by House Speaker Manny Villar; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.

Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21-22, 2004. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.

For the second time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about three million people joined the 21st Anniversary Celebration of El Shaddai at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila from August 20-21, 2005. The participants crowded the 50-hectare park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also present were members from different overseas chapters of the Foundation. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over IBC TV-13. Before noon of August 20, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his 66th birthday. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his 66th birthday and for the 21st anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Gentlemen Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon; several congressmen led by House Speaker Jose de Venecia; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.

The 22nd Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.


Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor during the 23rd Anniversary of the Foundation at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park from August 18 to 19. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani and the choirs are ______________, a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the "Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith."


The 24th Anniversary of the was celebrated at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park from August 17 to 18, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor.

On the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, the Foundation held an overnight fellowship at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, from August 22 to 23, 2009, with the theme: "New Heart, New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). The affair was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Over three million people from Metro Manila, the provinces, and abroad joined the celebration, which started at four o'clock in the afternoon. Several priests expounded the theme of the mission of the Foundation which is "Faith, Love, and Unity." During the concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant, a mass wedding was officiated, wherein thirty-seven couples, who had been living as common-law husbands and wives, finally tied the knot.

The anniversary was also attended by a number of government officials led by His Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice-President Noli de Castro. The President, together with Vice-President de Castro and Bro. Mike, led the cutting-ribbon ceremony in which ushered the opening of El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Paranaque City on August 20, 2009.

Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 26th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Sonny Belmonte; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 5000 couples who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.

Not even the strong winds and heavy rain could dampen the spirit of close to 1.2 million people in joining the 27th Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20 to 21, 2011. Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over RPN TV-9. Before noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the members of the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Sonny Belmonte; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.

Three Chinese metro projects approved

A feasibility study for Line 2 of the Fuzhou metro was approved in November. The line is planned to run 26·3 km from Shadi to Gushan, with 22 stations. Fuzhou Metro will build and operate the line. Construction is estimated at 18·2bn yuan, of which the government will provide 7·51bn yuan. The line is planned to open in 2016.

Two lines have been approved for Urumqi, with the government providing 40% of the construction cost. The 26·5 km north-south Line 1 will run from Santunpai to the airport, with 21 stations. It is estimated to cost 17·9bn yuan and is intended to open in 2016. Phase 1 of Line 2 links the Border Bureau Offices with Mianma in an L-shaped 21·4 km alignment with 16 stations. Planned to open in 2019, it will cost 13·33bn yuan to build. Three more lines are planned for Urumqi by 2035.

In Nanchang a feasibility study for Line 2 was approved in November. The 23·3 km, 21-station line will connect Nanchang West and Yudai River. A US$250m World Bank loan is contributing to the 14·5bn yuan cost, with a further 5·94bn yuan coming from the government. In addition to Line 1, due to open in 2015, Nanchang has plans for three more lines, which would take the network to 117 route-km by 2020.

All three projects will use six-car Type B trainsets. Fuzhou Line 2 will have 26 and Nanchang Line 2 will have 22.

Lifestyle Network Schedule (January 5-11, 2003)

Sunday, January 5, 2003
  • 6:30 am - Sunday TV Mass
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News (live)
  • 8:00 am - Good Time Old Buddies
  • 8:30 am - Cultural Plaza
  • 9:00 am - Pre-school Learn to Fly (RTHK)
  • 9:30 am - 
  • 10:00 am - Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
  • 10:30 am - 
  • 10:50 am - Football World
  • 11:50 am - TV Easy
  • 11:55 am - City Forum
  • 12:45 pm - Accessibility of all
  • 12:50 pm - JSG Song Corner
  • 1:00 pm - Sunday Sport
  • 1:45 pm - Gillette World Sport
  • 2:15 pm - Private View (rerun)
  • 2:45 pm - UK Today (II) 
  • 3:00 pm - Japanese Time: News & Info Plus 1
  • 3:30 pm - Titeuf (rerun)
  • 4:00 pm - Catdog (III)(rerun)
  • 4:30 pm - Disney Adventures: Disney's Hercules
  • 4:45 pm - Disney Adventures: Disney's Recess
  • 5:10 pm - Art Attack (XIII)(rerun)
  • 5:30 pm - Spanish Soccer League (Bil)
  • 6:30 pm - Transworld Sport
  • 7:30 pm - Japan Video Topics
  • 8:00 pm - Malcolm In The Middle (III)
  • 8:30 pm - Pearl News Magazine
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - Weekend Blockbuster: Batman & Robin (PG17L)
  • 12:15 am - Extreme Body Parts (PG19H)(rerun)
  • 1:15 am - Celebrations (II)(PG19L)(rerun)
  • 1:45 am - Station Close
Monday, January 6, 2003
  • 5:30 am - PAGASA I-Weather
  • 6:00 am - When the Sun Shines
  • 6:30 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News
  • 8:00 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 8:55 am - Kids Click
  • 9:55 am - Nintama Rantarō
  • 10:10 am - 
  • 10:40 am - Show Time Blues
  • 11:45 am - Young Detective II
  • 12:45 pm - TV Easy
  • 12:50 pm - Putonghua Financial News
  • 1:00 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
  • 1:20 pm - Television City Category Express and Pleasure and Leisure
  • 2:05 pm - The Family Squad
  • 2:35 pm - TV Easy
  • 2:40 pm - On the Track or Off
  • 3:30 pm - Sesame Street (rerun)
  • 4:30 pm - Totally Spies!
  • 5:00 pm - Grizzly Tales For Gruesome Kids
  • 5:30 pm - Putonghua News & Financial Bulletin
  • 5:45 pm - Putonghua Weather Report
  • 5:50 pm - Football World
  • 6:20 pm - Financial Report
  • 6:30 pm - TV Patrol
  • 7:00 pm - Emirates Airline Special : The Wall Street Journal Report
  • 7:30 pm - United Presents : Betting It All The Entrepreneurs
  • 8:00 pm - Seinfeld (IX)
  • 8:30 pm - 1010 Special : CEO Exchange Conversations In Leadership
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - The World Tonight
  • 10:30 pm - Roswell (III)(PG16L)
  • 11:30 pm - Pipol
  • 12:30 am - Entertainment Tonight
  • 1:00 am - Tsingtao Beer Special : Turner's Tour of Hong Kong (PG17L)
  • 1:30 am - 20/20 (rerun)
  • 2:00 am - Football Asia
  • 2:30 am - Entertainment Info-Net 2003
  • 3:00 am - Johnny Miller's Golf Clinic (rerun)
Tuesday, January 7
  • 5:30 am - PAGASA I-Weather
  • 6:00 am - When the Sun Shines
  • 6:30 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News
  • 8:00 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 8:55 am - Kids Click
  • 9:55 am - Nintama Rantarō
  • 10:10 am - 
  • 10:40 am - Show Time Blues
  • 11:45 am - Young Detective II
  • 12:45 pm - TV Easy
  • 12:50 pm - Putonghua Financial News
  • 1:00 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
  • 1:20 pm - Television City Category Express and Pleasure and Leisure
  • 2:05 pm - The Family Squad
  • 2:35 pm - TV Easy
  • 2:40 pm - On the Track or Off
  • 3:30 pm - Sesame Street (rerun)
  • 4:30 pm - Totally Spies!
  • 5:00 pm - Braceface (rerun)
  • 5:30 pm - Putonghua News & Financial Bulletin
  • 5:45 pm - Putonghua Weather Report
  • 5:50 pm - Hong Kong Connection (RTHK)
  • 6:20 pm - Financial Report
  • 6:30 pm - TV Patrol
  • 7:00 pm - Money Magazine
  • 7:30 pm - ER (I)(rerun)
  • 8:30 pm - Tutankhamun - A Murder Mystery (PG19L)
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - The World Tonight
  • 10:30 pm - China Hotel By Marriott Guangzhou Special: 24 (PG26L)
  • 11:25 pm - BMG Video Hitz
  • 11:30 pm - The Correspondents
  • 12:30 am - Entertainment Tonight
  • 1:00 am - US PGA TOUR 2002
  • 2:00 am - Pearl News Magazine (rerun)
  • 3:00 am - UK Today (rerun)
  • 3:15 am - Station Close
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
  • 5:30 am - PAGASA I-Weather
  • 6:00 am - When the Sun Shines
  • 6:30 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News
  • 8:00 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 8:55 am - Kids Click
  • 9:55 am - Nintama Rantarō
  • 10:10 am - 
  • 10:40 am - Show Time Blues
  • 11:45 am - Young Detective II
  • 12:45 pm - TV Easy
  • 12:50 pm - Putonghua Financial News
  • 1:00 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
  • 1:20 pm - Television City Category Express and Pleasure and Leisure
  • 2:20 pm - TV Easy
  • 2:25 pm - The Chief Executive's Policy Address (Live)
  • 4:00 pm - 2003 Chief Executive's Policy Address (RTHK produces)
  • 4:30 pm - Totally Spies!
  • 5:00 pm - Don't Eat The Neighbours (rerun)
  • 5:30 pm - Putonghua News & Financial Bulletin
  • 5:45 pm - Putonghua Weather Report
  • 5:50 pm - Circus Kids
  • 6:20 pm - Financial Report
  • 6:30 pm - TV Patrol
  • 7:00 pm - Tech Watch
  • 7:30 pm - World Cup Soccer Challenger - Korea Vs Brazil
  • 8:30 pm - The Most Extreme
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - The World Tonight
  • 10:30 pm - Boston Public (II)(PG14L)
  • 11:25 pm - BMG Video Hitz
  • 11:30 pm - 
  • 12:30 am - Entertainment Tonight
  • 1:00 am - 8 Mile Behind The Scenes
  • 1:30 am - NYPD Blue (VIII)(PG10L)
  • 2:30 am - Secrets Of War
  • 3:30 am - Johnny Miller's Golf Clinic (rerun)
  • 3:40 am - Station Close
Thursday, January 9
  • 5:30 am - PAGASA I-Weather
  • 6:00 am - When the Sun Shines
  • 6:30 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News
  • 8:00 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 8:55 am - Kids Click
  • 9:55 am - Nintama Rantarō
  • 10:10 am - 
  • 10:40 am - Show Time Blues
  • 11:45 am - Young Detective II
  • 12:45 pm - TV Easy
  • 12:50 pm - Putonghua Financial News
  • 1:00 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
  • 1:20 pm - Television City Category Express and Pleasure and Leisure
  • 2:05 pm - The Family Squad
  • 2:35 pm - TV Easy
  • 2:40 pm - On the Track or Off
  • 3:30 pm - Sesame Street (rerun)
  • 4:30 pm - Totally Spies!
  • 5:00 pm - Evolution The Animated Series (rerun)
  • 5:30 pm - Putonghua News & Financial Bulletin
  • 5:45 pm - Putonghua Weather Report
  • 5:50 pm - A Week In Politics (RTHK)
  • 6:05 pm - The Big Bang (rerun)
  • 6:20 pm - Financial Report
  • 6:30 pm - TV Patrol
  • 7:00 Cathay Pacific Airways Special : The Pearl Report
  • 7:30 Man's Heritage : The Greatest Shoal On Earth (rerun)
  • 8:30 Child Of Our Time
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - The World Tonight
  • 10:40 pm - Alias (PG11H)
  • 11:35 pm - Out Of The Box – From EMI (rerun)
  • 11:40 pm - Ryan, Ryan Musikahan
  • 12:30 am - Entertainment Tonight
  • 1:00 am - Tech Watch (rerun)
  • 1:30 am - Space (rerun)
  • 2:30 am - World Fashion Tour Fall 2002(rerun)
Friday, January 10
  • 5:30 am - PAGASA I-Weather
  • 6:00 am - When the Sun Shines
  • 6:30 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 7:30 am - NBC Nightly News
  • 8:00 am - Good Morning Hong Kong
  • 8:55 am - Kids Click
  • 9:55 am - Nintama Rantarō
  • 10:10 am - 
  • 10:40 am - Show Time Blues
  • 11:45 am - Young Detective II
  • 12:45 pm - TV Easy
  • 12:50 pm - Putonghua Financial News
  • 1:00 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
  • 1:20 pm - Television City Category Express and Pleasure and Leisure
  • 2:05 pm - The Family Squad
  • 2:35 pm - TV Easy
  • 2:40 pm - On the Track or Off
  • 3:30 pm - Sesame Street (rerun)
  • 4:30 pm - Totally Spies!
  • 5:00 pm - The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius
  • 5:30 pm - Putonghua News & Financial Bulletin
  • 5:45 pm - Putonghua Weather Report
  • 5:50 pm - S Club 7 In Hollywood (rerun)
  • 6:20 pm - Financial Report
  • 6:30 pm - TV Patrol
  • 7:00 pm - 20/20
  • 7:35 pm - Guinness World Records Primetime (III)(PG17L)
  • 9:30 pm - Philippine Lotto Draw
  • 9:45 pm - The World Tonight
  • 10:30 pm - Weekend Blockbuster:One True Thing (PG25L)
  • 1:00 am - Entertainment Tonight
  • 1:30 am - Ice World (w/Chi Subt)(PG26H)
  • 2:30 am - US PGA TOUR 2002 (rerun)