Subject: Reconnecting across time and differences

Dear Portales and Yabes relatives,

I hope this message finds each of you well, wherever you may be in the world. It has been far too long since we last spoke, and my heart feels heavy with the weight of all the moments we've missed together.

As the years have passed, life has taken us on separate journeys, and in the busyness of it all, we have grown distant from one another. But today, I am reaching out with an earnest desire to bridge that gap, to rekindle the bonds that tie us together as relatives.

Though we may have differing political views and beliefs, and our paths may diverge in countless ways, I believe that the love and kinship we share transcend these differences. Our relatives are a tapestry woven from the threads of our shared history, laughter, and tears. It is a bond that cannot be broken by time or distance, by disagreement or discord.

Life is too short to let our differences keep us apart. Let us set aside any grievances or misunderstandings that may have arisen between us and embrace the opportunity to reconnect. Let us celebrate the gift of relatives and cherish the moments we have together, for they are precious and fleeting.

I long to hear your voices, to see your faces, and to share in the joys and sorrows of life once more. Please know that my door is always open, and my heart always ready to welcome you back into my life.

May we find the courage to let go of the past and embrace the beauty of the present, united in love and solidarity as relatives.

With all my love,
Gerry

Mother's day is everyday

Great are mothers for humanity, they should not only be remembered for one day.” — Bro. Eli Soriano

Mother's day holds a special place within the Members Church of God International (MCGI), where the reverence and appreciation for mothers transcend a single day of celebration. In the heart of MCGI, mothers are cherished, honored, and loved not just on Mother's Day but every day of the year.

Within this congregation, Mother's Day becomes an occasion to amplify the love and gratitude towards mothers. It's a time when members come together to express their deep appreciation for the invaluable role mothers play in their lives and in the community.

During Mother's Day celebrations in different communities, heartfelt messages of love and appreciation flood the congregation. Brethren and children alike take the opportunity to convey their gratitude to God for blessing them with the presence of their mothers. These expressions of love go beyond mere words; they reflect the profound impact mothers have on shaping the faith, values, and character of their families and the Church.

Each message shared on Mother's Day reflects not only the bond between a child and their mother but also the spiritual connection within the community. It's a time for reflection, celebration, and thanksgiving for the love, sacrifices, and guidance that mothers provide.

In the church, Mother's Day isn't just about honoring biological mothers; it's also about recognizing the nurturing spirit that extends to spiritual mothers within the congregation. Elderly women who have mentored and guided younger members in their faith journey are also celebrated and appreciated.

Ultimately, Mother's Day in the congregation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maternal love, care, and wisdom in the lives of individuals and the spiritual growth of the Church as a whole. It's a day to honor the embodiment of selflessness, strength, and grace that mothers exemplify, not just on one designated day, but every day of the year.

City of Ilagan Hymn

Lyrics by Nilo Agustin

Music by Ato del Rosario

Vocalist: Samuel Acosta

I
Hail! Our beloved homeland
The City of Ilagan
Bestowed with the bounty of the rivers and the streams
Shielded by the mountains of Sierra Madre

You are the heart of our noble farmers
The abode of our culture and traditions
The home of loving and gentle people
That lives proudly with dignity

II
You will always be our peaceful home
The cradle of Ilagueño’s home
You shall blossom, flourish for our vision
As the Liveable City of Ilagan

God bless the City of Ilagan
The cherished legacy of our forefathers
Our home, our land, our beloved homeland
The Liveable City of Ilagan!

The "City of Ilagan Hymn" is a poignant musical homage crafted for the esteemed Ilagueño populace and their dynamic urban center. Infused with verses that echo the storied past and vibrant traditions of Ilagan, this hymn encapsulates the profound pride and communal ethos that characterize the city. Through its stirring lyrics and melodies, it exalts the splendor of Ilagan, its breathtaking landscapes, and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants. Serving as a unifying anthem, it fosters a profound sense of unity and belonging among Ilagueños while nurturing a deep respect for the city's rich heritage and enduring legacy.

An open letter to Ilagueños

Dear fellow Ilagueños,

Today, May 4, 2024, as we commemorate the founding anniversary of our dear city, let us pause to consider the path that has united us. Our city's history is intertwined with tenacity, cohesion, and steadfast spirit, from the modest beginnings of Ilagan in 1686 to the colorful and prosperous city we are today.

As we commemorate this momentous anniversary every year, we embrace the prospects of the future while also paying tribute to the past. Let us honor the memories of our forefathers, whose toil and devotion set the groundwork for our city. Let's also commemorate the victories and advancements we have made as a team, led by the values of unity and collaboration.

Let's reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for Ilagan as we come together to celebrate this significant occasion. Let's keep collaborating to promote diversity, creativity, and sustainable growth in our neighborhood.

I hope that this foundation anniversary will serve as a constant reminder of our common history, our power as a group, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Let us write the next chapter of Ilagan's history with pride, enthusiasm, and determination as a team.

Happy Founding Anniversary, Ilagan!

With warm regards,

Gerry Yabes