SONA, INC and a killing in Ilocos

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G. Bonilla

LAOAG CITY -- The State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was delivered with much optimism but the people’s dreams and aspirations are still a frustration. In my honest opinion, GMA will step down from Malacanang after her term ends in 2010.This could be the noblest act on the part of the President and this will be enshrined in history as one of the most memorable achievements of the Arroyo administration.

I will not judge nor give any negative comments on the performance of the President since, no one is perfect. If all of us have done our part, we could have seen the development of our country from a poor, dependent nation to an independent and well-developed country. Filipinos should be more mature and nationalistic this time. Also, public service is public trust, so the keepers must not abuse it.
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Violence is still a pain in the neck that once again besmeared the otherwise peaceful image of Ilocos Norte. The killing of Reynante Pasion, punong barangay of Payas, San Nicolas town is another statistic in the number of extrajudicial killings in the country.

The killing could be the result of pride, envy or uncontrolled anger and aggressive behavior on the part of the mastermind because of wounded feelings or ego. Was this also the result of unsettled grievance?
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The 95th foundation anniversary of the Iglesia ni Kristo is great manifestation that the founder of the church, the late Executive Minister and Evangelist Felix Manalo had surpassed the test of time unperturbed by persecution, harassment, or even negative remarks against the church.

With storms of ideas blowing in his mind, the great Filipino Evangelist, Felix Ysagun, decided to establish the Iglesia ni Kristo to enable him to preach the gospel as it has been revealed to him. He was born in Taguig on May 10,1886 to Mariano Ysagun and Bonifacia Manalo.

His parents were devout Catholics who instilled in him as a child the love of God. He learned to read the Bible. Inspired by the verses in the Holy Scriptures, he joined several religious beliefs but he was not satisfied with their teachings. He grew restless and aspired to be a religious leader.

His constant and profound study of the Bible led him to the truth of his life's mission and the purpose of his existence. It was July 27,1914 when the Iglesia ni Kristo was registered as corporation.. He dropped his family name Ysagun for Manalo which means "triumph". The ministers of the Christian mission honored him as an outstanding evangelist on Dec. 25,1918. He died on April 12,1963, an example of good leadership and religious devotion.
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I would like to greet Hazel Juan of the Gertes Clinic and Hospital in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. I met Hazel, a high school classmate and now a nurse when I had general check-up at the Gertes Clinic. Meanwhile, Dr. Geminiano Gertes is a well-respected medical practitioner in the province.