The twin-purposed Double Ten festivity was held last Sunday, October 27, 2024, firstly, to commemorate the death anniversary (October 10) of the IFI’s illustrious leaders, the father-son tandem, Isabelo delos Reyes Sr. (Don Belong) and Isabelo delos Reyes Jr. (OM Beluco); and secondly, to honor the outstanding parish and mission leaders of DGMA.
The affair commenced at 3:00 p.m. with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided by the Rt. Rev. Vicente Salvador Ballesteros, diocesan bishop, and the concelebration of the DGMA clergy. After the Holy Mass, a lively program of games-raffles, songs, and dances followed. Ten selected leaders recognized for their meritorious contributions in their home churches were awarded the coveted “Delos Reyes Cross,” prestigious medals signifying outstanding parish-mission work.
Some 308 persons packed the auditorium of the Philippine Christian University (PCU) on Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila. They witnessed this momentous occasion, shared the sumptuous dinner, enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship, and appreciated the well-organized program.
“May we always remember; may we never forget,” Bishop Buddy started his homily in paying tribute to the father-son tandem, Don Belong and OM Beluco. The word “Double Ten” (date October 10) was coined after the month of October and day 10, hence Double Ten, red-letter day to remember and honor the two great leaders responsible for the furtherance and growth of the IFI. In like manner, annually, in the month of the laity (October), the active noteworthy members from their respective parishes and missions are duly recognized and awarded with the “Delos Reyes Cross Medals”.
In his homily, Bishop Buddy recalled the story of the Paschal mystery (Passover) when God’s salvific act reminded of “making present a past saving act.” In today’s context, praying for the two top leaders also meant sustaining the present by “loving one another” as exemplified by the father-son tandem, Don Belong and OM Beluco. Jesus Christ did His sacrifices out of love and, in great remembrance of his life’s “saving act,” the Holy Eucharist was instituted for all. With the founding of Union Obrera Democratica (UOD) through the initiative of Don Belong, the IFI emerged to spread the Gospel of God’s saving love that listens, provides, lifts up the poor and marginalized, etc. This mission of love was continued through the ecumenical endeavors and church reforms formulated during the time of OM Beluco.
In the Gospel story, the blind beggar Bartimaeus bent down and had the guts “to see Jesus”. He begged, “Have mercy on me!” After being healed, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. As children of God in the IFI, we must be filled with conviction and fight for what is truly right. Don Belong and OM Beluco paved the way in the IFI. As their footprints in the IFI, the present -day servant leaders are awarded for their exemplary works marked by their faithfulness, conviction, and passion. They are duly recognized and honored; just as we commemorate the enduring and laudable contributions of our patriots, Don Belong and OM Beluco.
Bishop Buddy hailed, “MABUHAY SINA DON BELONG AT OM BELUCO! MABUHAY ANG IFI – PRO DEO ET PATRIA!
2024 DGMA AWARDEES:
- Miss Nina Alonzo Jordan – Bacood Parish
- Mrs. Filomena Escoton – Sucat Mission
- Mr. Rogelio Anastacio—Pandacan Parish
- Mr. Ronald Dalisay Jan – Krus na Ligas Mission
- Mrs. Cecilia Darantinao – Paco Parish
- Mrs. Lucrecia Tamayo – Tondo Parish
- Mrs. Norma Abad – Pasay Parish
- Atty. Erlich Barraquias – U.P. Parish
- Kapitana Maria Teresa Montalbo – Balingasa Parish
- Mrs. Fausta Reyes Bernal – Kangkong Parish
PROGRAM FLOW:
The solemn and festive program started with the Holy Eucharist presided by the diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Vicente Salvador Ballesteros; with the concelebration of the DGMA clergy. Subsequent to the Holy Mass, while the buffet dinner was being served, the lively program of games, songs, dances, and awarding simultaneously took place. Msgr. Cesar Emmanuel Ballesteros, diocesan domestic prelate and vicar-general, gave the Opening Remarks. Brother John Ernest Tibay and Rev. Fr. Joseph Daniel Nillo showed their special singing talents; followed by a brief interview of the 5th generation Delos Reyes, Rev. Fr. Jayson Joshua delos Reyes.
The diocesan clergy wowed the crowd with their group dance number choreographed by Brother Tibay. The awardees were handed their certificates of appreciation together with their Delos Reyes crosses; followed by photo-ops with their co-parishioners. The awarding was interspersed with songs and dance from different sectoral groups: WOPIC’s song number; LIFI’s choral presentation accompanied by their musical band; YIFI”s (Pandacan IFI youth) in their interpretative dance number.
The Cathedral Choir, headed by the conductor, Mr. Glen Aranzano; composer (lyrics and music), Mr. Joel Ballesteros; coordinator, Mr. Cesar Dumayag; and special soloist, Bishop Buddy; performed selections from the Misa Kangkong repertoire. Their superb performance officially launched this liturgical (Missal) musical composition to diocesan-wide audience and to IFI at-large. The diocesan clergy capped the festive program with a heart-filled choral interpretation and rendition of “Bayan Ko,” by the famous Filipino composer, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Bishop Buddy gave the closing remarks; followed by the brief ending liturgy led by Msgr. Manny and then the benediction of Bishop Buddy.
Aptly managing the smooth program flow was the lively team composed of Ms. Angie dela Cruz-Miles (WOPIC), Mr. Erwin Abad (LIFI), and Mr. Patrick (Chubz) Santos (YIFI). Overall coordinator was Msgr. Manny, while Rev. Fr. Severino Ismael II as technical team director. Grateful appreciation was extended to the venue host, the Philippine Christian University, for allowing their beautiful auditorium to be used for this laudable festivity.
Contributed by:
The Rev. Vicky Esguerra
