VLOG: INC members camp out ahead of centennial celebration

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members arrive early at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan Saturday, July 26 for their centennial celebration.

Members camp out inside and outside of the arena for Sunday’s grand event.

Bea Cupin files this video blog.

It’s a busy day in what is usually a sleepy part of Bulacan. Upwards of a million Iglesia ni Cristo members are expected to head to this part of province to celebrate the church’s 100 anniversary at the newly inaugurated ciudad de Victoria.

That’s happening on Sunday, July 27 but already thousands of inc members – the young, old, even the very young – are in Bulacan.

Members say its not easy. Most will be spending the night at the ciudad de Victoria inside tents, make shifts tents, and on arena and stadium seats.

Marcus, INC member: Para sa aming mga Iglesia ni Cristo na inabutan ng sentenaryo, napakapalad namin sapagkat maraming kapatid na hindi nakasama. Maraming namayapa na. Maraming mga hindi makakapunta. Dapat talagang ‘pag talaga lalo na’t ngayon pagsamba upang ipagdiwang ‘yung mga pagpapala ng Panginoong Diyos na ginabayan niya ang Iglesia simula sa maliit pa lang ito nagsimula sa Pilipinas hanggang sa lumawak sa buong mundo. Ngayon ay ipinagdidiwang namin lahat ng kapurian.

(For us members who are here for the centennial celebration, we are very fortunate because many of our brothers have already passed away, while other members are not able to make it here. Every member who can come should be here especially because it is a time to worship and celebrate the blessings of the Lord, that he guided Iglesia ni Cristo from its humble beginnings here in the Philippines to now that it has spread globabally. We are celebrating all of the Lord’s graces.)

But they say the long travel hours and even longer hours of waiting are worth it. After all, it’s not everyday the church you love and have devoted your life to, celebrates 100 years of gods blessings.

Bea Cupin, Rappler. Bulacan.

– Rappler.com