LDS ZAMBOANGA PHILIPPINES STAKE

Get to know your Stake President PART 2

2013-12-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Mel, as he is fondly called, transferred to Zamboanga City from Laguna where he worked as a lending collector for a few months.

The reason for this great transfer was & is because of this little girl;

Nabighani si Dodong Mel kai Ate Vi, tungod sa pag-ila ila nila ni Promotor

So gikan sa

He transferred to:

Resigned from his job and transferred, All in the name of

They married in the

He followed the path, worked and minded his own business

Truly a man who loves God.

Get to know your New Stake President. PART I

2013-12-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

Oh time flies and how we thank and love President Bartolome Madriaga, together with his counselors, President Quinte and Pajarito. He has led and served faithfully for approximately 10 years, supported by his loving wife Jean and kids.

The mantle of the Stake has fallen upon Melchor A. Pahulaya. Here are a few facts about his personal life:

Born and raised in Oroquieta City:

Belongs to a family of 4 children, being the 2nd. The elder brother of Georgia, who is one of the Sisters depicted in this picture:

He served a successful full-time mission from 1997-1999 in the:

After becoming a returned missionary, he finished his Institute studies and his college degree in Computers and went on to attend the:

While in Cebu City, he started a small business with a friend of his which went on for many months. After parting ways due to irreconcilable differences, he went to live with his brother in Luzon.

(See Part 2 coming soon...)

Amatuer Video

2013-06-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

These kids are a product of the Zamboanga Stake. They were all so young when this blog was created and now they are all singing about love, dating and courtship as they normally would be. Just a reminder that this site is not an official site of the LDS Church, so posts or videos here should not be misconstrued as official material.

You have to see the Immortalized Chavakanos

2012-03-27T09:32:00.001-07:00

This website is designed to update you in current events surrounding the church in the Philippines as well.

The recently completed MTC has just been opened to the public a few weeks ago. A more detailed description of what an MTC stands for can be read here.

Photo credits to Jael Potencio for giving us a day tour of this new facility

The gospel will have to be sounded to every ear and so the training center will cater to multi-lingual speakers:

This building can hold 4-5 times the current MTC.

It is a classy facility fitting the messenger and the message:

And these are our very own missionaries from the Zamboanga Stake, immortalized in PAINTINGS to grace the walls of this sacred building:

Yup, that is Elder Lozano alright. They call him John Paul in the outer world and he served an honorable mission in Cebu.

Here is another immortalized missionary. Sister of the present day Tetuan Ward Bishop:

Actually, naka dalawa siya. The 2nd painting with Sister Pahulaya, known in the outer world as Mrs. Georgia Pahulaya-Otacan.

And we remember the purpose of these training halls:

And that after serving a mission, the requirement is to have a partner at the side of this lovely returned missionary. I heard she's taken. =D

David Archuleta announces plans to serve mission for LDS Church

2011-12-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

By Stephanie Grimes, KSL.com
Published: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 1:08 a.m. MST, Click here for Original article

SALT LAKE CITY — Fans of pop-singer David Archuleta were surprised to hear Monday that the singer-songwriter will be serving a proselytizing mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Archuleta made the announcement just before his encore performance at his concert Monday night at Abravanel Hall, saying he "wanted to make a special announcement while he was home."

"The crowd went crazy," according to concert attendee Jana Johns. "Screaming, cheering; it was really loud.

Johns said the singer seemed emotional, putting his head down and covering his eyes.

"He couldn't talk for a minute," Johns said. "Then he thanked the crowd for their support. He got a standing ovation. Everyone was on their feet."

After the initial storm of applause, Archuleta said serving an LDS mission was his choice.

"It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life," he said.

Archuleta is well-known for in 2007, at age 16, having been one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol. He finished the season as the runner-up.

Archuleta released a self-titled album in 2008 that debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. He released a Christmas album in 2009 and a third album, "The Other Side of Down," in October 2010.

In 2010, the singer performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the LDS conference center for the choir's Christmas concert. The performance is available on a CD and DVD titled "Glad Christmas Tidings."

Now, as Christmas once again approaches, Archuleta begins to prepare for a mission with the LDS church, which according to him will begin sometime after the new year.

Archuleta did not announce where he would be serving.

*If someone as famous as David Archuleta has the humility to lay everything down to serve a mission call from the Prophet, then we think that you who are reading this and is between the ages of 18 to 25 can follow that wonderful example of great surrender!

A reason to fast and have gratitude this Christmas

2011-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well, we all have things that we want for the season or those wishes that we are looking to be granted. The last 24 hours being in Cagayan de Oro City was a spine tinging experience. The chapels were instantly activated to become evacuation centers and members of the Church who were fortunate enough to be spared from the ravish hell of the floods extended help and assistance.

These photos are explicit but they help us think twice on the counsel given to us again and again, to be ready by qualifying for temple ordinances, building a 72 hour kit and preparing every needful thing:

Photos courtesy of Maria Concepcion Itchon and Jerry Go Calimpong

Quick NEWS

2011-11-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

(1.) 1ST WEEK OF NOVEMBER - Sister Dearly Laude left for the Missionary Training Center in Manila to start her service for the Philippines Angeles Mission. She is one of some 20 Missionaries laboring for the Zamboanga Philippines Stake.

(2.) SEVERAL WEEKS AGO- Elder Sime Obach returned with honor from his assignment in the Philippines Tacloban Mission. He has since been integrated to his local unit- the San Jose Ward where he is expected to help strengthen and nurture others.

(3.) JUST YESTERDAY- Ysrael Q. Pajarito was sustained as a Counselor to the Zamboanga Philippines Stake Presidency. He is a seasoned leader with a touch and we wish him well in his new calling.

A new life together

2011-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Lovely couple

Families united for one cause

Tetuan Ward- Cebu Branch

Sweet Moments

Perfect Pose

A mother's love

A sister's smile

Mentoring

Let no man put asunder what God hath joined together

Taken at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel
October 26, 2011.

New Bishop for the Tetuan Ward

2011-10-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Melchor Adolfo Pahulaya was called by the First Presidency to serve as the Bishop for the Tetuan ward of the Zamboanga Philippines Stake last September 2011. He succeeds Bishop Joy Alban who was transferred to Tacloban due to work relocation.

Bishop Pahulaya is 35 years old and is married to Vilma Suan Lopez and they are blessed with 2 beautiful girls, Abish (3 years old) and Maegan (1 year old). He was born in Oroquieta City and comes from a family who are active members of the Church.

He served in the Philippines Manila Mission from 1997 to 1999 under Pres D.Rex Gerratt where he served as a Zone Leader for 3/4 of his mission. He previously served the Ayala Branch as its President for 3 years.

He currently works as an Operations Manager for a local firm. The Tetuan ward is so blessed to have him.

New Auxillary Leaders called

2011-07-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

During the business portion of the Stake conference held last July 24, 2011, new Stake officers were called to supervise the auxiliaries. After several years of service, the former officers of the Stake were released from their duties with heartfelt thanks for the services that they have rendered and the charity that they have exemplified as they served the people within their scope.

Here is a glimpse of the new Stake Officers

THE STAKE YOUNG MEN PRESIDENCY (fr L to R)
July Ancheta-1st C, Ysrael Pajarito-President, Bernardo Carpio-2nd C
Not in photo is Ranjy Dantes-Secretary

THE STAKE RELIEF SOCIETY PRESIDENCY (fr L to R)
Susan Casano-2nd C, Beth Agustin-Sec., Brelly Gimeno-President, Yolly Fargas-1st C

THE STAKE YOUNG WOMEN PRESIDENCY (fr L to R)
G.Laude-1st C, Raquel Ho-President, Lolit Araujo-Secretary, Leonora Mariano-2nd C

THE STAKE PRIMARY PRESIDENCY (fr L to R)
Noreen Magsayo-Sec, Mary Ann Tan-2nd C
Not in photo is Regina Madriaga-1st C and R. Villapando-President

The new Stake Leaders were given a brief training in the afternoon of the 24th and received instructions from the Stake Presidency on the direction outlined by the Philippines Area Presidency.

Get to know your Stake Leaders, they will surely prove to be a rich resource to You and to Me.

NEW ADVANCEMENTS

2011-07-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

5 Young Men were advanced to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood during the General Session of Stake Conference held last July 24, 2011. On the afternoon of their conferral, these fine young men were trained in the duties of an Elder and were given instructions on how to go about their duties especially in Home Teaching.

See if you can recognize them.

You got them right. They are Bro/s. Gimeno, Lim, Paragoso, Acosta. (Not in the picture is Bro. Tayao). They come from the Tumaga, Tugbungan & Guiwan Wards respectively.

3 of these Brethren are looking forward to serving a full-time mission next year. One of them has even expressed a desire to be at the MTC on his 19th birthday. We wish these brethren well as they take on more mature responsibilities in the Church.

Stake Conference Schedules

2011-07-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Please be reminded that the Stake Conference on July 23 and 24, 2011 will have the following schedules:

July 23 (Saturday)- 4PM Youth/YSA Session

6PM Adult Session

Venue: Tomas Claudio Meetinghouse

July 24 (Sunday)- 8AM Priesthood/Women's Session

10AM General Session

Venue: Tetuan Stake Center

The WOMEN's session of conference will be attended by all women 12 years and above and will be held simultaneously with the Priesthood Session.

Our visitors will be President & Sister Pangan of the Philippines Davao Mission and Elder & Sister Kappa, Family History Missionaries.

Prepare to attend this spiritual feast.

Employment Opportunity

2011-07-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

www.sandugo.ph- This company is currently looking for a potential Branch Manager based in Zamboanga City that has experience in sales. Their product lines are sandals, shoes and bags that are meant for trekking (I think).

If you have what it takes to handle this position, please contact Mr.Franklin Sodusta (based in Cebu) and email your resume, application letter and credentials for initial evaluation. We suggest that you apply for any position so that if you do not have the experience, at least other positions can also be made available to you.

Here is his email address: franksodusta@yahoo.com. Good luck one and all!

You are invited!

2011-07-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

Everyone can prepare for Stake Conference. Aside from the physical preparation like clearing our schedules and planning to come on time, the spiritual preparation that can prepare one to receive revelations can be done beforehand through fasting and praying to know Divine will.

Stake Conferences are meant to foster unity among Church members and help them partake of the Spirit. As we prepare for the upcoming Stake Conference in July, may we reflect continually upon our role of members of the Church and the responsibility that has been given to us to carry this work forward.

The Stake Conference will be this coming July 23 (Saturday afternoon) for the Adult sessions while on July 24 will be the General Session. The dates of the Conference have been specifically assigned in a letter from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Guiwan Ward Conference

2011-06-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, June 26, 2011, the Guiwan Ward of the Zamboanga Phils Stake will hold its annual ward conference. The meeting will start at 9am and will be followed by the usual meetings attended by Stake auxillary officers and the Stake Presidency. Training meetings will also follow the morning meetings if deemed necessary.

The Guiwan Ward Bishopric headed by Bishop Valentin Potencio, together with his Counselors Belsie Agustin and Nestor Nallonar are gearing towards a spiritual feast as well as a time to receive instruction and as well as to report on the developments of the work within the Guiwan Area.

Brother James Quinte recently returned home from the mission field and has been called to serve as its new Elders Quorum President. This ward will be known in the archives of the Church as the first Unit in the Zamboanga Philippines Stake to have sent a couple missionary to the field-- former Bishop and Stake President now Elder Jose Rivera, together with his wife Sister Rivera. The Unit has 2 single missionaries serving in the field namely Elder Mercedito Castillo and Elder Mark Quinte.

Survey Participation

2011-06-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

The members from the Ayala and Curuan branches need a helping hand to foster self-initiated livelihood projects. We want to know what you think of the idea of creating a livelihood association to address concerns and to help create employment and micro-ventures.

Let us know what you think. Vote on the upper right side of this post!

Upcoming Stake Conference

2011-06-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Everyone can prepare for Stake Conference. Aside from the physical preparation like clearing our schedules and planning to come on time, the spiritual preparation that can prepare one to receive revelations can be done beforehand through fasting and praying to know Divine will.

Stake Conferences are meant to foster unity among Church members and help them partake of the Spirit. As we prepare for the upcoming Stake Conference in July, may we reflect continually upon our role of members of the Church and the responsibility that has been given to us to carry this work forward.

The Stake Conference will be this coming July 25 (Saturday afternoon) for the Adult sessions while on July 26 will be the General Session. The dates of the Conference have been specifically assigned in a letter from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-06-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the coming re-shuffling of Stake officers, the Auxillary leaders together with the Stake Presidency had a Thanksgiving dinner last June 10, 2011 at the Family Fried Chicken Resto. The event was highlighted by an inspirational message from the Stake President and a short testimony meeting.

Here are some of the photos taken from the event:

After serving for 6-7 years, these leaders are truly blessed for their service. The Stake President thanked their families who supported each one throughout the years.

JUBILEE Cultural Presentation Airing Schedules

2011-06-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Cultural Celebration held last May 14, 2011 at the Zamboanga Summit Center will be aired simultaneously through the following:

1. ONLINE- visit www.tribamedia.com

2. SKYCABLE CHANNEL 60

The schedules are:

a. MONDAY (June 13) @ 6PM
b. TUESDAY (June 14) @ 3PM
c. THURSDAY (June 16) @ 9PM

After the final run on Thursday, the show will be rolled over until Friday night (June 17)

DVD Copies of the show will also be available for purchase from the Stake Presidency.

We thank Brother Belsey Agustin for bringing in this technology for this momentous event.

SEMINARIES & INSTITUTES

2011-05-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Stake Seminaries & Institutes will be opening it's doors to the Youth and Young Single Adults on JUNE 20, 2011. A roster of teachers and fine courses have been prepared to meet the spiritual needs of the members. Everyone is also encouraged to bring their non-member friends to come with them to Institute, this will be a good place for them to experience the Church first hand.

The course of study for this year will be the OLD TESTAMENT. Other mainstay courses of the Institute include ETERNAL MARRIAGE, MISSIONARY PREPARATION, BOOK OF MORMON & ADVANCE MUSIC.

Make plans to participate in Seminary & Institute this coming school opening and enjoy the sweet Spirit that the regular scripture study brings to your life.

THE CURUAN BRANCH CONFERENCE

2011-05-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Annual Branch Conference of Curuan was a spiritual moment as the Stake Presidency reorganized the Branch Presidency. Called to serve as the new Branch President is Brother Rene Torres, a newly ordained Elder.

The Conference was attended by around 70+ members and investigators with around 90% of the congregation coming from the Branch itself. Members received instruction regarding having a personal set of scriptures for each of their families and studying them regularly.

It was highlighted also by the vision held by the Branch Presidency to further establish the Church in that part of the vineyard.

SOME JUBILEE PICTURES

2011-05-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

These pictures are courtesy of Erwin Barrios photography. The models are the participants of the LDS ZAMBOANGA STAKE CULTURAL CELEBRATION.

CURUAN BRANCH CONFERENCE

2011-05-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Curuan Branch Conference will be held on May 29, 2011 (Sunday) at 9 am. Stake leaders, auxillaries and High Councilors are invited to attend this event. This will take place at the Curuan Meetinghouse located at the Poblacion, near the bridge.

AYALA BRANCH CONFERENCE

2011-05-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Ayala Branch Conference will be held on May 22, 2011 (Sunday) at 9 am. Stake leaders, auxillaries and High Councilors are invited to attend this event. This will take place at the Ayala Meetinghouse located in front of the Gymnasium.

JUBILEE IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

2011-05-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Attended by more than 1,500 people, the Cultural show of the Zamboanga Philippines Stake was highlighted by a wonderful array of Chavakano folk dance and song. In attendance were City Councilor Mike Alavar (representing the City Mayor) and Congresswoman Beng Climaco together with other special guests.

This event was documented in video and is nearing completion. It will broadcasted over Sky Cable's Channel 60 and will also be available for streaming in the internet. Details of this to be announced here soon.

Well done everybody!