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The Local Congregation of Balanga, in the Ecclesiastical District of Bataan South, Philippines, reached its 81st anniversary on February 26, 2026, Wednesday. To commemorate such a milestone, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members there gathered on March 1 at PENELCO grounds for the Buklod Night and Songs of Faith, Love, and Hope (SOFLAH) singing competition.
District supervising minister Brother Melvin G. Cayabyab graced the event with his presence. In his opening remarks after the opening prayer led by resident ministerial worker Brother Jhon Peterson Pineda, Brother Cayabyab greeted the brethren and said his hopes that such activity will bring about the brethren’s further activeness in the faith, especially the Buklod members’ fortified marital bond.
Judges for the SOFLAH were Brother Cayabyab, assistant district secretary Brother Mark Angel Dela Cruz, and district Technical Support for Videostreaming coordinator Brother Mhar Jezreel Malana. Right after, performances began.
SOFLAH contestants were four married couples, namely, Jeff and Krispie Alamani, Adrian and Claudine Bacani, Rogelio and Alita Dayrit, and Ardel and Rona De Leon. They respectively rendered INC original songs Tanging Ikaw (Only You), Tayong Dalawa (Us), Isumpa Mo Sa Akin (Promise Me), and Ikaw Ang Hiling (You’re What I Prayed For), which all bespeak of pure love among husband and wife.
Audiovisual presentations were shown in between their performances, showcasing newly weds, as well as couples who have counted so many years but remain strong in their marital bond.
Head deacons and Brother Pineda were not remiss in showcasing musical performances, while dinner was being served. He led them and other husbands in giving roses to their respective wives. It was followed by a heartfelt performance of KADIWA and Binhi members with their rendition of INC original song “Awit ng Anak (A Child’s Song to Parents).”
Best Wedding Picture and Longest Union Award were both given to deacon and deaconess couple Armando and Carmen Evangelista, who are married for about 59 years now.
Church officers Sosthenes and Celia Sarmiento, likewise received the latter award. They have been married for about 48 years now.
Meanwhile, the SOFLAH Champion were Jefferson and Krispie Alamani.
Strengthening the marital bond “all the more enables both the husband and the wife in leading their family in the right and proper manner of serving God,” said Brother Cayabyab in an interview afterwards.
