Through a program of drama, song and dance, and a service project, the Bacolod Philippines North Stake recently joined in a yearlong national celebration of 100 years of independence.
Stake Pres. Jon Jon T. Sia said: "We wanted to join the country in celebrating the centennial year of Philippines independence. The Church should show the nation that we honor and respect our nation's heroes and important events."Members pooled their talents and skills to make the event one worth remembering. The entire cultural hall in the stake center was packed with members and their friends of other faiths.
The first part of the program was a play, depicting different scenes from Philippines history. It was performed by the youth of the Bacolod 1st and 5th wards. Then there were ethnic and native songs and dances performed by stake members.
A few days before the grand celebration, the stake, in conjunction with the Bacolod Philippines Stake, cleaned the City Sports Complex as a service project. It took half a day to complete the project at the 50-acre facility.
"We Filipinos fought hard to gain our freedom," Pres. Sia said. "Our celebration signifies our love of freedom which was also shown by our heroes. They paved the way for the entry of the missionaries to preach the gospel."
