On Debate Between Bro Eli Soriano & Bro Eusebio Catarinen

As part of Ang Dating Daan’s (Church of God International) concerted efforts of spreading the true teachings of God from the bible, a once a month Worldwide Bible Exposition is being held. But on 07 February 2014, instead of having the normal question and answer set-up, Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano hosted a live debate about who the true founder and owner of the Church is. 

On the much awaited debate, Bro. Eli took the negative side while Bro. Eusebio Catarinen stood for the positive. With the aid of satellite services, distance did not serve as problem.Unknown number of internet viewers excluded , around 50,000 spectators witnessed the encounter via ADD's 1,281 satellite worldwide.

Compared to Bro Eli's previous opponents, Bro Eusebio seemed to be the most difficult to withstand (for me). Difficult not because he was too good, but  because I know in my heart that Bro Eli can finish the discussion faster than I can imagine if he wanted to. Sorry but honestly, that was what I really felt. He kept going around the bush and the debate lasted for 4 hours without him realizing anything. 

On the other hand, Bro Eli's reaction was different and I felt a deep pang of guilt for feeling what i felt. He was so calm, composed and focused on explaining each and every detail about the side he was defending. According to him, the over 50,000 listeners must learn and be enlightened. It was not about winning but about sharing the wisdom. He even ignored all the misbehaving Bro Eusebio Catarinen showed all throughout the debate. Instead, Bro Eli gave all the credit to God saying, “Even when we haven’t yet begun, God has already triumphed. Don’t insist on what is wrong…. The intent of this debate is not to show that one has lost and the other triumphed, because glory belongs to God.”

And before he bid everybody goodnight, Bro Eli even asked for an apology to his opponent. He said, “Whatever word I have said that may offended anybody, forgive me. We are all prone to sins. Good night."

Related link:

The Double-edged Sword

On Special Olympics, Special Kids & Kuya Daniel's Help

Special Olympics International is a global institution that focuses  on helping intellectually challenged individuals in developing  their self-esteem and self-worth to make them productive and respected part of the society. They help build their confidence through sports by demonstrating what they can do. Athletes are grouped based on ability and levels and all of them are encouraged to join so everybody will be recognized for his/her ability and capability. 

This year, Special Olympics group from Philippines and Malaysia visited Special Olympics Singapore to hold competition. The 5day-event was indeed successful. As the participants showed off what they can do, the hard work and patience of those taking care of them manifested in their performances. They showed persistence and enthusiasm on the games they are on. Taking care and teaching these bunch of special people entails a lot of patience and commitment. Kudos to all trainers, parents and volunteers! 

Seeing all the participants wearing their sweetest smiles during the event was such a heart-warming scenario- true and genuine happiness! And we, the UNTV-Singapore News Team is so honored to be given the opportunity to witness and cover this event. We were so astonished to see our delegates from the Philippines winning! There were 6 events in the olympics and our team joined 3 categories: bowling, bocce, and swimming. Below is partial and unofficial list of medals won by our kids:

Bowling:  

Doubles: Anton Silos and Robin Clarino, Gold
      Mark Inductivo and Bryan Robles, Silver

Singles:   Anton Silos - Gold
                 Mark Inductivo - Gold
                 Bryan Robles - Gold
                 Robin Clarino - Bronze
                 Joy Bautista - Bronze
Team: Mark Inductivo, Bryan Robles, Robin Clarino, Joy Bautista- Gold

Swimming:
Raymond Macasaet - 2 Golds
Christopher Gutang - 2 Golds, 1 Silver

Bocce: 
Singles: Robin Conanan - Gold
               Kevin Patrick Ong - Gold
               Andrew Lim- Gold
               Carmella Motte -Gold
               Paul Jonah Bianzon- Silver
               Edward James Cabarles - 5th Place

Doubles:Kevin Patrick Ong and Carmela Morfe - Gold
                Mylene Garcia and Bernadette Lim- Gold
                Andrew Lim and Paul Jonah Bianzon - Silver
                Andrew Conanan and Edward James Cabarles- Bronze

On overall account, bagging 6 golds, 2 silvers and 1 bronze medals after the tournament is not really bad at all for the whole Philippine delegation. 

Among all the games, BOCCE is the only game that is never heard to me. But then again, I consulted Mr. Google and according to him, it is an Italian game similar to lawn bowling. How is it played? Click here. Philippines' Bocce players showed a tremendous performance all throughout the game. The Bocce Head Coach, Mr. Christian Dorion and the SO-Philippines Head Mr. Rodolfo Ungson were so thankful to Kuya Daniel Razon for sponsoring the whole Bocce Team's uniforms and air ticket. Without his support, their participation was not possible. 

 

John 9:2-3 - And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Being able to mingle with these special people was a very heartwarming experience. They converse like normals do. What I love most was hearing them tell their achievements, their disappointments, their aspirations and dreams and their appreciation of life. This experience made me more grateful and thankful to God for what I am and what I have.