March 2, 2014 | ISSN 453

I Adar 30, 5774

Grain, New Wine & Oil
Ministries, #4 Gen. Bautista
Street, Bgy. Batis, San Juan
Tels.: 744-5216 / 359-6299
Email: gnwom@yahoo.com
GNWOM Hosts
PH-IL Friendship
Day Celebration


MAKATI CITY Last February 26, 2014 (Wednesday), some
700 people, including leaders from the government sector,
business and religious sectors from both the Philippines and
Israel, gathered at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City to celebrate the
Philippines Israel Friendship Day.

It was in October 2013 that the seed for this event was planted in
a serendipitous encounter between Israels Ambassador, H.E.
Menashe Bar On and GNWOM Senior Pastor Francis Nicolas on
the same flight from Tel Aviv to Manila. That was followed by a
friendly visit of Pastor Francis and wife in the Embassy. At that
time, Ambassador Menashe Bar On expressed his desire to
celebrate the upcoming Philippine-Israel Friendship Day in the
Philippines.

Super Typhoon Yolanda which ravaged Central Visayas in November delayed the preparations. Within a few
days, Amb. Bar On led the delegates of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to help the victims of Yolanda with a
mobile hospital set up in Cebu. They were among the first to respond. In early December 2013, GNWOM also
held a missions trip to bring relief goods and counselling in Samar and Leyte.

During the Christmas break, it was impressed to Pastor Francis that the commemoration of the Treaty of
Friendship between the Philippines (PH) and Israel (IL) would be a gathering like that of Malachi 3:16, where
participants will celebrate our cultural and spiritual commonalities, and more Filipinos will recognize the
invaluable contributions that Jews have given to the world: mainly, the preservation of Gods Word, the Bible.
Several objectives were presented to the Ambassador, which he approved:
1. To promote and establish business relationships between Philippine and Israel corporations, industries and
Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
2. To strengthen diplomatic ties as allies for democracy, freedom and peace
3. To disseminate positive media coverage of numerous humanitarian and economic actions that our
countries have done for each other
4. To highlight the commonalities between Israel and the Philippines, especially our strategic positions in
the fight against modern global terrorism; and
5. As lovers of Israel, we believe that this endeavor is a gathering like that of Malachi 3:16, and we desire
to follow the Biblical and time-tested promise that those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3)
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 2


Fresh from the New Years holiday in January 2014, the
whole church led by our Senior Pastors was mobilized to
begin the process of arrangements for February 26. In
retrospect, the Pastors shared that in the past God Bless
Israel events that GNWOM had coordinated since 2008, it
was only during this year that the vision of Joel 2:19 was
embraced by our Jewish partners. Having given two
designs for the Poster, Deputy Chief of Mission Adam
Levene and Ambassador Bar On chose the one with the
logo of GNWOM and the verse Joel 2:19.

We truly thank YHVH for being the Over-All Director
and Coordinator of the historic event, as it was He who
brought together the right people and participants to make
the day truly memorable for both our Filipino and Israeli
guests. Many of our guests remarked that the exchange of
gifts between Israel and Philippines was one of the most
touching parts of the evening program. Israel, represented
by Ambassador Bar On, gave Wine from Cana and Oil
from Jerusalem, signs of Israels abundance and a
prophetic gesture to the Philippines. Meanwhile, through
the Dept. of Foreign Affairs represented by Usec. Petronila
Garcia, the Philippines gave a Mother of Pearl that had two
(2) large pearls still in it, with about ten (10) other smaller,
crushed pearls on their side. This was mounted on a scroll
with a song from Jeremiah 31:31-34.

From Pastor Francis, who led both Promotions and
Fundraising, and Pastor Ching, who prayerfully oversaw
the Program of Events from morning till evening and
Venue preparations even until the last minutes before the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony began in the morning of Feb.
26; to the Communications team composed of Pastor Nora,
Sis. Milot, Bro. Rod Raa, Sis. Sarah, Bro. BJ, and Sis.
Lizawho wrote letters to government and business
leaders, sponsors, speakers, VIP invitees, et al. (and
followed up as well), to the Finance / Liaison team
composed of Sis. Ligaya, Sis. Frene, Ptr Ariel, Sis. Heart,
Bro. Richard, Bro. Monet and Bro. Raul, who made sure
the invitations and posters printed by Bro. Arnold were
mailed and delivered, Sis. Enchang Kaimo who assisted as
Director, Sis. Janet who assisted in contacting suppliers
and traders, Sis. Majk who catered and also helped our
Israeli Caterer, Mr. Tuvya Cohen, Bro. Nonie who
arranged the flowers, Bro. Solomon and Bro. Joshua who
greatly helped in physical arrangements, et al, Bro. Arnold
and family who carried out the designs given to Pastor
Ching for promotional materials, tarpaulins, video teaser
and intro video, and arranged the videos played during the
whole day as per the Programme Sequence Guide, Bro.
Our Gift to Israel
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 3

Ferdie and Sis. Gigi Castroverde who made the
stage backdrop, the extra-patient and gracious
Guest Relations Team led by Pastors Ching and
Nora, joined by the Registration team: Sis. Carol,
Sis. Mhel, Sis. Marjorie, Sis. Lyn, Sis. Esther, Sis.
Del, and the Usherettes (included among them
were Sis. Tiana, Sis. Amy Usuraga, Sis. Amy
Martinez), our wonderful emcees led by Dr. Bob
Eustaquio, followed by Ptr. Joel & Sis. Michelle
who hosted the Friendship Games, and Bro. Mari
Kaimo who hosted in the evening ceremonies; the
Folklorico dancers who did a wonderful job during
the Cultural Exchange, the dependable Sis. Rhoze
Rivera and her dancers, Bro. Randy Concepcion
of Kaloob Dance Ministry, the shofar blowers
from San Juan, Cielito and Payatas composed of
Bro. Cesar, Bro. Jess, Sis. Eva, Ptr. Ariel, Sis.
Hannah, Sis. Zecka, Bro. EJ, Bro. Nhelmar, Bro.
Christopher and Bro. Jeric, who were later joined
by Ptr. Kum Pui from Singapore and Ptr. Dong
Adriano from Davao, Bro. Hermie Patrimonio
whose HP Print company delivered the souvenir
programs on time, Dr. Ruthie Marasigan and her
team of intercessors who teamed up with
GNWOMs intercessors led by Sis. Ludy, Sis.
Girlie, Sis. Marie, Ptr. Doms Navarez and our
brethren from GNWOM Los Baos, as well as the
singers, the tambourine dancers, the banner
holders, the guest performers and all the brethren who committed to help. We were all indeed strengthened by the
Holy Spirit, enabling each one to work double-time and with multiple capacities, and indeed we as a church can
truly say that this event was Not by might nor power, but by the Spirit of the Lord! (Zech. 4:6).

We also remember to thank YHVH for all our network of
churches and ministries who helped us by giving financially
and spreading the word about this event. A special mention
also to Bro. Jerry, Sis. Amy Usuraga, and Sis. Amy
Martinez, who tirelessly invited Jewish traders, friends and
tourists who really completed the roster of guests during the
banquet. With all the whirl of activities that happened and
led to the culminating celebration on Feb. 26, it was a
comfort to know that God, Who sits on His Throne, saw
everything and led everything according to His purpose,
plan and vision!

We now bring you a
few photos taken
throughout that day,
as the sequence of
events unfolded
from 10:00 AM to
evening.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony started promptly at 10AM
with dignitaries Adam Levene and Ferdinand Sarfati at the
Rockwell Tent entrance watching Amb. Bar-On and Ms.
Loida Nicolas Lewis cut the ribbon with golden plated
scissors followed by the Opening Prayer by Pst. Francis
Nicolas to launch the Trade Exhibit and Cultural Exchange.
LEFT PHOTO: Nena Benigno of CBN Asia arrives early to
pose with some from our Registration team.

The invitation card for VIPs
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 4


LEFT PHOTO: THERE WAS ALWAYS A CROWD during the Trade Exhibit, which meant good business! Dr. Ferdinand Sarfati, President
of the Israel Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines gave a speech on why the friendship between Philippines and Israel is important.
Impromptu speeches were also given by H.E. Ambassador Bar On and Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis, Founder of The Lewis College in
Sorsogon City. The Opening Ceremony was hosted by Dr. Bob Eustaquio. RIGHT PHOTO: Some of the traders included Holy Land
Products, Pick-A-Pita, and Benis Falafel Restaurant, which enjoyed brisk business especially during lunch time.



LEFT: The Friendship Games were hosted by Ptr. Joel & Michelle Ocay, who entertained the captive audience with icebreakers,
indigenous games like Sipa and trivia, and gave away prizes that included raffle tickets to win a trip to Israel (worth P800 each), courtesy
of Kol Adonai Foundation. While this was going on, advertisements from sponsors that included The Lewis College, CBN Asias
Superbook, Operation Blessing in Yolanda-hit areas, and more were shown along with photos of GNWOM s mission to Samar and Leyte
and an AVP on Israels tourism and cutting edge industries, provided by the Israel Embassy. RIGHT: All ages were represented during
the event, with Jewish and Filipino kids befriending one another too.

After lunch at the Israeli food tables during the Trade Exhibit, Ptr. Joel and Sis. Michelle continued the Friendship
Games, followed by film showings that included: 1. The extended trailer of Open Door: Jewish Rescue in the
Philippines written, produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Noel M. Izon and co-produced by
author Sharon Delmendo. To know more about this film, you can visit their website:
www.anopendoormovie.com; 2. Rescue in the Philippines, which received a 100% FRESH Rating from critics
and viewers alike at RottenTomatoes.com. The film is produced and directed by 3 Roads Communications In
association with The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education Consultation provided by Frieder Films,
LLC. You can get this film at their website, www.RescueInThePhilippines.com; 3. Pamana an award-winning
short documentary about the Agta-Dumagat Tribe near Infanta, Quezon who, like the Jews, are fighting to keep
their culture and way of life alive.The director, Ms. Geia De La Pena, was then interviewed by Joel & Michelle
and thanked the organizers for choosing their film to be shown; 4. The Biblical Heartland Reborn a film by
CFOIC Heartland, which focuses on Judea and Samaria and was shown with permission from Ms. Sondra Baras
herself.


TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 5


CULTURAL EXCHANGE In the afternoon, Dr. Bob facilitated the Cultural Exchange led by FOLKLORICO Dance Company, the official
dancers at Barbaras Restaurant in Intramuros. For the next 40 minutes they went through Philippine history and culture through dance,
ending with the Tinikling that called for Jewish participants from the audience that gamely included Stuart Bloom and others.

Though jet-lagged, Bishop Dr. Arnold Cabalquinto who had just arrived from New York City gave speech that highlighted the culture of
rejoicing in Israel and the Philippines, which stem from Biblical roots. Then having finally gotten his guitar, Bro. Jerry Parlade, co-founder
with Ms. Sharon Rosenfeld of the Jewish-Hebrew Center in Asia (JEWCIA), sang his original composition, We Are One, while a young
Jewish boy held the flag beside him.



LEFT: Ms. Rhoze Rivera, who has choreographed many of GNWOMs major events and performs frequently in Israel, was then called
to introduce the Israeli Hora and the Unity Cord Dance that called for mass audience participation as volunteers were beckoned by a
very energetic Director Enchang. RIGHT: A surprise guest was Superman himself, who stayed awhile for photos with guests and informed
the audience that his character was created by two Jewish young men.

BELOW: We are grateful to the intercessors who prayed non-stop
for all of us. RIGHT: The Pageantry participants getting ready.
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 6



LEFT: More than 670 VIPs fit in the Tent, many of whom were seated. RIGHT: Israel Consul & First Secretary Doron Abudi, Ambassador
Menashe Bar On, Congresswoman Lucy Torres, Deputy Chief of Mission Adam Levene, Assistant Secretary to the Office of Middle East
and African Affairs Ms. Petronila Garcia, Madame Esther Bar On at Rockwell Tent.



PAGEANTRY - Emcee Mari Kaimo called the Evenings proceedings to start as the Shofar Blowers, Singers, Tambourine Dancers,
Musicians, Dancers, 12 Flag/Banner carriers all came out with shouts of joy and praise to YHVH!

The evening ceremony opened with a pageantry that was intended to welcome to presence of the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Israel to the Tent. In the spirit of cultural exchange, a Jew sang the Philippine National Anthem Ms.
Sharon Rosenfeld of JEWCIA, followed by the internationally acclaimed Filipino baritone, Mr. Andrew Fernando
who sang Hatikvah, Israels National Anthem. Bishop Arturo Bastes gave the Opening Prayer in three languages
Filipino, English and Hebrew.

Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis gave the Welcome Remarks, followed by the Kaloob Dance Ministry who rendered
Bukang Liwayway. Our Senior Pastor Francis talked about the Hidden Identity of the Philippines for his family
and country, followed by a medley of much-loved Israeli folksongs sung by Ms. Maxie Goloy.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva eloquently presented the Biblical Basis to Support Israel, followed by DFA Assistant
Secretary and former Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Hon. Petronila Garcia. After a song number by PRASIA,
everyone welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Menashe Bar-On who gave the Keynote Address. A moving
moment came when Hon. Sec. Garcia and Amb. Bar-On were called on stage so that on behalf of our peoples,
symbolic gifts were exchanged that we hope, will seal our friendship for generations to come. It included from
the Philippines for Israel: a Mother of Pearl from the Philippines Sea and the gift from Israel for the Philippines:
Wine and Oil. One more gift was a serenade to the People of Israel, a popular song in Filipino whose lyrics
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 7

surprisingly came from Isaiah 49:14-16 which is a message from Heaven to the people of Israel song by Mr.
Lorenz Martinez and Mr. Tata Delgado in Hindi Kita Malilimutan.


LEFT: The exchange of symbolic gifts between Israel and the Phils.. RIGHT: Lorenz Martinez and Tata Delgado offer a song to Israel.

Ms. Rhoze Rivera danced to the Israeli Folk Dance Adama Ve Shemayim (Earth and Heaven), followed by
three prayers: Prayer for the Peace of Israel and Jerusalem by Bishop Rex Resurreccion, a Prayer for Yolanda
Victims by Fr. Archie Guiriba and then the Closing Prayer and Blessing for the Food led by Bishop Chito
Sanchez. Dinner was served and fellowship ensued, with Israeli food made byTuvya Cohen near the stage, and
Filipino food was prepared by Majk Henson-Santos. Mr. Mari Kaimo declared at the end, Thank you for coming
to the Philippine-Israel Friendship Day Celebration, and we look forward to seeing you soon in May to celebrate
the 66
th
Anniversary of the State of Israel! Mabuhay po ang Pilipinas at ang Israel, Shalom!
- [With contributions from Dr. Bob Eustaquio, Ptr. Ching Nicolas and Bituin Aquino]
===============================================================================
=
Below is a reprint of a columnists reaction to the event, taken from The Manila Times, February 28, 2014:



Strong Philippines-Israel Friendship
by Rick B. Ramos
Last Wednesday, 26 February 2014, I attended the Friendship Day Celebration between the state of Israel
and the Philippines at the Rockwell Tent in Makati. It was the commemoration of the 56th year of the
Treaty of Friendship between our two countries.
Not many people know that there are the bonds that tie the special relationship between our country and that of Israel. In
fact, there have been Jews in the Philippines prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in our shores in the mid-1500s. This is not
surprising because Jews have been in diaspora for over a thousand years, reaching Iran and India.
According the book The Christianization of the Philippines published by the University of San Agustin in Manila in 1965,
the Jews had already been in our country even before the Spanish times. Don Pacheco Maldonado reported to the King of
Spain in 1570: The greater part of the inhabitants of Luzon are Muslims and Jews.
I read the intriguing information in the article of Ms. Nena C. Benigno entitled Israel and the Philippines: Centuries old
Ties that Bind printed in the souvenir program of the God Bless Israel and the Philippines annual celebration. The author
is the daughter of Teddy Benigno, the long-time Manila Bureau Chief of the Agence France Presse (AFP) and the Press
Secretary of President Corazon C. Aquino.
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 8

Toward the end of the 1930s, Nazi Germany under Chancellor Adolf Hitler began his persecution of the Jews in Europe,
particularly in Germany, Austria and Poland. As the Dictator of Germany, the evil Hitler began his systematic elimination
of the Jewish people that ended with the tragic genocide of six million Jews during World War II.
The Jews in Europe tried to escape, but there were no countries that would accept them and give them safe haven. Not even
the great United States of America (USA) that did not want to get involved in the war in Europe in the late 1930s until they
were bombed by the Japanese in Pearl Harbor in early December of 1941. Not even the United Kingdom (UK) under the
great Prime Minister Winston Churchill was willing to accept Jews.
However, it was only the Commonwealth of the Philippines that openly agreed to accept the Jewish refugees escaping from
their extinction in Europe. In April, 1940 our great President Manuel L. Quezon (MLQ) publicly announced that the
Philippines would open its doors to 10,000 Jews fleeing from their homes in Europe.
President Quezon proudly exuded the Filipino character in his speech when he said: By permitting them (Jewish people)
to come, we are showing the world the kind of people we really are; hospitable, just and humane. The Filipino people have
taken pride in the fact they are considered amongst the most hospitable people in the world.
Later on when the Jewish refugees from Germany, Austria and Poland started arriving in Manila, Mr. Alex Frieder, the
Chairman of the Jewish Refugee Committee with 200 members of the local Jewish community, gave glowing praise for
our President Quezon. His passionate words were quoted in the Manila Daily Bulletin on the same month of April in 1940.
What contrast is shown in the lives of the worlds leaders today. What a difference in this happy and peaceful archipelago,
which is the outstanding example of democracy in Asia! Freedom of speech and conscience, peace and equality, justice to
all, and hope of a glorious and ever-expanding future! Out of the darkness of the Middle Ages to the bright sunshine and
radiant hope of a truly democratic and humanitarian way of life.
More than 1,000 Jewish families were able to escape from the atrocities of Hitlers Nazi Germany. The 10,000 visas given
by the Philippine government were not fully availed of because the borders in Europe were already closed and the Japanese,
the ally of the Germans in the Axis alliance with Italy, marched to Manila by early 1942.
After the war, the Philippines would again show its support to the Jewish people with the rebirth of Israel. As Ambassador
Menashe Bar On said in his message on the occasion of 56 years of the Treaty of Friendship: Seven years later on
November 29, 1947, the Philippines was the only Asian country to vote in favor of the United Nations Resolution for the
partition of Palestine and the recreation of the State of Israel.
On that fateful day of 29 November 1947 as nations gathered at the UN General Assembly, the Philippines cast its Yes
vote for the creation of the state Israel.
Ambassador Bar On revealed in his speech last Wednesday that the Philippines cast the crucial 33rd vote for Israel. Six
months later on 14 May 1948, the state of Israel was born!
In appreciation of what the Philippines has done for the Jewish people during WII, an Open Door monument was
inaugurated in Tel-Aviv in 2009 to honor the Philippines and the Filipino people. Likewise, Filipinos can travel to Israel
without any need for a visa and stay there up to six months. There is a rare privilege given by any country for us, Filipinos.
In the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Filipinos can only travel to member-countries only up to 30 days
without any visa requirement. In Israel, it is a good 60 days with the Jews welcoming our compatriots!
Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis, who was instrumental in the God Bless Israel and the Philippines Friendship Day Celebration
last Wednesday, would like to increase the bilateral trade and tourism between our two counties. Indeed, there are
tremendous potentials to strengthen business relations, as well as technical cooperation between our country and Israel,
which has been on-going for year now on the agricultural side.
Thousands of Filipinos have been working in Israel for decades. They are being treated well like family. Cheers to the
unique and special relationship between us. Shalom and Mabuhay!
TAPAT SA PROMESA March 2, 2014; I Adar 30, 5774 | ISSN 0453 Page 9


Dear GNWOM Family and Friends,
Congratulations for the victory last February 26 Philippines Israel Friendship Day Celebration! Thank you for your
invaluable support and for gracing the occasion with your presence, which truly made a huge impact.
We praise God for the victory, but we cannot rest, just as Isaiah 62:6-7 says: All day and all night they will never keep
silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes
Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Now is the time for us to increase our
vigilance in prayer and supplication
before our Father in Heaven, to make a
stand with Israel and His Chosen
People.
It is the Word of God that frames the
world, and it seems like the history of
the world and of the church follows
what is written in Scripture. We hope
that this event will just be a beginning
of greater awareness of Gods plan for
Israel, for the nations and for the world.
Shalom and Mabuhay!
Sincerely,
Pastors Francis and Ching Nicolas