Northeast Geo Region marks ICOC Philippines’ 36 years of God’s grace
More than 1,200 disciples gathered on July 27, 2025, at Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, Quezon City, as the Northeast Geo Region of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) Manila celebrated 36 years of God’s faithfulness in the Philippines.
What began in 1989 with 28 young disciples from the United States has grown into a nationwide fellowship committed to sharing God’s love and serving communities. Members old and new came together to honor the past, rejoice in the present, and look forward with hope.
Rejoicing as one family
In Hymn and D4G led the worship, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and unity.
Hosts Edwin and Madz Virtudez welcomed the congregation, urging them not only to remember the past but to embrace the future God is preparing.
“We’re not just looking back, but also looking forward with vision, passion, and faith,” Edwin said.
Joseph Silapan reflected on Jesus’ sacrifice and reminded disciples of their calling to live lives pleasing to God. He shared 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, highlighting that Christ’s love compels believers to live for Him.
Christian Gonzales encouraged the congregation to care for people in distress, citing James 1:27. He emphasized the call to love, visit, and support those who need spiritual family the most.
Grace and thanksgiving
Teacher Rolan Monje spoke on two themes: God’s grace and thanksgiving. He reminded the church that God extends grace beyond what anyone deserves and that gratitude deepens faith.
Marelle Santos shared how God used her limitations, saying her weaknesses allowed his power to be seen more clearly. Her testimony encouraged others to trust God not only in strength but also in struggle.
Rolan then invited Oliver Manalili, who expressed gratitude for how God transformed his life and allowed him to help others.
"When we help one another, that’s favor from God. And it results in thanksgiving,” Rolan said.
Rejoicing behind the scenes
The celebration’s joy stretched beyond the main stage and into the quiet spaces where volunteers worked long before the first song rang out. Many said those hidden hours revealed just as much of God’s faithfulness as the worship itself.
Mike, a disciple for 19 years, has watched the church grow through seasons of challenge and hope. He said seeing this year’s milestone reminded him how God continues to guide the fellowship forward.
For Allaiza, the anniversary carried a different kind of wonder. She had been a disciple for only a single day. Sitting among hundreds of believers, she listened to testimonies and felt moved by people who had poured their hearts into the service. The stories helped her see the depth of faith that built the community she just joined.
Behind the scenes, the effort was steady, exhausting—and deeply fulfilling.
Joriz of In Hymn, Jethro from D4G, and Princess from CREATE recalled late nights and rehearsals that stretched their strength. Still, they said God sustained them through every detail. The Children’s Ministry faced its own set of challenges, shared by volunteer Merwyn, who said the kids’ laughter made the long hours worth it.
Mike said he felt honored to be used by God. “I am just a very small part of God’s wonderful plan,” he said.
Jethro, who has served with D4G for more than two years, said the experience reminded him that serving God is never about perfection.
The countless hands who prepared the event may never be fully seen or recognized, but their work pointed to the same truth: this celebration was never about human ability. It was, they said, about God’s grace—quiet, steady, and always enough.
Relive the Celebration. Reawaken the Joy.
The story doesn’t end on July 27—it continues in every heart that was there.
If you were part of this gathering, come back to it. Let the worship, testimonies, and moments of faith stir your heart again. If you missed it, step into the celebration and witness how God moved through His people.
This is more than a memory—it’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness, still alive and working today.
Relive the full 36th Anniversary Service here: