Planetshakers LIVE in MANILA [DAY 2] Journal + Concert Setlist

Hi guys! This is the continuation of my yesterday’s blog post which features my Planetshakers concert journal.

The second night of Planetshakers’ concert here in Manila was incredible. Aside from the energetic praise and worship, what I like the most was the time when Rudy Nikkerud exhorted about the all-sufficient, all-access power which our Father in heaven has for us. He has turned his testimony about his early years in the ministry to a powerful message which has challenged everyone.  There was also this profound moment when Sam Evans prayed for healing, and I know many people have been delivered and healed in Jesus’ name.

Truly, I can say that Filipinos love Planetshakers. No wonder that the Australian worship band scheduled two worship nights in the Philippines,
three—including the one in General Santos City. As Joth Hunt always says, Philippines is one of their favorite places.

Just right after the concert, like on the first night, Planetshakers has again made a time for autograph signing—the thing Filipinos are most excited about; but the sad part, this time no more selfies nor picture takings with the band allowed to accommodate all the concertgoers who want their stuff get autographed. Still, I’m so happy because my newly bought Even Greater CD+DVD was signed. :)

As for the setlist, there was no big difference in it on the two nights. As I have promised, I have for you in here the concert setlist for both nights; but please take note that the list I have may be incomplete or jumbled because I had to get out once in a while to go to House of Praise merchandise booth where I was volunteering. Thank you so much for understanding! :)

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Planetshakers LIVE in MANILA [DAY 1] Journal

Maybe a lot of you guys know that I am an album collector, and I collect Christian albums, strictly. One of the Christian Artists whose albums I collect is Planetshakers from Melbourne, Australia. From first listen of their song in 2009, it became one of my dreams to see them in person. Years passed, a lot of their concerts were held here in my beloved country, the Philippines, but I never had the chance to attend any of those events. Until this year, I really never knew nor expected that I would meet them face to face! Whoa!

In 2014, April particularly, I’ve had the chance to watch a worship concert FOR THE FIRST TIME, that was Hillsong United’s Zion Tour. From that event on, I promised to myself that I will never miss any concert again. Should I call it concert madness? LOL. Name it, there’s Saved Festival with Esterlyn, Israel Houghton, Victory Worship, and Francis Chan; there was also Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, and the latest on my list was Hillsong Worship No Other Name Asia Tour last April the 10th.

When I heard that Planetshakers is coming to town, I said to myself, THIS IS IT! Just weeks after the tickets been opened for selling, I bought myself a ticket so that the mistake of yesterday will not be repeated again. The amazing part was, a very, very good and generous friend from House of Praise, let’s call her “Ms. K,” sent me a message asking me and my sister if we would like to volunteer for House of Praise event merchandise crew, promising us an access pass. In my spirit, I just felt so blessed, and because of that, we said YES! My ticket that I bought? I gave it to my friend, concert buddy, Divina. :) By the way, that ticket is for today, the second night of Planetshakers' concert here in Manila.

Last night’s concert is simply amazing. ‘Twas so surreal, di ko akalaing ma-mi-meet and greet ko sila!! Because my sister and I hold access passes, we can literally roam around and go to different corners of Araneta Coliseum. I will never forget how my heart exploded when we went to the backstage before the concert started; we were standing right behind the Planetshakers worship team! It was so unbelievable and unexpected—I have taken a photo of Joth Hunt’s back, look:

After the concert, Planetshakers made the time to sign the loots of the concertgoers. This was also unexpected in the concert. I was so happy and rejoicing, we were the first in line to get our stuff signed by the band. I can’t really fathom the favor of the Lord—‘twas a dream come true.

Now, for those of you who didn’t make it to yesterday’s event, I’ll update you maybe tomorrow of the concert setlist including that of tonight. While for those of you who are attending the concert later, hope to see you around! :) THANK YOU!

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Journal: Hillsong Worship NO OTHER NAME Tour in Manila

I first heard their music in 2005, and since then I never stopped listening to their songs. In 2007, I started collecting their records and now I have completed their discography. Indeed, Hillsong Worship’s success is undeniably amazing. They started as Hills Christian Life Centre few decades ago, and because of the success of their music ministry, they re-branded. Millions of people are singing their songs each week, and they have become one of today’s most loved Christian bands.

To celebrate the release of their 23rd LIVE worship album, they have toured the United States, and amazingly, they scheduled an Asian Tour, having Manila as one of the itineraries. It is my second time to attend a Hillsong concert. My first was their 2014 Zion Tour. I rejoiced when the news broke that they are coming back to Manila this year, on the 10th of April at Mall of Asia Arena. The sad part was the tickets were sold out within just a couple of weeks, but, I can say that I am blessed enough to find someone who wanted to sell her ticket, and ‘twas already April the 10th when I got it. Thanks be to God!

The concert was a huge blast. Hillsong Worship team has brought a lot of surprises. Their testimonies are truly spirit-moving and faith-stirring. My most favorite part in the concert was when Jonathon Douglas a.k.a. JD led the crowd in prayer. Which was a really profound time, all of the people were in silence, and with hands lifted high, re-dedicated their lives to no other name but Jesus. Truly, this is one of my most unforgettable moments this year, and perhaps in my entire life.

Now, if you are one of those who didn’t make it to the concert, below is the concert set list I created just for you!

Thank you for reading my today’s blog journal!

God bless you, and go from strength to strength as you live for NO OTHER NAME, JESUS! Soli Deo Gloria!

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My Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff Concert Experience

Last Saturday, 29th of November, I came to the second day of Harvest Youth Conference 2014 hosted by Cathedral of Praise Manila. This two-day conference was organized to gather and empower youths across denominations and organizations. What’s especial about this event is on each night of the conference there is 4REAL Worship Concert Event, where Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff is the guest artist. Yes, it is two birds in one shot. When you attend the conference, you’ll be privileged to attend the concert, and we did just like that.

The second day of the conference is empowering and full-packed. The speaker was Pastor Joey Pagadora of COP Cebu. He taught us that the people of God will never walk in shame, for God is our hope. After the plenary session, all the youths were encouraged to proceed to the parking lot for the youth fair. The youth fair is just fun and full of surprises, games, and activities.

To be honest, one of the reasons why I attended the event is because I want to see Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff in person. She is one of my all-time favorite female worship leaders. And that day, that dream came true. At 5:30 we entered the auditorium, and before that we first bought some albums of Cindy. At exactly 6:00 PM, the concert started with the front act, and then tithes and offering. After these, Cindy Ratcliff went up the stage for her turn, and it was also amazing to see her husband, Marcus, to speak about God's miraculous deeds.

What I love most about Cindy is not her excellent voice, not her music, those are just secondary, what I love most about her is her heart and passion, that I always feel when she worships and speaks. That night I felt it like never before, and most of all I felt God’s presence as Cindy leads us in worship. What a night!

The concert ended with the song Twenty-three, the title cut of her preceding album. The concert was fun, amazing, and most of all is anointed. My favourite part is when she sang “Break Every Chain”. The moment when she said, name every disease, bondage and curse, because there’s a name higher than those names, and that’s the name of JESUS. Just wow, I really felt the spirit of God moving that time, and breaking every chain. Hallelujah! I hear the chains falling!

As we leave the auditorium that night, though physically weak, but our spiritual strengths were so re-charged and replenished. I thank God for each moment He’s giving to live for His glory; to be unashamed for His name. We exist to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Shalom!

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My 19th Birthday + JIL Church 36th Anniversary Celebration

Yesterday, I turned 19, and I am so thankful to the Lord for the strength, guidance, blessings, and favor that He has given. Through the years, He remained so faithful and good to me and my family. Though I experienced the most tragic moment in my life this year, my mom’s death, I never felt forsaken; I never felt abandoned, never alone.

What’s memorable about my birthday this year is, my home church, JILCW (Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide) also marks a page in its history, the celebration of its 36th year. I was so happy, and because of that, I celebrated my birthday at Luneta, our church’s anniversary venue.

The program started at 3:30 PM and ended at 9:30 PM—six hours of worship celebration to the Most High God. Indeed, it’s my most memorable birthday, so far. It is so remarkable and life-changing. This year’s anniversary theme was all about peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14). Our keynote speaker, President Aquino, has not only given a speech, but also prayed for the peace and unity in the Philippines. I will never forget the time, when Bishop Eddie Villanueva prayed for everyone. I really felt the Lord is touching me, and the thick atmosphere of His presence is passing by. That time, I renewed my vow to the Lord, to serve Him through the thick and thin. And my prayer that night is for Him to use me more, to give me greater faith, and desire to live a holy and righteous life.

I am so grateful, that each passing moment, every gift of breath and life that God is giving, is an opportunity to live for Him, to serve Him. I have seen a lot of people, and I know a lot who have turned away from the Lord and ended in misery. I can’t imagine my life living without the Lord; because life without Jesus is not life at all, because Jesus is the Life (John 14:6). He is my life; He is my Lord and Savior; and I exist to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father!

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My Saved Festival 2014 Experience

Hello readers! Recently, I shared to you about my Hillsong United concert experience. Today, I’m gonna share to you my Saved Festival 2014 Journey.

October the 10th, a day before the Saved Festival 2014, my cousin, Rochel, had won four (4) Patron Tickets from a contest hosted by Ms. Kaye Catral of House of Praise (the one who also hosted the Hillsong United tickets giveaway, isn’t she so generous!?); and I am one of the blessed people to join her, along with my sister, Dannese, and our childhood friend and churchmate, Divina.

It was my first time to attend a conference like this. Since its inception in 2012, I have heard a lot of awesome things happening on the night of Saved Festival. Holding its theme, NO OTHER NAME, this year’s conference features some world-renown worship artists, which include Israel Houghton and New Breed, Esterlyn, Victory Worship, and guest speaker Francis Chan.

Saved Festival 2014 started 7:30 PM, sharp (unlike the Hillsong United Concert, which is 30 minutes late). Our country’s very own Victory Worship is the one who opened the conference with their world-class worship music. All I can feel that time is excitement and goose bumps! There is really nothing else to feel when the presence of God is roving around as we worship.

The next artist to lead in worship is Esterlyn. Luke Caldwell, the vocalist, is just so passionate as he worships. He was the one who led the crowd in prayer for the word of God—conveyed by the speaker, pastor, and author, Francis Chan. I will never forget the message that night. It was all about the lies that the world has taught us. He also said that when the time comes that we are standing face to face with God, it could be the worst or best day of our life, depending on how we will respond to God’s greatest expression of love. He urged everyone to always read the bible, and have an assurance in Jesus. And before he ended his message, he prayed for everyone.

The last artist who led the crowd in worship was Israel Houghton and the New Breed. All people are dancing, jumping, shouting and singing like there’s no tomorrow. At one moment, Israel announced that they are going to record some of the new songs for their upcoming release “Alive In Asia” live! After saying those words, people inside the hall got more alive, and I could literally feel the excitement in the air. And so as expected, Israel Houghton, The New Breed, and BJ Putnam thought us the lyrics and melodies of the new songs. Everything was just perfect and memorable.

Before Israel Houghton and his crew left, he reached out to the people next to the stage, and I was so blessed to be one of them. That night was just epic and amazing; it ended 12:30 AM—five hours of worship! Can you imagine!? We reached our home at almost 4 o’clock in the morning. Though tired, our spiritual strength had been replenished and filled. All glory and thanks be unto Him who sits on the throne—No other name, Jesus.

See the worship setlist below:

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My Hillsong United Concert Experience

A week or two before Hillsong United’s concert here in Manila, Ms. Kaye Catral, the Marketing Manager of House of Praise, posted a giveaway on her blog. The mechanics is to post a selfie with your Hillsong United merchandise. And being a Hillsong enthusiast since year 2008, I am so confident to join. I own a lot of Hillsong merch, and I have a complete Hillsong United discography with me. And so, I joined.

It was the 10th of June, the day before the concert, when the winners were announced by Ms. Kaye on her blog. And without further ado, I was selected as the TOP PICK (most creative selfie) to win three (3) Patron SRO Tickets! I was so shocked because of this, and I can’t believe it. First, it is going to be my first ever big concert to attend to. Second, It is Hillsong United, my favourite Christian artist since my high school days, that is going on stage for a concert. But wait, there’s more! On the contest mechanics, Ms. Kaye stated that the most liked entry on Facebook, and the entry with most Hillsong United merch shall each receive a Hillsong United Gift Pack. I may not be the most liked entry on Facebook (I really don’t like liking contests on Facebook!), but I owned the most Hillsong United merch, and so I also take home a gift pack! Thank God!

THE CONCERT NIGHT

11th of June, the first night of two nights of Hillsong United concert here in Manila. I, my sister, and my best friend, Kuya Richard met Ms. Kaye, 5:45 PM, to claim my tickets, and to receive my Hillsong United Gift Pack. We entered the gates at 5:50 PM, and we took a lot of pictures, and bought some concert merch. I think it was already 7:00 PM when we entered into the concert hall of Araneta Coliseum, and 7:30 PM when the concert started.

It was not my first time to go to Araneta Coliseum for an event; I went there a lot of times for some of our Church’s conferences, but it was my first time to go there for a concert. Before, I can only see the stage from afar (General Ad), now I am just before the stage! How blessed and favoured am I?

The crowd is loud, the stage is dazzling with light, and the Hillsong United crew is so energetic and passionate with what they’re doing. The concert started with the song “Relentless” and ended with their all-time favourite “One Way”. Just four songs before the concert ends, my sister and I left for home. We left Kuya Richard because his home is just within NCR and we’re not.

The worship night is simply astounding and memorable. Indeed, it is one of my most unforgettable nights in my entire life. So memorable because as I said earlier, first ever big concert to attend to, with my favourite artist on stage.

See the concert setlist below:

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Flashback: #JIL34

Time passes by so fast, it always seems like yesterday! For my today's post, I would like to have a flashback, a flashback to sound a trumpet call for the JIL 35th Anniversary! It will be held on the 25th of October 2013, Friday, 5 PM at Luneta Park, Manila.

Now the flashback is about my experience last year at #JIL34 Anniversary  (first published on my tumblr account).

God is still in the business of doing the miraculous. It was the 5^th day of October when the JIL Church gathered together to praise and exalt God in one accord. All that I can say is great is Thy faithfulness oh GOD! Luneta Park was filled with millions of believers across the nation and abroad disregarding the sway of the weather, people of God didn't hesitate to praise Him!

                The program started with songs filled with energy led by the extreme KKBs with ate Diane Gacila as the lead worshipper – persuading people to get up and dance for Jesus! Jose Villanueva III a.k.a. “QUEST” also performed in the stage serenading GOD with various songs. The rest of the anniversary is great, anointed and EXTREME!

                At the first place, I wasn't able to focus on the program [sad…] because, I’m in the MIS booth [if you have read my recent blogs, you know why] but I really felt the presence and the move of God in the whole place.There was a time in the anniversary when Bro. Eddie prayed and asked the people to raise their hands before the Lord, when I heard that I left the MIS booth for a while, and with hands lifted up I joined with the prayer, suddenly tears fell from my eyes – I really felt God’s move in my life!

                I will never forget the message of Bro. Eddie in the latter part of the anniversary – “only the glorious church, a church without blemish, spot and stain will be raptured…” We really need to consecrate our lives before the LORD to see Him. We should be holy, for our God is holy (Leviticus 19:2).

PREPARE YE THE WAY FOR THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT THE PATH FOR HIM. LET THE KING OF GLORY ENTER IN!

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