On December 8, 2024, The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community gathered at the Lord’s Flock Heritage Spiritual Formation Center for its much-anticipated Global Christmas Rally. This annual celebration is a beloved tradition that unites its members to celebrate the essence of the season, the nativity. With the theme “Festive Traditions: Christmas Around the World,“ the event brought together members from the local and international chapters to celebrate the rich diversity of Christmas traditions while emphasizing faith and evangelization.
Morning Program
The program began at 10:00 AM with the early arrival of members and guests who registered for the raffle draw. Participants also flocked to the photo booth and creatively posed for snapshots taken by the Comms Ministry to win exciting prizes.
As the venue filled, the EARIST Rondalla serenaded attendees with traditional Filipino music and set a festive mood for the celebration.
Eucharistic Celebration
At noon, the event officially commenced with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Rhen Caculitan.
This was followed by heartwarming carols from the TLF Chorale and a rousing Christmas Medley by the Psalm Ministry. The EARIST Rondalla once again delighted the crowd with a special performance, which captivated the audience with their harmonious melodies.
Games Galore
The event transitioned to a fun-filled segment of lively games led by Carla Bugnosen that brought energy and excitement to the celebration.
A Parade of Cultures and Performances
The “Christmas Around the World” festivities began at 3:00 PM. The Community’s Elders-Founders, Bro. Bobby and Sis. Techie Rodriguez welcomed everyone and shared their inspiring messages about the Christmas traditions. Emcee Raymund Nobleza acknowledged the attendance of members from across the globe, including those from the Visayas, Mindanao, and International chapters who joined via Zoom.
The “Costumes Around the World Contest” showcased elaborate ensembles representing various countries as the adults and children contenders sashayed to the stage.
Subsequently, the audience was treated to a vibrant series of performances that featured the unique customs and festivities globally. These presentations were creatively framed as a news special, hosted by Cheska De Castro and Jolo Baclig; they called on field reporters to announce the distinctiveness of each tradition: Caroline Acuña (Dubai), Brandon Orquesta (Hawaii), Kebrie Bartolome (Russia), Zech Oclarit and Raine Bartolome (Italy), Caleb Pacheco (Ireland), Julia Rogel (Mexico), and Sophie Anito (Philippines).
The worldwide traditions were brought to life with enthusiasm and charm. Each group delivered heartfelt performances, that weaved together faith, culture, and the universal joy of the holiday season:
- The International Chapters centered their video presentations on the tradition and meaning of the Advent Wreath.
- They also showed a video featuring a montage of Christmas jingles and choreography by the various Chapters.
- The Local Chapters showcased the Hawaiian Christmas celebration of music and dance via “Mele Kalikimaka.”
- The Pastor Singles group rendered an elegant ballet performance, “The Nutcracker” from Russia who has a unique Orthodox Christmas celebration.
- The Small World (Children’s group) danced cheerfully to Italian versions of “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
- The New Generation (Youth) team energetically performed the “Irish Brush Dance” which symbolizes a unique Irish Christmas custom.
- Pastor CANA (Married group) colorfully celebrated Mexico’s “Pastores A Belen” signifying faith and festivity.
- A group of stewards and members of the community performed the “Parol Dance.” It was a beautiful tribute to the Philippines’ iconic lantern, which symbolizes light, hope, and the spirit of Christmas.
- The program reached a delightful crescendo with the show-stopping production number performed by the Execom. Clad in youthful outfits, they energetically danced to the songs of Pinoy pop groups SB19 and Bini!
- Moreover, Techie “Soar” Rodriguez (Elder-Founder) and Bro. Froilan Hong (Co-Founder) surprised everyone with their Mickey Mouse costumes as they joined the Execom and danced to the current dance craze “APT” (a duet of a Fil-Am singer and a Korean singer). They drew loud cheers and laughter from the audience who were thrilled with their youthful energy!
The curtain call was a colorful and creative sight on stage as all the performers received a well-deserved applause of appreciation.
Raffle and Announcement of Winners
The festivities concluded with the announcement of the winners for:
- Costumes Around the World: Adults: Francine Joy Encinares of Pael Chapter (Philippines), Zee Fuentes (India), Lito Santelices (China); Children: Tallee Espina (China), Kianna Odette Gabanzo (USA), Lucas Pacheco (Egypt).
- Photobooth Contest: Calumpit Chapter, Production Team and the Tapia Family
- Biggest Delegation – Calumpit Chapter who wowed the audience with their distinct polka dot outfits
Lastly, Lea Tapispisan (Pastor Ministry) led the Raffle draw and awarded exciting prizes in cash and in kind to several members and guests who were truly blessed.
The Lord’s Flock Christmas Rally has long been a cherished annual tradition that serves as a profound reminder of the true essence of the Christmas season—faith, love, and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It brought together the TLF members as one family. Through the creative and heartfelt presentations of diverse Christmas traditions, the community underscored its mission to evangelize and deepen the faith of members and guests across the world.
To God be the glory!
Scribes Ministry
Written by:
Maricel Ocampo
(SERVE Ministry – Special Events)
