MCGI’s IMS 2014: Big Winners, New Format Changes Bared

May 25, 2014 – Central Division’s “Hindi Lang Buhay na Walang Hanggan” (Not Only Eternal Life) received the “Best Song Award” of the 14th International Music Summit (IMS) at the ADD Convention Center, Apalit, Pampanga last May 25 this year.

Aside from the announcement of winners, participants were told that the 15th edition of the annual Music Ministry event of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) will culminate with a new chorale presentation format.

More than 949 participants from Luzon region alone joined the IMS this year, with participating brethren from countries such as Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, UAE, Singapore, and Thailand to name a few.

Representatives from nearby divisions in the National Capital Region convened in the ADD Convention Center in Pampanga, while Music Ministry members from abroad and far provinces joined via satellite and live streaming.

Big Winners

The first runner-up in the Best Song category was won by Bulacan Division, while the combined chorale forces of Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Isabela, Cagayan, Kalinga-Apayao took the second runner-up award.

Visayas and Quezon-Marinduque Divisions won third runner-up in the Best Song category of the international event.

The “Best Song for Foreign Music Ministry” award went to the West Coast Canada Division for their song entitled, “Ang Pagsamo” (The Plea).

The National Capital Region bagged the “Best Interpretation” award, followed by Laguna-Batangas-Marinduque-Romblon and Bataan-Zambales Divisions as first and second placers, respectively. Cavite Division ranked third for the award.

Rizal division bagged the “Best in Harmony” award, while the “Best in Chorale Arrangement” was awarded to Pampanga Division.

Big Changes

On its 15th edition in 2015, it was announced that the centerpiece of the annual international music event will be the participating chorale’s presentation of a one-act biblical play.

The format change marks the first time in IMS’s history that it will leave the original chorale composition format behind to adopt the presentation of a musical play.

Speaking before IMS participants all over the world, Bro. Bobby Delos Santos, Asst. Katulong ng Pangangasiwa (Helper of the Ministry), said, “We are already giving you an idea for how to prepare for the next International Music Summit.”

“We are hoping that what we did will result to the offering of sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for the [success of the] new [IMS] concept,” remarked Bro. Bobby.

Big Faith

Three of MCGI’s Katulong ng Pangangasiwa (Helpers of the Ministry) Bro. Ricardo Erese, Bro. Mel Magdaraog and Bro. Dino Hilario reminded the attendees of this year’s IMS about the significance of music and strong faith for Christians.

“This event is very significant for each one of us who are part of the City of God, and who has the duty of praising the glorious name of our Creator,” remarked Bro. Erese, as he spoke about praising God through music.

KNP Bro. Mel Magdaraog acknowledged the participants such as those in far regions and countries who weren’t able to physically attend the event, but were able to join via technology despite differences in distance and time zones.

“It is 1 a.m. there, brethren,” said Bro Mel, referring to IMS participants located in London, UK. “But if you’ll notice, they are there – that means that they give importance to this event,” stated Bro. Magdaraog.

Bro. Dino, the last to give his message, stressed on the importance of Music Ministry in doing God’s will – that is, singing songs of praises with biblical knowledge.

“Through the Music Ministry, with God’s help and mercy, we are able to help propagate the wisdom that we have known,” said Bro. Dino.

“May God multiply the legion of singers [in the Church] – singers who will bring happiness to God,” remarked Bro. Hilario.

MCGI leaders Bro. Eliseo Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon spearhead the annual music event to enhance the faith and talent of Music Ministry members Church-wide.

(Written by Pauline Arellano)